This month has had a profoundly significant impact on the health and well-being of our industry....but as I sit to write this message, I am deeply affected by the current developments and escalating conflict in Israel. These events are inextricably tied to our collective health and well-being. Nearly a year has passed since countless people were displaced from their homes, kidnapped, and killed, and we are enduring immense sorrow and sadness. The latest events serve as a poignant reminder for us all to unite, pray, and hope for peace soon—our mental and emotional serenity depends on this unity.

Reflecting on these challenging times, evidently, we must come together to support one another and foster healing. We celebrated Grandparents Day this month, reminding me of their invaluable role in nurturing my family's well-being. Honoring their enduring wisdom and love is essential, especially when faced with stress and an uncertain future; I miss them.

In our industry, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for comprehensive health solutions prioritizing emotional and physical well-being. As the year continues, and we are on the verge of marking a year since the October 7th horrors and the ongoing situation in Israel, our unwavering goal now more than ever should be to ensure everyone can access affordable and meaningful medical coverage.

September focuses on Healthy Aging Month, reminding us to embrace and positively navigate the aging process from birth onward. Let's concentrate on sharing tips for daily living that promote graceful and healthy aging. September was also Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting the urgent need to provide critical mental health resources and support during these trying times. We have to think out of the box! Healthcare and technology can work wonders when combined effectively.

As we approach October, Rosh Hashanah, let's reflect on our journey over the past year and prepare for the open enrollment period with determination and compassion; just before Yom Kippur, the holiest of days, I seek forgiveness. I apologize if I have ever caused any hurt or distress. May this new year bring us all healing, understanding, and clarity.

With love from me and the Team, courage, and unity, for a brighter and healthier future.
Naama

Employers

This upcoming Open Enrollment and Anniversary for many of our Employer Groups Benefits is critical. We'd like to encourage you to take the time to look over your employees' options for next year. Hosting OPE yearly allows us to bring the team together, and we can help you make sure that they are accessing care and that we are.

Stressing the difference between healthcare and health insurance is vital for employers because it impacts employee well-being and organizational costs. Here’s why:

🎯 Clear Understanding: Employee Benefits:  Employees need to recognize what their health plan covers and what services they can access to maintain their health and prevent misunderstandings about services covered to ensure proper utilization and satisfaction.

🎯 Financial Impact:- Health insurance helps manage healthcare's financial aspects, impacting employer benefits costs so employers can better predict and control healthcare-related expenses, aiding financial stability.

🎯 Health Outcomes:- Preventive Care Emphasis: Healthcare services focus on improving overall health and reducing long-term costs as healthy employees are more productive, reducing absenteeism, and improving workplace efficiency.

🎯 Legal and Compliance: Regulatory Adherence: Understanding the distinction aids in compliance with healthcare regulations and laws and can help design compliant and effective health benefits packages for employees.

Highlighting this difference helps employers make informed decisions, balance costs, and ensure employees effectively utilize their benefits.

The power of education:

Highlights:

Check out highlights of what’s new in 2025:

• Pharmacy Care Model: Transforming prescription care with a transparent, equitable approach.

• Care flexibility: Virtual and in-person PCPs are available for PPO and HMO plans.

• Self-service tool enrichment: Streamlined auto-pay, PCP selection, and upsell capabilities will all be available through your Client List on Broker Connection.

• Digital experience: Enhanced member portals with access to health records.

Important Note –

Please remember the following information:

Employers offering prescription drug benefits to their employees have an important annual duty. By October 14th of each year, they must notify Medicare-eligible employees and their Medicare-eligible dependents whether their plan’s drug coverage is "creditable" or "non-creditable."

According to a survey released by consulting firm Mercer, U.S. employers expect health insurance costs to rise by an average of 5.8% in 2025. This increase is largely due to higher medical services costs and increased usage. But we are seeing 10-19%!

Medicare

We are getting ready for the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment- reminder for the dates:

October 15^th – December 7^th, 2024, for January 1^st 2025 effective date.

It is CRUCIAL that if you have yet to send us your current list of medications ([email protected]) please do so ASAP:

We are seeing many changes for the upcoming 2025. From July 1st, Medicare stepped up its support, providing extra help and significant discounts on 64 prescription drugs. This substantial initiative is designed to help you better afford your prescription medications and alleviate the financial strain, ensuring you feel supported and cared for.

Furthermore, many changes are on the horizon for 2025, but we have great news about part D—the prescriptions: Starting in January 2025, there will be a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for all Medicare drug plans, ensuring greater financial security. So, at least, this is news that we want to share as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you didn’t e-mail us your medications list, please do so ASAP -  

Again, major changes will be in the upcoming 2025 Part D and Medicare Advantage coverage.

For example, a shift from $0.40 to $17 in WellCare cost could signify an increase in the plan's cost or service fee for a specific product or benefit.

 It is critical to make sure that we review your medications as – the monthly cost for part d is going to be higher, so reviewing your options NOW is essential:

 💡  We need your list of Medications – Please e-mail Dyanne at [email protected]

Covered California

Key Dates and Updates for 2025  

It’s that time of year again! As we approach 2025, it’s important to remember the upcoming deadlines and changes for Covered California. Whether you're renewing your current plan or considering enrolling for the first time, staying informed is key.

Important Dates for 2025 Enrollment:  

• Renewals:

Starting October 1, 2024, current enrollees can renew their health plans for the upcoming year. Please review your coverage options and make any necessary changes to ensure your plan meets your needs for 2025.

Please e-mail Dawn or Silvana for a follow-up – [email protected] [email protected]

• Open Enrollment:

The Open Enrollment period begins on November 1, 2024, and runs through January 31, 2025. During this time, people who need new coverage can sign up for coverage, and existing customers can switch plans or update their coverage. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore available plans!

Please send us your current income as an update. We will then look into your policy to see which option you would like to choose for next year.

The market is going to be open for new policies on November 1st -all policy changes are effective January 1, 2025

It’s also a great time to check whether you qualify for financial assistance through subsidies or Medi-Cal based on your household income. Our team is here to help you navigate the process and find the best plan for your needs.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your renewal or new enrollment!

Please stay informed with the latest update from the IRS on the Affordable Care Act premium tax credit guide. Stay informed here.

No Cost Resources For Mental Health

HR, Csuie managers, please pay attention-

We are happy to share these as we are happy to be the resource for accessing the crisis, especially in the employer benefits arena-

• Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community – www.wisconsinwell.org

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – www.nami.org

• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) – www.assp.org

• Associated General Contractors of America, Missouri – www.agcmo.org

• Prevent Suicide Construction – www.preventconstructionsuicide.com

• Working Minds – www.constructionworkingminds.org

• Man Therapy – www.mantherapy.org

• Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) – www.cfma.org/suicideprevention#suicidepreventioncfma

• Kitty Hug Fitness – Kitty Hug Fitness

Naama in the spotlight

Exploring the Future of Employee Benefits! 🌟

We recently hosted a panel looking into the evolving landscape of employee benefits at the Validation Institute in Nashville. From Morning Mindful Meditation to our insightful panel discussion—Understanding the Role of Medical Captives to Manage Rising Healthcare Costs—(which Naama moderated) the focus was all about efficient and simple solutions. What types of solutions we can provide for employers to lower their cost of healtchare

With industry experts Dale Sagen, ACI, DTM, and Paul E Hacker leading the way, we shed light on:

🔍 What captives are and why they’re essential for advisors
🔑 Steps to create and manage a successful captive
⚖️ Best practices & risk mitigation strategies
✨ How to ensure your captive thrives

Reflecting on these key discussions, we're excited to continue sharing knowledge and helping you navigate the future of employee benefits!

Celebrating Culture and Connectivity! 🎉

We recently had the privilege of building bridges across industries @RosettaFest 2024, connecting with health experts, and sharing powerful moments that reminded us of our shared humanity.

🌟 It was an inspirational, educational, and entertaining experience, as we engaged with hundreds of the nation’s leading Benefits Advisors, Employers, Unions, and Public Entities.

Together, we took significant steps toward restoring hope and health in communities across America—making an impact that will be felt for generations.

Reflecting on the meaningful interactions and unforgettable moments, we are more motivated than ever to continue making a difference—one connection at a time. 💪

Don’t wait to be sick to take care of your health -

I want to share a tea I highly recommend for the upcoming fall season. I make sure to enjoy it twice a week, letting it soak for 15 minutes.

This tea is a calming herbal blend that combines Ayurvedic and Western herbs, including chamomile, lavender, gotu kola, and skullcap. It is caffeine-free and designed to help relax the mind and body, making it ideal for winding down after work or before bedtime. It has an amazing effect of soothing and relaxing the body and helping to calm the mind. Don’t wait to feel stressed to start drinking tea – just use it as a prevention.

What we are reading

This Is Your Brain On Food

This Is Your Brain on Food by Dr. Uma Naidoo explores the powerful connection between diet and mental health. Drawing from her expertise as a nutritional psychiatrist, Dr. Naidoo explains how specific foods can impact conditions like anxiety, depression, and more. The book provides actionable insights on optimising mental well-being through food choices, blending science with practical advice to enhance brain health. It's an essential guide for anyone looking to improve their diet and mental state.

Fall Travel 

Planning a Fall Visit to the United States? 🍂

Whether you're planning to visit the U.S. during this crisp, colorful season or helping your loved ones prepare for a Fall getaway, visitor insurance is essential for peace of mind. Accidents or illnesses can happen unexpectedly, and healthcare costs in the U.S. are significantly higher than in many parts of the world. That's why having the right visitor insurance plan is crucial for financial protection.

 🍁 Don’t Fall into Costly Healthcare Expenses

If you have a passport, you need coverage! Ensure you and your loved ones are protected while enjoying your Autumn travels.

 🔽 Enroll in Travel Insurance Here 🔽

Get Travel Insurance

If you have need any further support, please contact Omar at [email protected] or call us at 818.508.7177.

Wishing you safe, cozy, and joyful travels,

From Naama and the RightPlan team 🤍​