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January 2022 Sharing
Healing and Health+Care in 2022
Healing and Health+Care in 2022
Wow, it is 2022, a new year that somehow feels like we've lived it already. I am not sure what about you, but we had a very rough beginning on our end.
A word that keeps coming up is conflicting: conflicting opinions, conflicting advice, conflicting emotions—collision, opposition, loss, and grief all around. With the new variant continuing to spread rapidly, we are each facing conflicting decisions: whether to continue to gather with others, whether to cancel that long-planned trip that seemed to be a good idea last summer, whether to go on as close to normal as possible, or retreat back to 2020-level quarantine. This time, we are on our own.
I officially got Covid as soon as we moved into 2022. I was exposed and had to cancel my next day flight to Nashville, where I was to be leading meditation at a conference in our benefits industry. I quarantined myself and three days later I tested positive. Not traveling was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. I believe that most of the people at the conference got exposed, and many got sick. Sometimes I wonder how we got so far, but it now feels like a live outbreak over the whole world.
The long-term effects of this ongoing trauma are showing up in all populations, from kids, parents, older adults, and everyone in between. Moreover, the residual effects of pandemic-related challenges and losses will reverberate worldwide for many years to come. The loss in our communities, friends, and family is evident. Death is everywhere, and we are losing people overnight but mostly instantly. Nevertheless, the cases of sudden death and loss are real. Is it our heart that becomes softer, weaker, extra stressed? Or is it the new lifestyle that the conflict implicated us? Are we asking the right questions? What are the right questions?
Some days I ask myself, when will we know the truth? Will we ever figure out the truth? What is the truth? I hear so many voices, but one voice has become more apparent than ever – HEALING IS NECESSARY –
What will be the best way to heal from this collective trauma? First, of course, we can express empathy and understanding for one another's unique circumstances. But I feel we need to check in with our feelings, comfort levels, and overall well-being and practice self-care in whatever form. So, showing love to our body, take some time off and prepare our physical body, soul, and spirit in whatever method works for you.
Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year.
Much love,
Naama and the Rightplan team
Get At-Home COVID-19 Tests for No Cost - Available NOW
Access to testing is one of the most pressing pieces of the pandemic puzzle. The government is making 4 at-home COVID-19 tests per household available for NO COST. In addition, private health insurance carriers will reimburse members for up to eight at-home antigen tests per person, per month from January 15, 2022, until the pandemic emergency is declared over.
If you are insured:
You can be reimbursed for up to eight at-home antigen tests per person per month
It must be a COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The reimbursement requirement does not apply to people on Medi-Cal or solely on original Medicare.
Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage insured will reimburse you.
To order up to 4 at-home COVID tests at no cost:
You can request four free COVID-19 tests per household at www.COVIDTests.gov. The kits will ship within a week or two and come in the mail.
They are also setting up places where you can pick tests up for free.
Additionally, they are encouraging health plans to make them available for members to pick up at locations or order for free. For example, Anthem lets members order at-home kits at www.anthem.com/ca/coronavirus; when asked to select a testing site, choose “at-home COVID-19 test.”
Each insurance carrier will offer a different link
If you want to buy tests:
Insurance companies are required to reimburse up to $12 per individual test (or the cost of the test, if less than $12). They must be purchased from a drug store, a retail chain with pharmacies, or another approved source (no second-party sales). Walgreens and CVS are selling tests for $24 for a pack of two. Be aware that some places have two rapid tests on sale for more than the reimbursement amount.
Be sure to keep your receipt to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. Be sure to get an itemized receipt and submit a claim to your insurance company. Most carriers recommend you write “Home COVID test” on your receipt.
More info can be found HERE.
New book alert! Life & Death Decisions in the C Suite
Recently, I was asked to contribute to a new book, Life & Death Decisions in the C-Suite, that features leading business consultants and strategists from around the country.
My chapter, titled "Modern, Mindful Healthcare In A Meta-Hybrid Workforce Culture," focuses on how we can face the pandemic, access care, and transform our mindsets into a Meta Leadership framework. In creating a world where mindfulness goes hand in hand with transformative and effective workplaces, I envision a future of work where we are all valued and our growth and healing are supported.
The Kindle version is currently FREE at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NPGP4DQ
Medicare / Over 65
People on Medicare plans have two opportunities to make changes right now:
Blue Shield is having a Medicare Supplement Underwriting Holiday. Whether you are on a different Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can move to ANY Blue Shield Medicare Supplement without answering health questions or obtaining underwriting approval. Applications must be received by February 28, 2022. If you're moving from a Medicare Advantage Plan, we can also enroll you in a prescription drug (Part D) plan.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment - Through March 31, 2022: Whether you recently enrolled or have had your Medicare Advantage plan for years, you can take this opportunity to confirm - or change - your plan choice. Think about your experiences using your plan and review your plan benefits. Several plans have made changes in the last year, such as lowering their maximum out-of-pocket amount for medical care, adding transportation benefits, and putting in benefits to reimburse you for over-the-counter items like cold and allergy medicines.
Covered CA - Last Chance for 2022
A friendly reminder that the Covered CA individual market deadline is January 31, for an effective date of February 1. If you've been waiting till the last minute, or if you've changed your mind on insurance coverage for the year, you still have time! Contact [email protected] or call 818.508.7177 to get covered!
Covered CA + Your Taxes
Covered CA members -- be on the lookout for two important tax documents from your health plan:
IRS Form 1095-AIRS Form 1095-A is an important federal tax document that serves as proof of coverage for individuals to claim the premium tax credit, reconcile any Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) received, and to file an accurate tax return for the 2021 tax year.
Form FTB 3895
The Form FTB 3895 is an important state tax document that serves as proof of coverage for individuals to claim the California Premium Subsidy (state subsidy), reconcile any advanced state subsidy received, and to file an accurate tax return to avoid paying the state individual mandate penalty for the 2021 tax year.
You should receive IRS Form 1095-A and Form FTB 3895 from Covered California by January 31, 2022, if you have not received it already.
If your communication preference is email, you will receive an email from Covered California with instructions to sign into you CalHEERS account and download their forms. You will not receive their forms in the mail.
If you communication preference is mail, you will receive their forms in the mail.
All Covered CA members can access their IRS Form 1095-A and Form FTB 3895 from their CalHEERS account Home Page, or under Documents & Correspondence, even if their preference is mail.
Employer's Update: Rippling Partnership
Rightplan is a proud partner of Rippling, the top employee management platform that helps companies manage and automate all of their employees’ key business systems— from payroll and benefits to computers and apps—in one integrated, easy-to-use platform.
The Rightplan x Rippling partnership offers powerful solutions for HR and IT needs, including a dedicated Rippling team, plus personalized service from your trusted Rightplan team for employee benefits. Employers also can receive discounts on services referred by our agency.
To learn more about working with Rippling x Rightplan, please connect with Elayne Serrano at [email protected] or 818.508.7177
Kids and mental health - caring for our kids
You have heard the headlines - teen suicide rates are increasing,and many kids are feeling depressed, anxious and angry as pandemic restrictions and unknowns continue to take their toll.
This article from the American Academy of Pediatrics has valuable info on what to look out for, and how to help kids of all ages and stages to deal with mental health effects of the pandemic.
Martin Luther King Day
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
While we are each shaped and influenced by the world around us and the circumstances and time we are born into, we mustn't choose to be passive.
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It is true; we are who we are because of the history we've lived and that of those who have come before us. Our past can't be changed, but we can. We are making history! Daily!
In this speech from 1954, in the early stages of the civil rights movement, Dr. King implored his audience to recognize the weight of history, rise, and make a new history. Even in times of fear and uncertainty, each of us can create a better future.
Thank you for being you!
❤
Picture: Boss Beauties #6772
What we are reading + watching
Netflix series: Explained
The documentary series, Explained, dives deep into so many incredible topics, and the new season on the mind, is must-watch for anyone curious about how our brains work.
Narrated by Academy Award winner Julianne Moore, The Mind, Explained explores how our minds are capable of great things, but can also undermine our best intentions. Over five episodes, the series dives into the science behind personality, the teenage brain, brainwashing, focus, and creativity.
The Mind Explained Season 2 Trailer:
Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body
In this incredible book, award-winning science writer Jo Marchant explores the vast potential of the mind's ability to heal, lays out its limitations and explains how we can make use of the findings in our own lives. She travels the world to meet the physicians, patients and researchers on the cutting edge of this new world of medicine. We learn how meditation protects against depression and dementia, how social connections increase life expectancy and how patients who feel cared for recover from surgery faster.
Travel Smarter
A new year means new and exciting travel plans.
We are seeing 90% or more of our clients choosing to purchase a policy, factoring it in as part of the cost of their trip. Several popular destinations are indeed requiring proof of coverage upon booking trips.
A travel insurance plan will not only cover illness while abroad, but can help connect you with an English-speaking doctor, access telemedicine while abroad, and even help with medical evacuation.
May this month bring – health – joy – peace
❤
