Health

Medicare
Explore, better understand Medi-Cal changes at Lompoc town hall next week

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department is hosting a town hall in Lompoc next week for community members seeking guidance on Medi-Cal coverage changes. Attendees will learn how to maintain coverage and access local resources for ongoing support.

Coverage FAQs

Cruising on Medicare: What the “6-Hour Rule” Really Means (7-11-2026)

Medicare’s “6-hour rule” may surprise even the most seasoned travelers, offering far less coverage than many retirees expect once they set sail. Before stepping aboard, seniors should understand how Original Medicare’s limits apply when the open seas call.

Coverage FAQs

Plans and Options

 Cruising on Medicare: What the “6-Hour Rule” Really Means (7-11-2026)
As Summer Waterway Traffic Increases, LegalMatch Highlights the Unique Legal Complexities of Boating Accidents

With waterways busier than ever, boating accidents present heightened challenges during the summer. LegalMatch underscores the complex insurance and liability questions that arise when collisions occur, urging boaters to stay prepared for unexpected legal obstacles.

Coverage FAQs

Health benefits spending soars, but employee confusion persists

Despite employers allocating more funds for health plans, many workers struggle to navigate their coverage details. This ongoing confusion underscores the urgent need for improved communication and more effective benefit-enrollment tools.

Coverage FAQs

Plans and Options

Mastantuno Law Firm Releases New Guide Explaining What South Carolina Car Accident Claims May Really Be Worth

A newly released guide from the Mastantuno Law Firm seeks to clarify the complex world of car accident claims in South Carolina. By illuminating key considerations for those injured on the road, the comprehensive resource caters to anyone seeking to navigate the process of determining just compensation.

Coverage FAQs

 Mastantuno Law Firm Releases New Guide Explaining What South Carolina Car Accident Claims May Really Be Worth
This Popular Medicare Benefit Is Safe — for Now

A popular Medicare benefit that helps seniors cut costs and save time has returned, though it faces an uncertain future. Health advocates encourage recipients to stay informed about any changes, as the program’s long-term outlook remains unclear.

Plans and Options

Talking Money: Tax savings benefits of a Health Savings Account

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were introduced in 2003 as a way to help Americans handle out-of-pocket health care bills. With tax advantages built in, they offer a practical route to cover qualified medical expenses while reducing the financial burden on individuals and families.

Plans and Options

 Talking Money: Tax savings benefits of a Health Savings Account
Carrot Expands Industry-Leading Flexible Plan Design With New Cycle-Based Fertility Option

Carrot, a global fertility and family care platform, has announced an expansion of its Flexible Plan Design with the launch of a cycle-based plan. This new offering allows customers to use either or both of Carrot’s coverage approaches—benefit maximums and cycle-based plans—to provide more individualized care for members.

Plans and Options

 Carrot Expands Industry-Leading Flexible Plan Design With New Cycle-Based Fertility Option
Next Generation MyCare info session coming to Lima

Lima residents will soon have the chance to learn about Next Generation MyCare, an initiative from the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The session will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Area Agency on Aging 3, 2423 Allentown Road.

Plans and Options

 Next Generation MyCare info session coming to Lima
The 2026 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Is Here. 3 Things You Need to Know

As the 2026 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period begins, time is running out to review your options. Don’t miss what could be your final opportunity to update or switch your coverage for the coming year. Here’s what you need to know.

Plans and Options

Savvy Senior: How to appeal a Medicare coverage denial

Medicare coverage denials can raise many questions for seniors unfamiliar with the appeals process. This article offers a glimpse into a piece that promises guidance on next steps when claims are turned down.

Coverage FAQs

Have Blue Cross and Blue Shield and go to an Ascension hospital? You could pay more

With a contract deadline looming, negotiations between Ascension Texas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas could leave patients facing higher out-of-network costs. If no agreement is reached by January 1, those insured by Blue Cross and Blue Shield may see their medical bills increase at several Ascension facilities across the region.

Plans and Options

 Have Blue Cross and Blue Shield and go to an Ascension hospital? You could pay more
Curative Health Raises $150M, Reaches $1.275B Valuation to Disrupt Employer Health Insurance with AI and $0 Deductibles

Curative Health has secured $150 million in new funding, solidifying its billion-dollar valuation and transforming the employer health insurance space. Offering a $0-out-of-pocket plan, Curative aims to upend traditional coverage by removing deductibles and copays.

Plans and Options

 Curative Health Raises $150M, Reaches $1.275B Valuation to Disrupt Employer Health Insurance with AI and $0 Deductibles
Ambetter Health Expands Pennie Marketplace Coverage Across Central Pennsylvania

Ambetter Health, a product of Centene Corporation, will expand its coverage in Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace in 2026. This move aims to bring more affordable care options to residents in central Pennsylvania, reflecting a growing commitment to broaden healthcare access in the region.

Plans and Options

 Ambetter Health Expands Pennie Marketplace Coverage Across Central Pennsylvania
Your health insurance rates could soon spike, expert reveals moves to make now before the new year

Open enrollment season is just around the corner, fueling worries about escalating premiums and growing deductibles. An industry expert urges individuals to make certain moves now to avoid bigger financial hits in the new year.

Coverage FAQs

Plans and Options

Local manufacturer celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with mammograms

In an impactful gesture for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the manufacturing company Bendix transported around 20 employees via limousine to receive mammograms at the Graves Gilbert Clinic Family Care Center. This initiative aimed to stress early detection while including employees’ spouses and spotlighting critical workplace support for health.

Plans and Options

 Local manufacturer celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with mammograms
Spherix Global Insights Announces Upcoming New Special TopixTM Unpacking Payer Management Strategies Across Over 25 Therapeutic Areas

Spherix Global Insights plans to unveil a Special Topix™ report that dissects how U.S. insurers and pharmacy benefit managers will manage drug access across more than 25 disease areas. The study, due to subscribers by month’s end, promises rare, data-driven insight into formularies, contracting pressures and the post-Inflation Reduction Act landscape.

Plans and Options

Nebraska Association of County Officials hosting online ‘understanding Medicare’ workshops

In a bid to educate seniors on their healthcare options, the Nebraska Association of County Officials is offering free online “Understanding Medicare” workshops months before the open enrollment period.

Coverage FAQs

Plans and Options

 Nebraska Association of County Officials hosting online ‘understanding Medicare’ workshops
The Future of Medicare: Potential Changes and What They Mean for Beneficiaries

As the landscape of healthcare evolves, Medicare stands at a pivotal crossroads. With shifts in policy, enrollment trends, and beneficiary needs, understanding the future of Medicare is crucial for millions of Americans. This article explores the potential changes on the horizon and what they mean for beneficiaries.

 The Future of Medicare: Potential Changes and What They Mean for Beneficiaries
Supplementing Medicare: Do You Need a Medigap Plan for Additional Coverage?

As you approach the age of 65, understanding your Medicare options becomes crucial for managing your healthcare needs. While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) provides essential coverage, it doesn’t cover everything. This is where Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, comes into play. Medigap is designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

 Supplementing Medicare: Do You Need a Medigap Plan for Additional Coverage?
Medicare vs Medicaid: Key Differences and Who Qualifies for Each

Navigating the world of health insurance can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding government-sponsored programs like Medicare and Medicaid. While both programs aim to assist individuals with healthcare costs, they serve different populations and have distinct eligibility criteria. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Medicare and Medicaid and help you determine if you or a loved one qualifies for these essential services.

 Medicare vs Medicaid: Key Differences and Who Qualifies for Each
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