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Did the doctor tell you… ?

… that you’re entitled to every bit of information in your own medical records? Thanks to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), that’s one of your rights as a patient. Ask yourself: “Do I really know what’s in my medical records?”, and if you don’t, then make sure you get a copy… Continue reading Did the doctor tell you… ?

Bottom Line it.

My brain hurts from trying to learn all of the rapidly changing rules-regulations-guidelines-deadlines-laws-exceptions-mandates regarding the Affordable Care Act.   Just when I think I’ve learned (and remembered!) something new — bam! — it all changes again. But here’s a short, easy-to-read, piece from Bottom Line Secrets — 3 easily answered (and understood) myths about health care… Continue reading Bottom Line it.

No Kids… Free Birth Control!

That’s right, the rumor is true… being responsible no longer costs money!   Under the federal reform laws, as of August 1, 2012, almost all health insurance plans cover your generic birth control 100%.   No co-pays, cash or credit card required to protect you and your man against an unexpected pregnancy. The federal law says that… Continue reading No Kids… Free Birth Control!

Kids, kids, kids…

If you’re in California and have health insurance in California, then this one’s for you. As of 7/1/12, you’re all going to have maternity benefits added to your existing coverage.  Wahoo! Yes, it’s true… SB 222 and AB 210, passed last year by our illustrious governor, are going to give each and every one of… Continue reading Kids, kids, kids…

UPDATED – Anthem Blue Cross In-Network Hospital Update

*******************I M P O R T A N T****I M P O R T A N T****I M P O R T A N T**************** Good news!  Anthem Blue Cross has announced that Hospital Corporation of America’s California hospitals once again participate in Anthem BC’s’ network. In Southern California: Los Robles Regional Medical Center West… Continue reading UPDATED – Anthem Blue Cross In-Network Hospital Update

Anthem Blue Cross In-Hospital Network Update

IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT Anthem Blue Cross has been unable to re-negotiate its contracts with the following hospitals, so they are now considered out-of-network. In Southern California: Los Robles Regional Medical Center West Hills Hospital In Northern California: Regional Medical Center of San Jose Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose If you are currently in… Continue reading Anthem Blue Cross In-Hospital Network Update

Get Cheap(er) Drugs!

The Insurance Mom wants YOU to be a good money manager, and here’s one tool you can use painlessly, immediately and easily.  And, best of all, it’s free! MyRxSavings is a pretty cool prescription discount program.  Go to the site, print out your discount card and you’re off to the land of saving money!  You… Continue reading Get Cheap(er) Drugs!

Lipitor, be gone!

The Insurance Mom is thrilled to tell you how to save even more money on your prescriptions if you have those pesky cholesterol problems and have been taking — or are about to start taking — Lipitor. The 17-year patent has finally expired… wahoo!  Now the drug is available in generic form.    Atorvastatin is the… Continue reading Lipitor, be gone!

Wanna Save Some Money (part 3)?

Getting a prescription from your doctor doesn’t mean you don’t have choices about how to spend your money. Ask your doctor if a generic drug is available and make sure it’s in the same class of drugs as the expensive brand name drug he wants to you to buy. Generics have the same active ingredients,… Continue reading Wanna Save Some Money (part 3)?

Wanna Save Some Money (part 2)?

Need to get lab work done, such as blood or urine tests, PAP test or biopsy? Think about using a lab that isn’t located in or part of a hospital. They’re often way less expensive than a hospital lab, and some health insurance plans have a lower co-pay for outside labs. And many outside labs… Continue reading Wanna Save Some Money (part 2)?