Brian Hegarty

❗ ❗ California Mandates IVF Coverage for Group Health Plans Starting July 2025, California's Senate Bill 729 will require group health plans to cover certain fertility treatments, including IVF, for policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Large plans must cover up to three IVF cycles, while small plans must offer the option to cover infertility services. Read more to stay prepared in our latest edition of Compliance Directions. https://lnkd.in/g6Vsp2JK #EmployeeBenefits #ComplianceConsulting #ComplianceDirections

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In an industry often driven by numbers and speed, UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers redefine care by focusing on human connection. During my recent discussion with Stan Welsh, Physician Assistant at the Salinas Wellness Center, we share that true healthcare goes beyond test results—it’s about respect, compassion, and trust. Here’s what makes our approach superior: Human-Centered Care: Personal attention and active listening create trust and improve outcomes. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about being heard and understood. Prevention as Priority: Tackling common issues like diabetes and high blood pressure early ensures better long-term health, reducing the burden of future costs. Wellness-First Philosophy: By encouraging sustainable habits—balanced diets, exercise, and regular checkups—the Centers empower patients to take charge of their well-being. Eliminating Barriers: Zero co-pays and accessible care remove financial and emotional hurdles, making healthcare truly inclusive. Redefining the Future: Challenging conventional, profit-driven systems, the Centers focus on quality, connection, and putting patients first. Stan reminds us that even small gestures, like showing kindness, can create profound positive change. At UnitedAg, healthcare isn’t just a service—it’s a partnership grounded in compassion. #UnitedAg #ThisIsAg UnitedAg Rhianna Macias Click here to learn more about Stan’s approach to human-centered healthcare: 

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SB 525 will necessitate significant changes in California healthcare organizations’ compensation programs. And rather than simply bringing all applicable employees to the new minimum wage levels, many organizations will consider nuanced pay adjustment strategies and optimizing their broader total rewards strategies. Find out more about the impacts of SB 525 today. #HumanResources #compensation #healthcare

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❗ ❗ California Mandates IVF Coverage for Group Health Plans ❗ ❗ Starting July 2025, California's Senate Bill 729 will require group health plans to cover certain fertility treatments, including IVF, for policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Large plans must cover up to three IVF cycles, while small plans must offer the option to cover infertility services. Read more to stay prepared in our latest edition of Compliance Directions. https://lnkd.in/g6Vsp2JK #EmployeeBenefits #ComplianceConsulting #ComplianceDirections

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❗ ❗ California Mandates IVF Coverage for Group Health Plans Starting July 2025, California's Senate Bill 729 will require group health plans to cover certain fertility treatments, including IVF, for policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Large plans must cover up to three IVF cycles, while small plans must offer the option to cover infertility services. Read more to stay prepared in our latest edition of Compliance Directions. https://lnkd.in/g6Vsp2JK #EmployeeBenefits #ComplianceConsulting #ComplianceDirections

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America's shortage of primary physicians persists, resulting in worsening health outcomes across age cohorts. California recently made a bold statement by setting new benchmarks that support increased investment in primary care, and improve health outcomes. “Investing in primary care works: Research finds that when states invest more in primary care, their residents have better health outcomes and fewer visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions,” said HCAI Director Elizabeth Landsberg. “These benchmarks will make California a national leader in primary care investment, which is key to building a high quality, equitable health system and controlling costs.”  This is big news for those in the health care and insurance sectors. Improved primary care translates to improved access, better health, and ultimately, lower costs. #HealthCareAccess #BackToWork #PrimaryCare #CAPavingTheWay https://lnkd.in/eXBUcUKV

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In our latest Bottom Line Thursday, we discuss California's ambitious plan to limit healthcare cost growth. The state aims to cap annual growth at 3.5%, dropping to 3% by 2029. But is this realistic? We talk about the pushback from hospitals citing an aging population, the ongoing challenge of controlling prescription drug costs, and potential impacts on care access and quality. Join us as we discuss the implications of this initiative and its potential ripple effects across the healthcare industry. Can California succeed where others have struggled? Tune in to hear our thoughts California’s proposal. #HealthcarePolicy #CostContainment #EmployeeBenefits #BottomLineThursday

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In our latest Bottom Line Thursday, we discuss California's ambitious plan to limit healthcare cost growth. The state aims to cap annual growth at 3.5%, dropping to 3% by 2029. But is this realistic? We talk about the pushback from hospitals citing an aging population, the ongoing challenge of controlling prescription drug costs, and potential impacts on care access and quality. Join us as we discuss the implications of this initiative and its potential ripple effects across the healthcare industry. Can California succeed where others have struggled? Tune in to hear our thoughts California’s proposal. #HealthcarePolicy #CostContainment #EmployeeBenefits #BottomLineThursday Brad Johnson Chris Boling - PPACA

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🚨 ALERT: Big Changes to California State Disability in 2025! 🚨 California Employers and Employee Benefits Brokers: Significant changes are coming to State Disability Insurance (SDI) that could greatly impact your business and employees. Starting January 2025, SDI benefits will increase to 70% of an employee's wages, with lower-income employees potentially receiving up to 90%. This enhancement, driven by Senate Bill No. 951 (SB 951, Chapter 878), is designed to provide greater financial support to workers during periods of disability. Now is the time to review your current disability plans! ☑ Ensure your offerings align with the new state benefits, and that you’re not overpaying for a benefit that your employees may not fully utilize. ☑Evaluate new plans that might better meet your workforce's needs in light of these changes. ☑Communicate these updates to your employees so they understand the enhanced benefits and how these changes can support them. This is a crucial moment to ensure your benefits strategy is up-to-date and that you’re fully prepared for the changes ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute—start reviewing your plans today. EBIS (Enhanced Benefits Insurance Solutions) #voluntarybenefits #employeeengagement #employeebenefits

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has risen to the second-highest paid claims position. 😳 (-Insurance Business Sun Life US) Since 2020, the average cost of CVD claims has surged by 33%, surpassing the overall increase in medical claims costs. 📈 This is not just a financial issue, this is a health issue. How do we help our people learn to make healthy life style choices? ☀ ❣ Hello Heart's latest publication in the Journal of the American Heart Association looks at over 100,000 Hello Heart users, and shows significant reductions in Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Weight. https://lnkd.in/eCC3k4dN

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My Medicare team and I have been energized with optimism and momentum since the Annual Enrollment Period began on October 15. Consumers are beginning to explore and appreciate the value-added coverage options we at Blue Shield of California offer members for 2025 through our combination of cutting-edge technology and high- touch care. Our goal is to simplify healthcare, support comprehensive care, and reduce costs for our Medicare beneficiaries. A few highlights of our 2025 pharmacy offerings include: Price Check My RX tool: We are working hard to improve the end-to-end pharmacy experience for Medicare members. This new tool allows members to find the lowest price for their medications with easy side-by-side comparisons of drug alternatives and pharmacies. Also, members can opt-in to receive a text alert when there is a lower cost option available for their prescription. https://lnkd.in/gjMSi7Ss Amazon Pharmacy: Starting January 1, 2025, Blue Shield will offer additional pharmacy service options for members, including home delivery from Amazon Pharmacy at no additional cost, and tools to find the lowest-cost medications. Members also will have phone access to pharmacists 24/7 through Amazon Pharmacy. https://lnkd.in/gSciTw_F Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P): A new, federally mandated Medicate prescription payment plan called M3P offers Medicare Part D enrollees the option to pay their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drugs costs through monthly payments over the course of the plan year. It’s designed to provide better financial predictability and expense management for members with chronic conditions or high-cost medications. Member participation is voluntary and there is no cost to participate. More information about M3P is available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: https://lnkd.in/gPS5ZMJk Learn more about Blue Shield’s AEP for 2025 here: https://lnkd.in/gtQ_gf3j #WhatWeStandFor #WeNeverStop #Medicare #AEP #HealthcareInnovation #SeniorCare

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Are you a Business Owner in California? Are you in the Insurance Space and have Clients in California? If the answer is Yes to either of these questions, this is a MUST SEE video.

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Taking the Hassle Out of #Healthcare - Greater #Sacramento area health insurance company offering the best health insurance benefits for your company. It’s Simple by Design. -----See how we advocate for you with health insurers and providers. www.simplysummit.com #simplysummit #employeebenefits

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I am happy to share some great news: The Sacramento Bee has published the first of its four-part series on Medicare, featuring Blue Shield of California as its source of information and insights. The first article, "Mastering Medicare, Part 1: What you need to know before enrollment, from A to D and more," provides a comprehensive overview of the key differences among Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. It covers essential information such as: Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, lab tests, surgery, and home health care. Medicare Part B: Includes medically necessary services and preventive health care services. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Combines Parts A and B and often Part D for prescription coverage, with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing care. Medicare Part D: Offers prescription drug coverage. The article also highlights important dates for Medicare enrollment and addresses common misconceptions about Medicare coverage. Recent changes to Medicare, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aim to make coverage more affordable and improve access to behavioral health services. If you are 65 years and older, navigating Medicare can be challenging, but remember that you are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have access to the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your health care. We look forward to continuing to share additional Medicare information with you through The Sacramento Bee in the coming weeks. #WeNeverStop #WhatWeStandFor #Medicare #Healthcare https://lnkd.in/gNhaKRUk

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IVF to be covered by Group Health Plans beginning July 2025 in California. Up to 3 egg retrievals capped at $75,000. California is often a bellweather regarding benefits coverage that other states follow. And this is a national topic, including in the Presidential race. Look for insurance carriers to pass along these costs in your insurance renewal if you have EEs in CA. Exempt are groups with less than 100 EEs, self-insured plans, Medi-Cal, and Religious Employers. Employees covered by CalPERS, their IVF coverage goes into effect July 2027. #healthinsurance #employeebenefits

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❗ ❗ California Mandates IVF Coverage for Group Health Plans Starting July 2025, California's Senate Bill 729 will require group health plans to cover certain fertility treatments, including IVF, for policies written or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Large plans must cover up to three IVF cycles, while small plans must offer the option to cover infertility services. Read more to stay prepared in our latest edition of Compliance Directions. https://lnkd.in/g6Vsp2JK #EmployeeBenefits #ComplianceConsulting #ComplianceDirections

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