It seems like homeowners insurance rates are getting jacked up all over. The Gulf region is getting hit especially hard after last summer's hurricanes and bad weather.
If you'd you like to see if you can save money on a homeowner's quote, I have an easy way to find competitive quotes and agents in your area and your state.
You have to fill in a little information - you should get taken to a quote - and the names of agents in your area who can help you. Sometimes it is best to chat with an agent becaue they can help you determine your needs - maybe you can pare off a bit.
Homeowners Insurance Quotes and Agents: Click Here for Quick Access to Homeowners Insurance Quotes and Property Agents
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Limited Benefit Health Insurance
I found an interesting area on limited or specified benefit health insurance plans. Now, this is about the WALMART plan - and the article is very negative. While it is important to remember that specified benefit plans are not Major Medical - some are better than others - and they may be more affordable, plus take people with health conditions that other plans won't accept. I.E. sometimes a limited or specified benefit plan is a reasonable alternative - BUT it's important to understand what you are buying.
Anyway, here's the article about Walmart's coverage:
http://www.dsausa.org/lowwage/walmart/health.html
Anyway, here's the article about Walmart's coverage:
http://www.dsausa.org/lowwage/walmart/health.html
Friday, July 14, 2006
Health Insurance Agent - Do you need one?
Well, the answer is Maybe.....
TEXANS.....
You can get an idea of what plans are available to you, and how much it costs here....
TEXAS HEALTH QUOTES
You can even apply online. However, I would suggest calling an agent if you are confused about the different options, or have questions about terms like coinsurance, out of pocket maximums, deductibles, etc.
If you are NOT in Texas - and not everybody can be.... this company supports the whole U.S. with online quotes....
ALL U.S. HEALTH QUOTES!
TEXANS.....
You can get an idea of what plans are available to you, and how much it costs here....
TEXAS HEALTH QUOTES
You can even apply online. However, I would suggest calling an agent if you are confused about the different options, or have questions about terms like coinsurance, out of pocket maximums, deductibles, etc.
If you are NOT in Texas - and not everybody can be.... this company supports the whole U.S. with online quotes....
ALL U.S. HEALTH QUOTES!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Need Health Insurance Fast?
One overlooked product is short term health insurance. You can usually buy it for periods of 6 to 12 months, and put it in place quickly.
The reason people should buy health insurance is to protect them from catostrophic illness, and short term health insurance can do this very well. If you are between jobs, waiting for health insurance to kick in, or just not in a postition to commit to long term health insurance, short term can give you peace of mind - usually costs less - and gets in place very fast!
Not a Texan - well, not everybody can be... (SMILE):
The reason people should buy health insurance is to protect them from catostrophic illness, and short term health insurance can do this very well. If you are between jobs, waiting for health insurance to kick in, or just not in a postition to commit to long term health insurance, short term can give you peace of mind - usually costs less - and gets in place very fast!
Not a Texan - well, not everybody can be... (SMILE):
Health Insurance tip
1. Review your health insurance policy and make sure you understand coverage restrictions and exclusions. For example, health insurance typically excludes most dental benefits. Understand that if you have a medical condition that results in damage to your teeth, while the medical condition may be covered, dentistry to restore your damaged teeth may not be.
2. Understand your responsibilities under your health plan. Have you selected a primary care provider (PCP)? Do you need a referral from your primary care provider for services and procedures your PCP cannot provide? Have you received written confirmation that a requested referral has been approved, or, if you need authorization before a written notice has time to get to you, have you called your insurer to make sure they have authorized the referral? Have you confirmed with your insurer that the services your PCP has made a referral for are services covered by your health plan? For example, your PCP may refer you for infertility treatment, but if your policy doesn’t cover infertility treatment there are no benefits available. Do not assume that if you request a referral from your PCP the insurer will pay for the referred services!
3. Keep your insurance ID card handy. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call the number on your insurance ID card for assistance in understanding any part of your policy you don’t understand. Call your insurer if you get a bill, a referral, an explanation of benefits form or other document you don’t understand. Other sources of assistance include your insurance agent and your human resources department if your employer provides your health insurance. The Bureau is always available to assist as well, and can be reached from 8:00 A.M-5:00 P.M. through our in-state 800 #, 1-800-300-5000.
4. Keep good files. Know where to find your policy or benefits booklet. Keep copies of any health insurance related documents you receive from your insurer, agent, human resources department or health care provider in a file you can easily locate. If you call your insurer, agent, human resources department or health care provider regarding an insurance issue, keep a pad of paper handy. Ask for the name of the person you are talking to and make a note of what you discussed, being sure to indicate the date and time of your call.
5. Know your rights. You have a right to receive a response to a request for authorization of services within two working days. If your insurer denies a requested service on the grounds that the requested service is not medically necessary, your insurer must send both you and your provider a written notice explaining why it believes the requested service is not medically necessary. The notice must advise you of your right to obtain any clinical criteria or information relied upon by the insurer in reaching its decision. The notice must also advise you of your right to appeal the decision. By law you are entitled to appeal any health insurer decision you disagree with (not just medical necessity coverage denials). If you lose your appeal, your insurer must sent you a written notice identifying the names and credentials of the persons who made the decision and explaining the reasons for the decision. You have the right to the information relied upon by your insurer in arriving at their decision. You have the right to a second level appeal. You have a right to attend and be represented at any second level appeal. If you are not satisfied, you have the right to complain to the Bureau of Insurance.
2. Understand your responsibilities under your health plan. Have you selected a primary care provider (PCP)? Do you need a referral from your primary care provider for services and procedures your PCP cannot provide? Have you received written confirmation that a requested referral has been approved, or, if you need authorization before a written notice has time to get to you, have you called your insurer to make sure they have authorized the referral? Have you confirmed with your insurer that the services your PCP has made a referral for are services covered by your health plan? For example, your PCP may refer you for infertility treatment, but if your policy doesn’t cover infertility treatment there are no benefits available. Do not assume that if you request a referral from your PCP the insurer will pay for the referred services!
3. Keep your insurance ID card handy. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call the number on your insurance ID card for assistance in understanding any part of your policy you don’t understand. Call your insurer if you get a bill, a referral, an explanation of benefits form or other document you don’t understand. Other sources of assistance include your insurance agent and your human resources department if your employer provides your health insurance. The Bureau is always available to assist as well, and can be reached from 8:00 A.M-5:00 P.M. through our in-state 800 #, 1-800-300-5000.
4. Keep good files. Know where to find your policy or benefits booklet. Keep copies of any health insurance related documents you receive from your insurer, agent, human resources department or health care provider in a file you can easily locate. If you call your insurer, agent, human resources department or health care provider regarding an insurance issue, keep a pad of paper handy. Ask for the name of the person you are talking to and make a note of what you discussed, being sure to indicate the date and time of your call.
5. Know your rights. You have a right to receive a response to a request for authorization of services within two working days. If your insurer denies a requested service on the grounds that the requested service is not medically necessary, your insurer must send both you and your provider a written notice explaining why it believes the requested service is not medically necessary. The notice must advise you of your right to obtain any clinical criteria or information relied upon by the insurer in reaching its decision. The notice must also advise you of your right to appeal the decision. By law you are entitled to appeal any health insurer decision you disagree with (not just medical necessity coverage denials). If you lose your appeal, your insurer must sent you a written notice identifying the names and credentials of the persons who made the decision and explaining the reasons for the decision. You have the right to the information relied upon by your insurer in arriving at their decision. You have the right to a second level appeal. You have a right to attend and be represented at any second level appeal. If you are not satisfied, you have the right to complain to the Bureau of Insurance.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
save money on life insurance
Top Tips:
1. Buy when you're youngMany people may feel they don't need life insurance when they are young. While your financial needs may be lower at a younger age, the rates are also substantially cheaper when you're young. Remember, the goal is to cover your primary assets (like your salary and house) so that if something were to happen to you, your beneficiaries would be able to persevere financially. The best advice is to lock in as much protection at a young age while your health and prices are still good.
2. Your “half” birthday could be costlyWhile some companies raise their prices based on your actual age, most companies increase the price of their policies six months before your birthday. It's a term called “Age Nearest” in the industry, and that half-year price increase could really add up over a 20-year term policy. As above, the quicker you purchase your policy the better.
3. Select the right length of coverageEveryone has different needs, and not one size fits all when it comes to term life insurance. While it may make sense for people in their 30s and 40s to secure a 20-year term length, a 10-year term might be more appropriate for someone nearing retirement. People who are trying to quit smoking, for example, might be best suited purchasing a shorter term (and then replacing it with a longer term policy when they qualify for non-tobacco prices). Lastly, individuals who have 30-year mortgages might want to consider a 30-year term to ensure that the house is protected throughout the period of the loan.
4. Check for price breaksCompanies often offer “price breaks” at certain coverage amounts (e.g., $250,000 vs. $225,000). The truth is that many people can actually pay less money for more coverage. Check how little your prices increase when you increase coverage to $250,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000.
5. Buy the right amount of coverageMany agents may try to sell you more coverage than you need. The purpose of life insurance is to “indemnify” (replace financial loss), and what most people should be looking for is income replacement for their beneficiaries. Independent financial planners recommend the following rule of thumb: purchase an amount of coverage equal to 6-10 times your annual gross income.
6. The right hobby with the wrong company could cost youPeople who participate in high-risk sports or activities (such as hang-gliding, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, and racing), or even those who like to have an occasional cigar could very well pay more money if they don't pick the right company. Every company looks at risk factors differently and some are more liberal in certain areas than others. Speak with a licensed insurance expert and make sure they have all the underwriting criteria at their disposal and match you with the right company.
7. Work policies aren't always the best dealWhile purchasing a life insurance policy through your employer is convenient, it may not be the best deal available to you. Work policies are often based on a composite profile of the employees you work with, many of whom may be less healthy than you, or have other underwriting factors that might drive up rates. These type of policies also expire if/when you leave the company. Inexpensive term life insurance polices that cover your dependents until they can live comfortably on their own are often a better alternative.
8. Check out your payment/billing optionsMany life insurance companies offer discounts to consumers who pay their premiums annually, or who pay monthly by electronic funds transfer (EFT).
9. Review your policy oftenDo a review of your life insurance policy a minimum of every three years, if not more often. Rates may be lower, and your circumstances may have changed, necessitating more or less protection. If you are replacing a policy, make sure you allow enough time to get your new policy in place so coverages won't overlap or lapse.
10. Don't overspend on protectionTerm life insurance is the most affordable and cost-effective pure protection available, and it is typically much less expensive than a comparable whole life policy. The old axiom still rings true: “Buy Term and invest the difference.”
1. Buy when you're youngMany people may feel they don't need life insurance when they are young. While your financial needs may be lower at a younger age, the rates are also substantially cheaper when you're young. Remember, the goal is to cover your primary assets (like your salary and house) so that if something were to happen to you, your beneficiaries would be able to persevere financially. The best advice is to lock in as much protection at a young age while your health and prices are still good.
2. Your “half” birthday could be costlyWhile some companies raise their prices based on your actual age, most companies increase the price of their policies six months before your birthday. It's a term called “Age Nearest” in the industry, and that half-year price increase could really add up over a 20-year term policy. As above, the quicker you purchase your policy the better.
3. Select the right length of coverageEveryone has different needs, and not one size fits all when it comes to term life insurance. While it may make sense for people in their 30s and 40s to secure a 20-year term length, a 10-year term might be more appropriate for someone nearing retirement. People who are trying to quit smoking, for example, might be best suited purchasing a shorter term (and then replacing it with a longer term policy when they qualify for non-tobacco prices). Lastly, individuals who have 30-year mortgages might want to consider a 30-year term to ensure that the house is protected throughout the period of the loan.
4. Check for price breaksCompanies often offer “price breaks” at certain coverage amounts (e.g., $250,000 vs. $225,000). The truth is that many people can actually pay less money for more coverage. Check how little your prices increase when you increase coverage to $250,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000.
5. Buy the right amount of coverageMany agents may try to sell you more coverage than you need. The purpose of life insurance is to “indemnify” (replace financial loss), and what most people should be looking for is income replacement for their beneficiaries. Independent financial planners recommend the following rule of thumb: purchase an amount of coverage equal to 6-10 times your annual gross income.
6. The right hobby with the wrong company could cost youPeople who participate in high-risk sports or activities (such as hang-gliding, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, and racing), or even those who like to have an occasional cigar could very well pay more money if they don't pick the right company. Every company looks at risk factors differently and some are more liberal in certain areas than others. Speak with a licensed insurance expert and make sure they have all the underwriting criteria at their disposal and match you with the right company.
7. Work policies aren't always the best dealWhile purchasing a life insurance policy through your employer is convenient, it may not be the best deal available to you. Work policies are often based on a composite profile of the employees you work with, many of whom may be less healthy than you, or have other underwriting factors that might drive up rates. These type of policies also expire if/when you leave the company. Inexpensive term life insurance polices that cover your dependents until they can live comfortably on their own are often a better alternative.
8. Check out your payment/billing optionsMany life insurance companies offer discounts to consumers who pay their premiums annually, or who pay monthly by electronic funds transfer (EFT).
9. Review your policy oftenDo a review of your life insurance policy a minimum of every three years, if not more often. Rates may be lower, and your circumstances may have changed, necessitating more or less protection. If you are replacing a policy, make sure you allow enough time to get your new policy in place so coverages won't overlap or lapse.
10. Don't overspend on protectionTerm life insurance is the most affordable and cost-effective pure protection available, and it is typically much less expensive than a comparable whole life policy. The old axiom still rings true: “Buy Term and invest the difference.”
Thursday, July 06, 2006
LONG TERM CARE ANNUITY
Whoah - Now I found something to talk about.
I have access to a great annuity that actually combines long term care insurance with it. Lots of folks see the need for long term care insurance, but don't need one more monthly bill. Older people find that it gets very expensive too. A lot of times the rates are only gauranteed for 10 years and the nice people get a big surprise on the decade anniversary date. UGHH.
...or let's say a client has some health issues which would make it difficult to qualify for regular long term care insurance - or let's say that client would only qualify with a very high premium.....
So there are two ways to look at an annuity to solve this problem.
1. Annuity with LTC insurance built in. The annuity has a guaranteed interest rate, great returns, plus builds in LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE. If you never need the LTC (and I hope you don't), you haven't just thrown you money away. You still have your investment. It's great, easy to qualify for medically (some health questions - but fairly easy issue and designed for middle aged to seniors), and it makes sense.
THE DISAD? You need a higher minimum to get in: Usually about 37,500 or so. That's still below the minimum average for annuity sales, but it makes it tougher for middle class seniors to kick start it.
2. Annuity with LTC Waiver - Now, these are common, and still great. The principle is guaranteed - usually with interest, and they have been performing great. The good ones have no upfront load fees, but they do try to keep people in with surrender charges. THE THING IS - surrender charges are waived if you need long term care.
The minimums are much lower - and some can be started with 5 - 10 thousand dollars, putting them in the reach of lower income seniors who would like some sort of a safety net in case they need long term care money.
If you are interested in Annuities, especially with long term care protection, AND YOU LIVE IN TEXAS - CONTACT ME AT:
myfreeforum@yahoo.com
I will tell you about annuities!
I have access to a great annuity that actually combines long term care insurance with it. Lots of folks see the need for long term care insurance, but don't need one more monthly bill. Older people find that it gets very expensive too. A lot of times the rates are only gauranteed for 10 years and the nice people get a big surprise on the decade anniversary date. UGHH.
...or let's say a client has some health issues which would make it difficult to qualify for regular long term care insurance - or let's say that client would only qualify with a very high premium.....
So there are two ways to look at an annuity to solve this problem.
1. Annuity with LTC insurance built in. The annuity has a guaranteed interest rate, great returns, plus builds in LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE. If you never need the LTC (and I hope you don't), you haven't just thrown you money away. You still have your investment. It's great, easy to qualify for medically (some health questions - but fairly easy issue and designed for middle aged to seniors), and it makes sense.
THE DISAD? You need a higher minimum to get in: Usually about 37,500 or so. That's still below the minimum average for annuity sales, but it makes it tougher for middle class seniors to kick start it.
2. Annuity with LTC Waiver - Now, these are common, and still great. The principle is guaranteed - usually with interest, and they have been performing great. The good ones have no upfront load fees, but they do try to keep people in with surrender charges. THE THING IS - surrender charges are waived if you need long term care.
The minimums are much lower - and some can be started with 5 - 10 thousand dollars, putting them in the reach of lower income seniors who would like some sort of a safety net in case they need long term care money.
If you are interested in Annuities, especially with long term care protection, AND YOU LIVE IN TEXAS - CONTACT ME AT:
myfreeforum@yahoo.com
I will tell you about annuities!
Pregnant but cannot get insurance or Medicaid?
I get calls 3 or 4 times a week from women (or their husband/boyfriend) who are pregnant. These women either do not have health insurance - or their health insurance does not cover many aspects of pregnancy. This is a tough situation.
Here's the advice I give out on the phone.
1. Try your state medicaid office - Income limits are raised a little for HIV positive people, pregnant women, and some other situations. Find Out.
Here's a very good website I found on this issue: http://womanshealth.gov/hiv/financial.cfm
IF YOU CANNOT GET MEDICAID.....
2. I have helped people sign up for a self-directed-health care plan. THIS IS NOT HEALTH INSURANCE - I post that everywhere and still the people call asking for health insurance when they are pregnant. I CANNOT HELP YOU. I don't know if anybody can - maybe somebody can - but I doubt it. Here in Texas (and probably elsewhere) no private company will pick up a pregnant lady. That's it. End of story. They won't even pick up the family of a pregnant lady.
I AM NOT DEFENDING THIS - I AM JUST STATING IT - so please don't contact me and ask me for health insurance when you are pregnant. Heck, I'd love to sell insurance to everybody - but the insurance companies have rules - and I must abide by them.
So now that I've finished that little rant, I suggest you try this:
http://www.ahco.biz/19806 - It is a company called AHCO, and the program is called Maternity Card. Now I have clients who have used it - some have no health insurance, and some have health insurance - but with deductibles, etc. - and they say it helps them.
--- DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER ON THE SITE - Just click ENROLL NOW
-- ON THE NEXT PAGE, CLICK MATERNITY CARD ---
-- FILL OUT THE FORM WITH YOUR CONTACT INFO - PREFERABLE NAME, PHONE NUMBER, and YOUR ZIP CODE - You can also include contact info.
THE COMPANY WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN 24 HOURS ON A BUSINESS DAY - M-F
Sorry to write all in caps, but calling me is pointless.
Thanks!
Here's the advice I give out on the phone.
1. Try your state medicaid office - Income limits are raised a little for HIV positive people, pregnant women, and some other situations. Find Out.
Here's a very good website I found on this issue: http://womanshealth.gov/hiv/financial.cfm
IF YOU CANNOT GET MEDICAID.....
2. I have helped people sign up for a self-directed-health care plan. THIS IS NOT HEALTH INSURANCE - I post that everywhere and still the people call asking for health insurance when they are pregnant. I CANNOT HELP YOU. I don't know if anybody can - maybe somebody can - but I doubt it. Here in Texas (and probably elsewhere) no private company will pick up a pregnant lady. That's it. End of story. They won't even pick up the family of a pregnant lady.
I AM NOT DEFENDING THIS - I AM JUST STATING IT - so please don't contact me and ask me for health insurance when you are pregnant. Heck, I'd love to sell insurance to everybody - but the insurance companies have rules - and I must abide by them.
So now that I've finished that little rant, I suggest you try this:
http://www.ahco.biz/19806 - It is a company called AHCO, and the program is called Maternity Card. Now I have clients who have used it - some have no health insurance, and some have health insurance - but with deductibles, etc. - and they say it helps them.
--- DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER ON THE SITE - Just click ENROLL NOW
-- ON THE NEXT PAGE, CLICK MATERNITY CARD ---
-- FILL OUT THE FORM WITH YOUR CONTACT INFO - PREFERABLE NAME, PHONE NUMBER, and YOUR ZIP CODE - You can also include contact info.
THE COMPANY WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN 24 HOURS ON A BUSINESS DAY - M-F
Sorry to write all in caps, but calling me is pointless.
Thanks!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
free prescription drug card
If you are looking for some help with drug and prescription costs, I have a site that helps with a free card giveaway - Drug Card AmericaYou can use it at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and tons of other major stores. It will help you get your prescriptions at cheaper prices, and it's free!Sign Up!
Some clients even have health insurance - but that insurance may not cover prescriptions, or it may have a high deductible on brand names - this should give a little more help - and the company - Drug Card America - does not charge for the service.
Some clients even have health insurance - but that insurance may not cover prescriptions, or it may have a high deductible on brand names - this should give a little more help - and the company - Drug Card America - does not charge for the service.
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