Schwarzenegger signed landmark health care legislation. The bills, SB 900 and AB 1602, will establish the California Health Benefit Exchange in 2014. Details here: http://bit.ly/dlqDG7

Bay Area medical groups Hill Physicians, Kaiser, Affinity and Palo Alto Medical Foundation top IHA's list of "top performing" in CA. Article here: http://bit.ly/ciaC9J

10 major new health reform benefits take effect today. Overview here: http://bit.ly/azWX8g

On Governor Schwarzenegger's desk over dozen health care bills (Summaries here: http://bit.ly/ajkMuL). Has 8 days from today to sign or veto. Have strong opinions? Now would be time to contact.

Reminder: Effective Jan 1, 2011, rules for FSA's and HRA's change. The cost of over-the-counter drugs or medicine can no longer be reimbursed w/o prescription. IRS details here: http://bit.ly/9QBtQU

Insurers Say New Health Benefits Will Raise Premiums, Kathleen Sebelius of HHS has strong words in return. And so goes the debate... http://bit.ly/bskeZL

Wow! Based on non-discrimination provision, Anthem Blue Cross will not allow new Management-Only Carve-out plans, effective October 1, 2010 and forward.

Blue Cross of California pulls out of child-only plan market this morning citing mandates & need of clarification from HHS. Details here: http://bit.ly/a0j2Vc

Attempt to repeal 1099 provision of health reform bill was defeated Tuesday. Set to take effect in 2012. Debate will continue. Details here: http://bit.ly/cbQQ7y

Insurance or no insurance, free RX card can save you 40-70%. Tried it myself at Rite Aid this week. Retail cost $45, my cost $27 = 40% savings! Get yours here: http://bit.ly/bcR2iD

I am speaking this Thursday, Sept 16 8:30am in San Ramon, CA - Health Reform and Your Business. Register here: http://bit.ly/cS0YlA or here: http://bit.ly/cRF20G

Small companies offering insurance coverage predicted to increase due to health care reform (rand corp.). Good summary here: http://bit.ly/dy8zqu

California's MRMIB has published the final document for PCIP (Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program). Rates are reasonable and benefits fairly rich. If you have been uninsured for previous 6 months, you may be eligible. Details here: http://ping.fm/liJQn

Typically insurance carriers provide 12 month rate guarantees. However, today, Blue Shield notified us that in light of upcoming health reform changes, 12-month rate guarantees (individual plans) will be discontinued for new business with effective dates on or after October 1, 2010.

Innovative small business wellness programs; http://bit.ly/c6vXEA and http://bit.ly/9vbrLk. Making it easier to implement, manage and save.