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  • Resource Center | The Benefits Store

    Resource Center The Benefits Store Resource Center is designed to empower you with valuable information and insights on various health-related topics. From wellness tips to navigating insurance options, discover expert articles, guides, and tips on a variety of health topics, from insurance FAQs to wellness advice. Stay informed, make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Elevate your wellness journey by tapping into the wealth of comprehensive information waiting for you. How to Pick a Health Plan Medical Condition Resources Professional Resources and Ranking Senior Care and Aging Resources

  • Colonial | The Benefits Store

    Available Voluntary Benefits Benefits paid directly to you that can help pay expenses if a covered accident occurs. Accident Insurance Find My Plan Provides a lump-sum benefit if you are diagnosed with a covered illness. These payments can be used however they are needed. Critical Illness Insurance Find My Plan Can pay a benefit directly to you for hospital stays or outpatient surgery, in addition to any medical insurance you have. Hospital Indemnity Insurance Find My Plan Helps offset out-of-pocket expenses incurred from initial diagnosis through recovery. Provides an additional benefit for cancer screening tests. Cancer Insurance Find My Plan

  • Association Members | The Benefits Store

    CREBP Group Program Information Affiliate, Corporate, and Realtor© Association Members can choose from CREBP packages with more than 60+ Anthem Blue Cross® Group Plan Options and more than 20+ Kaiser® Group Plan Options. These plan options are exclusively available to members of Local Real Estate Associations in California. New Association Members are immediately eligible on the 1st of the month following their membership. CREBP Benefit Package w/Anthem Blue Cross® Medical Includes Anthem Blue Cross Medical Plan, Principal Dental Access Plan, Mutual Of Omaha Guaranteed Issue Group Life Insurance with AD&D, Vision Plan of America, and Admin Fee Find My Plan CREBPT Benefit Package w/Kaiser® Medical Includes Kaiser Medical Plan, Principal Dental Access Plan , Mutual Of Omaha Guaranteed Issue Group Life Insurance with AD&D, Vision Plan of America, and Admin Fee Find My Plan Anthem Blue Cross Anthem Blue Cross understands that our health care needs connect us to each other. What we all do impacts those around us. So, Anthem is dedicated to delivering better care to our members, providing greater value to our customers and helping improve the health of our communities. NOTE: Anthem’s network of PPO and HMO providers provides access to the largest number of health professionals. Kaiser Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Your care team works with you to give you the care you need, when you need it — and you get convenient resources to stay in control of your plan and your health care including on-line access to doctors and one-stop care at Kaiser facilities for medical, testing and pharmacy needs. Why do you need health coverage? Protection from the unexpected Being healthy is easier with preventive care Required by the California Individual Mandate as of 2020 Why should you get a CREBP health plan with Anthem Blue Cross® or Kaiser®? Experience you can count on Health care plans that fit the way you live Online tools to help manage your health care Telemedicine services available 24/7.. How to choose the right health insurance plan for you Understand your health care needs Compare options Select a plan and enroll

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Blog Posts (403)

  • Be Your Own Health Advocate: How to Speak Up at the Doctor’s Office

    Empowering Women to Take Charge of Their Health For many women, a visit to the doctor can be overwhelming—especially when concerns are dismissed, symptoms are minimized, or questions go unanswered. But your voice matters. And when it comes to your health, no one is a better advocate for your well-being than you. This Women’s Health Month, we’re encouraging every woman to speak up, ask questions, and trust their instincts. Here's how to confidently take charge of your health—one conversation at a time. 1. Prepare Like You Would for an Important Meeting Before your appointment, jot down: A list of symptoms or changes you've noticed Questions or concerns (no matter how “small” they seem) Medications, supplements, or lifestyle changes Bringing notes ensures you won’t forget what matters most in the moment. It also signals that you’re serious about getting answers. 📌 Tip: Keep a health journal between visits to track patterns and pain levels. 2. Use Clear, Direct Language You don’t have to use medical terms to get your point across. Describe your symptoms as clearly as possible: When did it start? How often does it happen? What makes it better or worse? Instead of saying, “I don’t feel right,” try:🗣️ “I’ve had persistent fatigue for the past two months, even with adequate sleep.” The more specific you are, the better your doctor can understand what’s going on. 3. Ask Questions—Lots of Them Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand a diagnosis, treatment, or test result. Try asking: “Can you explain that in simpler terms?” “What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?” “Are there any alternatives we should consider?” “Is this a temporary fix or a long-term solution?” Your health decisions should be made with  you—not for  you. 4. Don’t Be Dismissed—Be Persistent If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. If you’re told it’s “normal” or “just stress” but your symptoms persist, push for answers. It's okay to say: “I understand, but I’d still like to explore this further.” “Can we run tests to rule out anything more serious?” Women—especially women of color—are more likely to have their pain or symptoms downplayed. Your concerns are valid. 5. Seek a Second Opinion Without Guilt Getting a second opinion is not disrespectful—it’s smart. It can bring peace of mind or offer new insight, especially for serious diagnoses, surgeries, or unexplained symptoms. Remember: your health is too important for rushed decisions or unanswered questions. 6. Bring Support If You Need It If you feel intimidated or overwhelmed, take a trusted friend or family member with you. They can help you remember key points, ask follow-up questions, or simply offer moral support. Your Voice is Power Speaking up at the doctor’s office isn’t always easy—but it’s one of the most important steps you can take toward long-term health and peace of mind. This Women’s Health Month, let’s make a commitment to ourselves:🩺 Ask the questions. Speak the truth. Demand the care we deserve. Because advocating for your health is not selfish—it’s essential.

  • How to Build a Mental Health Emergency Plan

    A Step-by-Step Guide to Protect Your Well-Being in Times of Crisis When it comes to our health, we often have plans in place for emergencies: first-aid kits, ICE (in case of emergency) contacts, even earthquake kits. But what about our mental health ? Crises like panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or emotional breakdowns can be just as urgent—and just as dangerous—as physical emergencies. That’s why creating a Mental Health Emergency Plan  is one of the smartest, most caring things you can do for yourself or someone you love. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you build one today—before you need it. 🧩 Step 1: Identify Your Triggers and Warning Signs Start by reflecting on what tends to precede a crisis for you. Ask yourself: What situations, environments, or stressors usually lead to emotional overwhelm? What are your personal warning signs? (e.g., withdrawal, changes in sleep, irritability, hopelessness) 📓 Write down your answers in a journal, document, or mental health tracker. Understanding your patterns is the first step in preventing or responding to a crisis. 📞 Step 2: List Your Emergency Contacts In a moment of crisis, it can be hard to think clearly. Create a list of people you trust who can help you. Include: A close friend or family member A therapist or mental health professional Local crisis lines or hotlines (like 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) Your primary care provider (if applicable) 💡 Tip: Save these numbers in your phone under “ICE – [Name]” or create a contact group labeled “Support Team.” 🛠️ Step 3: Make a Crisis Response Toolkit This is your personalized list of coping strategies or grounding techniques. Your toolkit can include: Breathing or mindfulness exercises Journaling prompts Music or playlists that calm you A walk, shower, or safe distraction activity Comforting messages you’ve written to yourself ahead of time 📁 You might store these in a physical kit (notebook, calming items, etc.) or a digital folder. 🏡 Step 4: Designate Safe Spaces Identify where you feel safest—at home or elsewhere. It could be: A quiet room in your house A friend’s place A support group or community center A park, library, or other peaceful public place ✨ If you live with others, communicate your need for a calm, nonjudgmental environment when you’re feeling unwell. 📝 Step 5: Put It All in Writing Combine everything into a document or printable plan. Include: Name, date, and version of the plan Emergency contact info List of triggers and warning signs Coping strategies Safety plan (where to go, who to call, what to do) Medical or mental health history (optional but helpful for professionals) 🧷 Store a copy in a place that’s easy to access—and share it with a trusted person. ❤️ Step 6: Review and Update Regularly Your mental health journey may change over time—and so should your plan. Set a reminder to review and update it: Every 6 months, or After a major life event or health change Regular check-ins help your plan stay relevant and effective. 🌱 You’re Not Alone Making a Mental Health Emergency Plan doesn’t mean you expect to fall apart—it means you’re strong enough to prepare for whatever comes. It’s a powerful form of self-care and a life-saving resource when you need it most. This Mental Illness Awareness Month, take a moment to protect your future self. Because you deserve care, clarity, and compassion—especially on your hardest days.

  • How to Talk to Your Family About Financial Protection Plans

    Start a Conversation That Secures Your Future Together We get it—talking about finances and what-if scenarios isn’t exactly dinner table conversation. But when it comes to your family’s well-being, planning ahead isn’t just responsible—it’s an act of love. Disability insurance, life insurance, and other financial protection plans can provide a vital safety net if illness, injury, or tragedy strikes. Yet many families avoid discussing these topics until it’s too late. Here’s how to make that conversation easier, more productive, and less stressful. 1. Choose the Right Time and Setting Don’t bring it up during a chaotic moment or when everyone’s distracted. Instead, plan a calm time—maybe after dinner, during a walk, or a quiet weekend morning. Let your family know you’d like to talk about some planning “just in case,” not because something’s wrong. 📌 Tip: Frame it positively. This isn’t about fear—it’s about peace of mind. 2. Explain the “Why” First Lead with your motivation. Are you thinking about how to protect your income if you got injured? Are you planning for your children’s future in case something happened to you? Examples: “I’ve been thinking about how we’d pay bills if I couldn’t work for a few months due to an illness.” “I want to make sure we’d be okay financially, no matter what life throws at us.” This makes the conversation more about care than numbers. 3. Keep It Simple—Avoid the Jargon You don’t have to dive into policy terms right away. Start with a high-level view: What is disability insurance? Why does it matter to your specific situation? What would happen financially if someone couldn’t work for a while? You can get into the details after your family understands the purpose. 4. Invite Questions and Concerns Your partner or loved ones might have hesitations, especially if insurance or long-term planning feels overwhelming. Encourage open questions and be honest if you don’t have all the answers yet. You could say: “I’m learning about this too—I just know it’s something we should look into together.” “Let’s talk to a benefits advisor and get some clarity.” 5. Make It a Team Effort Financial protection isn’t just your responsibility—it’s a family decision. Work together to review options, gather info, and compare plans. You’ll feel more unified and informed. And remember: talking about it once is great. Revisiting your protection plans once a year (or during big life changes) is even better. The Bottom Line Talking to your family about financial protection plans doesn’t have to be scary or stressful. It’s a chance to plan ahead with love and make smart decisions that protect your household’s future. Start the conversation today—and take the first step toward peace of mind tomorrow.

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Disclaimer: This Web site is owned and maintained by Benefits Store Insurance Services, Inc., which is solely responsible for its content. 

This site is not maintained by or affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, and Kaiser Permanente bears no responsibility for its content.  The e-mail addresses and telephone numbers that appear throughout this site belong to Benefits Store Insurance Services, Inc., and cannot be used to contact Kaiser Permanente.

This site is not maintained by or affiliated with Anthem Blue Cross, and Anthem Blue Cross bears no responsibility for its content.  The e-mail addresses and telephone numbers that appear throughout this site belong to Benefits Store Insurance Services, Inc., and cannot be used to contact Anthem Blue Cross.

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