Spring into HealthCare/Insurance

Best wishes for sprouting into new possibilities,

In the enigmatic realm of self-perception and worldview, the profound connection and the undeniable between health and identity remains shrouded in mystery as spring heralds a season of renewal. Embracing growth and opportunities, we seek to refresh our existence.

The delicate dance between the different health insurance types mirrors our quest to cultivate our best selves, encapsulating the fine line between safeguarding and vulnerability within California's healthcare domain. As we look ahead to 2024, a pivotal year for humanity, it becomes even more crucial to manage our healthcare needs conscientiously.

Californians grapple with skipping or delaying medical care due to cost constraints, revealing the state's complex healthcare landscape.

Despite challenges like budget deficits and single-payer proposals that linger, the state is making strides to provide comprehensive medical services. As we celebrate near-universal coverage on January 1, 2024, it's important to remember the profound link between health and humanity's collective well-being, which is key.

As we spring into new possibilities of renewal and choices, let's explore some fresh health and well-being tips for Spring 2024 that can help us navigate this journey:

 ⚡️ Mindful Movement: Try virtual reality workouts or dance-based fitness classes for a fun and engaging exercise routine.

 🌿 Nutrient-rich foods: Explore microgreens, sea vegetables, and adaptogenic herbs for a nourishing boost.

📱 Tech-Assisted Wellness: Use health-tracking apps, smart devices, and telehealth services for real-time well-being monitoring.

 💤 Prioritize Sleep: Experiment with sleep-tracking devices or light therapy for better rest.

 🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness Practices: For stress reduction and inner peace, try sound baths, forest bathing, or sensory deprivation.

 ☯️ Holistic Health Approach: Explore acupuncture, aromatherapy, or Ayurveda.

 🌳 Outdoor Workouts: Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding, or outdoor yoga to connect with nature.

 🤝 Social Connection: Use virtual reality social platforms or online communities to foster meaningful connections.

 🌸 DIY Wellness: Get creative with homemade herbal remedies, skincare products, or home spa treatments for self-care.

 💧 Stay Hydrated: Try smart water bottles or electrolyte-enhanced drinks for optimal hydration and energy.

Last month's annual trip to Washington, DC, was a great success. We had the opportunity to discuss critical healthcare insurance issues with members of Congress, including Brad Sherman, Judy Chu, Linda Sanchez, and Grace Napolitano. During our discussions, we addressed important topics such as preserving employer health coverage, simplifying ACA reporting, and protecting employee benefits through ERISA- The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. We also discussed the challenges seniors face due to difficult access to licensed and certified agents and brokers, which adds complexity for brokers and the ageing community, especially in addressing fraud concerns when interacting with senior clients. Please be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls requesting personal information, while inquiries to broker offices shouldn't be recorded.

This visit was productive in achieving our healthcare goals and was also informative as we listened to our legislators express concerns about international conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Israel, and Ukraine. Their focus on global health issues highlighted the interconnectedness of world events and their impact on every American.

Overall, this trip always leaves me hopeful that we can reduce healthcare costs, improve access, and enhance the healthcare system for all. With this optimistic energy, I am aware and know how we each deal with so much on our plates, so may it be a spring that is bringing a lot of blossoming.

Namaste full of love, Naama & the RightPlan Team

❤

Employers

We're sharing here as so many of you have received a request for the Prescription Drug & Healthcare Spending Survey, a crucial step in following the Prescription Drug Cost Reporting regulation under Section 204 (2021) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The carriers are collecting D1 Premium Contribution data for their employer groups.

If you have an Employer Connection (EC) account, you can access the survey by logging into your account.

Please make sure to submit your responses. Groups that miss the deadline will not be included in the filing. You can be subject to non-compliance if you do not report the required data directly to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Please keep in mind:

• Only one group administrator or delegate may submit responses for a single group ID. Please coordinate a single submission.

• Submitters will receive an email confirmation displaying a record of responses submitted and a link to edit responses.

• Only the individual who submitted the form can edit responses until the deadline.

 3 ways to help employees catch cancer sooner

This article looks at how streamlining the screening process can help employees avoid late-stage diagnoses, improving both survival outcomes and a business's bottom line.

Medicare

California has almost 2 million more residents enrolled in Medicare than all other states. Furthermore, over 10% of the US population is ageing into Medicare daily. Due to this, California SSA offices are impacted more than other states, and some counties in CA suffer greater staffing access shortages than others. As a result, you do want to start the process three months before you turn 65, when you receive Part A and B benefits, to get access to your Medicare number and have the effective date you requested for your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.

Further, please remember that California was one of the original states to enact a “birthday rule” for Medigap open enrollment, which ends 60 days after your birthday. Idaho is one of the newest states offering the birthday rule, which allows someone to replace a Medigap policy with a policy of equal or lesser benefits during the annual 63-day open enrollment window after your birthday. In Nevada, the annual open enrollment period lasts for 60 days and begins on the 1st day of your birthday month, during which a Medigap policy can be replaced with any policy offering equal or lesser benefits. However, coverage cannot be made effective before the birthday or beyond 60 days from the application date. On the other hand, Arizona and Florida do not have guaranteed issue periods beyond the initial enrollment period.

Millions of People with Medicare Will Benefit from the New Out-of-Pocket Drug Spending Cap Over Time: Let’s Hope –

In 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will pay no more than $2,000 out of pocket for prescription drugs covered under Part D, Medicare’s outpatient drug benefit. Read more about it here

Covered CA

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE

Special Enrollment for those who missed the Open Enrollment deadline: apply, change, or make any changes until Tuesday, March 26th, 2024. This will conclude this year's open market for individuals and families.

All previous rules and regulations for Special Enrollments will remain in effect from 03/26/24 until the end of the year.

It's important to keep in mind the concept of GoodRx. You can download the application and use it as a guest. Regardless of our current insurance coverage, it's essential to explore where and how we can find the most affordable options to save on our costs while also supporting the pharmacy that provides the lowest price for the prescription. Read more about it here

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

Dashamula is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation consisting of the roots of ten plants. It has a range of benefits and highlights that can positively impact physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Dashamula is a combination of the following ten roots: bilva (Aegle marmelos), agnimantha (Premna integrifolia), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), brihati (Solanum indicum), kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum), prishnaparni (Uraria picta), and gokshura (Tribulus terrestri

- Physical well-being: Supports the respiratory system, reduces inflammation, promotes healthy digestion, and nourishes the nervous system.

- Emotional balance: Calms the mind and supports emotional stability.

- Spiritual connection: Contributes to spiritual grounding and inner balance.

By incorporating sustainable Dashamula into health practices, we may experience physical comfort, emotional equilibrium, and a deeper spiritual connection, leading to overall well-being.

What we are reading

This is one of my favorite books. It delves into the path of spiritual awakening and inner peace by letting go and freeing ourselves from limiting beliefs and negative energies. Singer's insightful teachings offer a transformative guide for decluttering our minds and embracing the true essence of life's energy and experience.

Travel

Spring is here and that means new travel opportunities to recharge ourselves after a cold winter.

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

- 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

Make sure you get travel insurance before you fly out!!!

Wishing you safe and peaceful travels,

From Naama, and the RightPlan team 💙