Holiday Stress With long to-do lists, increased budgets, upcoming family gatherings, and for some reminders of lost loved ones, it’s no wonder the upcoming holiday season is referred to as “hustle and bustle.” Worse, we’re bombarded with messages telling us that this is supposed to be a joyous season, full of love, laughter, and light. But what do we do when the stress or sadness creeps [...]

When we’re at the dentist’s office, sometimes it can sound like they’re speaking a different language! Let’s brush up on some of the official terms for our pearly whites.  What most of us call our baby [...]

Get Ready for 2017 Open Enrollment It’s that time of year again – time to enroll in health coverage for 2017. Open enrollment for Marketplace plans begins on November 1, with coverage starting on January 1, 2017. Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider your coverage options for next year. [...]

Usher in fall with this holiday favorite ingredient! Serve this crowd-pleaser as an appetizer or dessert. It’s easy to make, loaded with vitamin A and low in saturated fat.  Ingredients: • 6 ounces low-fat cream cheese, room temperature • 1/3 cup reduced-fat Greek yogurt • 15 ounces (1 can) roasted pumpkin, no sugar added • 2 1/2 teaspoons gr [...]

We’re back with Steven and Mia as shop for a health plan. Something that really helped them make a decision was knowing they’d be able to get care when they needed it—that’s the value of a health plan. We talked about the doctors and specialists who are on the list for the plans they like, which hospitals or pharmacies they would go to, and the nearest urgent care center for those non-critical [...]

We’ve been talking with Steven and Mia on their journey to understand more about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and signing up for a health plan. One big concern is the cost. Will they be eligible for a lower monthly payment through a tax credit or subsidy? Here’s the good news: Based on their income, they may qualify for financial assistance from the federal government [...]

We’re catching back up with Steven and Mia as they go down the path to getting a health plan for 2017. Mia is the one who usually does the research in the family. We let Mia know that we’re here to help her think through things and walk through her options as she is choosing a plan. And we do this at no extra cost.   These are some key things for Mia, or anyone who is looki [...]

We wanted to touch base with Steve and Mia for one last visit, to find out their next steps now that they enrolled in a Florida Blue plan. What can they expect to receive from Florida Blue? When do they get their health plan info and member ID cards? When and how should they start getting health care services? And where do they turn for answers to questions about their benefits and ways to save [...]

Like lots of people this fall, Steven and Mia want to sign up for a 2017 health plan. They don’t get health coverage through their jobs, and they know they need it for ‘the big stuff’. But where do they start? They turned to us and we had good news for them:  we had some straightforward facts to share, plus we’ve mapped out some easy steps for them to take. Come along for the ride. [...]