In the labyrinthine world of health insurance, navigating the myriad options available for your company's health insurance benefit plans can be a daunting task. From deciphering complex policies to ensuring you're getting the best coverage at the best price, the process can quickly become overwhelming. While it may seem like the cost is less to go directly to the health insurance company, the price is actually exactly the same. There is also a compelling case for enlisting the expertise of an insurance broker. Let's delve into why utilizing an insurance broker is a savvy choice for your compan ..read more

In the realm of employee benefits, one of the most crucial offerings by employers is group health insurance. It's a cornerstone of attracting and retaining talent, as well as ensuring the well-being of employees. However, a common practice among some employers involves imposing a waiting period before new hires can enroll in the company's health insurance plan. Traditionally, this waiting period was set at 90 days prior to the Affordable Care Act in 2014. While this might seem like a straightforward approach, there are significant drawbacks that both employers and employees should consider aft ..read more

Great news for Californians still seeking health coverage! The deadline for the Covered California Open Enrollment Period has been generously extended to February 9, 2024, at midnight. This extension comes in response to a temporary outage experienced by the Covered California service center over the weekend. What does this mean for you? It means you have extra time to secure the health coverage you need for you and your family. If you haven't enrolled yet, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. Enrollment applications received by February 9th at midnight will be granted a February 1st effec ..read more

As we delve into the intricacies of healthcare, it becomes essential to understand the various enrollment and disenrollment periods that Medicare beneficiaries encounter. One such critical phase is the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP). In this blog, we will explore what the MADP entails, why it matters, and how beneficiaries can navigate this period effectively. What is the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP)? The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period occurs annually, running from January 1st to March 31st. It provides an opportunity for individuals enrolled in a M ..read more

As we welcome the new year, it's essential to be mindful of important dates on our calendars, and one that should not be overlooked is the looming deadline for health insurance open enrollment if you are not provided health insurance through your company. If you haven't secured your health coverage for the year, now is the time to act. The open enrollment period is set to conclude on January 31, 2024, and understanding its significance is crucial for your well-being. Health insurance serves as a safety net, providing financial protection in the event of unexpected medical expenses. It not onl ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, small businesses in California often find themselves grappling with the complexities of providing affordable and comprehensive health insurance for their employees. To shed light on this matter, we explore the realm of small group health insurance in California, emphasizing the crucial role of brokers and dispelling common misconceptions. For small businesses (those businesses with under 100 employees), offering health insurance is not just a benefit; it is a strategic investment in employee well-being and satisfaction. California, being a hub of innova ..read more

Most people do not realize that after April 15th, one will not be able to buy individual health insurance (a non employer based health plan) after April 15th for 2014. The next opportunity to enroll will come in October and you will be effective for January 1, 2015. So if you are waiting to get coverage – do not wait, get something now! There are some qualifying events that will allow you to enroll off of this deadline – and if you qualify for one of these you will have the opportunity to enroll right away off of the open enrollment windows. Here are those events: The California On Exchange Ev ..read more

Federal guidelines have no mandate on having health insurance any longer, however, California is trying to pass a law in our state that will mandate health insurance for everyone. View the article link below for more on this ..read more

If you have contacted us this year on our “get a quote” form through our website and have not heard back from us – we sincerely apologize. It has come to our attention this week that we have not been getting these emails forwarded to us. If you contact us via our website in the future, and you do not hear back from us within 24 hours – please call our office at 760.436.5015. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this has caused you. At Schulte Insurance Agency, we strive for the absolute best customer service possible ..read more

As the seasons change, so does the landscape of employee benefits. Open enrollment is a crucial time for companies and their workforce to reassess, reevaluate, and make decisions that impact their well-being. As your trusted insurance broker, we are here to guide you through the intricacies of this process and help you make the most informed choices for your team. Understanding the Basics Open enrollment is not just a routine administrative task – it's an opportunity for both employers and employees to fine-tune their benefits package. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the available plans ..read more