"Source: Laissez Faire Today http://lfb.org/today/"

"What do you think is more expensive: your Social Security number or your medical records? While some people guard their Social Security numbers like the vault combination to their lives, they sell for only $1 on the black market. Your medical records, on the other hand, are 50 times more valuable. 

More often than not, once these online thieves get their hands on these online records, they can access the person's most private information. This includes their Social Security number. But that's only the beginning. They can use their records to order prescription drugs online, obtain medical care, and submit fraudulent insurance claims to the government. The opportunities presented go beyond just opening a couple of credit cards in your name.

Sourced from Word and Brown, a leading California General Health Insurance Agency 08/15/2013

Beginning in 2014, under the Affordable Care Act, most individuals are required to have health insurance or pay a penalty.  This is often referred to as the ACA's "individual mandate".

The mandate includes a variety of exemptions, but the Congressional Budge Office is predicting 5.9 million taxpayers will be subject to penalties in 2016.

With the Employer Shared Responsibility Mandate delayed until 2015, this delay does not change the Individual Mandate under the ACA, which requires individuals to have health insurance coverage or pay a penalty.

An Affordable Care Act Individual Penalty Calculator can be found at www.HealthSONOMA.com.  Download the spreadsheet to determine what your penalty will be under the ACA for not having health insurance.

For any questions relating to Health Care Reform and your personal situation, please contact John Caris at 707-935-6294 x103 or Email him.

Anthem Blue Cross continues to sell to consumers and small business through insurance agents. Even though Anthem Blue Cross has decided to not participate in the government run small business insurance exchange, known as 'SHOP', they will continue to be the number one carrier in California, selling their plans through independent agent and on the individual subsidized exchanges. 

For information about Health Care Reform and to discuss how it affects you, please call John Caris at 707-935-6294  x103 or Contact him.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-anthem-small-business-20130720,0,4631280.story