by Barbara Kempen | Aug 28, 2026 | Affordable Health Insurance, Blue Shield of CA, Covered California, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Open Enrollment
Back-to-school season can bring mixed feelings. We are happy to return to a routine, but wonder how summer went by so quickly. And with our current California heatwave, it certainly doesn’t feel like summer is over yet! Here are 7 helpful tips to start the new...
by Barbara Kempen | Aug 27, 2026 | Affordable Health Insurance, Benefits Administration, Blue Shield of CA, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, Medicare, Prescription Drugs
You may have seen recent headlines suggesting that Medicare Part D is ending or that prescription drug premiums will skyrocket in 2027. Fortunately, neither is true. Medicare Part D is not going away. However, an important temporary government subsidy that helped keep...
by Barbara Kempen | May 15, 2026 | Affordable Health Insurance, Blue Shield of CA, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medigap, Preventative Care, Retirement
The answer isn’t just “inflation.” A major shift in how healthcare is delivered is quietly driving up your Medigap bill — and most people don’t see it coming. average 10%- Part B premium increase for 2026 73% Rise in outpatient spending...
by Barbara Kempen | Sep 21, 2025 | Affordable Health Insurance, Benefits Administration, Blue Shield of CA, Covered California, Federal Poverty Level, Health Insurance Brentwood, Health Insurance Pacific Palisades, Health Insurance Santa Monica, HSA, Uncategorized
As we move closer to 2026, Covered California has released its updated standard benefit designs for all health plan tiers. These designs outline the core structure of every plan offered through the marketplace, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and...
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 | 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...
