- RightPlan
- Posts
- October Newsletter
October Newsletter
October greetings - Renewal season is here!
October greetings - Renewal season is here!
Greetings with lots of love and compassion to each of you -
There is no easy way to say it; times are tough right now for many of us. We see a high volume of health conditions on many levels. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are showing up as the long-term toll of the pandemic; restrictions and losses are reverberating. We see waves of severe mental stress on the macro level and the micro levels within each family and individual. How are you dealing with it?
The idea is to shift the mindset that wellness is about indulgence collectively. Instead, self-care is a set of practices to prepare ourselves to deal with the inevitable difficult moments. For example, one simple daily ritual that anyone can begin is drinking stress-relieving tea daily. Adaptogen herbs like Ashwagandha and Holy Basil (Tulsi) are lovely in teas, and we don’t have to be in a stressed mood to benefit from these calming and stress-relieving herbs.
I always say that it is never too early to prevent chronic disease. We don't need a diagnosis to take control of our health! Like acupuncture and chiropractic, preventative health measures can help keep your body in alignment and energy flowing smoothly. And while many of us put off routine doctor's appointments, dental visits, and regular health screenings due to the pandemic, it's so important to get back on track.
As we continue to go through this worldwide pain shift together, it's essential to realize that the pain we have gone through collectively over the last two years is starting to show up in more ways. We are past the initial adrenaline rush of the early pandemic crisis mode, past the numbing effects of fear. As we reflect with a mindful state of mind, the trauma effects are becoming more visible. Trauma can take many different forms, from depression to burnout to heightened anxiety, anger, and frustration, and chronic pain in our body. Remember that we are all processing this in our unique way and that compassion and acceptance go a long way towards healing.
Many blessings to you all,
Naama and the RightPlan.com / A+ team
Employers Update
The 4th quarter has most of us reviewing and renewing our coverage for the coming year. However, due to a COVID-19 "hangover" – marked by the increased use of medical services after delaying or avoiding care during the pandemic, combined with more high-acuity patients – employer medical costs are projected to increase in 2022, slightly higher than in 2021, according to an annual report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
What does that mean for you? First, reviewing and renewing the different options and your company policies may be in order. Second, regardless of the employer contribution percentage, employers' benefits are more vital than ever! Lower deductible and Maximum out of pocket. Providers' network and referrals options are the most comprehensive in the upcoming 2022 market!
For larger companies of 100+ employees, we find it harder to get compatible quotes. In addition, access to providers and preferred networks is changing from plan to plan.We believe in thinking outside the box, and we are developing creative and cost-effective solutions as healthcare costs continue to rise.
Covered CA
Good news, Californians! Covered CA is now enrolling people into more affordable plans than ever. With over 1.6 million members, the popular program sees lower rate increases and a more significant number of families who qualify for subsidies, with premiums for over 730,000 Californians as low as $0 or $1 per month!
The American Rescue Plan benefits that went into effect this summer will continue through 2022, lowering costs for many members. These benefits build on California’s state subsidies to provide financial help and lower premiums for many middle-income Californians for the first time.
Specifically, the American Rescue Plan expanded Marketplace subsidies in 2021 and 2022 for enrollees above 400% of the federal poverty level for the first time and increased subsidies for those making between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. These changes have resulted in consumers being eligible for higher subsidies and made cost-sharing reduction plans more attainable. Therefore, it is more important than ever to connect with a qualified Covered CA Storefront Agent, to help you determine if you qualify for these new lower rates.
The official Covered CA, Open Enrollment period runs from November 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022. While December 31 is the last day to apply for effective date of January 1, 2022, the last day of enrollment on January 31 will allow a start date of February 1, 2022.
As a community Covered CA storefront, we at Rightplan.com / A+ Insurance can match you with the best plan that meets the unique needs of your family or business. So if you haven't re-assessed your Covered CA eligibility in the past 6 months and updated your income, now is the time to do so.
Medicare Open Enrollment Season
Fall is in full swing, which means Medicare Open Enrollment season is upon us! Now is the best time to prepare for Open Enrollment and take advantage of your Rightplan team's expertise. It is crucial to review your options, especially for prescription drug coverage, every year. We will review and help you find the most affordable Medicare Part D plan for the upcoming year.
One key factor in your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan is whether the plan covers your current medications and at what cost. We are happy to analyze your current medication list and recommend the best plan for you for 2022! In addition, our team will make sure that your Medicare supplement plan, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans are up-to-date and optimized for the maximum, most comprehensive, affordable benefits.
Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) open enrollment will be open from October 15th till December 7th, for plan changes effective January 1st, 2022.
Connect with us now to make the best choices this Fall.
Breaking news: California Becomes First State to Allow Adults to Add Dependent Parents to Health Plan
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 570, otherwise known as the Parent Healthcare Act, into law, which makes the Golden State the first to permit adults to add their parents as dependents to their health insurance plan.
AB 570 requires individual healthcare service plans to make coverage available to a qualified dependent parent or stepparent, expanding the definition of “dependent” for an individual health plan to include a qualified dependent parent or stepparent. Because a willful violation of these provisions by a healthcare service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. AB 570 imposes specific requirements for dependent parents and stepparents, limiting the eligibility for the program. In particular, the individual must meet IRS requirements, including that the head of household provided more than 50 percent of the person’s total support.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Women - sisters - mothers - daughters - friends
Please, be sure to do your self-checks and annual exams to screen for breast cancer. Early detection saves lives! We owe it to ourselves.
Alignable community mentor award
Being an active part of our community has always been vitally important to the Rightplan.com / A+ Insurance team, and we are thrilled to be named a 'Local Main St. Mentor' for Valley Village by business networking site Alignable. We take our role as trusted advisors very seriously and appreciate being recognized. If you're a small business owner, be sure to check out Alignable, which helps you build your network, get trusted referrals, and generate leads!
Meetings and Meditation:2021 LAAHU Medicare AEP Summit and NextGen Mastermind
After so many years of advocating for meditation and mindfulness within the healthcare industry, we are finally seeing some real changes! Case in point, this month, Naama opened both the 2021 LAAHU Medicare AEP Summit and the NextGen Benefits Mastermind Conference with meditation sessions surrounded by friends and colleagues.
World Mental Health Day
This month, on October 10th, we celebrated World Mental Health Day. But do we understand what healing means? Do we lead by example?
We all are leaders in someone's life, whether at home, the workplace or in our communities. Each of us can positively impact the people around us – and the best way for that to happen is to focus on our self-care and wellbeing first.
Lead by example. Maintaining healthy boundaries and open dialogue requires a commitment to facing ourselves every day. The dark and the light. On World Mental Health Day, and every day.
Balance – Emotions – Connection
Travel Smarter
Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by unforeseeable events, which could throw a wrench in your travel plans and cost you your vacation investment and more.
Travel insurance is the smartest choice you can make to protect yourself and your loved ones. Travel insurance plans cover illness while abroad, yes - but can also cover trip cancellations, flight delays due to natural disasters, even lost or stolen baggage.The next time you book a trip, be sure to connect with Rightplan.com to protect against the unexpected.Click here to see the types of plans we offer, whether you are a US citizen, dual citizen, ex-pat, student, or over 65!
What We Are Reading
This article looks at how the words we choose to say to ourselves make or break our confidence and ultimately affect our performance
This New York Times bestselling book explores
how simple changes in your diet and lifestyle might help you prevent chronic disease.
This Washington Post story offers food for thought on the latest in longevity research, the benefits of just the right amount of exercise, and why certain foods will help trigger 'longevity genes.'
As we enter the busiest time of the year for our industry, we want to take a moment to say thank you to our friends, clients, and colleagues for your trust and support. We could not do what we do without you!
Namaste,
Naama and the A+ / Rightplan.com
