By Thomas Cazneau

Recently, a couple from Australia received a million dollar hospital bill because their travel insurance did not cover pregnancy delivery outside of the couple’s country. The couple (John Kan and Rachel Evans) had purchased two travel type insurance packages because both insurance companies claimed to have maternity coverage. However, during their vacation to Vancouver, B.C, Rachel unexpectedly went into early delivery, and they found out that maternity services and baby delivery were not covered by either of these insurance packages. While they are overjoyed by their new daughter and do not begrudge their situation, any financial relief would be welcomed by any parents faced with a million dollar hospital bill.

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Posted: April 30th, 2012 under California, Emergency Care, General Interest, Health Insurance, Thomas Cazneau.
Comments: 8

By Thomas Cazneau

The ability to work hard is a big plus in any individual. However, an addiction to work can be very unhealthy. Here are four signs to consider when gauging your own level of addiction to work.

1.       No Boundaries

If you are a workaholic, then you are probably the first to arrive and the last to leave the workplace. While on the clock, doing a good job is not enough for you. You strive to be the best at what you do and can tend to be very competitive if someone else surpasses you. This can sometimes provoke you to go beyond what’s necessary to meet employer expectations and demands.
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Posted: April 18th, 2012 under General Interest, Health and Fitness, Thomas Cazneau.
Comments: 13

By Esmeralda Mercado

This blog is intended to give an overview of the latest Health Care Reform news with the Supreme Court, and to invite people to share their own questions and theories.

The Supreme Court Marathon
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA” or “ACA”) was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Two years later, the Supreme Court considered its constitutionality after 26 states challenged the law. The case proceedings spanned a three day marathon, from March 26 through March 28, 2012. Many were surprised to find that the lawsuit was not dismissed automatically. Oral arguments revealed that the justices were divided on the law. Many tough questions were asked and remain unanswered. The arguments boiled down to a question of jurisdiction or boundaries of power: Does the Constitution’s Commerce Clause give the government the right to force its citizens to buy medical insurance? How much control does the federal government have over the states?

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Posted: April 13th, 2012 under Esmeralda Mercado, General Interest, Health Care Reform, Health Insurance.
Comments: none

By Jacob Hansen

Some people think that they have to get medical coverage directly from the health insurance company in order to get the best price. In reality, you will get the same exact price for your health insurance whether you go through the carrier or a health insurance broker. This is because according to federal law, a broker cannot charge fees or raise the prices for health insurance. For more information, click Health Insurance Broker.

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Posted: April 11th, 2012 under General Interest, Health Insurance.
Comments: none

By Thomas Cazneau

Just a few more days until Valentine’s Day! In my previous blog, I shared five tips on how to build and maintain healthy communication in relationships. Whether you are spending Valentine’s Day with family, friends, a love interest, or coworkers, healthy communication can definitely be of help! Consider these five promised tips as my Valentine’s Day cards to you.
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Posted: February 10th, 2012 under Associate Blogs, General Interest, Health and Fitness, Thomas Cazneau.
Comments: 4

By Thomas Cazneau
January and February have different emphases. January is mainly focused on improving yourself while February is a time for cultivating healthy relationships with others.

In January, my New Year’s resolution was to lose weight and eat healthier, and as far as the mirror and scale tell me, I am doing great. To insure this, I have a very reliable Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Plan. They have member programs to support me in my current health goals. If you would like more information about Kaiser Permanente member benefits, click Health Insurance Plans.

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Posted: February 7th, 2012 under General Interest, Health and Fitness, Thomas Cazneau.
Comments: none

By Esmeralda Mercado

According to The National Mental Health Association, about 54 million people in America have a mental health disorder. Another study reports that one out of four people have a mental illness. In California alone, the Department of Mental Health has a budget of over $4 billion and more than 10,000 employees dedicated to the treatment and prevention of mental disorders in the state.

Mental Health Insurance
Kaiser Permanente has numerous plans that include mental health coverage. In California, for example, all individual and family plan offerings insure mental health services. Benefits usually apply to outpatient individual or group visits, as well as to hospitalization and intensive psychiatric treatment. Prescription drugs are covered, if the policy you selected includes the benefit. Plans vary, so be sure to verify with your insurance representative.

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Posted: January 12th, 2012 under Esmeralda Mercado, General Interest, Health Insurance.
Comments: none

I’m reading a book about living the life you’ve always dreamed of. It’s non-fiction. The book is about dreaming outside the box and taking steps towards your passion in life. In a way, the book describes what we do with resolutions at the beginning of each new year: We have a fresh canvas of a year ahead of us and we color it with ideas on what we’d like to become or what we’d like to accomplish. The start of a new year is a great time to pursue your success story. With 2012 just a few days away, what are your dreams or New Year resolutions?

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Posted: December 29th, 2011 under General Interest, Health and Fitness.
Comments: none

By Esmeralda Mercado

Christmas stress. There’s something wrong about these two words being connected. Could it be that in our effort to give the best gifts, we’ve somehow lost the time and sanity of mind to celebrate in peace and good will?

Meaning of “Christmas”
According to Wikipedia, “Christmas” means “Christ’s mass”, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. In the first Christmas, three wise men brought gifts to honor the King born in the manger. Centuries later, mankind celebrates it by giving gifts to their loved ones. The spirit of Christmas was and always has been one of peace and good will. So why the stress?

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Posted: December 22nd, 2011 under General Interest.
Comments: none