Benjamin Rich, better known to millions of YouTube followers as "Bald and bankrupt", announced in a video today that he was arrested, jailed, convicted and permanently banned from the Russian Federation.   Benjamin (Bald) has spent the last several years vlogging his travels in the former Soviet Union.  I learned much from his videos.  His interactions with locals, babushkas and even the authorities were both fascinating and educational.  Soviet mosaics, sinks, toilets, bus stops and railway stations along with the occasional copy of "Babushka's Secrets" made for amaz ..read more

Today the Polish government announced that it will seek $1.3 trillion in reparations from Germany stemming from the Nazi invasion and 5-year occupation of Poland.  Today marks the 83rd anniversary of the German invasion of Poland and the start of the Second World War. Jarosław Kaczyński, the leader of Poland's Law & Justice Party, said Thursday "we will turn to Germany to open negotiations on reparations".   Germany contends that the question of reparations is concluded and that Poland, in 1953, waived further reparations and has repeatedly confirmed this waiver.  But P ..read more

Over the years I have had many wonderful experiences and encounters with Russian people.  I plan to share these stories on this blog and on YouTube.  I have collected some souvenirs and memorabilia.  Looking at them brings back fond memories of my many Russian friends. This is a Soviet hat pin I acquired at Checkpoint Alpha in East Germany.  I recall that the hat pins were sold for 10 West Marks which at that time was about $3.50.  You could also purchase belt buckles, belts and even the occasional uniform.  The hat pins were the most common.   I alway ..read more

Remember this? 2019 Family Plan Rates  The bottom two plans are each carrier's respective PPO Plans for 2019 Dave www.davefluker.com ..read more

The 2019 California Obamacare Open Enrollment Period has begun.  Open Enrollment will run from October 15th through January 15th.   Enrollments for January 1 effective dates must be completed by December 15th.  Enrollments from December 16th through January 15th will receive a February 1st effective date. We have live quoting available now for private market and Covered CA health plans. Free Instant Quotes Shop or call us for a quote at 408-847-6139. Dave www.davefluker.com ..read more

California Obamacare early renewals begin today.  You can renew your current health plan for 2019 starting today.     California Open Enrollment Period begins October 15th and ends January 15th.  You can purchase a health plan or change you insurance company and plan during the open enrollment period.   If you need help, call your agent or call us at 408-847-6139 if you don't have an agent.   Dave www.davefluker.com ..read more

Effective September 1, 2018, the only remaining short-term health insurance plan in California has been pulled from the market. IHC removed their offering in late August.  This is most likely in response to the imminent signing of CA SB 910 into law this month.  SB 910 would make the sale or renewal of any short-term limited duration (STLD) health insurance illegal in California.   As of this writing, IHC will continue to offer a Fixed Benefit Health Plan in California. The fixed benefit plan is available year-round and can start as soon as the day after application ..read more

Changes being made by the Trump Administration with regard to the ACA (ObamaCare) are not going over well in California.   To date, the administration has extended short-term health insurance to 12 months, eliminated the tax penalty for not having compliant health insurance, allowed for the creation of AHPs (Association Health Plans) and floated the idea of decreasing the MLR (Medical Loss Ratio) from 80%. California is insistent that the ACA and Covered CA will be the marketplace. There are currently several bills on the Governor's desk awaiting signature to thwart the changes ma ..read more

Blue Shield of California has announced the launch of their Innovative F Medicare Supplement called 'F Extra'.   F Extra will be available for enrollment beginning October 1, 2018.  Like Anthem's Innovative F, F Extra will not be available for Birthday Rule transfers and will be subject to medical underwriting. F Extra will offer the following additional benefits over traditional Plan F... 1.  Hearing benefits 2.  Vision benefits 3.  Silver Sneakers  4.  Life Station Life Alert benefits The $25 per month first year New to Medicare discount will be av ..read more

California SB 910 is again up for third read in the Assembly.  It is item #151 on the 8/16 docket.  As this thing moves around one wonders if it will ever come up for a vote? SB 910 consists of 13 sections that deal with different and specific health insurance issues in California.  Here is a (very) brief summary: 1.   Mental Health Benefit ID card requirements 2.   Mental Health Benefit website requirements 3.   Health Insurance rate change notification and approval requirements 4.   Short-Term Health Insurance outlawed in California be ..read more