Health Insurance is too expensive. I sell it and I know this. I have a prediction for the "New Biden Plan". Call it a hunch. I predict that we will design a robust MediCal program and keep a version of the private employer based programs such as we have now. California's MediCal program is call Read More
California Department of Insurance Warning
I have addressed my concern of Christian Health Plans in my December blog. Finally California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara warns us of this flawed way of "insuring" yourself. He has also opened an open enrollment window for those with this type of co-op health cost coverage. This open Read More
Christian Health Plans
These plans are not insurance plans. They are not endorsed by the State of California nor the Insurance Commissioner. Buyer beware. If you have a large hospital bill and long term services to follow are you sure you will be covered ? The many success stories I have heard about involve small Read More
Transparency in Health Care Billing
Transparency is a phrase that is worn out. It can mean anything. I have always wanted transparency in what goes into a hot dog. Let me tell you a little story about 2 people seeking medical care. Two different health insurance companies. Two different procedures. Both were treated in an Read More
I hate my dental insurance !!
I hear this declaration many times. It is hard to always know what the real problem is. Here are some things to do that really help you get the coverage you expect. Ask for an estimate of charges and send this in to your insurance company. This will help you understand your share of the bill Read More
You Get What You Pay For
Everyone knows that you pay more for a Tesla than a Prius. Right? I am making an analogy to healthcare. It will offend some and others will understand the economics of it. Eventually a quiet movement will occur within our healthcare delivery. You won't see headlines proclaiming one physician Read More
Balance Billing, Ambulance Rides and AB 72
UPDATE There is a new Assembly Bill that affects the balance billing frequently done by anesthesiologists. This type of balance billing is not protected under the emergency visit balance billing law of 2009. Recently California passed legislation on the balance billing that can take place Read More
Are independant doctors able to survive?
Earlier this year Sharp Community Health Group turned away Anthem patients. Patients who obtained a new individual plan from Anthem in 2014 were told they could pay cash or seek another provider. This was not always easy since Anthem did not contract with Scripps or UCSD. That meant the patient Read More
What is a Qualifying Event?
When the Affordable Care Act was introduced, it included guaranteed issue for applicants. What does that mean? Previous to January 2014, your health insurance application could be denied for medical issues. A BMI ( body mass index ) over 30 could cause you to be declined or rated up in cost. Breast Read More