November 2013

" Wait and See" Philosophy to find affordable health plans for 2014

Barbara headshot

310-909-6135

The patience of most Californians has been tested in the last two months since introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA Plans). Unfortunately I still ask you to exercise more patience as there are too many unknowns. It is now up to California's Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones to determine whether Californians can remain on their existing health plans for another year, and/or whether consumers can still buy the old plans. Until that decision is made the complete industry is on hold.

However, the following group of Californians need to act:

* Uninsured who have been denied coverage;

* People who will receive a subsidy due to low income;

* Policyholders who had an up-charge on their old plans due to a medical reason, or who are on Cobra; and

* Policyholders who have insurance carriers which are leaving California for 2014, such as Aetna and UHC.

The following group of Californians need to wait;

People who like their current plan better than the new ACA plans should remain as long as possible on their existing plans; but be sure to inform your insurance carrier that you want to stay on your existing plan. Deadlines are in the first week of December.

Anthem policy holders need to be even more patient since, at this point in time. the insurance commissioner has not approved the final off-exchange rates" and application from Anthem .

For a free comparison between your existing health plans and the ACA plans on and off the exchange, contact me at info@solidhealthinsurance.com

In This Issue

Tips to get prepared for Obamacare

Looking for affordable health insurance? Find a quote by using the :

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Cigna

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Plan Part D for 2014 will begin October 15 and ends December 7, 2013.

To learn about some of the great new local Medicare Advantage plans for 2014, please contact me at info@solidhealthinsurance.com or 310-909-6135.

How should Californians prepare for the market exchange?

What are the best steps to prepare to apply for an ACA plan
for 2014?

Tips 1 : Review your tax return of 2012 - and determine your income.

Instead of focusing on your medical health conditions, the factor that will determine whether you should apply inside or outside the exchange will be your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of your tax return of 2012. You can find it on line 38 on your 1040 form, line 22 on 1040A, or line 36 of your 1040NR tax return. If your income is under the 400% FPL (Federal Poverty Level ), then the state will pay part of your insurance premium. (For example a single tax file earns under $ 40,000 and or a family of 4 earns under $ 92,000) In that case it makes sense to choose a plan inside the exchange, which I am certified to sell. I am one of the few agents who has finished their licensing process and received a Covered California License number. Read My Fact Sheet

If your income is over this amount, then buy your health insurance outside the exchange. Then you do not have to declare your income, which will be checked with the IRS inside the exchange. While the premium and networks are the same inside and outside the exchange, the application process outside the exchange will be much simpler.

Tip 2: Doctor & Hospital Selection:

The networks inside and outside the exchange will be much narrower than we are used to. Please write down the doctor and hospitals you want to have so that we can determine the plan that is the best fit for you.

Tip 3: Paper Application

Although I am a fan of online application, as we encountered many computer glitches at Covered California. Therefore, I believe that a paper application might be just faster to complete,and you avoid being stuck in the middle of the process. As the health insurance plans are only effective in January 2014, you have plenty of time to apply with a paper application.

Tip 4: Choose me as your Agent of Record

I am one of the few agents on the West Side of Los Angeles who successfully received a Covered California License Number. Click on the link to find me. Please consult with me prior to applying for your health insurance in 2014. I promise that I will review your individual needs and find the plan that best fits your family or business needs.

Also, please refer me to your friends, co-workers and employees to me, as in this time everyone needs solid health insurance advice.

In this hectic time take time don't forget to take deep breaths with the knowledge that everything will solve its way.

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

Let your agent at Solid Health Insurance Services help you to navigate through the new ACA health plans inside and outside the state exchange.

Remember love, laughter and good times are the best medicine for you.

Barbara Schmalz

Solid Health Insurance Services

310-909-6135

Covered Ca Lic. # 200004115

CA Lic. # 0G05625

Referral Fee	Referrals are my lifeline! A gift certificate of $15.00 for the company of your choice will be awarded for any referred closed insurance deal.