May holiday light conquer darkness and health in 2024!

With Grateful hearts and the energy of the season,

Happy Winter Solstice,  Christmas, and very best for a New 2024 Year!

As the holiday season embraces us, I warmly greet everyone in our community and encourage us all to look at the glass half full. I acknowledge the journey of healing, which resonates deeply within me. It is a time for us to seek solace and embody a positive outlook.

The recent conclusion of the Medicare open enrollment marks a pivotal moment for many senior clients diligently reviewing their prescription and Medicare Advantage plans in preparation for 2024.

As we approach the end of the month, the window to renew employer benefits options, Covered California, and explore private market options remains open. The deadline is December 31, and the effective date of 2024 will be determined based on the policy type. We have seen an increase in rates, especially among PPO options. More clients are choosing HMOs for 2024. It has been a financial challenge for everyone.

To put the issue into perspective, did you know that according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, over 60 million people were enrolled in Medicare in 2020? Additionally, based on the Kaiser Family Foundation found that in 2022, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored health insurance was $8,188 for single coverage and $22,576 for family coverage.

The challenges within the healthcare industry can often seem insurmountable, and I share in the frustration of its persistent complexities. Yet, amidst the difficulties, there is potential for transformation. Taking ownership of our well-being is a formidable task, but I am steadfast in my belief that nurturing a positive outlook can pave the way for our collective healing and progress.

Let us aspire to embrace the spirit of optimism. May the darkness that looms over us, both in our journeys and the realm of our health insurance, be penetrated by an abundance of light. Let us stand resolute together. As we are currently in the holiday season, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the community and encourage everyone to adopt a positive outlook. Despite the unlimited global challenges and our healthcare industry's challenges, we can transform them by taking ownership of our well-being and nurturing a positive attitude. I am doing the best I can as well!

 ***Paying our January premium on time before the end of this month is critical for individual and family options. We must ensure that the payment went through if we changed our plan or purchased a new coverage for 01/01/2024.

Despite our challenges, we can work together to transform the healthcare industry. May we embrace the spirit of optimism and draw strength from the possibilities for a brighter tomorrow.

May we embrace all that is unloved within ourselves and the world, and find genuine belonging that transcends perceived divisions.

With unwavering hope and solidarity, the RightPlan team wishes you a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Love,

Naama - Greetings to all members of our community

Employers

☑️Premium Changes: Review any changes in premium rates.
☑️Plan Options:  HMO, PPO, and HDHP plans, Self-Insured, Value-Based.
☑️Coverage Details: deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
☑️Network Providers: healthcare providers and facilities.
☑️Prescription Drug Coverage.
☑️Telemedicine Services:
☑️Wellness Programs: fitness benefits and preventive care services.
☑️Compliance and Regulations.
☑️For easy access, download the app for the carrier.

Covered CA

Call To Action: January binding payment must be processed before 12/31/23, for effective 01/01/24!

☑️Deadline Reminder: Renew by year-end for coverage starting January 1.
☑️Pay the January premium on time to stay covered.
☑️Check out available plans for the new year.
☑️Explore details on deductibles, co-payments, and California-based providers.
☑️Telemedicine: Discover the benefits of telemedicine services.

 Medicare

The Medicare renewal period concludes; please keep these key points in mind:
New ID Cards and Plans for people who change their Part D!
- Watch for the arrival of your new ID cards, regardless of plan changes.
- Special authorization may be required for plan adjustments-2024.

Invoices and Payments:
* Make sure that you are on Auto-Pay – Avoid Cancellation -
- Please look over any received invoices and make sure payment progress.
- Maximizing benefits and minimizing costs for prescriptions is critical.
- Always check Good-Rx for any coupon or discount -

 Travel Coverage Reminder:

- Original Medicare does not cover international travel medical expenses.
- Consider supplemental policies for adequate travel coverage – ensure the policy covers all pre-existing conditions.

HealthCare bills that were signed into law:

AB 242 - Keeps hiring decisions in the hands of managing physicians so they can meet the needs of the community they serve. AB 242 supports CAHs and improves access to care in rural and often underserved areas.

AB 1241- Ensures Medi-Cal patients retain the ability to receive services through telehealth.

It is important for us that you read this article!!! Just please be aware-

Ozempic and Wegovy manufacturers accused of downplaying drugs' risks

A new lawsuit accuses the manufacturers, producers, and distributors of popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy of knowingly advertising and selling the products despite their ability to cause severe gastrointestinal issues, without properly warning customers of the risks.

Click here to find out more

Sharing some valuable articles

As Daylight Saving Time Ends, How Can I Get My Kids To Sleep? And Should I Give My Kids Melatonin?
Click here for some tips and sources to build strategies to improve your children’s sleep.

Paying for It: How Health Care Costs and Medical Debt Are Making Americans Sicker and Poorer
Click here and read the article that discusses the findings from the Commonwealth Fund 2023 healthcare affordability survey.

Top 10 Healthcare Industry Predictions For 2024
Click here to see to read how Sachin H. Jain covers transformation and innovation across the healthcare industry.

 Drug negotiations could save seniors hundreds of dollars
This article examines the estimated effects of Medicare's Drug Price Negotiation Program on out-of-pocket spending.

Ananad is a brother in light to my soul – I feel this message can help us OVERCOME. 🙏🏼

India

You don’t have to get sick to start taking care of your health

Kimchi is a great vegetarian dish, a traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish primarily made from napa cabbage and Korean radishes mixed with various seasonings and spices. It has gained popularity worldwide for its potential health benefits. Benefits of Kimchi:

- Natural source of probiotics
- Low in calories and fat, rich in essential vitamins and minerals
- Contains antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative damage
- May help reduce inflammation in the body
- Can promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management
- Enhances the immune system and improves digestion
- May contribute to a healthy gut-brain axis and mental well-being
- Associated with a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases
- It's important to consult a healthcare professional before regular consumption, especially for those with digestive conditions or sensitivities to spicy foods.

What we are reading

Call Me By My True Names by Thich Nhat Hanh

In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh discusses the interconnectedness of all beings and the profound impact of mindfulness on our understanding of identity. This reading challenges us to see beyond the surface of appearances and recognize the shared humanity that unites us all.

TRAVEL

As we embark on our holiday travels outside the US, remember that our health is our most valuable asset.

- Click here to ensure proper health insurance coverage before departure to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

- With the right coverage, we can rest easy and fully enjoy our journey

Please email [email protected] 

Safe and peaceful travel,

From Naama, and the RightPlan team