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Video Resources Welcome to our Video Resources Page! At The Benefits Store, we believe in delivering knowledge through engaging visuals to make complex topics easily digestible. Our engaging and informative videos are a collection of valuable content designed to enhance your understanding of various topics related to health, insurance, and overall well-being. Explore our Video Resources and empower yourself with the information you need to make informed decisions towards a healthier and more secure future. Anthem Blue Cross® Insurance Terms How to Save On Your Health Plan Selecting Your Plan Kaiser Permanente® Just Getting Started Integrated Care Coordinated Care Product Videos IDShield LegalShield Health Savings Account Informational Videos Understanding Subsidies, HSA's, and ICHRA's Health Insurance Explained No More Excuses! Everyone needs a flu vaccine. How-To Videos Designating The Benefits Store as your Covered California Agent Using the Quoting Engine

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, Linked In and (X) 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

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Health Terms 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. Health Terms Health Insurance Terms

HOW TO PICK A HEALTH PLAN Navigate the complexities of selecting the ideal health plan with our concise resource page on "How to Pick a Health Plan." Gain expert insights and practical tips for informed decision-making tailored to your unique needs. From understanding coverage options to evaluating costs, trust us to be your go-to destination for streamlined guidance. Your journey to a well-informed health coverage choice begins here. How to Pick a Health Plan CA Dept. of Insurance – Health Resource Guide Health Plan Calculator WebMD Health Insurance Quiz Health Insurance News and Advice Consumer Reports – Guide to Health Insurance US National Library of Medicine Health Topic Resources WebMD Prescription Drugs Best Health Insurance Companies Rankings

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 Health Terms Professional Resources and Ranking Senior Care and Aging Resources Consumer Information on Health Plans and Medicaid/Medi-Cal

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 National Cancer Institute – Resources 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 Centers for Disease – Control and Prevention Diabetes – Self-Management Everyday Health Resources – Diabetes Resource Guide Heart Resources Boston Scientific – Heart Smart Resources Centers for Disease Control – Heart Disease Education Materials for Patients 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 1 – Quit Smoking Resources 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? Why do Insurers take so long to respond?

Individual and Family Health Plans Better Health – Better Life Whether you are self-employed, in-between jobs or in need of health insurance coverage Get Quality Health Insurance at a Price You Can Afford! Our online quoting platform helps you shop, compare and select the right health insurance plan for you and your family. Welcome to our Individual and Family Coverage page, where we strive to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're seeking coverage for yourself, your family, or your child, we offer a range of options, including Medicare and child-only coverage, to ensure that you and your loved ones have access to quality care and peace of mind. Individual Coverage Our individual coverage plans are designed to provide personalized healthcare solutions for individuals of all ages and life stages. Whether you're a young adult starting your career, a freelancer, or someone transitioning between jobs, our individual plans offer flexibility, affordability, and comprehensive coverage to meet your healthcare needs. Find My Plan Child Only Coverage We understand that children have unique healthcare needs, which is why we offer child-only coverage plans designed specifically for individuals under the age of 18. Whether you're a parent seeking coverage for your child or a caregiver responsible for a child's health, our child-only plans provide access to pediatric care, preventive services, and specialty care to support your child's growth and development. Find My Plan Family Coverage Family is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we offer family coverage plans designed to protect the health and well-being of your loved ones. Our family plans provide inclusive coverage for you, your spouse or partner, and your children, ensuring that everyone in your family receives the care they need, when they need it. Find My Plan Medicare Coverage For individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities, Medicare coverage provides essential healthcare benefits and financial protection. Our Medicare plans offer a range of options, including Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), and supplemental coverage (Medigap), to help you navigate the complexities of Medicare and find the plan that best fits your needs. Find My Plan Why Choose Us At The Benefits Store, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of age, income, or health status. Whether you're seeking individual, family, Medicare, or child-only coverage, we're here to help you find the right plan to meet your needs and protect your health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your loved ones. Comprehensive Coverage: Our plans offer a wide range of benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, preventive care, and more. Affordable Options: We understand the importance of affordability, which is why we offer competitive rates and flexible payment options to fit your budget. Exceptional Service: Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized assistance, answering your questions, and guiding you through the enrollment process with ease and efficiency. Trusted Partnerships: We work with leading healthcare providers and networks to ensure that you have access to high-quality care and services in your area.

Employer Groups Saving Money with Better Coverage Saving money while providing excellent benefit plans for your employees is a big challenge in today’s environment. The key to controlling your group health insurance costs is getting competitive quotes from all the top health insurers in California. We help you cover your employees Get Quotes The Benefits Store provides experienced employee benefits advisors for California Employer Groups of 2-100 employees to help you shop, compare and select the right group health insurance plans for your team. Private Exchange Platform In addition, ask us about a Private Exchange Platform for your group which includes W-2 employees and at your option, your 1099 Independent contractors. You select the funding levels for each. Let’s help save you money and provide the best for your team. Please contact Jake Schroeder for more information at (925) 478-3405 or by email at Jake@BenefitsStore.com . Free Quotes Online Employers can receive Free Quotes Online.

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Life Insurance 101 No one really wants to think about life insurance. But if someone depends on you financially, it’s a topic you can’t avoid. Getting life insurance doesn’t have to be hard (or boring). We have some answers to common questions about life insurance so that you can make informed decisions about protecting your loved ones financially. Why is life insurance worth it? Life insurance is important because it’s a simple answer to a very difficult question: How will my loved ones manage financially if something were to happen to me? What are the different types of life insurance? Life insurance generally falls into two categories: Term Life Insurance provides protection for a specific period of time (the term), often 10, 20 or 30 years. Permanent Life Insurance provides lifelong protection, as long as you pay the premiums. What are living benefits of life insurance? Living benefits of a life insurance policy let you access your life insurance proceeds before you die. This is typically reserved for situations in which someone faces a terminal illness or injury. Many people use cash from living benefits to get their family’s finances in order or to take a special trip. Living benefits, which are also known as accelerated death benefits, are typically available as a rider (or endorsement) to your life insurance policy. What is the average life insurance cost? The price of life insurance depends on four main factors: your age, your health, the type of policy and how much coverage you buy. In general, you’ll pay less the younger and healthier you are. You also typically pay less for a term life policy than a permanent life policy. That said, don’t let your age or health status discourage you from considering life insurance. There are policies available for people of any age as well as those with high blood pressure, diabetes and a smoking habit. (Just know that you’ll generally pay more for your policy if you’re in poor health and/or smoke.) Still wondering the answer to the question of how much does life insurance cost? If so, here’s a working idea: A healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term policy for just $13 a month. That means that if you purchase that policy and pay the $13 a month without fail, your loved ones would get $250,000 if you were to die at any point during those 20 years. Do I need life insurance? That’s a great question. And the truth is not everyone does. But ask yourself, “Would someone suffer financially if I died?” If you answered, “Yes,” then chances are you need life insurance. As an easy rule of thumb, experts recommend having life insurance that equals between 10 to 15 times your gross income. But many people need even more than that. Myth-Busters According to a recent survey, about a quarter of people accepted five common myths and misconceptions about life insurance. Some of the top reasons they have for not owning life insurance (they can choose more than one) 81% – It’s too expensive 75% – Have other financial priorities 65% – Not sure how or what type to buy 62% – Haven’t gotten around to it 51% – Don’t like thinking about death One of the biggest myths around life insurance is that it’s expensive, but the majority of people overestimate the true cost of life insurance by 3x or more and 44% of Millennials thought the cost of term life insurance policy was more than $1,000 a year when it’s closer to $160. A healthy 30-year-old can get a $250,000 20-year level term policy for just $13 a month. Life Insurance Facts and Needs While many American’s recognize the importance of Life Insurance as providing both peace of mind and security to families that are confronted with the passing of a loved one, statistics still show the need for greater awareness of life insurance and its benefits: Four in 10 adult Americans have no life insurance at all. Insured Americans, on average, have only about three-and-a-half times their annual income in life insurance coverage. Many insurance experts believe that people's true need for coverage is 10 times their gross annual income, and sometimes more. Only 35 percent of adult Americans have individual life insurance. Many rely on insurance provided by their employers, leaving many employees without coverage if they were to lose their job or change jobs. Each year, a significant number of Americans (600,000) die prematurely. In fact, the chances a 25-year-old male will die before reaching the retirement age of 65 is nearly 1 in 5; for a female, the odds are 1 in 9. When death occurs, lack of life insurance coverage results in 75 percent of surviving family members having to take measures to meet financial obligations, such as work additional jobs or longer hours, borrow money, withdraw money from savings and investment accounts, and, in too many cases, move to smaller, less expensive housing. Many Americans recognize the importance of life insurance. It provides both peace of mind and security to families that are confronted with the death of a loved one. The life insurance industry provides protection to 75 million American families. Even so, 95 million adults have no life insurance, while insured Americans have, on average, far less than most experts recommend. The approximately $865 billion life insurers have paid out since the year 2000 have helped families pay their rent or mortgage, auto expenses, medical expenses, food expenses and school tuition bills, among many other things. Protection California residents have $3.6 trillion in total life insurance coverage. State residents own 10 million individual life insurance policies, with coverage averaging $238,000 per policyholder. Group life insurance coverage amounts to $1.2 trillion. Individual life insurance coverage purchased in 2015 in California totaled $208 billion. $39 billion was paid to California residents in the form of death benefits, matured endowments, policy dividends, surrender values, and other payments in 2015. Annuity benefits paid in the state in 2015 totaled $8 billion. About $558 billion of this investment is in stocks and bonds that help finance business development, job creation, and services in the state. Life insurers provide $89 billion in mortgage loans on farm, residential, and commercial properties, and own $11 billion in real estate in California Life insurance companies invest approximately $725 billion in California's economy