The U.S. Census bureau just released the bad news: 46.6 Americans are living without health insurance.
LINK TO THE ARTICLE AND COVER THE UNINSURED
Dr. Risa Lvisso-Mourey, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation noted today that this news should cause all Americans - and especially our nation's leaders - to reflect on the economic, moral, and medical concerns that arise then tens of millions of our fellow citizens have no health insurance coverage of any kind.
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If you've been thinking about health insurance - would like a price or a local agent in your area, insureme has a decent service. YOu can get a quote online, plus get a list of local agents in your area.
FREE INSURANCE QUOTES AND HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT FINDER
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Drug Companies Helped Finance Medicare Part D (Drug Coverage) Program Advertisements
Well, one of the big stories on Yahoo today was about how the drug companies helped finance Medicare Part D RX Programs for senior and others on Medicare. Here's a link to the story: Drug Companies Help Finance Medicare Prescription Plan Advertisements.
BIG SHOCK! NOT!
See, drug companies actually stand to benefit. The small premium that seniors are asked to pay is obviously a fraction of the real premium. The federal government is picking up the rest. Where are they getting the money to pay for this prescription program? Beats me!
Anyway, the plan is great if it really helps seniors to access medicine they need. Nobody's arguing that. And of course, the drug companies would love insurance companies to pay for those drugs, and the insurance companies would love the federal government to pick up the premium price tag.
Many senior were actually better off with prescription assistance programs that came straight from the drug companies - but all of those ended with the entry of Medicare Part D (Drug Plan). Anyway - it's all a great idea - I just hope somebody figures out how to pay for it.
BIG SHOCK! NOT!
See, drug companies actually stand to benefit. The small premium that seniors are asked to pay is obviously a fraction of the real premium. The federal government is picking up the rest. Where are they getting the money to pay for this prescription program? Beats me!
Anyway, the plan is great if it really helps seniors to access medicine they need. Nobody's arguing that. And of course, the drug companies would love insurance companies to pay for those drugs, and the insurance companies would love the federal government to pick up the premium price tag.
Many senior were actually better off with prescription assistance programs that came straight from the drug companies - but all of those ended with the entry of Medicare Part D (Drug Plan). Anyway - it's all a great idea - I just hope somebody figures out how to pay for it.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Are any limited benefit health insurance plans legitimate?
Limited Benefit health plans often get a bad rap - and sometimes they earn it. We all have read the buzz about the famous Wal-Mart plan with a $1,000 cap. Yup, that pretty much bites.
However, some limited benefit plans have much higher limits, and they work with a PPO to contain costs. I.E. they pay according to a 'schedule', and doctors who agree to be in the network have agreed to keep their costs within that schedule.
Limited Benefit plans also tend to ease up on the underwriting. They accept diabetics, people with recent heart conditions, and older people. They also tend to cost a lot less than the state risk pool. So for many working people, a limited benefit plan may be their only option.
So - the point is - if you cannot qualify for major medical because of health conditions or costs, limited benefit health insurance plans can be an option to consider. It is important to consult with a licensed agent - ask lots of 'what if' questions, and make sure the company is a highly rated company.
FIND A LOCAL HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT OR PERFORM A QUICK ONLINE HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTE
However, some limited benefit plans have much higher limits, and they work with a PPO to contain costs. I.E. they pay according to a 'schedule', and doctors who agree to be in the network have agreed to keep their costs within that schedule.
Limited Benefit plans also tend to ease up on the underwriting. They accept diabetics, people with recent heart conditions, and older people. They also tend to cost a lot less than the state risk pool. So for many working people, a limited benefit plan may be their only option.
So - the point is - if you cannot qualify for major medical because of health conditions or costs, limited benefit health insurance plans can be an option to consider. It is important to consult with a licensed agent - ask lots of 'what if' questions, and make sure the company is a highly rated company.
FIND A LOCAL HEALTH INSURANCE AGENT OR PERFORM A QUICK ONLINE HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTE
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Long Term Care Insurance - More News and Articles
Well, I'm a little surprised, but the most common activity for my surfers are articles about Long Term Care Insurance.
I've posted about Long Term Care Insurance in the past, but here's an update:
LONG TERM CARE ARTICLE
As always, you can find a local agent, or get a quick online quote here:
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE QUOTES AND AGENT FINDER
Please see some of my previous articles on long term care insurance. They cover issues like determining your need, various options, etc. This would cover the case of people (usually seniors) needing a nuring home, assisted living, home health care, etc..... Long TERM ARE - as opposed to short term care - is not something MEDICARE handles.
I've posted about Long Term Care Insurance in the past, but here's an update:
LONG TERM CARE ARTICLE
As always, you can find a local agent, or get a quick online quote here:
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE QUOTES AND AGENT FINDER
Please see some of my previous articles on long term care insurance. They cover issues like determining your need, various options, etc. This would cover the case of people (usually seniors) needing a nuring home, assisted living, home health care, etc..... Long TERM ARE - as opposed to short term care - is not something MEDICARE handles.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Homeowners Insurance Rates Are Rising for Many!
Many surfers on this page are struggling with a raise in their homeowners insurance rates.
QUOTE HOMEOWNERS IN YOUR AREA OR FIND A LOCAL AGENT BY CLICKING HERE!
Within the last 12 months, we've seen our share of disasters: hurricanes, severe winter weather, floods, wind damage, plus global instablity -- it's not surprising that rates would raise a little. However, we were all unprepared for the increases that we've seen. I've also seen adjusters get a lot tighter on issuing claim money.
It may be time to do some shopping.
QUOTE HOMEOWNERS IN YOUR AREA OR FIND A LOCAL AGENT BY CLICKING HERE!
Within the last 12 months, we've seen our share of disasters: hurricanes, severe winter weather, floods, wind damage, plus global instablity -- it's not surprising that rates would raise a little. However, we were all unprepared for the increases that we've seen. I've also seen adjusters get a lot tighter on issuing claim money.
It may be time to do some shopping.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Having Trouble with High Priced Homeowners Insurance? Lots Are
You'd think the most common quote request would be for car insurance, and we do get a lot of auto insurance quotes made off of the links on this site. However with the hurricane and storm damage this past year, we are really seeing a high quanity of homeowner's insurance quotes.
CLICK HERE FOR A QUICK HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE QUOTE
High risks for storm damage, mold, inflation etc. are all combining to increase insurance rates.
TEXAS INFO - BUT I'M SURE YOU'RE STATE HAS SOMETHING LIKE THIS -
The best consumer resource for finding insurance is the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). TDI’s Web site, www.tdi.state.tx.us, has plenty of useful information for Texans shopping around for insurance; in fact, the department recently launched a separate Web site, www.helpinsure.com, designed especially to help Texas consumers find the right insurance company for them. If, despite their best efforts, a consumer can’t find a company to insure their home, then they should:
1. Collect and write down the details about the following information:
• why the home is being denied;
• location and condition of the home;
• type of plumbing used in the home, such as copper or PVC; and
• maintenance records from the current or prior homeowner.
2. Call TDI at 1-800-252-3439. The more particulars the consumer can provide, the more the department can help.
For consumers who are having trouble finding homeowners insurance, TDI’s Market Assistance Program (MAP) can also help; just call 1-888-799-6277. Other resources for finding insurance in Texas include www.insuretexas.org, and the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions (TCAIS) Web site, www.tcais.org.
FIND AN AGENT
CLICK HERE FOR A QUICK HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE QUOTE
High risks for storm damage, mold, inflation etc. are all combining to increase insurance rates.
TEXAS INFO - BUT I'M SURE YOU'RE STATE HAS SOMETHING LIKE THIS -
The best consumer resource for finding insurance is the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). TDI’s Web site, www.tdi.state.tx.us, has plenty of useful information for Texans shopping around for insurance; in fact, the department recently launched a separate Web site, www.helpinsure.com, designed especially to help Texas consumers find the right insurance company for them. If, despite their best efforts, a consumer can’t find a company to insure their home, then they should:
1. Collect and write down the details about the following information:
• why the home is being denied;
• location and condition of the home;
• type of plumbing used in the home, such as copper or PVC; and
• maintenance records from the current or prior homeowner.
2. Call TDI at 1-800-252-3439. The more particulars the consumer can provide, the more the department can help.
For consumers who are having trouble finding homeowners insurance, TDI’s Market Assistance Program (MAP) can also help; just call 1-888-799-6277. Other resources for finding insurance in Texas include www.insuretexas.org, and the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions (TCAIS) Web site, www.tcais.org.
FIND AN AGENT
Friday, August 18, 2006
Long Term Care Insurance - More Info since yesterday
I posted yesterday about long term care, and the various ways to pay for it. Since then I've stumbled across a good article to determine if Long Term Care Insurance is right for you. No doubt about it - long term care in nursing homes or, even, at home, is sky-high. You need to look at your own situation to decide if you would like this additional insurance protection.
PRICES LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE QUOTE
Of course, before you make a final decision consult a trusted accountant, elder-care attorney, and/or insurance agent. As you know, any one of these three types of people could have agendas in their advice - even attorneys will sell financial products these days!
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE ARTICLE
PRICES LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE QUOTE
Of course, before you make a final decision consult a trusted accountant, elder-care attorney, and/or insurance agent. As you know, any one of these three types of people could have agendas in their advice - even attorneys will sell financial products these days!
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE ARTICLE
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Long Term Care Options
MEDICARE AND ANNUITIES
I have posted in the past about Long Term Care Issues. Medicare DOES NOT COVER LONG TERM CARE. It will cover short stays in nursing homes. For more specific information please go to:
MEDICARE OFFICIAL WEBSITE WITH LONG TERM CARE INFORMATION
PAYING FOR LONG TERM CARE
The tradional options for paying for Long Term Care (which can run around $4,000 a month) are personal finances, long term care insurance, or depleting all savings - and ending up filing for Medicaid.
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Of all of these traditional options - Long Term Care Insurance is probably the most attractive. However, as people age, premiums can get very expensive. Plus, prices rise - so that $100/day policy which looked great in 1995 - may not pay the bills in 2005. The real drawback to most long term care policies - though I do think they can be a very viable solution - is that if the policy is never used, that money is lost. However, that's the situation with almost all insurance. If you buy auto insurance, and never have an accident - your premium dollars went to pay for somebody else's accidents, plus the stockholders dividend checks. C'est La Vie!
GET AN INSTANT LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE QUOTE
LONG TERM CARE ANNUITIES AND ANNUITIES WITH LONG TERM CARE
Another solution is a new product called a long term care annuity. One popular plan requires a minimum of $36,500 to be deposited in the annuity. The annuity money actually earns interest and still pays off the included long term care premium. The money still grows while the premium is paid.
I guess the best part of this solution is that if the long term care money is never used, the bulk of the investment will still be held in the account. Unlike most annuities, you will have to qualify with some health questions - though they are generally simplified.
Many annuities have a long term care rider - i.e. you can take your money out without any penalty or surrender charges if confined to a nursing homes. The difference between a Long Term Care Annuity and a Long Term Care Rider on a normal annuity is that the Long Term Care Annuity actually contains Long Term Care Insurance - i.e. a claim won't deplete the annuity principle. With a normal annuity and a long term care rider - the money is just withdrawn without penalty.
CONCLUSION
If you don't have many assets, you may just want to take a risk. If you have to deplete your assets for Medicaid to kick in, the loss may be much less than paying for other options - and you probably won't have the minimum amount of money to start an annuity anyway. Spouses of those confined to a nursing home can usually protect some assets anyway. I know this is high heresy coming from an insurance agent - but there you go! Of course, you should consult with an attorney and do your own research. I'm just giving you another take on the situation - and actually I'm not the only one who has come to this conclusion.
If you do have assets, you will want to protect them for your spouse and children. If you have enough money to cosider a traditional annuity (5,000 - 10,000 minumus are common), the rider may be a good way to give yourself some 'self-insurance'.
If you have enough money to start a long term care annuity (36,000) you may have found the best of all possible worlds.
Otherwise, if you don't have enough free cash for an annuity, but can afford a monthly payment, regular long term care insurance with no savings feature may be an attractive option.
Good Luck, and I hope you never need to use long term care.
I have posted in the past about Long Term Care Issues. Medicare DOES NOT COVER LONG TERM CARE. It will cover short stays in nursing homes. For more specific information please go to:
MEDICARE OFFICIAL WEBSITE WITH LONG TERM CARE INFORMATION
PAYING FOR LONG TERM CARE
The tradional options for paying for Long Term Care (which can run around $4,000 a month) are personal finances, long term care insurance, or depleting all savings - and ending up filing for Medicaid.
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Of all of these traditional options - Long Term Care Insurance is probably the most attractive. However, as people age, premiums can get very expensive. Plus, prices rise - so that $100/day policy which looked great in 1995 - may not pay the bills in 2005. The real drawback to most long term care policies - though I do think they can be a very viable solution - is that if the policy is never used, that money is lost. However, that's the situation with almost all insurance. If you buy auto insurance, and never have an accident - your premium dollars went to pay for somebody else's accidents, plus the stockholders dividend checks. C'est La Vie!
GET AN INSTANT LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE QUOTE
LONG TERM CARE ANNUITIES AND ANNUITIES WITH LONG TERM CARE
Another solution is a new product called a long term care annuity. One popular plan requires a minimum of $36,500 to be deposited in the annuity. The annuity money actually earns interest and still pays off the included long term care premium. The money still grows while the premium is paid.
I guess the best part of this solution is that if the long term care money is never used, the bulk of the investment will still be held in the account. Unlike most annuities, you will have to qualify with some health questions - though they are generally simplified.
Many annuities have a long term care rider - i.e. you can take your money out without any penalty or surrender charges if confined to a nursing homes. The difference between a Long Term Care Annuity and a Long Term Care Rider on a normal annuity is that the Long Term Care Annuity actually contains Long Term Care Insurance - i.e. a claim won't deplete the annuity principle. With a normal annuity and a long term care rider - the money is just withdrawn without penalty.
CONCLUSION
If you don't have many assets, you may just want to take a risk. If you have to deplete your assets for Medicaid to kick in, the loss may be much less than paying for other options - and you probably won't have the minimum amount of money to start an annuity anyway. Spouses of those confined to a nursing home can usually protect some assets anyway. I know this is high heresy coming from an insurance agent - but there you go! Of course, you should consult with an attorney and do your own research. I'm just giving you another take on the situation - and actually I'm not the only one who has come to this conclusion.
If you do have assets, you will want to protect them for your spouse and children. If you have enough money to cosider a traditional annuity (5,000 - 10,000 minumus are common), the rider may be a good way to give yourself some 'self-insurance'.
If you have enough money to start a long term care annuity (36,000) you may have found the best of all possible worlds.
Otherwise, if you don't have enough free cash for an annuity, but can afford a monthly payment, regular long term care insurance with no savings feature may be an attractive option.
Good Luck, and I hope you never need to use long term care.
Auto Insurance State Laws and Information
In my surfing for insurance related information on the web, I came across a great new blog. No, it's not one of mine, but I wish it was.
The blog is called Auto Trader, and the focus is on buying and selling cars. However, they have included an entire section devoted to car insurance information, by state.
AUTO TRADER
AUTO TRADER CAR INSURANCE INFORMATION
The blog is called Auto Trader, and the focus is on buying and selling cars. However, they have included an entire section devoted to car insurance information, by state.
AUTO TRADER
AUTO TRADER CAR INSURANCE INFORMATION
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Dental Insurance and Braces or other Orthodontics
Here's a common question: Why doesn't my dental insurance cover braces or other orthodontics? Well, actually some policies do cover braces, or they have riders which may cover them.
But the answer would be - because it's one more expense - and as you know - the more the policy covers - the more it costs. This would also answer the question as to why those companies which do cover braces - cover them as a rider, or an optional addition to the insurance contract.
You may be better off with a dental discount plan than insurance for items like braces. Orthodontics will be covered, they cost a lot less than insurance, and sometimes save you just as much money. For instance, a policy may have a deductible of $500 and limits of 1500. So the insurance would chip $100 off your bill - but the premium may be $50 a month.
CLICK HERE TO FIND A DENTAL DISCOUNT PLAN IN YOUR AREA, AND SEE IF YOUR DENTIST IS ON THE PLAN
But the answer would be - because it's one more expense - and as you know - the more the policy covers - the more it costs. This would also answer the question as to why those companies which do cover braces - cover them as a rider, or an optional addition to the insurance contract.
You may be better off with a dental discount plan than insurance for items like braces. Orthodontics will be covered, they cost a lot less than insurance, and sometimes save you just as much money. For instance, a policy may have a deductible of $500 and limits of 1500. So the insurance would chip $100 off your bill - but the premium may be $50 a month.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A Note On Health Insurance
A word on health insurance types and features
Health insurance comes in “many shapes and sizes”. Basically it can either be fully guaranteed issue or it can be fully underwritten. . Guaranteed issue means that the insurer can not decline to issue the policy nor can they rider or exclude any specific health issues. Common riders, for example, may exclude the treatment for: allergies, asthma, skin conditions, fibrocystic breast condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, back or spine etc.
Fully underwritten means that the insurer has the option to decide whether they will assume the risk for specific individuals or medical conditions. In general insurance companies can: issue the policy standard or “rate up” (charge additional premium) and agree to cover all conditions from the policy effective date. They can also issue standard or rate up but may not cover pre-existing medical conditions till after a period certain (usually 12-24 months). They may also decide that they will rider (exclude) the treatment for a specific medical condition. Finally they may decline to issue the application altogether. Each Insurance company will have different underwriting practices and guidelines.
Health insurance comes in “many shapes and sizes”. Basically it can either be fully guaranteed issue or it can be fully underwritten. . Guaranteed issue means that the insurer can not decline to issue the policy nor can they rider or exclude any specific health issues. Common riders, for example, may exclude the treatment for: allergies, asthma, skin conditions, fibrocystic breast condition, carpal tunnel syndrome, back or spine etc.
Fully underwritten means that the insurer has the option to decide whether they will assume the risk for specific individuals or medical conditions. In general insurance companies can: issue the policy standard or “rate up” (charge additional premium) and agree to cover all conditions from the policy effective date. They can also issue standard or rate up but may not cover pre-existing medical conditions till after a period certain (usually 12-24 months). They may also decide that they will rider (exclude) the treatment for a specific medical condition. Finally they may decline to issue the application altogether. Each Insurance company will have different underwriting practices and guidelines.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Ok - Enough Insurance Today - Do Some Cooking
No kidding - I just got back from vacation, and am not in the mood to discuss insurance.
Here's a new cooking blog for people who want to prepare good food, but lack the time, training, or budget to do it the old fashioned, fussy recipe way!
http://cookfast.blogspot.com
COOK FAST
The cooking blog is new - but looks like it might be funny, and even have some good information.
Here's a new cooking blog for people who want to prepare good food, but lack the time, training, or budget to do it the old fashioned, fussy recipe way!
http://cookfast.blogspot.com
COOK FAST
The cooking blog is new - but looks like it might be funny, and even have some good information.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Health Insurance and Taxes
I am NOT a tax professional, however your individual health insurance premiums should be a tax deductible expense. It's only fair. After all, corporations get to deduct premiums. Why should individuals, contractors, and small business owners be penalized?
If you are looking for some other ways to reduce your tax bill, here's a great article:
Beginner's Guide to Investing - Tax Guide
If you are looking for some other ways to reduce your tax bill, here's a great article:
Beginner's Guide to Investing - Tax Guide
Monday, August 07, 2006
gas blues - off topic
Oh No.... I feel like Mr. Bill from the old Saturday Night Live Shows when I was a pup!
It looks like BP has pipeline problems, and so we've got gas price problems - like we needed more! If you could use some tips on saving money on your gasoline and other fuel bill, check out this blog.
http://gasblues.blogspot.com/
GAS BLUES BLOG FOR MONEY SAVING FUEL TIPS!
It looks like BP has pipeline problems, and so we've got gas price problems - like we needed more! If you could use some tips on saving money on your gasoline and other fuel bill, check out this blog.
http://gasblues.blogspot.com/
GAS BLUES BLOG FOR MONEY SAVING FUEL TIPS!
Free Car Insurance Quotes
You can hardly watch any TV program without seeing auto insurance ads. It's incredibly big business, because almost everybody needs car insurance.
Here's an easy way to determine if you're getting a good deal. Remember, price is important but it's not everything. A company with excellant service, moderate deductibles, etc. will save you money in the long run!
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE CAR INSURANCE QUOTE
Here's an easy way to determine if you're getting a good deal. Remember, price is important but it's not everything. A company with excellant service, moderate deductibles, etc. will save you money in the long run!
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE CAR INSURANCE QUOTE
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Long Term Care Insurance
Many people don't realize that Medicare provides very little nursing care coverage - and does not provide long term care insurance.
For long term nursing care, your options are personal finances, government programs like Medicaid, or long term care insurance. Most seniors do not have the personal finances to last long in a nursing home where the bills can be three or four thousand dollars a month. Low income programs like Medicaid will kick in, but seniors must meet asset and income requirements.
This is the official Medicare Website on Long Term Care:
http://www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/Static/Home.asp
If long term care insurance is something you are thinking about, a quick form on this website can help you find out about rates and options:
CLICK HERE FOR LONG TERM CARE RATES OPTIONS AND TO FIND AN AGENT
For long term nursing care, your options are personal finances, government programs like Medicaid, or long term care insurance. Most seniors do not have the personal finances to last long in a nursing home where the bills can be three or four thousand dollars a month. Low income programs like Medicaid will kick in, but seniors must meet asset and income requirements.
This is the official Medicare Website on Long Term Care:
http://www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/Static/Home.asp
If long term care insurance is something you are thinking about, a quick form on this website can help you find out about rates and options:
CLICK HERE FOR LONG TERM CARE RATES OPTIONS AND TO FIND AN AGENT
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