Blog - Page 21 of 27 - Alison Gordon Insurance Services

How Health Care Reform Affects You

March 26, 2010

If you didn’t read the entire 12-page synopsis of the new Health Care Reform legislation which I posted a couple of days ago (because you found it just too exciting!), here is a year-by-year breakdown of what you can expect (the big stuff doesn’t happen until 2014). Can you spot the fatal flaws? 2010 Subsidies begin for small businesses to provide coverage to employees Insurance companies barred from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions Children permitted to stay on

Health Care Reform – A Work in Progress

March 24, 2010

News From The Insurance Mom about Health Care Reform – An Easy to Read Summary Well… here it is folks, a Summary of the recent Health Care Reform bill signed into law on Monday, March 22. As you’ll read there are very few changes that will have an immediate impact if you already have health insurance. You might get some help if you don’t have health insurance and don’t qualify because of the dreaded pre-existing conditions. If you’re a Senior

What’s Going on in Washington?

March 19, 2010

You really want to know what’s up with stealth care reform? Here’s a handy 12-page summary of the bill to be voted on this weekend in the House of Representatives. Cuddle up with your favorite snuggle-buddy, pour some coffee (you’ll need it to stay awake!), and get ready for a jaw-dropping read. Highlights of the House Reconciliation Bill

Four Simple Rules for Buying Long-Term Care Insurance

March 14, 2010

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 a policy today that you won’t be able to afford in a few years; you will get no benefits at

A Short Course on Long-Term-Care Insurance

March 13, 2010

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 of expense, neither does Medicare! Oy. That’s why The Insurance Mom wants you to consider Long Term Care Insurance

It’s Spring, Spring, Spring (forward)!

March 12, 2010

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 and the insurance company, so when you can, go Generic.

COBRA Subsidy Extention – again

March 9, 2010

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 can still receive the subsidy for 15 months. But watch out, this extension is even more complicated than the original

More Bang for Your Buck – Part 2

February 25, 2010

Hospital labs vs. Stand-alone Labs Prices vary between a hospital laboratory and a stand-alone laboratory. Hospitals tend to charge more for their services, while a stand-alone laboratory has less overhead costs and often charges less. If your doctor refers you to a hospital, ask to be referred to a stand-alone laboratory. You have the power… go ahead, ask! Make sure the stand-alone lab is in your insurance company’s network. To find out, call the lab and ask or go

More Bang For Your Buck – ER vs. Urgent Care

February 24, 2010

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 natural choice. But what if it’s not a true emergency? Did you know that you can still find quality care

More news for Anthem Blue Cross members

February 15, 2010

This past weekend Anthem BC announced that, due to public and political reactions, the anticipated 3/1/10 rate changes have been postponed for a couple of months, to 5/1/10. Prior to an insurance carrier raising rates, CA State law says an insurer must prove that at least 70% of its income (your insurance premiums) is legitimately being spent on your medical expenses. Once the insurance company files the actuarially prepared documents, and the data is approved by the State, then the