Don't get spooked

Don't get spooked 🎃 by Open Enrollment!

~Fall Greetings~

Greetings for a beautiful October,

I hope you are enjoying the changing of the seasons 🍁 🍂 and getting out into nature when possible. Beyond what we all globally experiencing, October marks the season in the health insurance industry and we are busy here at A+ Insurance - Medicare Open Enrollment, Covered California, and most employers's benefits renewals are taking place now. We are excited to share with you how we are doing things a bit differently this year with everyone's health and safety in mind.

This month's newsletter honors World Mental Health Day, Breast Cancer Awareness (do your self-checks, ladies!) and a final note on the passing of the trailblazing Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

We are approaching the Halloween 🎃 holiday, the time of the year when the boundaries between the living and the dead are thinner. As we honor the cycle of death and rebirth, I encourage you to take a moment and acknowledge all that has been shed and released this year, all of the deaths, literal and figurative, that we have experienced on a new scale this 2020, whether it is the death of ideas, dreams, loved ones, relationships... We can honor that shift and welcome in the new energy that will come into your life in the coming year. This Halloween falls on a full, blue moon - the second full moon this month. While we can't participate in all of the usual festivities this year, it is the perfect time to celebrate and remember our loved ones who are no longer with us. Light a candle, prepare their favorite food, or take a moment to say a prayer in their memory.

With so much energy swirling about the election, the future of healthcare and the enduring pandemic, the approaching holiday season that will be unlike any other we have experienced. Please take a moment each day to practice spending time in stillness and be mindful (aware) about anything that we do.  Remember to drink lots of water, eat a balanced diet, sleep as best as you can, and move as much as possible. Be social - even if that just means sending a text to an old friend. Reach out and check on one another to create a state of connecting, recharging, allowing, and gratitude. By simply appreciating the little moments, every one of us can make a difference. 

For Employers:

With open enrollment upon us, we are reviewing and renewing plans and working to find you the best solutions for your budget, discount, and employee needs. If we haven't already connected on your benefits plans for 2021, please call us on 818.508.7177 to set up an appointment.

Medicare – Part D  ** Important Reminder ** 

Open Enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15th to December 7th.

Please send us your prescription list if you haven't done so, and our specialists will match you to the best Plan D plan to save you money and ensure your medications are covered.

It's Open Enrollment Season! Important updates:

Open Enrollment for Covered CA runs from November 1 until December 15th.for effective date of January 1st. 2021!

With the world fighting off the pandemic, many activities have become remote -- including this year's Open Enrollment. Our new model will help everyone get insured in the safest, most informative way.

1.5 million new people successfully enrolled in Covered CA 2020, but we believe that this will be the biggest OE yet, with $349 million being allocated for state subsidies for the year 2021. Each and every one of you might be qualified for premium subsidies and lower cost.

Remember that strong enrollment numbers will allow for a good health risk mix in the insured population, which in turn helps with the rates for 2021. We should all make sure we are covered!

Our goal is to alleviate the stress of choosing a new plan, matched to your family's specific medical needs or circumstances.

You may also save money next year by shopping for a new plan - by shopping and switching, many families can reduce their premium costs. Our A+ team is ready to help you compare plans and pricing.

* A special note to our current Covered CA members - please ensure your premiums are up to date - and you're not in a 'grace period' in order to automatically renew for 2021.

For our Medi-Cal members - make sure to update your income and submit all necessary paperwork, documents, tax returns and forms to ensure your Medi-Cal is up to date for 2021. If your income is higher than the threshold, you need to contact your case worker and be released from Medi-Cal so you can apply for Covered CA.

VOTE VOTE VOTE!

Your vote is more important than ever. This election is about our healthcare! study the facts and get familiar with the information. Double check you're registered at vote.org

All Californians received a mail-in ballot that they can mail or drop off at their polling place. To find your nearest ballot drop box or early voting location for California, please click here. And of course, you can cast your vote in person. Together, let's create a better country.

World Mental Health Day

Keeping up with our mental hygiene is crucial during this global health crisis. We honored World Mental Health Day this month with the incredible author Glennon Doyle, whose candor and acceptance of the human condition, imperfectly perfect, can help us release the guilt and shame that makes us feel less than or not worthy. In her talk to the women entrepreneurs at NAWBO 2020, she implored each of us to really dig into this new not normal - this weird in between time that is forcing each of us to come to a new understanding of what we want, what we are seeking, and what success means.

If you're looking for additional support for your mental health needs, there are many innovative options newly available. Check out this article on Forbes for some great resources that can fit into any budget.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

I have lost far too many friends, family and loved ones to breast cancer. Please remember to perform your self exam, and get your regular Well Woman exam and mammogram if your doctor recommends.

HSA News

Put your Health Savings Account (HSA) savings to use with some unexpected stress-reducing purchases. Services like telehealth, chiropractic visits, flu shots and more can be purchased with your HSA dollars. HSA accounts can even be used to offset your COBRA costs.

Don't have an HSA? Our team can direct you on pairing an HSA with a benefits plan and help you determine whether an HSA will be the right choice for your budget.

Travel Insurance News

With the holiday season approaching, you may be considering travel, or have loved ones come to visit you from overseas. Travel insurance is an absolute must - we have plans that will not only cover for Covid-19, but also protect you if you have to cancel, postpone, or extend your trip.

What we have been reading 

This article shows how smoking, or any addictive behavior, can be curbed by understanding the root of the behavior - what we're avoiding, what is triggering us. If there are some positive changes you're looking to implement in your lifestyle, give it a read and see what lessons you might take away.  

The Spiral of SilenceAn intriguing read on how societies form collective opinions which leads to most of us remaining silent if we hold an unpopular view point on a certain topic.

Will aligning our activities with our caveman ancestors help us to create a more restful night's sleep?

Staying home for much of the past seven months has had a lot of consequences, including, for many, weight gain. This dietitian Q&A has tons of advice on better snacking options.

A Moment of Gratitude for Ruth Bader Ginsburg

A final note, in honor of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's passing,  As you know, she left us on a Friday, at the very beginning of Rosh Hashana, the most auspicious day of the Jewish calendar. Her leadership, advocacy and vibrant embrace of life will endure throughout history, and I remain ever grateful for her memory and impact.

In-Health and beautiful moments,

Love from me and the A+ Team 💜 💛

Travel Insurance News

If you're considering travel out of the country, or into the US from overseas, you'll want to make sure to have travel insurance with COVID coverage. Several options are available - please contact our specialists for more info at

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Sent with gratitude for our connection 

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