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Anthem Blue Cross alert

For subscribers in California, Anthem Blue Cross has announced that it will NOT be increasing individual premiums on 5/1/10 and for the foreseeable future, or at least until the State’s actuaries have completed their analysis of the proposed increase that had been scheduled for 3/1/10.    The company must give subscribers a 30-day written notice… Continue reading Anthem Blue Cross alert

Small Businesses: How To Claim Your Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit

Questions abound!   Here’s an answer: HOW TO CLAIM THE TAX CREDIT How does an employer claim the tax credit? The credit is taken on the annual tax return. The IRS will provide information on how tax-exempt employers can claim the new credit. Does taking the tax credit affect an employer’s deduction for health insurance premiums?… Continue reading Small Businesses: How To Claim Your Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit

Hey Kids, This One’s for YOU (and parents too)!

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… Continue reading Hey Kids, This One’s for YOU (and parents too)!

I Love This Quote!

“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… Continue reading I Love This Quote!

Health Care Reform Q & A

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

More on Health Care Reform

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… Continue reading More on Health Care Reform

How Health Care Reform Affects You

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… Continue reading How Health Care Reform Affects You

Four Simple Rules for Buying Long-Term Care Insurance

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… Continue reading Four Simple Rules for Buying Long-Term Care Insurance

A Short Course on Long-Term-Care Insurance

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… Continue reading A Short Course on Long-Term-Care Insurance

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

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… Continue reading It’s Spring, Spring, Spring (forward)!