The Federal Affordable Care Act now requires that all health plans offered in the individual and small group markets must provide a comprehensive package of  services, known as Essential Health Benefits. These benefits fit into the following 10 categories: 1. …

What Does Obamacare Cover? Read More »

Here’s a good chart provided by County of Santa Barbara Social Services that shows the amount of assistance you can expect based on your income.

A client of mine trying to decide on a plan asked today, “What does 40% coinsurance after deductible mean and what is the difference between 20% coinsurance and 40%?” Here are some useful terms to understand when trying to answer …

Terms of Insurance: Co-pay, Co-insurance, Deductible Read More »

Here is how much premium assistance, advanced premium tax credits or subsidies you can expect to receive based on your income.

If you live in the counties of San Luis Obispo, Ventura or Santa Barbara (Covered California Rating Region 12) you have four choices for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Really you have two choices unless you live …

Covered California Health Plans on the Central Coast Read More »

Cottage Health System recently conducted two Community Health Needs Assessments for south and mid-Santa Barbara County—roughly the areas served by Cottage Health System hospitals. The assessments identify major health concerns, gaps in services, and other factors that may detract from …

Santa Barbara Community Health Needs Assessment Read More »

In the Santa Barbara region (12) there are only two preferred provider organizations (PPO)  from which you can receive care under Obamacare. Before you buy insurance you should confirm that your doctor is a member of the PPO (accepting patients …

Obamacare in Santa Barbara – Find a Provider Read More »

If you are going on-line or preparing to meet your insurance agent to enroll in Obamacare you should have the following information ready: To get premium assistance you must provide proof of: income, citizenship, and residency. All applicants should be …

Information I need to enroll in Obamacare Read More »

Out-of-pocket expenses The Marketplace (your state health insurance exchange or the federal exchange depending on where you live) cost-sharing reduction lowers the amount you have to pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.  Health insurance companies offering coverage …

Deductibles, Out-of-Pocket Expenses, and Keeping Your Present Doctor Read More »