Blog by Neda
CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD (CSLB) - SENATE BILL SB216 - REQUIRING WORKERS COMP INSURANCE
Dec 27, 22
On October 11, 2022 The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) sent out news release notifying contractors of SB216.
Senate Bill 216 requires concrete contractors holding a C-8 license, HVAC contractors holding a C-20 license, asbestos abatement contractors holding a C-22 license, or tree service contractors holding a D-49 license to also obtain and maintain workers’ compensation insurance even if that contractor has no employees.
SB216 goes into effect on 1/1/2023.
Remember any contractor in California that holds the following licenses, needs work comp by 1/1/2023:
· C-8 Concrete Contractor
· C-20 HVAC Contractor
· C-22 Asbestos Abatement Contractor
· D-49 Tree Service Contractor
As always, we're here for you if you need a Workers' Compensation Quote.
Neda Nabavian
Happy 4th of July!
Jul 01, 22
This weekend is Independence Day. Use this time to relax and celebrate your own independence.
You deserve every single thing that this world has to give!!
Happy 4th of July to all of you!
Neda Nabavian
EVERY COMPANY WITH AT LEAST 5 EMPLOYEES MUST OFFER A RETIREMENT PLAN BY JULY 1, 2022
Jun 21, 22
CalSavers is California's retirement savings program designed for the millions of Californian's who lack a way to save for retirement at their jobs; requiring employers to sign up for the automatic enrollment of their employees using the Roth individual Retirement Accoutn (IRA).
The law is meant to help more people save more money to retire. That includes non-profit organizations with paid employees. The law requires employers to join the CalSavers retirement savings program, unless they are exempt because they have a 401 (K), 403 (b), SEP IRA, or Simple IRA retirement plan.
Currently, all employers with more than 50 California-based employees are required to have a plan today, but this all changes on July 1, 2022, when the minimum number of employees is reduced to FIVE!!!
All paid California-based employees 18 or older are automatically enrolled in CalSavers unless they choose to opt-out. Inc CalSavers, the employees are enrolled at a 5% contribution rate (which increases by 1% annually until it reaches 8%)
WHY DO YOU NEED TO ACT NOW?
Employers who miss this deadline are fined $250. per employee after 90 days. After 180 days (2022 year-end), the fine will increase by an additional $500. per employee, for a total fine of $750. per employee. the law also allows for on-going, future fines.
For an example, a business owner with 20 employees would need to write a $15,000 check for fines to the State of California at year end by NOT giving their employees a way to save for retirement.
NOTE: Even if the employer has no net income and owes not income taxes, the fines must still be paid.
Please call us office for more details.
Neda Nabavian
949-428-3321
California Insurance Rates & Non-Renewals
May 23, 22
Homeowners insurance rates in California are increasing for many reasons: fires, material costs & supply chain. We are also seeing many insurance companies dropping customers when their term ends. 235,250 policies were discontinued last year. The California's insurance regulator reported that insurers refused to renew them. We are seeing major Insurance companies leaving and reducing underwriting in California due to California regulations, fire exposures and major losses. We handle many insurance carriers and will continue to quote policies for you with our other carriers.
Happy Holidays!
Dec 23, 21
May you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Travel safe wherever you will be celebrating and know that we appreciate all of you!
Neda Nabavian
Thanksgiving Travel
Nov 29, 21
We are thankful for all of you and hope you had the safest of travels from your Thanksgiving Holiday destination.
Neda Nabavian
A New Limit on Covered California Health Insurance Costs
Jun 11, 21
Under the new American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, no person who is eligible for the Covered CA coverage will have to pay more than 8.5 percent of their overall household income for health insurance (unless you choose to sign up for a plan with richer benefits, like a Gold or Platinum plan).
For those already enrolled in Covered California, the new lower premium will be applied to your current plan automatically. You don't need to do anything. Your bills will be adjusted automatically. Keep an eye out for your new lower monthly bill in June.
Enjoy these savings!
Neda Nabavian
Bigger Savings Are Here For Even More Californians!
Jun 11, 21
Thanks to the recently passed American Rescue Plan, Covered California is now offering more money to help pay for your coverage. Most people who currently have a plan with us will see a much lower bill, and people who may have earned too much to get financial help in the past will now be eligible for the first time.
These changes are happening fast but apply now to take full advantage of the new money available. You can enroll with these new lower premiums now and see immediate savings.
Your coverage will start the first day of the month after you select a health plan. For example, if you select a plan by June 15th, it will start July 1st.
We are here for you!
Neda Nabavian
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Nov 25, 20
It's the Season for Gratitude.
Thank you to our Colleagues, Clients, Family and Friends.
For all that you do to make us who we are.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
Neda Nabavian
123,000 + Sign up for Covered California - Covid-19 Special Enrollment
Jun 02, 20
Covered California announced that almost 124,000 people had enrolled in health care coverage since the exchange announced a special enrollment period in response to the COVIC-19 pandemic.
The pace of sign-ups during this period has been more than 2.5 times the level seen during the same period in 2019. The enrollment data covers the period from March 20 - May 16th, when Covered California opened the health insurance exchange to any eligible uninsured individual who needed health care coverage amid the COVID-19 emergency.
Anyone who is uninsured and meets Covered California's eligibility requirements, which are similar to those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage through June 30th!!
There is still time before the June 30th deadline to enroll.
Call us today. We are here for you!
Neda Nabavian
Happy Holidays
Dec 19, 19
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season, no matter where your journey takes you.
Neda Nabavian
2020 Open Enrollment for Covered California is Finally Here!!
Oct 15, 19
The 2020 Sign-ups for health insurance coverage begin today, October 15, 2019!
Consumers can now enroll in health insurance coverage through January 31, 2020 due to the passage of AB 1309.
In order to have coverage begin January 1, 2020, consumers must make a plan selection by December 15, 2019 and also pay the binder payment by the due date on their first invoice.
If you are looking for health insurance, want to enroll or have questions, call us today at 949-428-3321.
Neda Nabavian
Health Insurance is required again for 2020!
Sep 24, 19
Look for another California Mandate for 2020 that requires enrollment in an ACA approved plan throughout the year.
Without proof of Health Insurance, a penalty will once again be charged.
Happy Holidays!
Dec 21, 18
Wishing you Safe & Happy Travels this Holiday Season!!
Happy Holidays,
Neda Nabavian
Breaking News from Covered California!
Nov 26, 18
Here is Special Enrollment Information for California Wildfire Victims.
Californians affected by a natural disaster that has resulted in a State of Emergency may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period under the exceptional circumstances of "A Qualifying Life Event". This may include earthquakes, floods, wildfires, etc.
Victims of the recent wildfires (Camp Fire, Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire) may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Covered California plan. This would enable these specific consumers to Enroll for the remainder of 2018 and Renew coverage for 2019.
Attestation will be sufficient, documentation is not required and we are here for you.
Neda Nabavian
Seeing Increased Rates on Auto Policies?
Oct 11, 18
We have been getting a lot of phone calls regarding the noticeable increase in rates on your auto insurance policies.
Insurance carriers across the industry are paying more in auto claims than they have in the past, which leads to rising premiums.
Here are a few reasons:
More new cars are on the road and they are being driven more than ever before.
Drivers are more distracted with cell phones. An estimated 660,000 drivers were using electronic devices while driving during the daylight in 2015. 885,000 Crashes, 391,000 Injuries, 3,477 Fatalities. Be careful out there!
New auto technology protects us but at a cost. The average repair cost from 2009 to 2015 increased $367.00.
Here are some examples: The Toyota Camry Headlamp was $367.00, it's now $941.00. Honda Accord LX in 1996 had 13 parts, but now has over 23 parts. The Acura ILX, in 2014 did not have Distance Sensors. In 2016 this was a new part and expense of $1000.
Claims have increased across the industry.
The average cost per paid bodily injury liability claim increased 32.71% from 2005 to 2013.
If you are seeing an increase on your policy, allow us to compare carriers and get quotes for you.
We are here for you!
Neda Nabavian
Covered California Open Enrollment 2019 Begins this Month!
Oct 05, 18
Open Enrollment for Covered California begins on October 15, 2018 and continues until January 15, 2019.
Get covered and Feel Better! I hope you'll consider these for you and your family, if you qualify.
These Options are available during this time period:
Buy a plan through Covered California.
Qualifying usually depends on your income and household size.
Your total household income must be between 128% and 400% of the federal poverty level, or FPL.
Renew or change your current plan.
You won’t have to do anything if you want to keep what you have. But if your current plan is changing - for instance, your Primary Care Provider is leaving the network, or your drugs aren’t in the list of covered medications - then you may want to switch to a plan that best suits your current needs. If you need to change policies, the open enrollment period is the best time.
Enroll in Medi-Cal.
If your income is below 128% of the Federal Poverty Level, you qualify for Medi-Cal, which is Medicaid for Californians.
If this will make your life easier and you need the insurance, we are here for you.
Neda Nabavian
Health Insurance 2017
Jan 28, 17
With this weeks weather being cold and raining make sure your take extra vitamins (Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea, etc.) to ensure you don't get a cold or the flu. If you get the flu, is going the doctor costing you a arm and a leg? If so we have until the 31st to take a look at some new copay options for you and your family. Some plans starting as low as $5 Primary Care Doctors visits, $15 Specialist Visits. Give me a call 949-428-3321 to make sure you have a affordable plan ready to go for March 1st effective date.
Open Enrollment Period
Oct 27, 16
The yearly period when people can enroll in a health insurance plan. 2016 Open Enrollment ended January 31, 2016. Open Enrollment for 2017 runs from November 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017.
Outside the Open Enrollment Period, you generally can enroll in a health insurance plan only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You’re eligible if you have certain life events, like getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.
- Job-based plans may have different Open Enrollment Periods. Check with your employer.
- You can apply and enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time of year.
This post is from Suze Orman:
Aug 18, 16
Do you know what the liability coverage is on your auto policy? Do you have an umbrella to cover excess liability if need be? Financial wipeout is a bummer place to be at any age - it can be avoided though.
This morning I read a story about a woman who hit a bicyclist in an auto accident June 27, 2013. The bicyclist was badly injured. Today the woman is closing out bank savings, her 401k and IRA - she has to give the money from these accounts to the bicyclist. After today, she will have zero saved for retirement and nothing in savings....she starts over at 46 years old. She is short about $255,000 (auto policy paid $100,000 and she had $280,000 in savings and retirement accounts), but settlement is $635,000.
The woman’s auto policy with $100,000/$300,000 liability paid the max of $100,000 (this is the per person limit). But the medical bills, loss of wages (past/future), permanent injury to knee and such resulted in a $635,000 award to bicyclist.
Today she is setting up court ordered wage garnishment with her employer. She is embarrassed to go to her HR department for this, but has to. She will have large monthly payments taken from paycheck until the remaining debt is paid. If she gets a bonus, gets an inheritance, wins at gambling or whatever, these get taken. Only when the debt of $255,000 is paid will she have extra money. Filing bankruptcy isn't an option, it isn't allowed when a personal injury judgement is involved - this is a debt that can't be dismissed in bankruptcy.
So why am I posting this story on Facebook? You need to take a look at your auto policy today. What are the limits? If they are $100,000/$300,000 or less, call your agent and ask for an increase to the max they offer. Then buy a $1M umbrella - it won't be more than $150 or $200 depending on how many drivers and cars you have.
I know it seems tempting to choose a lower deductible. But lower deductibles can actually end up costing you plenty. The old saying of PAY NOW or PAY LATER applies to your auto insurance. Better to spend a little more each year in premium - maybe a few hundred dollars - than to spend a lot more later - like hundreds of thousands - out of your own pocket by emptying your savings, retirement, investments and any equity you might have in a home.
Kentucky probes Humana letter on insurance renewals
Sep 09, 15
Insurance News -- LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The letter Ray Brundige received from Humana spelled out two options - keep his health insurance policy for one more year for a $279 monthly premium or choose a new one that complies with the Affordable Care Act and pay a whopping ...
Long term care insurance premiums on the rise
Sep 09, 15
Health Insurance News -- Sharp increases in rate requests for long-term care insurance are raising the chances that the next wave of retirees may not be able to afford coverage for assisted living, nursing homes, and related health services. Since early 2012, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance ...
Taxpayers Turn U.S. Farmers Into Fat Cats With Subsidies
Sep 09, 15
Insurance Headline News -- Depression-era program intended to save the nation's farmers from ruin has grown into a 21st-century crutch enabling affluent growers and financial institutions to thrive at U.S. taxpayer expense. Federal crop insurance encourages farmers to gamble on risky plantings in a program that has ....
For millions, insurance will cost less than $100/month
Sep 09, 15
A report obtained by USA TODAY says the lower premiums primarily apply to "silver" plans. WASHINGTON -- Insurance News -- About 6.4 million Americans eligible to buy insurance through the new health exchanges will pay $100 or less a month in premiums because of tax subsidies, according ...
For-Profit Online Insurance Brokers Gear Up To Sell Obamacare
Sep 09, 15
Insurance Headlines -- When the Affordable Care Act was working its way through Congress, Gary Lauer was nervous. Part of the bill sounded grim. It said people could buy required health coverage online, but only through websites run by state and federal governments. "That was going to ...