News
Money Matters: Most people have lost the work ethic
2+ day, 15+ hour ago (767+ words) For literally decades, people have asked me how they can make more money. The answer is pretty easy. It may not be palatable to some, but there is a methodology to making more money than most. When I was growing…...
Sonoma County public ambulance providers brace for possible federal funding cut
1+ week, 5+ day ago (918+ words) The Sonoma County Fire District and other local, public ambulance providers could face a significant blow to their revenue under a new federal proposal put forward by the Trump administration. The proposed change would slash reimbursements public ambulance providers receive…...
About 8% of the country lacked health insurance in 2025, new data shows. That could rise next year
2+ week, 3+ day ago (511+ words) By MIKE STOBBE and ALI SWENSON The national survey results, released Thursday, show the all-ages uninsured rate has stayed significantly down from where it was several years ago, but the ranks of the uninsured could soon expand as the Trump…...
How spending shocks affect retirement planning
2+ mon, 4+ day ago (191+ words) By Christine Benz of Morningstar Further complicating matters for young retirees is that many individuals wish to delay Social Security to increase their eventual benefits. At the same time, delaying Social Security can necessitate higher withdrawals in the early part…...
Health insurance premiums set to soar for 29, 000 Sonoma, Napa enrollees as subsidies near expiration
7+ mon, 1+ week ago (1021+ words) More than 23, 000 residents in Sonoma County and 5, 800 in Napa County could see their health insurance bills soar next year if Congress fails to extend pandemic-era premium subsidies, according to Covered California, the state's health insurance exchange. Those residents, who purchase…...
Covered California health insurance will cost more in 2026. Here's what's behind the double-digit increase
9+ mon, 4+ week ago (679+ words) Californians who get their health insurance through the state's marketplace will see premiums increase by an average of 10. 3% next year. Covered California officials on Thursday announced the first double-digit rate increase since 2018, saying it represents a "confluence" of factors putting…...
California Hospital Association sues state over efforts to curb spending
7+ mon, 4+ week ago (406+ words) California hospitals filed a lawsuit against a state health regulator Wednesday, seeking to block rules meant to keep consumer health care costs from growing too quickly. The state Office of Health Care Affordability sets limits on health care spending, capping…...
The Power of Two: Are level-funding, captives the future of small business health insurance?
8+ mon, 3+ week ago (480+ words) The Challenge with Traditional Insurance When insured by a fully insured plan, employers pay a fixed monthly premium to an insurance carrier. The carrier assumes all the risk, pays claims, and then adjusts premiums each year based on overall pool…...
California counties, including Sonoma, struggling under skyrocketing insurance costs
9+ mon, 1+ day ago (1360+ words) Home and business owners aren't the only ones struggling to manage rising insurance costs in the North Bay and across California. Counties are too, and it's forcing tough conversations about how to maintain public services in places, including Sonoma County,…...
She kept challenging one of California's biggest health insurers. Then, it tried to cut her off
10+ mon, 3+ week ago (1674+ words) A California addiction center found a way to compel Anthem to cover patients it rejected. Their dispute reflects a broader tug-of-war in mental health treatment. The letter from Anthem landed on Bernadette Cattaneo's desk on a sunny day in June…...