california | Bernardini & Donovan

October 29, 2014September 8, 2016

Open Enrollment 2015: Where To Start?

With open enrollment 2015 right around the corner, you may be stressed out, especially if this is your first time applying for health coverage. However, there is no need to fret! We are here to break down the process and help you understand the often-confusing subject of health care. Here are a few useful tidbits of information to help ease your mind:

The only way to apply for health care before November 15^th is to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Your current health coverage will end on December 31^st of 2014 if it was purchased prior to November 15^th, 2014.
To apply online for health coverage, you will first need to make an account. Be prepared with a username and password that are secure, and memorable.
You can begin filling out your application on the 15^th of November.
Be prepared to answer questions regarding your income, current health plan, how many individuals are in your household, and more.
After your application has been filed, you will be presented with the coverage options that you are eligible to take advantage of.
Once you have evaluated your options, you should select the plan that best suits your lifestyle.
Your next and last step is to enroll in the plan of your choice, and to pay your first premium before the payment is overdue.
Get in touch with one of one of our certified Covered California agents here at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services to help you through the process!

We hope that these tips have proven useful to you! For any additional answers to your health insurance questions, contact the insurance professionals at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services, located in Redlands! We cannot wait to assist you, today!

October 22, 2014September 8, 2016

How To Prep For Open Enrollment 2015!

Before we know it, November will be nipping at our heels! Along with November comes Open Enrollment 2015! It is time to start thinking about your health insurance needs. During this time, you have the opportunity to adjust your current health insurance policy, or purchase a new one altogether. Being prepared for open enrollment now, will lead to less stress headaches come November. Here are a few things to think about before next month rolls around:

Be prepared to have the addresses for every individual that will be covered under your policy.
You will need to have your social security number on hand.
If you are a legal immigrant, you should have your immigration documents handy.
Be prepared with your pay stubs or W-2 forms to verify your employment and income status.
Try to find an estimate of your household income for the last year.
Be equipped with the insurance policy of your existing health coverage.
If you or anyone in your household is eligible for an employer-sponsored health plan, you should complete the employer coverage tool prior to open enrollment.
Make sure you know the start and end dates for open enrollment. The first day is November 15^th, 2014 and open enrollment ends on February 15^th, 2015. Make sure you do not miss any of the deadlines!
Contact your certified Covered California agent at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance!

If you still have questions about the open enrollment process, or your current health insurance, please contact the trusted agents at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance! We are located in Redlands, California, and are prepared to find you a comprehensive health plan that meets all of your needs. As healthcare continues to increase in price, so does your need for an advocate in the health insurance world. Let us be your advocate, and contact us, today!

October 10, 2014September 8, 2016

Using an Insurance Broker to Successfully Maneuver the Open Enrollment Period

If you are one of the many Americans who missed Obamacare’s first open enrollment period, it is important that you start preparing so that you can be ready when the second open enrollment period arrives. If you miss this second period, you will be forced to pay a penalty for each month that you do not have health insurance. Unless you qualify for the special enrollment period, you could be paying hefty penalties for several months until the third open enrollment period arrives.

The second Covered California open enrollment period starts on November 15, 2014 and will end on February 15, 2015. During this time, you must obtain health insurance in order to avoid the penalty. During the weeks leading up to the second open enrollment period, you will want to gather all important documents such as birth certificates, proof of citizenship, etc. If you find the market exchange confusing, an insurance broker can guide you through this complicated process.

We understand how confusing the laws and regulations surrounding Obamacare can be, especially if you have never purchased health insurance before. Many individuals who are inexperienced in purchasing health insurance benefit immensely by using a broker. Insurance brokers such as the experienced brokers at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services guide you through each step of the health insurance process, free of charge. Our experience makes us the perfect candidates to sit down and compare varying plans and policies with you, to ensure that you obtain the most affordable policy possible.

Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California health insurance needs. We are extremely knowledgeable in all regulations and laws surrounding the Affordable Care Act, which is why we are the perfect team to guide you in your health insurance endeavors. We can help ensure that your health insurance complies will all new rules and regulations.

October 3, 2014September 8, 2016

Managing Your Life Insurance Policy

Despite its significance, many individuals who have life insurance fail to review their policy after its purchase. Many individuals simply pay the premium amount and do not give their life insurance policy the attention it requires. Yes, purchasing life insurance is the first step in the right direction. However, it is equally important to manage and update your policy as life continues to change. Gathered are some helpful tips to guide you in managing your life insurance policy:

Once you purchase your life insurance policy, it is important that you schedule annual visits with your life insurance agent so that you can make any necessary changes. However, if you experience a major life change, it is important that you get in touch with your life insurance agent to make immediate changes on your policy. These life changes include getting married, having a child, incurring debt, etc.
In managing your life insurance policy, you will want to go over how much money you are putting towards the policy. Talk with your life insurance agent and see if you would benefit from dispersing your funds with a variable life insurance policy. This investment opportunity would allow you to continue investing throughout the years.
If you are receiving life insurance from your employer, you will want to speak with a reputable life insurance agent to determine if this coverage will suffice in protecting each member of your family. Typically, employer sponsored life insurance policies only provide minimal coverage, which means depending on your particular needs, you may need to purchase a supplemental form of life insurance for ultimate protection.

Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California life insurance needs. Allow us to assist in managing your life insurance policy to ensure that your loved ones are always receiving the protection they deserve.

September 25, 2014September 8, 2016

Life Insurance Types: Term, Whole, Universal, & Variable

It is no surprise that many individuals find life insurance confusing. When it comes to choosing a life insurance policy, there are a magnitude of considerations and choices you must make. One of the most difficult decisions to make when it comes to purchasing a life insurance policy is choosing which type of life insurance policy to purchase. There is no cookie cutter answer for which life insurance policy works best for each individual, but these informational points should help guide your decision:

Term life insurance policies provide your loved ones with protection for a fixed period of time. You are in control of the longevity of your policy. You can choose for your policy to be active anywhere from 5 years to 50 years. These policies are less expensive than other types of life insurance policies since they do not accumulate cash value throughout the years.
Whole life insurance policies, also known as permanent life insurance policies, are more expensive than term life insurance policies because they accrue cash value over the years. Additionally, they do not expire. Your whole life insurance policy will protect your loved ones financially for the rest of your lifetime.
Universal life insurance policies are similar to whole life insurance policies but differ in that they are more flexible. Unlike whole life insurance policies, the premium amounts, coverage limits, and cash values can change throughout the duration of the policy.
Variable life insurance policies act as an investment opportunity. Through these policies, you can have a portion of your premium go towards an investment account or towards bonds or stocks.

We recognize September as Life Insurance Awareness Month! Contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands for all of your California life insurance needs. Allow us to help you decide between the different types of life insurance policies and provide your loved ones with guaranteed security.

September 19, 2014September 8, 2016

Understanding Life Insurance During Life Insurance Awareness Month

Since September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, chances are you have heard a thing or two about the topic recently. Nearly half of Americans do not have life insurance, despite how vital of an insurance policy it really is. Life insurance acts as a financial safeguard for your loved ones after you pass. Your life insurance policy will assist in paying all final expenses, burial costs, education expenses, and any income debt or liabilities.

When it comes to understanding life insurance, you must first understand who needs life insurance. While everyone can benefit from the extra security and the guarantee of their final wishes, those who need life insurance most are those who have someone depending on them financially. As your family begins the grieving process after you pass, the last thing you want is for them to have to deal with financial troubles. If you have any debt, a life insurance policy would provide your loved ones with financial protection. Additionally, your life insurance policy can replace your income for the time being until those who were dependent on you can determine an alternative income solution. This will allow them to continue paying all bills and mortgage payments.

As one of the most important policies an individual can purchase, insurance companies offer different types of life insurance policies to meet the financial limitations of nearly all individuals. Those in the market for a life insurance policy can choose between term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Your experienced agent will guide you through the process of choosing which type of life insurance policy best meets your needs. Understanding life insurance does not have to be confusing with one of our knowledgeable agents by your side.

August 18, 2014September 8, 2016

Does Your Business Qualify For SHOP Tax Credits?

Did you know that as a small business owner with fewer than 25 employees you may be eligible to receive a tax credit? This is only of course if you qualify to offer your employees health coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program, also known as SHOP.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is typically awarded to small businesses whose full time employees make an average of $50,000 or less annually. In order to qualify, you must be willing to pay at least 50% of the premium costs of your full time employee’s health care. You will not be required to offer health coverage to your part time employees or to the dependents of your full time employees. If you have fewer than 10 employees, expect to receive the ultimate benefits. The smaller your business, the larger tax credit you can expect to receive.

Employers abiding by the SHOP qualifications can receive up to 50% of their contribution towards employees’ premium costs. As a tax-exempt employer, you can receive up to 35 percent of your contribution towards employees’ premium costs in tax credits. Remember, this tax credit is only available for those employers who have provided their employees’ health coverage through the SHOP Marketplace.

How to Qualify for the Benefits of the Small Business Health Tax Credit:

You must have 50 or fewer full time employees in order to offer health coverage through the SHOP Marketplace.
As a SHOP member, you must offer health coverage to each full time employee.
In order to qualify, about 70% of your employees must enroll in your SHOP plan.
You will need to be relatively close to a SHOP service area in order to take advantage of this program.

Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services strives to provide Redlands, California residents with excellent insurance services custom tailored to meet your unique needs. Contact us today and allow us customize a unique health insurance package for your family based on your needs.

August 4, 2014September 8, 2016

5 Ways to Stay Healthy on Vacation

As you’ve been hitting the gym constantly and watching what you eat before your summer vacation, there is no reason to lose all that progress as you enjoy your trip. While many think it is impossible to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on vacation, there are a variety of ways to stay healthy but still enjoy yourself. Consider incorporating these 5 helpful tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on vacation:

In order to save both money and calories, you will want to have at least one meal at your hotel or rental property each day. If you are renting a property, you’ll have more freedom to indulge in a tasty but healthy meal. If you will be staying in a hotel, consider bringing breakfast bars, cereal, or oatmeal.
Remember portion control as you dine out. It is nearly impossible to avoid restaurants altogether while vacationing, therefore, you’ll have to remind yourself that you do not have to finish the entire dish. You will also want to order all sauces and dressings on the side so that you can choose how much you consume.
If you want to consume alcohol while on vacation, remember that you’ll want to drink only water and sparkling water on all other occasions. Avoid fruity drinks that will be loaded with calories and sugars such as Mai Tais and Pina Coladas. Rather, stick to straight shooters or vodka with sparkling water and lime.
Whenever possible, walk to your destination. You may want to make an effort to go on a walk after each meal so that you don’t feel bloated and guilty for enjoying yourself.
Unlike when you’re home exercising, many vacation activities involve exercising in a FUN way. Go zip lining through the forest or indulge on a scenic hike with your spouse.

August 9, 2013September 8, 2016

How Buying Insurance in an Exchange is Going to Work for Individuals

The first day for open enrollment into the California insurance exchange is drawing near, offering access to individual health insurance like never before. Individuals are going to be able to shop for a plan that suits their personal needs as well as being able to compare and contrast the available options. Covered California, the state exchange, offers the option to get information via a website, through the mail or by phone. All of these options are going to contain information that helps you, the consumer, decide on which plan is right for you.

The website will have a variety of features that allow the user to pick and choose their plan. Available information includes premiums, what benefits are offered for each plan, provider networks and availability. Other information demonstrates how much the plan spends in order to cover medical claims in relation to administrative charges. That way, the consumer can see how much money is going to the health care as opposed to office work. An online calculator is also available for figuring out the actual cost of insurance, including any premium subsidy. You, the consumer, then have the option of buying insurance in an exchange that makes the most sense for you.

For more information about health insurance in the greater Redlands area, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services today.

August 5, 2013September 8, 2016

What is an Individual Health Insurance Exchange

Now that the end of the year is approaching, California and other states are making sure they comply with provisions of the Affordable Care Act. One of the main provisions is providing Health Insurance Exchanges for individuals. What does this mean?

It means that people can purchase individual health insurance plans to cover their medical expenses. The exchanges allow individuals to compare pricing and services, making informed decisions on what will work best for them according to the four levels of coverage offered. These plans will be available for purchase in a variety of ways: mail, web, by phone or in-person. Additionally, the exchanges will have information you need in relation to premium costs and possible subsidies. It is important to understand the intricacies of selecting a provider and how the exchanges work.

Starting January 2014, everyone is required under the Affordable Care Act to carry a health insurance policy. For more information on the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Exchanges, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services.

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