Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Survey: Individual Health Insurance Premiums Jump - ABC News
Survey: Individual Health Insurance Premiums Jump - ABC News: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Survey: Individual Health Insurance Premiums Jump - ABC News
Survey: Individual Health Insurance Premiums Jump - ABC News: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Monday, June 21, 2010
Avoid this common and costly self-employment health insurance error
by Alston Balkcom
in Insurance / Health Coverage (submitted 2010-06-17)
If you are a new business owner and need medical care insurance coverage, you probably have several alternatives and it may be hard to choose which choice is best for you. You may have the option of keeping your COBRA coverage from your most recent job, you may be able to get coverage through your spouse's employer, you may be able to get health insurance on your own as an individual and you may have the option of buying coverage through your business.
The biggest error you can make is to believe that all of the choices are equal or nearly so. Often a newly self-employed person will accept their COBRA option or the options offered through their spouse's job and never look around to see if they could get a better price or policy. This is understandable. It is hard to start a business and taking the easy way out regarding your medical insurance allows one to devote more time to other business-related decisions.
As understandable as this is, it is a mistake because it can be very costly. The most pricey alternative available that will cover you well will more than likely cost twice as much as the least costly choice.
Each alternative listed above has its pros and cons. For this reason, the best choice for you may not be the best choice for someone else.
Accepting the COBRA choice from a previous job has the advantage of allowing you to stay with your present policy. It also requires the least amount of paperwork and no medical questions.
There are, however, two major drawbacks. The first is that the policy is only good for a short period of time. This means that when your COBRA eligibility ends, you will need to find another health insurance policy. If you have an accident or develop diabetes, cancer or another major illness between now and then your alternatives for other contracts may not be as good as they are today. The second drawback is the likelihood that this option is one of the more costly choices.
Another choice you may have is to get your health care insurance through your spouse's place of business. This can be a good option. However, many employers are now only subsidizing the cost of their employees' medical care coverage and not the cost of their employees' dependents insurance. This can result in a higher cost than you might get from one of the other options.
Another problem with purchasing coverage through your job's plan is that your coverage will end when your spouse's employment does. It can also end if his or her job decides to stop offering health insurance coverage to its employees.
Buying coverage through your business is another option. However, do not expect a group insurance discount. Group insurance costs more than the typical policy you can get on your own. The reason for this is that group insurance contracts typically have to take all comers. This forces the insurance company to charge more for these contracts than a policy you can buy on your own.
The best option for most people who have one-person businesses is to purchase a medical insurance policy as an individual or as part of a family plan. If you have medical issues that prevent your purchasing a policy on your own, one of the other options will more than likely be better for you. However if you are in good health, you will more than likely be much better off with a policy you purchase as an individual.
About the Author
You can find both business health insurance prices and life insurance quotes on the author Alston J. Balkcom's website.
in Insurance / Health Coverage (submitted 2010-06-17)
If you are a new business owner and need medical care insurance coverage, you probably have several alternatives and it may be hard to choose which choice is best for you. You may have the option of keeping your COBRA coverage from your most recent job, you may be able to get coverage through your spouse's employer, you may be able to get health insurance on your own as an individual and you may have the option of buying coverage through your business.
The biggest error you can make is to believe that all of the choices are equal or nearly so. Often a newly self-employed person will accept their COBRA option or the options offered through their spouse's job and never look around to see if they could get a better price or policy. This is understandable. It is hard to start a business and taking the easy way out regarding your medical insurance allows one to devote more time to other business-related decisions.
As understandable as this is, it is a mistake because it can be very costly. The most pricey alternative available that will cover you well will more than likely cost twice as much as the least costly choice.
Each alternative listed above has its pros and cons. For this reason, the best choice for you may not be the best choice for someone else.
Accepting the COBRA choice from a previous job has the advantage of allowing you to stay with your present policy. It also requires the least amount of paperwork and no medical questions.
There are, however, two major drawbacks. The first is that the policy is only good for a short period of time. This means that when your COBRA eligibility ends, you will need to find another health insurance policy. If you have an accident or develop diabetes, cancer or another major illness between now and then your alternatives for other contracts may not be as good as they are today. The second drawback is the likelihood that this option is one of the more costly choices.
Another choice you may have is to get your health care insurance through your spouse's place of business. This can be a good option. However, many employers are now only subsidizing the cost of their employees' medical care coverage and not the cost of their employees' dependents insurance. This can result in a higher cost than you might get from one of the other options.
Another problem with purchasing coverage through your job's plan is that your coverage will end when your spouse's employment does. It can also end if his or her job decides to stop offering health insurance coverage to its employees.
Buying coverage through your business is another option. However, do not expect a group insurance discount. Group insurance costs more than the typical policy you can get on your own. The reason for this is that group insurance contracts typically have to take all comers. This forces the insurance company to charge more for these contracts than a policy you can buy on your own.
The best option for most people who have one-person businesses is to purchase a medical insurance policy as an individual or as part of a family plan. If you have medical issues that prevent your purchasing a policy on your own, one of the other options will more than likely be better for you. However if you are in good health, you will more than likely be much better off with a policy you purchase as an individual.
About the Author
You can find both business health insurance prices and life insurance quotes on the author Alston J. Balkcom's website.
Why buy from an independent agent?
by Al Shiebel
in Insurance / Health Coverage (submitted 2010-06-17)
Have you ever had a car break down on you? Then you open the hood, look inside and still do not have a clue on what to do? Yet you poke and prod things in there that you think might help, get your hands dirty and still do not know what is going on.
That is the same feeling that many folks have when considering insurance services. They look online, read, get advice from their financially savvy unemployed brother in law and then they go for what they think it is best. All that without seeking help from a professional.
That is why; you should seek the advice of an independent insurance agent. Why independent you ask? An independent agent will be contracted with several carriers and does not have to make a quota by selling you their most profitable product.
Ask questions on their expertise. Agents are like attorneys who have lots of specialties, for example an agent who sells car protection may not be informed on health insurance and vice versa. Although many agents take time to educate themselves, do not take for granted that they are.
An insurance agent is a person who by law has to take at least 15 hours per year of continuing education courses to keep up with the industry. Three of those credits must be in ethics. An insurance agent should ask lots of questions and give you choices. If you feel pressured to make a decision right then and right there, my only advice is to run as hard to the opposite direction with your arms above your head while screaming "run away, run away".
When a person is purchasing insurance, they should know and feel that they have made a good decision, all their questions were answered and various options were carefully considered.
About the Author
Al Shiebel is a contributing author of Health Insurance in Georgia and associated with reputed Life Insurance Georgia. He has a thorough knowledge and experience on Life Insurance Georgia and has provided.
in Insurance / Health Coverage (submitted 2010-06-17)
Have you ever had a car break down on you? Then you open the hood, look inside and still do not have a clue on what to do? Yet you poke and prod things in there that you think might help, get your hands dirty and still do not know what is going on.
That is the same feeling that many folks have when considering insurance services. They look online, read, get advice from their financially savvy unemployed brother in law and then they go for what they think it is best. All that without seeking help from a professional.
That is why; you should seek the advice of an independent insurance agent. Why independent you ask? An independent agent will be contracted with several carriers and does not have to make a quota by selling you their most profitable product.
Ask questions on their expertise. Agents are like attorneys who have lots of specialties, for example an agent who sells car protection may not be informed on health insurance and vice versa. Although many agents take time to educate themselves, do not take for granted that they are.
An insurance agent is a person who by law has to take at least 15 hours per year of continuing education courses to keep up with the industry. Three of those credits must be in ethics. An insurance agent should ask lots of questions and give you choices. If you feel pressured to make a decision right then and right there, my only advice is to run as hard to the opposite direction with your arms above your head while screaming "run away, run away".
When a person is purchasing insurance, they should know and feel that they have made a good decision, all their questions were answered and various options were carefully considered.
About the Author
Al Shiebel is a contributing author of Health Insurance in Georgia and associated with reputed Life Insurance Georgia. He has a thorough knowledge and experience on Life Insurance Georgia and has provided.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hurricane warning: Be prepared and make sure you have the right insurance coverage
Hurricane warning: Be prepared and make sure you have the right insurance coverage
It takes just one storm to bring major damage to South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. – May 25, 2010 – Hang on, South Carolina – it looks like a busy hurricane season may be ahead this year. Colorado State University’s forecast team predicts an above-average season, with 15 named storms in the Atlantic, eight becoming hurricanes.
It only takes one hurricane hitting our state to cause catastrophic damage and heartache. The 2010 season will begin June 1. The South Carolina Insurance News Service encourages homeowners and business owners to protect their property and make sure they have the correct insurance in place.
"It is a good routine for people to review their policies with their company or agent before the start of hurricane season to verify they have the necessary coverage," said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the S.C. Insurance News Service.
More than 20 years ago Hurricane Hugo caused $4.2 billion in insured damage when it came ashore in South Carolina. However, with population growth and increases in construction costs, our state now has $200 billion in insured property along the coastline.
Coastal residents may need several separate insurance policies to protect their homes and property from disasters: a basic homeowner’s insurance policy, a wind and hail policy (if your basic homeowner’s insurance policy does not already cover wind and hail), a flood insurance policy, earthquake insurance policy and excess coverage such as a personal articles policy. Talk to your company or agent to ask questions about your coverage.
A hurricane’s "footprint" has many aspects and each can be damaging, said Dr. Steve Lyons of The Weather Channel at a recent Hurricane Expo in South Carolina. These include wind, water rise, waves, rainfall and tornadoes. Even hundreds of miles inland, a hurricane’s torrential rainfall can bring flash flooding and tornadoes can demolish buildings.
"Making changes to strengthen your home not only protects your property but can qualify you for discounts on insurance," Dubisky said.
South Carolina insurance companies and the S.C. Wind and Hail Underwriting Association give discounts for the following :
• Storm shutters
• Roof tie-downs or clips
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Reinforced garage doors
• SC SAFE HOME improvements (See http://www.scsafehome.sc.gov/)
• Institute for Business & Home Safety “Fortified … for safer living” homes (See www.disastersafety.org)
"All South Carolina residents should pay attention to hurricane forecasts and take precautions," Dubisky said. Better tracking forecasts available now will allow issuance of a hurricane watch 48 hours in advance and hurricane warning 36 hours ahead, according to Dr. Lyons of The Weather Channel.
Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Atlantic demand our attention, as both can cause problems in South Carolina. For example, William Winn, director of public safety in Beaufort County, said his county has had more damage from storms making landfall in the Gulf. In 1998, Hurricane Earl, a Gulf storm, caused a major tornado on St. Helena Island.
Now, to get ready!
Ahead of hurricane season:
• Review your insurance coverage with your agent or company.
• Document, photograph or video your possessions for insurance records.
• Keep this inventory in a safe place away from your home.
• Trim shrubbery and trees to make them more resistant to wind damage.
When a hurricane is imminent, prepare your home and be ready to evacuate. Here are some tips:
• Cover all windows with pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other items that could be blown about.
• Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
• Close interior doors.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
• Take your insurance agent’s name and phone number and your policy information with you.
Be vigilant and pay attention to hurricane warnings and announcements, emergency management experts say. Sooner or later, another strong hurricane will hit South Carolina.
Read more about preparing for hurricanes and other catastrophes at www.scinsurance.net.
For more than 30 years, the South Carolina Insurance News Service, a nonprofit organization, has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues. The News Service is funded by insurance companies doing business in South Carolina.
South Carolina Insurance News Service
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 715
Columbia, SC 29201
Office: 803-252-3455
Fax: 803-779-0189
www.scinsurance.net
It takes just one storm to bring major damage to South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. – May 25, 2010 – Hang on, South Carolina – it looks like a busy hurricane season may be ahead this year. Colorado State University’s forecast team predicts an above-average season, with 15 named storms in the Atlantic, eight becoming hurricanes.
It only takes one hurricane hitting our state to cause catastrophic damage and heartache. The 2010 season will begin June 1. The South Carolina Insurance News Service encourages homeowners and business owners to protect their property and make sure they have the correct insurance in place.
"It is a good routine for people to review their policies with their company or agent before the start of hurricane season to verify they have the necessary coverage," said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the S.C. Insurance News Service.
More than 20 years ago Hurricane Hugo caused $4.2 billion in insured damage when it came ashore in South Carolina. However, with population growth and increases in construction costs, our state now has $200 billion in insured property along the coastline.
Coastal residents may need several separate insurance policies to protect their homes and property from disasters: a basic homeowner’s insurance policy, a wind and hail policy (if your basic homeowner’s insurance policy does not already cover wind and hail), a flood insurance policy, earthquake insurance policy and excess coverage such as a personal articles policy. Talk to your company or agent to ask questions about your coverage.
A hurricane’s "footprint" has many aspects and each can be damaging, said Dr. Steve Lyons of The Weather Channel at a recent Hurricane Expo in South Carolina. These include wind, water rise, waves, rainfall and tornadoes. Even hundreds of miles inland, a hurricane’s torrential rainfall can bring flash flooding and tornadoes can demolish buildings.
"Making changes to strengthen your home not only protects your property but can qualify you for discounts on insurance," Dubisky said.
South Carolina insurance companies and the S.C. Wind and Hail Underwriting Association give discounts for the following :
• Storm shutters
• Roof tie-downs or clips
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Reinforced garage doors
• SC SAFE HOME improvements (See http://www.scsafehome.sc.gov/)
• Institute for Business & Home Safety “Fortified … for safer living” homes (See www.disastersafety.org)
"All South Carolina residents should pay attention to hurricane forecasts and take precautions," Dubisky said. Better tracking forecasts available now will allow issuance of a hurricane watch 48 hours in advance and hurricane warning 36 hours ahead, according to Dr. Lyons of The Weather Channel.
Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Atlantic demand our attention, as both can cause problems in South Carolina. For example, William Winn, director of public safety in Beaufort County, said his county has had more damage from storms making landfall in the Gulf. In 1998, Hurricane Earl, a Gulf storm, caused a major tornado on St. Helena Island.
Now, to get ready!
Ahead of hurricane season:
• Review your insurance coverage with your agent or company.
• Document, photograph or video your possessions for insurance records.
• Keep this inventory in a safe place away from your home.
• Trim shrubbery and trees to make them more resistant to wind damage.
When a hurricane is imminent, prepare your home and be ready to evacuate. Here are some tips:
• Cover all windows with pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other items that could be blown about.
• Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
• Close interior doors.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
• Take your insurance agent’s name and phone number and your policy information with you.
Be vigilant and pay attention to hurricane warnings and announcements, emergency management experts say. Sooner or later, another strong hurricane will hit South Carolina.
Read more about preparing for hurricanes and other catastrophes at www.scinsurance.net.
For more than 30 years, the South Carolina Insurance News Service, a nonprofit organization, has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues. The News Service is funded by insurance companies doing business in South Carolina.
South Carolina Insurance News Service
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 715
Columbia, SC 29201
Office: 803-252-3455
Fax: 803-779-0189
www.scinsurance.net
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Just how can you save on life insurance? Here's how.
Nice article on life insurance. Fortunately rates for term life plans are at an all time low right now. If you complete my quote form, I'll send you rates for multiple carriers. Or you can always call me.
Term Life Quotes
Larry
Basics of Life Insurance Quote and Life Insurance Rates by Jack Bryans
in Insurance / Life Annuities (submitted 2010-05-14)
Life insurance quote in general are the provisions which are not obligatory and is a regular form to recompense your debts, manage your family budget and educational loans. One of the simple methods to select a life insurance policy that at an affordable premium and at very low rate is having a good health but surprisingly in this modern time even the overweight, with smoking habit and health problems people can make out a high premium amount. Thus it is highly recommended to go always for a health evaluation and full medical examination to see if the individual is at a good health condition.
On the other hand, when people take the time to think about it vigilantly, they will realize that they are in fact capable to acquire life insurance rates at a low costs. There are a lot of life insurance service providers that they can probably find on the worldwide market these days. This makes the competition on the market of life insurance pretty tight. Therefore, in order to obtain more consumers, every life insurance service providers will typically try to present a large variety of eye-catching offers with low rates for the insurance plan.
It is feasible to acquire low rates on the different types of life insurance. The low rates can be achieved either for the term or for the whole life insurance plan. With the life insurance rates which is low on the term plan, there is a excellent prospect that the people who sign up for this plan will not have to be anxious regarding being unable to pay for the security which lasts up to a definite period of time. Yet, with low rates on the whole plan, they will be competent to get a financial security for as long as they live while all they have to pay is only a little amount of charge.
In order to get the low life insurance rates, those people can make telephone calls to the accessible providers and inquire for information in relation to the rates. And as another option they can also make schedule with the providers and then shell out a visit to them to get a number of information regarding the rates. Conversely, paying a visit to each of the existing providers or making telephone calls may not be helpful in terms of costs, time and efforts needed. As a result, there may only be a small number of people do this.
Luckily, with the advancements of today's technology, people now can get necessary information regarding the life insurance rates right from the comfort of their homes. All they required to carry out is to access the Internet and look for the different existing providers. This, they are capable to search the most affordable life insurance rates.
About the Author
Learn the latest methods on how to get life insurance quote and ways to find life insurance rates at an affordable value. More information at InsuranceCentreOnline.com.Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF SHORT TERM INSURANCE by Ray Sandeo
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF SHORT TERM INSURANCE by Ray Sandeo
in Family (submitted 2009-10-02)
The short term health insurance is a excellent choice for people residingin the United States who are between jobs, waiting to take up another health insurance, waiting for Medicare, newly graduated, or are on COBRA.
Temporary insurance can provide insurance against possible illnesses or injuries and do not typically include benefits such as preventive care, physicals, immunizations, dental or vision care and pre-existing medical conditions.
Temporary insurance is usually valid for U.S citizens who are under the age of 64, their spouses and children. People who want to take up temporary insurance need to complete a short health qualification questionnaire which is necessary for coverage approval.
Temporary insurance covers costs such as Hospital & Surgery Fees, Outpatient Doctor Office fees, Diagnostic & lab fees, Organs, tissue or bone marrow transplant. Short Term Health Insurance provides insurance for a minimum period of one month to a maximum period of 12 months. The maximum coverage offered under this plan is up to one or two million dollars.
Temporary insurance provides insurance for a minimum period of one month to a maximum period of 12 months. The maximum coverage offered under this plan is up to one or two million dollars.
There are several companies that provide short term medical insurance plans and depending on the duration and the benefits you require, you can choose an appropriate plan.
Assurant Short Term Health Insurance, Secure Short Term Medical Insurance, Golden Rule United Healthcare Short Term Insurance and Secure 12x3 Short Term Medical Insurance are a few of the many plans available. .
Assurant short term medical insurance plan can be bought for a minimum time period of 30 days and a maximum time period of 360 days and offers coverage for U.S citizens and their spouses who are under the age of 65 and are not eligible for Medicare. Coverage is also available to their children who are under the age of 19. Non US residents must have resided in the US for at least 12 months. The other Short Term Health Insurance plans also have similar terms and conditions.
About the Author
Ray Sondeo often writes about short term insurance.
in Family (submitted 2009-10-02)
The short term health insurance is a excellent choice for people residingin the United States who are between jobs, waiting to take up another health insurance, waiting for Medicare, newly graduated, or are on COBRA.
Temporary insurance can provide insurance against possible illnesses or injuries and do not typically include benefits such as preventive care, physicals, immunizations, dental or vision care and pre-existing medical conditions.
Temporary insurance is usually valid for U.S citizens who are under the age of 64, their spouses and children. People who want to take up temporary insurance need to complete a short health qualification questionnaire which is necessary for coverage approval.
Temporary insurance covers costs such as Hospital & Surgery Fees, Outpatient Doctor Office fees, Diagnostic & lab fees, Organs, tissue or bone marrow transplant. Short Term Health Insurance provides insurance for a minimum period of one month to a maximum period of 12 months. The maximum coverage offered under this plan is up to one or two million dollars.
Temporary insurance provides insurance for a minimum period of one month to a maximum period of 12 months. The maximum coverage offered under this plan is up to one or two million dollars.
There are several companies that provide short term medical insurance plans and depending on the duration and the benefits you require, you can choose an appropriate plan.
Assurant Short Term Health Insurance, Secure Short Term Medical Insurance, Golden Rule United Healthcare Short Term Insurance and Secure 12x3 Short Term Medical Insurance are a few of the many plans available. .
Assurant short term medical insurance plan can be bought for a minimum time period of 30 days and a maximum time period of 360 days and offers coverage for U.S citizens and their spouses who are under the age of 65 and are not eligible for Medicare. Coverage is also available to their children who are under the age of 19. Non US residents must have resided in the US for at least 12 months. The other Short Term Health Insurance plans also have similar terms and conditions.
About the Author
Ray Sondeo often writes about short term insurance.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Hartford's Bicentennial
The Hartford's Bicentennial
Congratulations to one of our partners, The Hartford which is celebrating 200 years of business. Their history is an interesting journey. The Hartford insured Abraham Lincoln's home before he became President. Triest Agency has been a Hartford partner for over 60 years.
Congratulations to one of our partners, The Hartford which is celebrating 200 years of business. Their history is an interesting journey. The Hartford insured Abraham Lincoln's home before he became President. Triest Agency has been a Hartford partner for over 60 years.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Should You Buy Term Life Insurance? - Personal Finance - Insurance - SmartMoney.com
Should You Buy Term Life Insurance? - Personal Finance - Insurance - SmartMoney.com
I've offered term life insurance for over 20 years and for many clients it is a smart decision. If you're not sure, I can help explain the differences in plans and most importantly find one that fits your particular situation.
I've offered term life insurance for over 20 years and for many clients it is a smart decision. If you're not sure, I can help explain the differences in plans and most importantly find one that fits your particular situation.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Consumers Worry About Health Info Online - DailyFinance
Consumers Worry About Health Info Online - DailyFinance
Do you really want your private information about your health published online? I fully understand the benefits of having this information available in case of a medical emergency and the hospital or doctor needs your records quickly. Otherwise I hope we don't digitize our medical records on the internet. Internet information is hacked every day. I don't want my medical information hacked. Do you?
Do you really want your private information about your health published online? I fully understand the benefits of having this information available in case of a medical emergency and the hospital or doctor needs your records quickly. Otherwise I hope we don't digitize our medical records on the internet. Internet information is hacked every day. I don't want my medical information hacked. Do you?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
New health care law traps some in pricey state plans - USATODAY.com
New health care law traps some in pricey state plans - USATODAY.com
This is an important article to read for those who are currently insured in state health insurance pools. I thought one of the intents of the new healthcare reform was to help people who are in high risk pools and are paying sky high rates. Instead they're not getting help and why not? Those who have sacrificed to be in the pools have been responsible citizens and they deserve the break. I agree that many people who wanted this coverage couldn't afford it and I am glad that they'll be able to get insurance at a reasonable rate. But what about the vast majority who are high risk and could have afforded coverage but just went without? They're getting the benefit of the new system. That's not fair. They should be penalized or the responsible citizens need to get a bigger break.
This is an important article to read for those who are currently insured in state health insurance pools. I thought one of the intents of the new healthcare reform was to help people who are in high risk pools and are paying sky high rates. Instead they're not getting help and why not? Those who have sacrificed to be in the pools have been responsible citizens and they deserve the break. I agree that many people who wanted this coverage couldn't afford it and I am glad that they'll be able to get insurance at a reasonable rate. But what about the vast majority who are high risk and could have afforded coverage but just went without? They're getting the benefit of the new system. That's not fair. They should be penalized or the responsible citizens need to get a bigger break.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
ObamaCare Mulligan: Readying Price Controls for Insurance - WSJ.com
ObamaCare Mulligan: Readying Price Controls for Insurance - WSJ.com
"Democrats are petrified they'll get the blame they deserve when insurance costs inevitably spike. So the purpose of this latest Senate bill is to have a pre-emptive political response on hand."
"Democrats are petrified they'll get the blame they deserve when insurance costs inevitably spike. So the purpose of this latest Senate bill is to have a pre-emptive political response on hand."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Long Term Care Changes - WSJ.com
Long Term Care Insurance may be getting more attractive. It has always been an insurance product that hasn't satisfied the needs of the masses because of the premiums. But maybe with some changes, it will catch hold.
Family Value: Insurance Changes - WSJ.com
Family Value: Insurance Changes - WSJ.com
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
(1 unread) Yahoo! Mail, triest01
April 14, 2010 - Wall Street Journal
On April 13 Toyota Motor Corp. responded to the safety concerns about a Lexus sport-utility vehicle (SUV) recently published in Consumer Reports by temporarily stopping sales of the Lexus GX 460. The recent setback for Toyota comes in the wake of a series of safety recalls. Consumers Reports rarely issues a “don’t buy” recommendation but took the action against the Lexus model because of the possibility that the SUV could roll over in some circumstances. The magazine previously suspended its recommendations for eight models that Toyota recalled in January because of problems with sticking accelerator pedals.
(1 unread) Yahoo! Mail, triest01
April 14, 2010 - Wall Street Journal
On April 13 Toyota Motor Corp. responded to the safety concerns about a Lexus sport-utility vehicle (SUV) recently published in Consumer Reports by temporarily stopping sales of the Lexus GX 460. The recent setback for Toyota comes in the wake of a series of safety recalls. Consumers Reports rarely issues a “don’t buy” recommendation but took the action against the Lexus model because of the possibility that the SUV could roll over in some circumstances. The magazine previously suspended its recommendations for eight models that Toyota recalled in January because of problems with sticking accelerator pedals.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
America's New Prescription - The Five Keys to Health Reform's Success or Failure - TIME
I've tried to find as much information about the new health care reform law as I can. TIME has the best coverage that I've found. I think you'll agree. I love where they interviewed an MIT professor who said that the approach used was a "spaghetti approach". Throw everything against the wall and see what sticks. I don't know about you but that scares me. Was the system so horrible and broken to implement a 2000 page reform? I don't think I'm alone in being extremely concerned. As an insurance agent, I am glad to see that there will be changes in people being declined because of preexisting conditions. But I firmly believe that we as a society should be careful not to reward those who are irresponsible. The system already protected people who changed coverage if they had a group plan at work or changed to a new employer's group. But the system didn't protect those who were covered under a group at work; lost their job and couldn't get employed again within 18 months when COBRA ran out. And worst of all most people who I've met couldn't afford COBRA. But there are people who can afford to buy coverage and who have elected not to be covered. I think that's their right as an American. But with the new law, they'll have to buy coverage or get taxed by the IRS. Those who skipped out of the system, shouldn't get the same benefit of being able to get a new policy without some sort of penalty for their irresponsible behavior. Should they be allowed to skip on buying coverage and be able to buy it when they get sick. After all, isn't that why you buy insurance? NO. NO. NO. That's not the way insurance works. If everyone skipped on being insured and just bought coverage when you got sick, it wouldn't be insurance. That's welfare. You may not like the way insurance companies operate but as far as I can see, the insurance industry is the only part of this puzzle that keeps a check on expenses and that's good for all of us.
America's New Prescription - The Five Keys to Health Reform's Success or Failure - TIME
America's New Prescription - The Five Keys to Health Reform's Success or Failure - TIME
Consumers Guide To Health Reform - Kaiser Health News
I haven't had time to read all 2000 pages of the reform law. Kaiser always has great info on healthcare. Hope this helps to get you started in sorting out the changes that will be coming our way.
Consumers Guide To Health Reform - Kaiser Health News
Consumers Guide To Health Reform - Kaiser Health News
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Evaluate carefully the amount of life insurance you need.
There are a couple of schools of thought as to how much you need. One is based on income replacement. Are you naming a beneficiary to provide them income in the event of your demise? Do they depend on your current income for their survival? If they need monthly income that would cease if you died, then you need to determine how much life insurance would be necessary to provide that income over the number of years the beneficiary will need it. Here's an example. Suppose you have a family with a spouse and three children. The family depends on your income for all their needs. You make $100,000 per year and the family has virtually no savings and a large mortgage on the house. Just how much coverage would you need to protect your family? This is not a guessing game. When you insured the house, you didn't guess on the value. You based the amount of insurance for the house based on the cost to replace. The same logic goes with this case for life insurance. How much life insurance would be necessary to replace what will be lost if you died. I can help you evaluate that need and make a sound decision.
And did you know that you can usually add another layer of life insurance protection as a rider on your health insurance?
And did you know that you can usually add another layer of life insurance protection as a rider on your health insurance?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
ObamaCare's Effects Are Already Showing - WSJ.com
"Expect changes for the worse to your health benefits as the direct result of this bill, and maybe as soon as this year."
ObamaCare's Effects Are Already Showing - WSJ.com
ObamaCare's Effects Are Already Showing - WSJ.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Health Care Bill's New Winners and Losers at SmartMoney.com
Health Care Bill's New Winners and Losers at SmartMoney.com
There shouldn't be any losers if it were structured correctly. Unfortunately the bill doesn't address the skyrocketing cost of health-care. I think we'll be revisiting this problem in a few years when people cannot afford the coverage.
There shouldn't be any losers if it were structured correctly. Unfortunately the bill doesn't address the skyrocketing cost of health-care. I think we'll be revisiting this problem in a few years when people cannot afford the coverage.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
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