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California Health Insurance Find My Plan Our Programs 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 CREBP Benefit Package* w/Anthem Blue Cross® Medical Find My Plan Shop, compare and select the most affordable group health insurance plans. Let’s help you save $$$ and provide the best for your team. Have both W-2 employees and 1099 Independent Contractors? Ask us about our Private Label program. Employer Group Health Find My Plan 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 CREBP Benefit Package* w/Kaiser® Medical Find My Plan Get Quality Health Insurance at a Price You Can Afford! More than 50 plan options available for individuals and families. Whether you are self-employed, in-between jobs or in need of health insurance coverage, we have a plan for you. Individual and Family Health Find My Plan Health Find My Plan Realtor©, Corporate and Affiliate Association Members can choose from CREBP packages with more than 20+ Kaiser® Group Plan Options and more than 60+ Anthem Blue Cross® Group Plan Options. Monthly E-Newsletter and Benefit Advisor We scour the web for straight-forward articles from reputable third-party sources (such as Kaiser, The Wall Street Journal & more) that address how the various topics of health care can have a direct impact on our clients. The newsletter includes several columns on current health news, health events and recognized health days. We send these directly to our clients. We utilize both Facebook and Twitter to keep our clients and Associations up to date on the most important developments in the health care marketplace and to communicate topics of interest that can have a direct effect on health and health care coverage. *The E-Newsletter can be copied & pasted for inclusion on Association websites and/or electronic correspondence to Association Members. Employer Groups The health insurance marketplace is very dynamic and constantly changing. The Benefits Store utilizes the latest options in program design to meet both your budget and your employee’s health needs. We partner with technical online platforms (including Quotit) for fast turnaround and enrollment in the bidding cycle. Covered California Benefits Store and California’s Health Exchange – Covered California (Covered CA) Our firm has multiple Brokers that have successfully completed the Covered CA licensing requirements and are certified to assist consumers with the navigation and enrollment process into California’s Health Exchange. The process can be complicated for consumers doing this on their own, as well as choosing the best plan for themselves and their family. Since there is no discount/price savings for clients enrolling on their own, it is usually advisable to have assistance from a Benefit Store Broker in this process. We have a dedicated section that is an educational and information resource for individuals needing clarification on Covered CA issues for the self-employed and small businesses. It addresses many of the questions we have been getting from Californians and even provides a subsidy calculator. Go to the Covered California page. What Our Clients Say ★★★★★ Thank you again for your time, help and perseverance to get this accomplished. You've given us some peace of mind regarding health coverage. Please let us know who we can commend you to at the Benefits Store. Michelle and the Get Results Team ★★★★★ You guys are really great. I just stood up on the bleachers at my sons' baseball game and announced your praises! Beth, Santa Barbara CA ★★★★★ After just 4 days The Benefits Store staff accomplished more than other "industry related" staff were able to do after 30 days! Plus the staff is sincere and easy to work with! Jennifer, San Diego CA Our Partners

About Us At The Benefits Store, we are a leading Health Care Insurance Brokerage and Third Party Administrator (TPA) with a rich history of serving members of California Local Real Estate Associations since 1984. Our mission is to provide exclusive, tailor-made health insurance solutions, which encompass Medical, Dental, Vision and Life coverages along with Legal Shield and ID Shield protections. As a trusted TPA, we are also licensed to handle premium billing, payment processing, and efficient remittance services for these essential products. Our commitment to excellence and our deep industry expertise have made us the go-to source for Real Estate Professionals seeking comprehensive health insurance solutions in California. Discover the benefits of choosing The Benefits Store today! A message from our President Roger Smith, President What Makes Us Unique Who We Are At The Benefits Store, we wear two hats with pride: Health Care Insurance Broker and Third Party Administrator (TPA). Our services encompass an array of health insurance programs and related coverages, including Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Medicare along with Legal Shield and ID Shield protections and more. Also holding a valuable TPA license that allows us to provide Third Party Administration services to California Associations and their membership. Realtor® Association Platform Our journey has been intertwined with California's 100+ Local Realtor® Associations. For almost four decades, we've diligently served their members, offering benefits that enhance their lives. Of Special Interest: The Benefits Store extends its comprehensive portfolio to both Association Realtors@ and Affiliate Members. Our plans include group programs such as Kaiser (20+ plan options) and Anthem Blue Cross (60+ plan options) along with an extensive selection of employer group and individual plans, all with 'Guaranteed Issue'. This means that we welcome subscribers without regard to their past or current health history. Benefits Store and California’s Health Exchange – Covered California (Covered CA) Our team has Brokers who've successfully navigated the rigorous Covered CA licensing requirements, making them Certified to guide consumers through California's Health Exchange enrollment process. This journey can be complex for individuals attempting it alone. With no price-saving benefits for clients enrolling independently, it's typically advisable to seek assistance from a Benefits Store Broker. Customer Service and Support Systems At The Benefits Store, providing top-notch customer experiences is a core part of our mission. Our office staff is always at your service, offering answers to billing inquiries, helping with account balances, guiding you through the plan renewal process, and addressing various administrative matters. Our Brokers are equally committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences, whether explaining plan benefits, discussing options and premiums, or assisting with applications and claims issues. Monthly E-Newsletter We diligently research content from reputable third-party sources including Science Daily, Popular Science, WebMD, Psychology Today and more, focusing on how various health care topics directly affect our clients. These articles are sent directly to the Associations and our clients. Our E-Newsletter can be easily shared, providing valuable content for Association websites and electronic communications to Association Members. Client Communications The health insurance landscape is ever-evolving, marked by constant change. To keep our clients and Association members well-informed, we email regular updates and use social media channels of Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to provide timely updates on the most significant developments in the health care marketplace and to communicate topics of interest that can directly impact health and health care coverage. –Roger Smith, President

Medical Conditions Empower your health insurance decisions with our Medical Condition Resources page. Dive into a wealth of information tailored to your needs, offering insights and support for navigating various medical conditions. Our expert-curated resources provide a guide for understanding conditions, treatment options, and insurance considerations. Streamline your search for relevant information, ensuring your health coverage aligns seamlessly with your unique requirements. Explore a specialized hub for California Realtors, offering valuable insights to enhance your health insurance journey. Your path to informed and comprehensive health coverage starts here. Cancer Resources American Cancer Society – Support Programs and Services Cancer Care – Finding Resources in Your Community Cancer.Net – Navigating Cancer Care Cancer Support – Resource Directory Cancer.org Choosing a Doctor and Hospital Cancer.org Choosing Your Treatment Team On Line – Cancer Discussion and Resources Diabetes Resources American Association of Diabetes Educators Diabetes – Self-Management Everyday Health Resources – Diabetes Resource Guide Heart Resources The Heart Foundation – Heart Disease Facts WebMD – Heart Disease Resources WomensHealth.gov – Heart Disease Resources Pregnancy Resources Any Baby Can – Community Resources Care Net Pregnancy Centers – Find a Pregnancy Center US Dept. of Health and Human Services – Health Assistance Programs WebMD – Pregnancy Resources Smoking Cessation Resources American Heart Association 1 – Resources to Help Quit Smoking CDC.gov 2 – Tips From Former Smokers Quit Smoking Resources SmokeFree.gov – Free Resources Patient Billing and Claims Advocacy Advocate Connection Directory CA Health Advocates – Medicare Billing and Claims CA Medicare Advocacy Center for Medicare Advocacy Patient Medicare Foundation – Pathways to Medicare and Medicaid Why Do Medical Claims Take Too Long?

Each year, National Consumer Protection Week  serves as a reminder that staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself as a consumer. From identity theft and online scams to legal challenges and misinformation, consumers face risks that can affect their finances, personal information, and peace of mind. Building awareness - and knowing what protections are available - can help you make more confident decisions. Why Consumer Protection Awareness Matters Today’s consumers are navigating more complexity than ever: Online transactions and digital accounts Data breaches and identity theft Scams targeting individuals and families Legal issues that can arise unexpectedly Being informed helps reduce risk and gives you the tools to respond quickly if something goes wrong. Common Consumer Risks to Be Aware Of While threats continue to evolve, some of the most common consumer risks include: Identity theft and fraud Phishing emails and scam calls Misuse of personal or financial information Unexpected legal issues related to contracts, disputes, or consumer rights Awareness is the first step toward prevention. How Identity Protection Can Help Identity theft can happen to anyone - and resolving it can be time-consuming and stressful. Identity protection services can help: Monitor personal information Alert you to potential threats Provide support if identity theft occurs Assist with recovery and resolution Having support in place can make a difficult situation easier to manage. Legal Support Matters Too Legal issues aren’t always planned, but they’re often unavoidable. Access to legal support can help with: Consumer disputes Contract reviews Legal questions and guidance Understanding your rights as a consumer Knowing where to turn for legal help can provide reassurance when questions arise. Why These Protections Matter for Consumers During National Consumer Protection Week, the focus is on education, prevention, and empowerment. Identity and legal protection services are designed to support consumers before problems escalate - and to help guide them if they do. These protections aren’t just for emergencies; they’re tools that help consumers navigate everyday life with greater confidence. Take a Proactive Approach This March Consumer awareness is about being prepared - not fearful. Taking time to understand potential risks and available protections can help safeguard your personal information and your rights. The Benefits Store is ready to help you explore identity theft and legal protection options that fit your needs. 👉 Contact us to learn more about coverage available through ID and LegalShield.

Spring brings open windows, fresh air, and the urge to scrub everything from baseboards to garage floors. It feels good to reset your home after winter. But while you’re refreshing your space, it’s worth asking an important question: Are your cleaning products safe for your pets? Each year, hundreds of thousands of pet poisoning cases are reported in the United States. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) received more than 351,000 calls in 2023 , and many exposures occur inside the home. In fact, studies consistently show that 9 out of 10 pet poisonings happen at home  - often unintentionally. Spring cleaning season can quietly increase those risks. Why Spring Cleaning Can Be Risky for Pets Spring often means stronger disinfectants, deep carpet treatments, garage clean-outs, and yard maintenance. We pull out products we don’t use every day - bleach solutions, mold removers, pest sprays, fertilizers, and weed killers. While these products are effective at killing germs and pests, they can irritate or poison pets through simple exposure. Dogs and cats don’t just walk across freshly cleaned floors - they groom themselves afterward. They don’t just sniff treated grass - they roll in it. And because pets are smaller than we are, even small amounts of certain substances can have significant effects. Common Cleaning Products That Can Harm Pets Many everyday household products pose risks when used without precautions. Bleach and disinfectants, for example, can cause vomiting, drooling, respiratory irritation, and skin burns if pets come into contact with wet surfaces. Even diluted solutions can be problematic if paws aren’t rinsed or floors aren’t fully dry. Multi-surface cleaners often contain ammonia, alcohol, or phenol-based ingredients. Cats, in particular, are sensitive to phenols, which can affect their liver and nervous system. Laundry detergents and pods are another hidden danger. Their bright colors and soft texture can attract curious pets, and ingestion can lead to chemical burns and severe gastrointestinal distress. During spring garage clean-outs, antifreeze is especially concerning. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals, and even a small amount can be fatal if not treated immediately. Outdoor spring prep adds additional hazards. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides are all commonly used this time of year. Many of these products are intentionally formulated to attract pests - unfortunately, pets may find them just as appealing. What Pet Exposure Can Look Like Signs of chemical exposure vary depending on the substance, but common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, or skin irritation. Some toxins act quickly, while others may take hours or even days to show symptoms. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional. You can also contact: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:  (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline®:  (855) 764-7661 (Consultation fees may apply.) Prompt action can significantly improve outcomes. Cleaning Smart: Protecting Pets During Spring Refresh The good news is that you don’t need to stop spring cleaning - you simply need to adjust how you do it. Keep pets out of rooms while you’re cleaning and allow surfaces and floors to dry completely before letting them return. Store all cleaning supplies in secured cabinets and never leave buckets of solution unattended. If you’re treating your lawn, follow label instructions carefully and wait until products have fully dried before allowing pets outside. After walks in treated areas, wiping paws can reduce accidental ingestion. During spring reorganizing, be mindful of where medications, purses, backpacks, and gum are temporarily placed. Many pet poisoning cases involve items that were only left out “for a minute.” When possible, consider using pet-safe or veterinarian-recommended products. A Fresh Home Should Be a Safe Home Spring cleaning is about creating a healthier environment. That includes the pets who share your home. Take a few minutes to look at your space from your pet’s perspective. What smells interesting? What could be knocked over? What might be licked later? Small preventive steps can spare you an emergency veterinary visit - and protect the animals who trust you every day. A clean home feels good. A safe home feels even better.

Brain Awareness Week – March 16 - 22, 2026 You’ve probably heard the claim: “Humans only use 10% of their brains.” It’s a popular idea. It’s been referenced in movies, books, and motivational speeches. But during Brain Awareness Week 2026 , it’s worth separating fact from fiction. The truth? We use virtually all parts of our brain. Where Did the 10% Myth Come From? The exact origin of the 10% myth isn’t clear. It may have stemmed from early neurological research that found certain brain injuries did not immediately eliminate specific functions. Over time, that idea was exaggerated into the belief that large portions of the brain were unused. Modern neuroscience has thoroughly disproven this. Brain imaging technologies such as MRI and PET scans show that even simple tasks - reading, speaking, moving, listening - activate multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. There is no large, dormant portion waiting to be unlocked. The Brain Is Always Working Even when you’re resting, your brain is active. While you sleep, your brain: Consolidates memories Regulates hormones Clears metabolic waste Repairs neural connections When you’re awake, billions of neurons are communicating constantly through electrical and chemical signals. In fact, different regions of the brain specialize in different functions - movement, vision, memory, language, decision-making - but they work together as an integrated network. The brain is not a partially used machine. It is a fully engaged system. Why the Myth Persists The 10% myth is appealing because it suggests hidden potential - the idea that unlocking unused brain power could dramatically enhance intelligence or performance. In reality, your brain’s potential does not come from unused space. It comes from how efficiently and effectively neural connections are formed and strengthened. This ability to adapt and reorganize is known as neuroplasticity . The Real Opportunity: Strengthening the Brain While we don’t have unused brain sections waiting to activate, we do have the ability to strengthen brain connections over time. Brain health research consistently shows that: Physical activity supports blood flow and neuron health Quality sleep strengthens memory and learning Balanced nutrition supports cognitive function Social engagement supports emotional and cognitive resilience Lifelong learning builds cognitive reserve The brain strengthens the pathways it uses most often. Skills that are practiced become stronger and more efficient. In other words, it’s not about using more of your brain - it’s about using it well. Brain Awareness Week 2026: Focus on Facts Brain Awareness Week is an opportunity to promote science-based understanding of how the brain works. Dispelling myths like the 10% claim helps shift attention to what truly matters: protecting and supporting brain health throughout life. Cognitive decline is not inevitable. While aging brings natural changes, lifestyle choices play a powerful role in long-term brain function. The Bottom Line You are not operating at 10% capacity. Your brain is active, dynamic, and working continuously to support everything you do. The real question isn’t how much of your brain you use - it’s how well you care for it. This Brain Awareness Week, focus on habits that strengthen and protect your brain. The science is clear: daily choices matter. Learn More about Your Brain