The Insurance Mom, brought to you by Alison Gordon Insurance Services, Inc, CA Lic. 0780178

If you are:

1.  A parent whose young adult child is about to be taken off of your health insurance plan because they’re all grown up (well done!), or

2.  A young adult who is about to be taken off of your parents’ health insurance plan because you’re all grown up (good job!),

… then this is good news is…

I have it on good authority that you’ll be able to contact one of the following newly created federal boards and commissions to get help with your government-sponsored health insurance.  Which one will you choose?

1. Grant program for consumer assistance offices (Section 1002, p. 37)
2. Grant program for states to monitor premium increases (Section  1003, p. 42) Read More…

“Blaming the insurance industry for the cost of health care is like blaming the waiter for the price of the meal.”

Remember, health insurance is how you pay for health care (aka medical care).   Health insurance and medical care are two entirely different things!  But the politicians have done an amaaazing job of blurring the definitional lines between the two.…

From the Los Angeles Times, a short Q & A.   Can you spot the fatal flaw in the legislation?   Tell me what you see.

Here’s another easy-to-read article about “stealth” care reform from CNN.  If you have employer-based health insurance, this could effect you and your employer.   And, for some, not in a good way.   Remember, that if your employer’s costs are going up, those cost increases are going to be passed along to you.   I especially like one of the comments following…

First, always consult with a qualified broker, such as The Insurance Mom!

Second, buy only what is affordable.  Do not stretch to buy a policy that covers 100% of anticipated future costs.  It is much smarter to buy the amount of coverage for which you are sure you can keep making the premium payments.  It makes no sense to buy…

According to the Department of HHS, at least 60% to 70% of people over 65 will eventually need long term care, either at home or in a nursing home, and that can be very expensive.  The average stay in a nursing home is almost 4 years, at a cost of about $270,000.  Your health insurance does NOT cover this kind…

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead this weekend!   Ah, Spring… more daylight, more sunshine, everything in the garden is beautifully in bloom.   Oh… I guess that means it’s allergy season.   Be sure you understand your health insurance plan’s prescription benefit, just in case you need to refill your allergy prescription.    Remember that Generic drugs are cheaper, for you…

On March 2, 2010, ARRA was amended by the Temporary Extension Act of 2010, which extending federal funding for the ARRA COBRA subsidy and unemployment benefits.

The deadline for eligibility for the 65% health insurance premium subsidy has now been extended through March 31, 2010. Previously, eligibility only extended to those who lost their jobs through Feb. 28.  Those eligible…

Getting the right care you need is very important.    But making smarter choices can help stretch your health care dollars further and save you a significant amount of your out-of-pocket expenses.    There are a lot of myths out there about where to get the best care.

When you need health care right away, the emergency room may seem like a…