California Health Insurance Quotes and Blog

When Suzie Porcine went to the “swine flu” assembly she asked questions. Word got back to her Dad what his daughter had asked. Mr. Albert Porcine kept stressing how lucky they were to already have a family health insurance plan purchased from California Health Insurance agent Matt Lockard. But he was sensitive about certain matters.

Escondido High where Suzie Porcine attended held an assembly to educate students about H1N1 influenza, also called “swine flu.” Sample bottles of Purell and surgical masks were handed to each student as they entered the auditorium. 

The Principal, Mrs. Viscera Wormwood, stood poised on the stage prepared to introduce the health official who would be discussing his “swine flu survival guide,” whatever that was. But Suzie raised her hand. “What is swine flu? I had nothing to do with it no matter what anybody says.”

“What do you mean you have nothing to do with it?” asked Mrs. Wormwood.

“Everyone says it’s my fault!” Suzie yelled back. Murmurs turned into snickers.

“Porcine means pig,” taunted Bill Roberts. He was a tenth grader with hairy arms. 

Anticipating a potential legal crisis, Mrs. Wormwood asked Suzie to leave the auditorium. After the assembly had ended, Mrs. Wormwood called the Porcine home. Mr. Albert Porcine picked up. After Mrs. Wormwood explained, Mr. Porcine squealed with indignation. “I hate this politically correct anecdotal name for H1N1 influenza,” he ranted, “Is your school asking to be sued?”  

This was the response Mrs. Wormwood had feared. “No,” the principal said. But she had no clue about how to contradict the man until … Suzie began sneezing and coughing, and phlegm started flying.

“What’s going on?” Mrs. Wormwood couldn’t help asking, “Is it Suzie?” The phlegm kept flying.  

Mr. Porcine was speechless for a moment. “Yes,” he said, “she’s sick.”

“Could it be swine flu?” Mrs. Wormwood bleated in the manner of a sheep.

“Don’t call it that!” Mr. Porcine screamed into the receiver. He hung up immediately, but once he did, he headed off with his daughter to the nearest Urgent Care. “Don’t worry princess,” he said. Suddenly California Health Insurance agent Matt Lockard crossed his mind. At least we have a policy for emergencies, he figured.

“I hope I don’t have swine flu, daddy,” Suzie rasped, her throat clogged with unspent mucus.

Albert Porcine started to correct his beloved daughter, and then stopped. “Let’s hope you don’t,” he managed, on the verge of tears.

This isn’t the easiest plan to understand, but with the help of a knowledgeable health care insurance agent, you can get the best coverage for your own personal needs.
Medicare, although a good concept when it was first brought into being, has some “gaps” that just don’t cover life in the 21st century. One of those gaps is drug coverage. That’s where part D comes in. Part D is an insurance plan that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for people with Medicare. To purchase “Part D” of Medicare you have to go to an insurance company who is allowed to sell Part D plans. Sounds good so far and there are even provisions for people with limited incomes to get extra help: Medicare will help pay for almost all of the prescription drug costs.
There are several Part “D” plans to choose from. Each insurance carrier has about 3 different plan designs. Unlike the standardized Medicare plans “A” through ”L” plans, part “D” has many different plan designs. The differences come into play with each carrier’s unique formulary list, pharmacy networks, co-pays, etc… The costs of the plans also vary depending on how rich the benefits are.
Part “D” kind of like any other prescription drug benefit that is attached to a regular health insurance plan. Your Part “D” plan may have a deductible that you have to pay before you can get your prescriptions on the co-pay. Part “D” plans with a deductible are usually the most inexpensive plans. Other plans will allow you to start buying prescription drugs with a co-pay right away. This is the most popular plan. The most expensive plans will cover your generic drugs throughout the doughnut. The doughnut is a dollar amount where the part “D” participant is responsible for paying for their own prescribed drugs out of their own pocket. Plans that give a benefit throughout the doughnut hole are usually a bit more expensive.
Buy a plan that fits your needs. If you have a lot of prescriptions you may want to buy the richest plan. Of course this will also be the most expensive but it’s worth it. If you don’t take any prescribed medication you can probably get away with the most inexpensive plan. But you do need to get a Part “D” plan when you become eligible because if you don’t, you will be penalized for signing up late. Not only that, as we age we tend to need prescription drugs to keep us healthy and everything running smoothly.
If you need help figuring out what plan would work the best for you, contact a local health insurance agent who is fully trained and qualified to sell Part “D” plans. Local agents have a good feel for the market they serve, plus the advice they give is free.