by Barbara Kempen | Aug 15, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Blue Shield of CA, Covered California, Federal Poverty Level, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, Tax Credits, Tax Penalty
Covered California has released its 2026 rates, and for Los Angeles County – Southwest (Region 16), the average increase will be 10.0%. That’s close to the statewide average of 10.3%, but the real concern isn’t just the rate change—it’s what could happen if Congress...
by Barbara Kempen | Jul 28, 2025 | Uncategorized
In July 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized new rules for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces. These changes aim to improve the program’s integrity, reduce fraud, and ensure that only those who truly qualify receive subsidies....
by Barbara Kempen | Jul 11, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, HSA
Health savings accounts (HSAs) offer incredible tax benefits for individuals enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). Given the recent announcement of the 2026 HSA contribution limits and changes with the introduction of the “Big Beautiful Bill ”...
by Barbara Kempen | Jun 20, 2025 | Benefits Administration, Dental Insurance
Why is Dental Insurance Important?Did you know that people without dental insurance are more likely to experience serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes? Dental-related problems account for over 2 million emergency room visits annually, underscoring the...
by Barbara Kempen | Mar 20, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Covered California, Federal Poverty Level, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, LA Tragedy
Understanding the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and Its Impact on Health Insurance in California The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is a benchmark for assessing individuals’ and families’ income levels relative to the federal poverty threshold. In California, health...
by Barbara Kempen | Feb 21, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Benefits Administration, Blue Shield of CA, Covered California, Dental Insurance, Group Health Insurance, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica
Although it might take some time to set up your free preventative exam with your in-network doctor, it is well worth taking advantage of this benefit. Most preventive care visits are scheduled between two to three month in advance, so start scheduling your preventive...
by Barbara Kempen | Feb 20, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Blue Shield of CA, Covered California, Federal Poverty Level, getting married, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, LA Fires, LA Tragedy, Special Enrollment Period
Starting February 1, 2025 the Special Enrollment Period begins. During the Special Enrollment Period from February 1st to October 31st, 2025, anyone seeking to enroll in or change their existing health insurance must have had a so-called “qualifying life...
by Barbara Kempen | Feb 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
While so many Angelenos are affected by the most recent fires. We are sharing the Palibu Chamber information about important deadlines. LA COUNTY REGION BUSINESS RELIEF FUND OPENhttps://opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-worker-relief-funds/LA County and partners...
by Barbara Kempen | Jan 23, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Blue Shield of CA, Celebrating Women, Covered California, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, LA Fires, LA Tragedy
Tragedy often strikes when you least expect it. Many of my clients, as well as myself, have faced the devastating loss of all our possessions in the LA fires. Homes, cars, everything we owned—gone in an instant. However, we are grateful to be safe, surrounded by...
by Barbara Kempen | Nov 29, 2024 | Affordable Health Insurance, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, Medicare, Retirement
The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an additional charge that some Medicare beneficiaries must pay on top of their standard Part B and Part D premiums. This surcharge is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. For...
