Healthcare Costs and the Medi-Cal Program In California

Has anyone else noticed the rise in healthcare expenses? Not only are the costs of medical care and prescriptions going up, but premiums are on the rise as well. More employers are shifting a higher portion of the costs of healthcare to the employees, including higher deductibles and co-pays in many instances.

And this issue is only enhanced by the decrease in monies provided for state and federal run healthcare plans, such as Medi-Cal in California or Medicaid programs. Those who may have previously benefited from these plans due to being in a lower income bracket are finding themselves having to fork out money for traditional healthcare plans. For those who are in these lower income brackets who barely fall outside of the required income guidelines, it is becoming increasingly difficult to live on remaining dollars after paying for healthcare alone.

For the purposes of the Medi-Cal program specifically, there are several requirements to qualify for the program. The qualifications are really based upon the qualifications for other programs that are state and federally run. If an individual qualifies for cash aid or food stamps, for example, they will likely qualify for Medi-Cal. However, if someone owns a certain amount of property, such as multiple cars or home that is over the allowable limit for the family size then the family would not qualify for health coverage assistance. The general guideline is for property limits starts at $2,000 for the first person and increases with each family member. In addition, the family's income plays a large factor in determining eligibility for the Medi-Cal program. As an example, a family of four can make a maximum of $4,167/month to receive health insurance benefits. Add an additional $708 for each additional family member to find the maximum amount of allowable income for larger families. Other factors include things such as: if a family member has a serious illness or disability, if the woman is pregnant, if there are children in the family, or if a family member needs specific health care, such as nursing home care, cancer treatment, or dialysis, to name a few.

Please don't get me wrong. I believe that abuse of the Welfare program (i.e. cash aid, food stamps, medical assistance, homeless assistance, etc.) is absolutely wrong. If someone is receiving assistance and not working because they choose not to work (not because they physically can't work), or if they are receiving assistance but are using the money to purchase drugs or are involved in other illegal activity, then I absolutely believe they should not be able to receive assistance. However, if they are a single-parent household, has a medical emergency, or just can't make ends meet while working a full-time job, then they should have the opportunity to receive assistance. That is what it is truly meant for.

So, if you don't qualify for Medi-Cal benefits because you are above their income limits, or you don't have children, or you don't have a specific illness or disability, then you'll likely find yourself paying for healthcare either through your employer or through a stand-alone private health insurance plan. I have had all types of health insurance plans over the years, and I have seen the rise in healthcare costs over the years.

**Please note that this information is current at the date and time of this posting. Please review the specific state requirements for state healthcare as they may have changed.

New Premiums Model in 2014 - Rating Rules For Businesses - Families - Individuals

New rating factors for businesses, as well as individuals and families, will play a key part in planning for 2014. Some businesses will be smacked with a 50+ percent increase based on some characteristics that are at play with the new rating rules. With that said, some businesses will be excited to know their premiums are slated to lower. There are some key items you need to know that go into the new rating model called Community Rating.

There are a lot of questions that come up regarding the healthcare law. Some think it will be for free. In some cases, it will be pretty close to free. Others will find out real soon when their premiums change, they may possibly go down, but for the most part they will go up due to changes in the Affordable Care Act.

Rates can vary based on if the plan covers an individual or a family. Health Insurance companies must utilize a per member rating process. The insurance company adds up the rate for each family member to arrive at the family premium. Rates for only the three oldest family members under age 21 will be taken into account in addition to the rates for those over 21.

A State may establish up to seven rating areas under the proposed ruling. The rating areas must meet one of the following: 1) There are no more than seven areas based on county, three-digit ZIP codes or metropolitan/non-metropolitan statistical areas. 2) There is only one area in the state.

Rates can vary based on age. They cannot vary more than 3 to 1 for adults. The rule establishes a uniform age bands. A child age band: A single age band from 0-20. An Adult age bands: One year age band stating at age 21 to 63. Lastly, a single age band for 64 and older.

Tobacco users were not left out of the equation. Insurance carriers can charge higher rates for people who use tobacco products. They are also limited on what they can charge. Rates for people who use tobacco products cannot vary by more than 1.5 times the rate of the non-tobacco user.

The premiums could have a toll one way or the other come 2014, depending on the variables in the census of the employer group and the new rating rules. The business may or may not have control on the ratings, however, you can start planning your strategy for 2014 and beyond. Making some adjustments now could off-set costs come next year. If you do not do anything, or the current agent or broker does not do anything, you could be suffering with the 50 + percent increase putting a huge burden on the cash-flow of the business. Cash-flow is so crucial for the survival of a business.

Backpacker Insurance for Gap Year Hazards

Backpacker insurance for gap year hazards should never be ignored. A gap year adventure should be the most exciting trip that any young person will experience in their lifetime. That first taste of freedom and adventure, where you inevitably hook up with like-minded travellers and make memories and lifetime friends. In all the excitement and anticipation of the trip it is natural to want to ignore the potential hazards - and with a heap of good luck nothing will go wrong. After all, you have spent many months planning the trip and doing your research...

Many gap year travellers choose popular long-haul destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Africa and Australia - all a long way from home. Needless to say, setting off on such a fantastic adventure would be crazy without the peace of mind of a quality Backpacker travel insurance policy tucked in your rucksack

The importance of researching your destination(s) cannot be emphasised strongly enough. With any luck you will not run into any hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, typhoons or tropical diseases along the way, but with some preparation and knowledge you can be ready to face anything thrown at you.

We always recommend that travellers visit the website of the British Foreign Office for the latest travel advice, and this service is offered for free by most governments. Staying safe and personal security on your travels is always a concern. You'll need to be aware of the current political situation and potential hazards you could encounter - and, most important, what to do and where to go for help if anything does go wrong.

Personal safety and security is of prime concern, as most countries have problems with pick-pocketing, mugging, drink spiking, and various scams.

Being caught in possession of any illegal drugs or substances can, in some countries, result in very serious charges, imprisonment, and even the death penalty!Read up on the local laws and customs of the country you are visiting and respect their rules and dress codes to avoid trouble. Again, it is important to know that travel insurance is unlikely to cover any claims related to your use or possession of illegal substances or abuse of alcohol.

A cheap backpacker policy automatically covers a range of sporting activities that are considered hazardous. Always check the policy to see what is and is not covered before you set off on your trip. One-off activities like a bungee jump or elephant ride are normally covered.

Most important is to have excellent cover for Medical Expenses - and always check that it includes Repatriation. Falling ill or sustaining an accidental injury while halfway around the world in a remote area could cost many thousands of pounds. You may need to be flown to a neighbouring country for specialised treatment - all very expensive. Without insurance you, or your family will have to foot the bill. Your consulate or embassy is on hand to provide limited help, but they do not pay your bills, and ignorance is no excuse...

One of the biggest problems travellers face is the loss or theft of their passports. This is something normally covered by your travel insurance. The nearest consulate or embassy will help you to obtain a new travel document, but it is not free!

A cheap backpacker policy should also provide cover for things like Mugging, Missed Departure, Scheduled Airline Failure, Hijack, Personal Liability and Legal Expenses. Most Backpacker policies are cheaper because they are 'light' on cover for luggage and possessions. There's no point paying for cover that you do not need.

If you are busy planning your gap year adventure and are under the impression that insurance is unnecessary, or you have not factored the cost into your budget, why not discuss it with your parents or family members. Rather than set off uninsured, ask if they will purchase a policy for you as a farewell gift. They should be motivated to help, because allowing you to travel uninsured may bring them a world of trouble if the worst should happen and you run into hazards while you are on the other side of the world.

The news is full of tragedies of this type all the time - where families suffer hardship and often have to organise fundraisers to find the tens of thousands of pounds needed to fly their loved ones home. The cost of a Backpacker policy is such a small price to pay for peace of mind for you and your family.