Optimus-masthead
News & Views
Columbus Day Edition 
 

October 14, 2013



I hope all is well.  In this edition of News & Views, I will discuss the latest government crisis, a positive economic development, and changes to the health insurance marketplace.  As always, please contact me with any questions or suggestions you may have.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Latest Government Crisis 
 
We all remember the fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" in which a shepherd boy cries "wolf" tricking the villagers into thinking a wolf was attacking the flock.   By the time the wolf really does appear, the villagers are so tired of being fooled that they don't show up and the flock is killed by the wolf.
 
We've already experienced the Fiscal Cliff 1.0 (the Tax Increase) and 2.0 (the Sequester) and are now on Fiscal Cliff 3.0 (the Government Shutdown).  While the odds remain high that this latest crisis will be solved, there may come a time in the not too distant future when we the people are so disinterested in the latest man-made government crisis that we don't put enough pressure on lawmakers to resolve the issue in a timely manner.  That will be the moment when the wolf appears and does harm to the economy, an economy that our elected officials are supposed to keep watch over.
 
Energy Boom
World's #1 Energy Producer
 

The United States is overtaking Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world's largest energy producer.  Large production gains in Texas and North Dakota coupled with new techniques like hydraulic fracturing "fracking" and horizontal drilling have turned a possible energy crisis into an energy boom that may boost future economic growth.

  
Healthcare Changes are Here

Open Enrollment Has Begun

  

The Affordable Care Act ("ACA") is now in effect and everyone is required to have health insurance in 2014 or face a fine.  If you are not currently covered under your employer's group health plan, medicare, medi-cal, or through a "grandfathered" individual health plan, you will need to enroll in a new "ACA compliant" plan.  Keep in mind that premium assistance is available and pre-existing conditions no longer disqualify you from coverage.
 
I will provide more detailed information about all the new healthcare options in the coming weeks and I will be able to help you enroll in a new health plan if needed.

 

Sincerely,
 

Paul Hewitt
 
 
(949) 727-4734 x1