With only one manufacturer of the Shingles Vaccine, Zostavax from Merck, there are no generic prices on the market. The retail price for Zostavax at the local pharmacies I surveyed is fairly consistent across the board. Lower prices can be found under different Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans, but even with insurance, there can be a spread of $115 to $170 difference in the cost.
Archives for August 2013
Catherine’s House HIV/AIDS Retreat Center and Organic Farm
Upon first glance, all the connections between Catherine’s House retreat center for HIV/AIDS patients, the organic gardens, and the Catholic Worker Farm can be as confusing as examining the gears of a mechanical clock. But if you look closely you’ll see how all the different parts mesh together within this community to measure the seasons and provide “time” for visitors and members to grow.
Medicare Fines Medicare Advantage PACE Plans $25,000
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have announced enforcement actions against two Medicare Advantage Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) contractors. Both Silver Star Health Network in Lubbock, TX, and Alexian Brothers Community Services in St. Louis, MO, received civil monetary penalties of $25,000 each for non-compliance of Medicare regulations. Formal letters notifying the Medicare Advantage Plans of the penalty were sent out August 1, 2013.
Health Agents To Get Mobile App From Covered California
Set to release in early September, the Covered California mobile app will not have the ability to enroll individuals or families in a health plan. It is simply a tool for determining eligibility for the premium subsidy and comparing plans offered in the zip code entered.
Anthem Blue Cross Will Discontinue California Health Plans
In September, Anthem Blue Cross will be mailing members enrolled in California plans that their health insurance may not be renewed in 2014 as certain plans will be discontinued. Because Blue Cross is selling individual and family insurance through Covered California, the new health care reform insurance market place, they are not allowed to offer non ACA-compliant plans outside of the exchange.
McClintock Presented Unicorn Award For Climate Change Denial
A dedicated group of volunteers with Organizing for Action gathered outside of Rep. Tom McClintock’s (R-CA) Granite Bay District Office to present him with the Unicorn Award for denying the existence of climate change. His refusal to believe in the overwhelming science that the earth’s climate is changing from man made green house gases is synonymous with believing that unicorns exist.
Sole Proprietor Small Group Plans Dropped Under Health Care Reform
Sole proprietors with small group plans might be surprised when they are notified that their current health insurance company will be discontinuing their coverage in 2014. With the advent of guarantee issue individual and family plans under the new Affordable Care Act (ACA), some carriers have already decided to discontinue issuing small group plans to sole proprietors.
Field Guide to Identifying Covered California Health Plans
The identification of a decent health insurance plan has been like trying to identify edible mushrooms. So many mushrooms look the same: white stem with a cap on top. If you pick the wrong mushroom for dinner it could kill you, just like health insurance. Covered California has created some booklets, or field guides, to help people spot and identify the best health insurance for their family from within the new health insurance market place opening October, 2013.
Independence Trail Walk by South Yuba River
Maybe you can’t walk back in time, but you certainly can walk through part of California’s water history. Dug by hand in the side of the hill above the south fork of the Yuba River, the abandoned water canal and flumes have been transformed into a fairly easy, wheelchair accessible, hike. Named appropriately the Independence Trail, it’s more of a walk than a hike.
Prohibit Cross Selling Insurance with Covered California Health Plans
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be driving millions of people to either get health insurance or look at switching plans. The net result is a huge new marketing opportunity for insurance agents to sell not only health insurance, but far more lucrative insurance for life, disability, long term care, indemnity, auto and home or financial services. However, insurance agents should be prohibited from cross selling any non-health related insurance products during the initial meeting with prospects for the new ACA health plans.