Insurance

 
 
 
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    Topix: Health Insurance

  • Wisconsin proposal would remove ban on health-plan wellness incentives

    9 Feb 2010 | 7:23 am
    BELLEVUE - Health plan providers would be able to offer wellness incentives to all clients under bills pending before the state Legislature.

  • Beverage industry douses tax on soft drinks

    9 Feb 2010 | 2:56 am
    Employing a broad-based lobbying effort, the soft drink industry has smothered a plan to tax sugared beverages - a plan advocates said would have reduced obesity and helped finance health care reform.

  • Upcoming health care talks to be televised

    8 Feb 2010 | 10:26 pm
    "If Congress decides we're not going to do it, even after all the facts are laid out, after all the options are clear, then the American people can make a judgment as to whether this Congress has done the right thing for them or not," Obama said Thursday.

  • Sen. Kip Averitt: A Friend Of Medicine - Texas Medical Association

    8 Feb 2010 | 6:12 pm
    The Texas Medical Association selected Sen. Kip Averitt as one of Texas' best legislators from the 81st legislative session.

  • HHS secretary asks insurer to justify rate hike

    8 Feb 2010 | 1:37 pm
    Monday, February 08, 2010 at 1:19 p.m. Read more: National , Politics , Health , Health Insurer , Health Insurance , Anthem Blue Cross , Health and Human Services , Secretary Kathleen Sebelius , California WASHINGTON a ' The Obama administration on Monday asked California's largest for-profit health insurer to justify plans to hike customers' ...
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    Auto Insurance Articles

  • North Carolina Auto Insurance - What to Know

    admin
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    The Tar Heel State began registering vehicles on July 1, 1909 and in 1957 adopted the compulsory insurance law which is commonly referred to as Financial Responsibility. This law requires that all automobiles registered in the state must be covered by a liability policy at all times in order to maintain registration; NC became one of the first states to adopt these laws. Policies must be issued by a company that is licensed and authorized to do business in the state and coverage must be maintained continuously; companies are required by law to notify the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if a…

  • Getting Answers to Auto Insurance Questions

    admin
    5 Feb 2010 | 10:00 am
    Auto insurance policies can become quite complicated and there may be many questions that arise when individuals begin shopping for coverage. Most commonly, motorists are always seeming to wonder how to find the cheapest rates and understand the laws of the particular state that they reside in. There are many ways to go about getting a question answered if an individual is uncertain about a particular area pertaining to coverage, laws or necessary protection. Local agents can be found in any phone book that are usually more than happy to answer any inquiries that a motorist may have, although…

  • Car Insurance Coverage Options

    admin
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:00 am
    Motorists have many options when it comes to the protection that can be purchased for their vehicles and themselves; some are required by law and some are optional. The majority of states follow the Financial Responsibility Law which mandates that drivers maintain Liability policies consisting of bodily injury and property damage to compensate third parties from accidents they have caused; these states set a minimum limit which must be purchased, but consumers have the option to purchase higher limits which should be considered because it may help avoid future financial burdens. States such…

  • Tennessee Car Insurance Laws

    admin
    3 Feb 2010 | 9:41 am
    In 1977, the Volunteer State became one of the many states in the nation that follow the Financial Responsibility Law which mandates that any person operating a vehicle must have compensation available in the event that they are found liable for causing an accident which results in bodily injury or property damage to a third party. The financial responsibility law is designed to ensure that motorists have a way of recovering losses for injuries and damages that they sustain as a result of a traffic collision if struck by another driver. Operators can comply with these laws in a couple ways;…

  • Michigan Auto Insurance Requirements

    admin
    2 Feb 2010 | 10:00 am
    The state of Michigan has one of the most comprehensive no-fault car insurance systems in the country and in order to maintain registration in the state vehicles must continuously be insured. Motorists in MI must purchase quite an extensive policy in order to be in compliance with the laws of the state. Individuals who own a vehicle and operate it or allow others to do so without proper coverage can be held accountable for any damages resulting from a traffic accident and be subject to a lawsuit. In addition, if convicted of driving uninsured it may result in a misdemeanor and a fine ranging…
 
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    About.com: Business Insurance

  • ICBC Support for the 2010 Winter Olympics

    8 Feb 2010 | 4:36 am
    The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is an Official Supporter of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Visitors from the States may be a little surprised to learn that ICBC is, effectively, the only auto insurer in British Columbia. The ICBC "is a provincial Crown corporation established in 1973 to provide universal auto insurance to B.C. motorists." And, since then, the role of the ICBC has expanded to handle licensing and registration for the province's vehicles. ICBC is an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. ICBC is providing…

  • President's Budget Plan Raises Concern

    3 Feb 2010 | 3:34 am
    The Risk & Insurance Management Society (RIMS) issued a statement yesterday questioning and criticizing certain aspects of President Obama's proposed budget. Two proposed measures in the budget will directly affect the insurance industry according to RIMS. In addition, RIMS claims the two measures conflict conceptually with each other. The first budget proposal reduces by $250 million the governments commitment to terrorism insurance. Scott Clark, RIMS secretary and director of RIMS External Affairs Committee stated, "TRIA (Terrorism Risk Insurance Act) and the federal government's…

  • Business and Jobs First...Then, Insurance

    28 Jan 2010 | 2:19 am
    President Obama's State of the Union Address last night addressed a number of topics from education, the environment, the future, jobs, banking, business. There was one other topic. Now, what was it? Yes, health insurance reform. The President acknowledged that taking on health insurance reform was not "good politics." And, while the President addressed health insurance reform, that topic took a back seat to economic issues. Particularly, the president laid out ideas to help out the middle class. Now, does this mean that fundamental changes--affecting our businesses--to America's health care…

  • Become Flo's Friend!

    25 Jan 2010 | 3:11 am
    Love the commercial or hate the commercial, Progressive Insurance's "Flo," the quirky girl selling insurance at the "Insurance Superstore," is a very successful marketing campaign for Progressive. Now you can be a part of the campaign! Progressive is running a contest to find a helper for Flo. The winner gets to appear in a commercial and gets a free trip to Los Angeles, CA, for a live audition with Flo. Details can be found at helpflo.com. There you can upload your video entry. Or, you can attend public auditions at: The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City on Jan. 28-29 The Miami Design…

  • Want to buy a Plane? "Sully's" Airbus is for Sale.

    22 Jan 2010 | 4:12 am
    When you make an insurance property damage claim, the insurer typically takes title to the damaged property. The insurer sells it and attempts to minimize the loss by recouping some cash at the auction. On January 15, 2009, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, landed the airplane under his command on the Hudson River. And, in a scene that makes me pay attention to those pre-flight directions by flight attendants, his passengers and crew safely exited the plane after a water landing. The plane, an Airbus A320-214, was destroyed in the landing. But, it was salvaged! It can be yours if the price…
 
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    California Personal Injury & Insurane Blog

  • Keeping your car after it is a total loss

    steinlaw
    19 Jan 2010 | 6:47 am
    I get this a lot. Someone is involved a car crash. The insurance company for the other side tells them the car is a total loss. They are sure that they want to keep their car. I am sure they...

  • All About Fees

    steinlaw
    14 Jan 2010 | 7:14 am
    I have had a rash of questions lately about fees for lawyers. This comes in the context of personal injury cases, consumer law and malpractice cases. So, let me give a very basic explanation of types of fees. Contingency fee:...

  • Always tell the truth to the insurance company!

    steinlaw
    11 Jan 2010 | 6:58 am
    I have had a rash of calls lately. People who have been in car accidents and have panicked. That panic has led them to do something dumb: lie to the insurance company. Lying to the insurance company can be insurance...

  • FAQ: Can I drive my friend's car?

    steinlaw
    6 Jan 2010 | 6:57 am
    Q: I do not own a car. I do not have auto insurance. Can I drive my friend's car? A: Yes, this is a real situation. Yes, there are people without auto insurance. About half of car owners do not...

  • Holiday Decorations Lead to More Fires

    steinlaw
    2 Dec 2009 | 10:55 am
    This is just a friendly reminder. This time of year there is an increase in the number of fires. These fires are not related to the weather or people burning fires inside. Rather, these fires come from people who are...
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    Specialty Insurance Blog

  • Overconfidence

    Specialty Insurance Blog
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:00 pm
    Overconfidence by experts resulting in disastrous decisions was the theme of a recent presentation by Malcolm Gladwell, and it has obvious implications for the insurance industry. He pointed to the crisis in the financial industry, Wall Street in particular, as the prime example of overconfident experts getting it wrong, and talked a bit about the demise of Bear Stearns. Gladwell used a number of other examples to support his thesis, including a study on the change in outcomes when experts...

  • Small Insurers Are Strong Competitors

    Specialty Insurance Blog
    1 Feb 2010 | 8:00 pm
    A recent study confirms that small PC insurers can compete successfully against larger competitors. The Conning Research study, entitled “Property-Casualty Small Insurers: From Static to Strategic,” analyzes the small insurer segment, their strategies for success, and their impact on larger insurer strategies (see here & here). Key points: Over the long term, small PC insurers have maintained market share relative to large insurers at approximately 20% Specialization plays a role in strong results The competitive advantages larger companies enjoy through...

  • The Elusive Market Turn

    Specialty Insurance Blog
    12 Jan 2010 | 9:53 am
    As we start the new year, the elusive market turn is on the minds of all insurance professionals. The 2009 combination of a tough economy and an intensely competitive insurance market was not kind to most insurance organizations, and 2010 is not showing any signs of change. So when will a change come? One underwriter commented in late 2008 that the change would occur on 1/1/09 because prices were too low. Obviously wrong. William R. Berkley, chairman and chief executive...

  • Insurance Agents E&O Claims Reminder

    Specialty Insurance Blog
    14 Dec 2009 | 8:00 pm
    During this soft market, insurance agent claims are probably not top of mind, but they can come unexpectedly and obviously impact insurance agents E&O (professional liability) coverage. A recent article in Insurance Journal (see here) points to some frequent causes of insurance agents claims and provides a reminder of some common ways to prevent the claims. Typically, claim frequency declines somewhat during a soft market because insurers offer broader coverage and accounts tend not to move with coverage reductions. During...

  • Start-Up Mistakes (Insurance)

    Specialty Insurance Blog
    7 Dec 2009 | 8:00 pm
    A recent blog post at Both Sides of the Table on common mistakes made by startup companies triggered some thoughts based on our experience in specialty insurance (see here). The author is in the tech business, so some items on the list do not apply to insurance. A couple of the most interesting: Moonlight responsibly (or Plan Responsibly) – This is particularly important in the insurance business. Not so much in terms of the ownership of intellectual property, but certainly...
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    About.com: Personal Insurance

  • Humana Expanding Short Term Health Insurance

    9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Humana recently announced they would extend their short term health insurance to additional states. They originally offered it in a handful of states. If you are in need of short term health insurance you can contact Humana directly to see if their short term health insurance is available in your area. There are some things to be aware about short term health insurance. Short term health insurance generally will not cover pre-existing conditions and is primarily for coverage of any accidents or illnesses until one can obtain permanent health insurance coverage. It can sometimes be expensive,…

  • Weekend Insurance Tip: Know How to Protect Your Home from Poisonous Home Chemicals

    6 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Many unneeded hospital visits, and insurance dollars, are preventable when a few simple steps are followed to keep your home safe from poisonous chemical accidents. Weekend Insurance Tip: Know How to Protect Your Home from Poisonous Home Chemicals originally appeared on About.com Personal Insurance on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 12:00:03.Permalink | Comment | Email this

  • Have Flood Insurance Guidelines Changed for Your Area?

    4 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    According to www.wboc.com in Chrisfield, MD "More people may have to buy flood insurance for the first time under new floodplains drawn by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA will not mail individual notices; it advises people to go to their planning agencies to compare old and new maps." FEMA regularly updates their floodplains so to make sure you are covered adequately, check regularly within your local area to see if your property has been put into a new floodplain. Have Flood Insurance Guidelines Changed for Your Area? originally appeared on About.com Personal Insurance on…

  • Let Mint Manage Your Insurance and Your Other Budget Expenses for Free!

    2 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Have you seen Mint yet? Mint is a free online tool to help you manage your monthly expenses. It is a great way to keep track of all your spending, savings and other financial information. Besides keeping track of and managing your financial information, Mint will also compare what you are paying for car insurance and combine it with your personal information and let you know if you can get a better deal. Saving on your car insurance can make a big impact on your budget!Let Mint Manage Your Insurance and Your Other Budget Expenses for Free! originally appeared on About.com Personal Insurance…

  • Weekend Insurance Tip: Know How to Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide and Fires

    30 Jan 2010 | 4:00 am
    Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is deadly, and an unexpected fire can be devastating to your family and home. Follow these suggestions to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires from your home. Weekend Insurance Tip: Know How to Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide and Fires originally appeared on About.com Personal Insurance on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 12:00:52.Permalink | Comment | Email this
 
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    HomeApproved Car Insurance Blog

  • Quotezone Insurance Comparison

    amandab6
    6 Feb 2010 | 11:58 am
    Quick note…. To all our readers. You can now benefit from a new motor quote with Quotezone Car Insurance. Compare over 80 different insurers and providers with the most simple step by step form. Virtually all vehicles and drivers can be covered. If you are looking for a brand new policy or your coming up for renewal - Head over and reduce your premiums NOW! Filed under: Breakdown Insurance, Car Insurance, Classic Cars, Insurance Marketing, New Drivers, Performance Cars, Simple Car Insurance, Young Drivers Tagged: car insurance comparison, quotezone

  • Car Insurance Comparison Websites

    amandab6
    29 Jan 2010 | 1:54 pm
    Car insurance comparison websites – are they all that? A few years old now but the question remains – are car insurance comparison websites delivering cheap car insurance quotes to UK motorists? In the light of the recent news from the AA Index which shows that average car insurance costs (between September and December 2009) have risen above £1,000. The index shows average quoted comprehensive car insurance premium rose by 7.2% between September and December last year (2009). One might assume that The AA’s findings underline the importance of shopping around when you get…

  • Aviva Car Insurance Update and….

    amandab6
    18 Jan 2010 | 2:07 pm
    This post is predominantly about the curent offers and latest information relating to Aviva car insurance.  However…… Having one of our staff members just driven back on the A281 Guildford to Horsham road we are soon going to be posting a rant (no less) about potholes and the state of the roads in the South East. It’s a total disgrace and we will be debating the possibilities of legal action against those responsible for the upkeep of our roads, should you damage your tyres, suspension, alloys etc.. Aviva Car Insurance Firstly, for those of you not already familiar with…

  • ASDA Car Insurance – 100% Online!

    amandab6
    16 Jan 2010 | 2:13 am
    We visited the Asda car insurance online web site yesterday and discovered a product which we are sure will appeal to a whole raft of drivers in the UK. If you (like us!) spend a lot of time on the internet and value the savings it can deliver both in terms of money and time then this car insurance policy from ASDA could be right up your street. You can in effect manage your entire ASDA motor policy from initial quote to renewal completely online – and No Paperwork! ASDA Online Exclusive is 100% online, which means you can manage your policy any time, day or night. However, when you…

  • How to Drive in Icy Weather and Snow

    amandab6
    13 Jan 2010 | 3:04 am
    A rushed post this morning as a new wave of snow has covered most of West Sussex! Whilst surfing the net we found this article on the BBC website. After having spent years building up your precious No Claims Discount it would be foolish to increase your UK car insurance premiums by driving around in dangerous conditions. If however your journey is literally unavoidable and you simply must travel then below are some tips and advice on how to be as safe as possible: Before leaving home or setting out on your journey Tyres: Ensure your tyres are inflated correctly and that you have a minimum of…
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    Workers Comp Kit Blog

  • How to Make Handling a Medical Only Claim Interesting

    Robert Elliott, J.D.
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:48 pm
       The handling of medical-only  workers’ compensation claims may seem routine or even mundane. Let’s look beyond the surface to see there’s more than meets the eye. Many of the questions considered in evaluating a claim for compensability apply whether the claim is a medical- only or involves indemnity payment. The first step in handling either type of claim involves determining whether there is coverage. So, take a look at the policy dates and be sure the injury date falls within the coverage period.    Also confirm the claimant works for the…

  • Victoria Australia Officials Use Wellness to Reduce Workers Compensation Occupational Injuries

    Robert Elliott, J.D.
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:46 pm
    Officials in Victoria, Australia  are promoting WorkHealth, a five year, $218 million program aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Victorian workers. It represents a significant new investment in the health and safety of Victoria’s workers and a major contribution to the Victorian Government’s action on chronic disease prevention.  Over the next five years,  every workplace in Victoria will have the opportunity to take an active part in health programs in the workplace. Programs for workers will include workplace-based health checks and information, as…

  • Claims Resolution and Settlements: MSA and Annuities

    Robert Elliott, J.D.
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:40 pm
    Medicare Set Asides Under federal law,  Medicare is precluded from paying the medical expense for a person's workers' compensation injury.  The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires all Medicare (CMS) beneficiaries to protect Medicare's interest in all work comp claims and ensure Medicare is secondary to work comp.  Therefore, it is required of the adjuster to take Medicare's interest into account every time a work comp claim is settled.  On small claims this amounts to the adjuster paying the estimated future medical cost.   Where…

  • How One Doctor Really Can Make a Difference

    Nathaniel R. Evans, II, MD, FACEP
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:32 pm
      Here is a true story  about how one doctor successfully helped his client-employers reduce workers’ compensation costs by 50%.  And further reductions are seen in lost time, light duty days, replacement workers costs, and cost of treatment of employees who claim work-related injury. His name is Dr. Nathaniel Evans – let’s read his story.  Thank you for the contribution, Dr. Evans. It is very enlightening. As I reflect  on almost 25 years of solo practice in occupational medicine, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to help my…

  • New York Based Law Firm Cited for Alleged Workplace Discrimination

    Robert Elliott, J.D.
    7 Feb 2010 | 12:47 pm
    An international law firm  with its primary office in New York City, allegedly violated federal age discrimination law through its compensation system, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a recent lawsuit.  According to the EEOC’s suit, in the firms system, attorneys who practiced law after turning 70 years of age received dramatically reduced compensation compared to similarly productive younger attorneys solely because of their age. The EEOC further charged the law firm unlawfully retaliated against one of its attorney’s who…
 
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    MedicalNewsToday: Health/Medical Insurance

  • State Health Policy Developments: Doctor Shortages, California Insurance Crackdown

    9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    News outlets across the country report on state health policy developments. The Los Angeles Times: "At a time when nearly 7 million Californians are uninsured, state regulators are trying to rein in discount health and dental plans that officials say frequently overstate benefits, offer little if any savings and promise access to doctors who aren't part of the system...

  • Today's OpEds: Recommendations To Democrats, Cutting Costs, 'Rationing' Health Care

    9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    Back To The Drawing Board Los Angeles Times Democrats may not attract any GOP support for comprehensive healthcare reform by stepping up efforts to limit the growth in healthcare costs. But they will make the benefits of the measure clearer to a skeptical public (2/8)...

  • Obama Invites Republicans To Share Ideas At Televised Health Reform Summit

    9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    The New York Times reports that the President's inivitation is for a half-day televised summit February 25. It is "a high-profile gambit that will allow Americans to watch as Democrats and Republicans try to break their political impasse." The move is seen as a way for Obama to force Republicans to help govern and to "put more scrutiny on Republican initiatives" on health care...

  • Analysts: If Health Reform Fails, Expect More Industry Mergers

    9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    News outlets report on how the fate of the health care overhaul might affect health industry mergers and biotech firms...

  • KHN Column: Yes, Let's Talk About Those Republican Ideas

    9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    In his latest Kaiser Health News column, done in partnership with The New Republic, Jonathan Cohn writes: ''[F]or much of the last year, Republicans have been scaring the bejeezus out of seniors by telling them that Democrats were out to destroy Medicare. But the Roadmap makes clear that it's not Democrats who seek massive, disruptive changes to the program. It's the Republicans...
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    About.com: Health Insurance

  • Copays and Coinsurance. What's the Difference?

    7 Feb 2010 | 4:13 am
    Ah, health insurance jargon What's the difference between a copay and coinsurance?  I have been asked this question many times through email, but after being asked the same question by a friend at a party last night, I decided a blog on the subject was a good idea. Although you may be paying a hefty monthly premium for your health insurance (or a percent of what your employer pays), your health plan most likely does not cover 100% of the cost of your healthcare. Additional costs (or out-of-pocket expenses) that you may be responsible for include an annual deductible, copayments, and…

  • Have a Question or Complaint About Your Health Plan? Contact Your State’s Health Insurance Department.

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:38 am
    I have been getting a lot questions about health insurance coverage and how specific health plans work. Although there are federal laws (such as COBRA and HIPAA) that help to protect people with health insurance, most health insurance is regulated at the state level. Insurance Department Websites Many states have consumer websites that provide information about local health plans, including how to make a complaint, how well health plans perform, and general advice about health insurance. Some good examples are the health plan consumer guides from Vermont and New York. You can link to your…

  • February is American Heart Month - Keep Your Heart Healthy and Your Insurance Premiums Low!

    1 Feb 2010 | 11:19 am
    If you develop heart disease or one of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, your healthcare costs may be very high. Not only will you have to take more medications and have more doctor visits, but you may have difficulty getting health insurance (because of a pre-existing condition) or you may have to pay higher insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help you fight heart disease and prevent some of the risk factors for heart attack. The following articles from About.com provide useful…

  • Medicare "Donut Hole” Causes Some Seniors to Skip Diabetes Drugs

    28 Jan 2010 | 7:06 am
    According to a recent study, Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes who reach the coverage gap in their Part D prescription drug benefits--known as the "donut hole" -- have higher out-of-pocket medication costs and are less likely to stay on their medications than those who have supplemental drug benefits. The study - Falling into the Coverage Gap: Part D Drug Costs and Adherence for Medicare - by Vicki Fung, Ph.D. and colleagues from Kaiser Permanente and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, appears online in the journal Health Services Research. According to several online…

  • Are My Health Insurance Premiums Tax-Deductible?

    25 Jan 2010 | 5:05 am
    It's tax time again and you may be wondering if your health insurance premiums are tax-deductible. It depends on who you are and who you work for. Self-Employed: If you are self-employed, the answer often is yes -- the premiums you pay to cover yourself and your dependents probably are tax-deductible. They are not, however, if you, your spouse, or your dependents are covered by another employer's group health insurance plan. Health Savings Accounts: If you work for a company that offers health insurance as part of what's known as a cafeteria plan, you may have a health savings account (HSA).
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    Colorado Health Insurance

  • Rush Limbaugh Advises His Listeners To Go Uninsured

    Jay
    6 Feb 2010 | 5:15 pm
    Rush Limbaugh has the most-listened-to radio talk show in the United States, with 14.25 million listeners a week as of March 2009.  While only 37% of his listeners make less than $60K per year, 69% of his listeners make less than $100K per year.   Anthony Wright at Health Access Blog has a great article about Rush sharing the details of his latest hospital visit, how he finances his health care expenses, and even recommending that his listeners do the same… I’m not gonna get health insurance. I’m not going to inflate my bill by 35%. This cost me 30% less than had…

  • Maternity As An Option Rather Than A Mandate

    Louise
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:52 am
    Colorado House Bill 1021, which would have required all individual health insurance policies in Colorado to include maternity coverage, has been changed to require that every health insurance company offer at least one policy with maternity coverage, rather than requiring it on all policies.  I had some concerns about this bill initially, both in terms of how it would increase costs, and whether women like myself who choose homebirths would be required to pay the additional premiums for maternity coverage while also paying out of pocket for our maternity care. I like the compromise that the…

  • A Good Alternative To Mandatory Health Insurance

    Louise
    2 Feb 2010 | 11:26 am
    When I wrote last week about how health care reform in it’s current version does not equal a government-run health care system, we got a really great comment from Jim Sugden.  He wrote: “Although a mandate is the easist method of enforcing enrollment compliance by the majority of the population, a stiff pre-ex clause that was well publicized and understood could also be used to drive participation. If individuals who had gone uncovered for 60 days or more were subjected to a pre-ex. waitng period of 1 month for every month the spent without coverage(perhaps with a 24 month…

  • Health Care Reform Does Not Mean Government Run Health Care

    Louise
    29 Jan 2010 | 5:36 pm
    In Bob McDonnell’s Republican response to President Obama’s state of the union address, he noted that the “Democratic Congress continues deficit spending… and increasing the national debt on our children and grandchildren.”  And he said that while Americans want affordable health care, they don’t want to have the federal government running the health care system. I found this interesting, especially considering the history of the national debt since World War II.  Even if they weren’t highlighted in red on the chart, the Regan/Bush/Bush years would…

  • Americans More Concerned About The Economy Than Health Care

    Louise
    28 Jan 2010 | 11:45 am
    The American people would prefer that the government shift the focus from health care reform to the economy, according to numerous new polls. Far more Americans are uninsured than unemployed, but the increase in unemployment over the last couple years has been more significant than the increase in the number of people without health insurance.  About 16% of Americans are uninsured, which is an increase from just under 15% in 2008.  But the number of unemployed people doubled between December 2007 and December 2009.  Colorado jobs haven’t been as hard-hit by the recession, but…
 
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    The Disability Insurance Blog

  • Depression and Disability Insurance

    The Income Protector
    13 Jan 2010 | 4:10 pm
    Do you have an upset in your life (who doesn’t?)?  If you work or are in a relationship or have children and/or other relatives, chances are you have been upset about some part of your life.  However, be careful of what you tell your physician about these upsets – it might come back to haunt you. I have had several clients who have given a “yes” answer when asked the question, “are you depressed?” by their physicians.  In these cases, my clients had some situations in life that were “bringing them down,” or upsetting them in one way or…

  • Top Ten Ways to Avoid Disabling Accidents and Illnesses During the Holiday Season

    The Income Protector
    22 Dec 2009 | 12:24 pm
    As as public service to visitors of our Disability Insurance Blog, we are offering these top ten ways to avoid disabling accidents and illnesses during the holiday season: 1.  Don’t drink and assemble toys, especially those you need to plug in. 2.  Don’t stand under the mistletoe at an office party.  The spouse of the person standing with you under the mistletoe might be present, which might result in broken bones. 3.  Don’t decorate your roof alone.  Watch “National Lampoon Christmas Vacation” for details. 4.  If you’re weak of heart, avoid the mall…

  • Dr. Oz’s Tips for Preventing a Heart Attack This Holiday Season

    The Income Protector
    16 Dec 2009 | 3:51 pm
    As heart disease is a leading cause of disability, I thought it might be a good idea to present these holiday health ideas presented by Dr. Mehmet Oz on abcnews.co.com: Limit drinking; never have two drinks in a row Alcohol is acutely toxic to the heart, Oz says.  It can literally irritate the heart muscle and increase the body’s autopilot response to boost your blood pressure and your heart rate.  The heart’s natural pacemaker gets thrown off, and so does your heartbeat. “Have one drink of alcohol, then a glass of water,” Oz advises.  That will also make you feel…

  • Where did they Get that Information?

    The Income Protector
    8 Dec 2009 | 11:34 am
    I have had several clients ask me recently about the Medical Insurance Board (MIB), so I thought I’d give a brief description of who they are and what they do. MIB Group is a membership corporation owned by member life insurance companies in the United States and Canada. They maintain a database for member companies to exchange confidential information of underwriting significance when an individual applies for life, health, disability income, long term care or critical illness insurance.  This information is maintained and safeguarded in a coded format that is accessible only to…

  • How Thorough does this Underwriting Have to be?

    The Income Protector
    1 Dec 2009 | 2:29 pm
    This was a question asked of me today by a frustrated client whose disability application is in underwriting.  He wanted to know why we asked a series of questions on the application only to then have the same questions asked by the medical examiner and then again in an interview by a representative from the insurance company. While I understand his frustration and would be equally frustrated by being asked repetitive questions, I also understand why the insurance company does this.  You have to first understand that you are passing a specific risk to the insurance company.  As such, the…
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    Health Insurance Sort Blog

  • Cheaper Alternative to COBRA

    JPAL
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:20 am
    For many American families, COBRA coverage is still too expensive even with the current COBRA subsidy which is temporarily in place.  The COBRA subsidy program pays 65% of the monthly premiums for up to 15 months, but still can require a substantial monthly expense, as the average family of four still pays on average $389 per month even with the subsidy. A recent report by eHealthinsurance.com found that in twenty states, families could save $600 per year ($50/mo) by purchasing a family health insurance plan as oppose to opting for the COBRA coverage.  Even with the subsidy! The twenty…

  • Humana Health Insurance Presenting Conference

    ymedina
    7 Feb 2010 | 6:22 pm
    Humana Inc, a leader in finding health insurance for consumers, will be presenting the 20th annual UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference according to their website.  Chief financial officer and treasurer will be making the presentation to investors at the conference on Monday, February 8th. There will be a live audio Web cast of the presentation available on Humana’s website.  They recommend logging in abou 15 minutes early to allow time to run systems and download any necessary software which is free. Humana Health Insurance is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is one of…

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield on Health Care Fraud

    ymedina
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:46 am
    The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association issued a statement on the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Summit on Health Care Fraud held in January. BCBS believes health care fraud is a serious crime and they commend Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder for bringing the summit together.  They bring together private sector stakeholders, law enforcement, Medicare beneficiaries, health insurance companies, and other experts to help combat health care fraud. Blue Cross Blue Shield companies across the country work together aggressively to discover…

  • Dean Health Plan Has New Family Practitioner

    ymedina
    5 Feb 2010 | 5:40 pm
    According to Dean Care’s website there is a new Family Practitioner joining the Dean Health Plan group.  His name is Dr. Kenneth Betts and he brings over 25 years of experience to the Edgerton Clinic in Madison. Directot Nancy Ford feels very fortunate to have such a qualified physician joining the team.  For the past 7 years Dr. Betts had his own private practice in Edgerton and is well-known in the area.  He’ll be offering comprehensive care to families with a focus on diabetes, minor skin surgery, and hyperbaric care. Betts states that he is excited to join the Clinic…

  • Oxford Health Insurance Prioritizes Your Health

    ymedina
    3 Feb 2010 | 4:54 pm
    Oxford Health Insurance has a priority to keep their members healthy and fit by providing valuable information.  On their website they have a publication with a variety of health tips called Healthy Mind Healthy Body. The publication goes over important information such as medical updates, diet advice and exercise programs.  They spend a great deal of time focusing on the importance of eating right.  The American society creates challenges when choosing the right foods, but it is possible to make healthy choices. There is a lot of medical research to show links between eating the proper…
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    Home Insurance Blog

  • Give yourself a personal finance review

    admin
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:21 am
    With the recession still among us, homeowners everywhere are left trying to find even more creative ways to save money. Many families have had to completely change their spending habits and are living more modestly than ever before. Here are a few tips for cutting down on unnecessary costs and expenditures around your own home: Avoid [...]

  • What is the minimum amount of liability coverage for homeowners insurance? Wayne, T. New York

    Editor
    11 Jan 2010 | 12:02 pm
    The minimum amount of liability coverage for homeowners insurance is typically $100,000 and this is included in a standard homeowners insurance policy. If you feel you need more coverage, however, you can purchase more liability coverage. Talk to your insurance agent about your specific needs for liability coverage and they should be able to recommend [...]

  • New Years Resolution: Stop Paying Too Much for Insurance

    Editor
    4 Jan 2010 | 6:02 am
    As insurance professionals, the team at HomeInsurance.com knows the trick to keeping insurance premiums low. And as our first gift to you in 2010- we’re going to to share them with you. 4 Tricks to Keeping Your Premiums Low #1- Use a Multi-Shopper- Shop your insurance with a company who represents multiple insurance providers. Doing so will [...]

  • Incidents of Vehicle Theft Increase During the Holidays

    Editor
    17 Dec 2009 | 12:17 pm
    Unfortunately, around the holidays shoppers are more prone to having their vehicles broken into as thieves loot through parking lots looking for gifts and other purchases left inside cars. Here are a few tips to prevent a vehicle break-in this time of year: If you’re stopping at various stores to go shopping, do not leave packages [...]

  • How to Prevent the Top 6 Holiday Insurance Claims

    admin
    9 Dec 2009 | 8:57 am
    With the hustle and bustle of Holiday shopping, parties and traveling, there are more opportunities than ever for insurance claims to occur this time of year. Protect your home and family from the Top 6 Insurance Claims of the Season by brushing up on our Holiday safety tips: Home Decor and Heat Sources Don’t Mix-Take a [...]
 
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    Insurance Law Hawaii

  • Tucson ABA Insurance Conference Scheduled for Early March

    Tred Eyerly
    9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
       The ABA, Section of Litigation, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee's annual insurance seminar will be held again this year in Tucson from March 4-6, 2010.  As always, this year's conference will offer a number of informative, cutting edge sessions on a variety of insurance-related topics.  Participants from across the country with varying perspectives on insurance coverage will attend.  The conference agenda is here.     I am on a panel for a session entitled, "Who Pulled the Trigger? Applying Manifestation or Injury-in Fact Trigger to First Party Property…

  • Absence of Property Damage Negates Defense of Suit Alleging Illegal Landfill

    Tred Eyerly
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
       The insureds' property was rented from the State of Hawai`i .  See State Farm Fire and Cas. Ins. Co. v. Ramirez, No. 08-00557, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5045 (D. Haw. Jan. 22, 2010).  The insureds and the State were sued by neighbors for a dumpsite/landfill maintained on the property.  The underlying complaint alleged the State had cited the insureds for dumping construction debris, coral debris, dredge material and black-top pieces without a permit.  The underlying complaint requested orders declaring that the insureds violated City and County grading ordinances and the site was…

  • Underlying Case Stayed for Development of Facts

    Tred Eyerly
    3 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
       This cases touches on both maritime law and insurance coverage.  Therefore, the initial question was which office blog should do the post: our blog or hawaiioceanlaw.com, authored by  Damon Key blogging colleague, Mark Murakami?  Easily resolved: Mark found the case, but passed it on to us.    In Fireman's Fund Ins. Co. v. Sneed's Shipbuilding, Inc., No. 08-4882, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4835 (E.D. La. Jan. 4, 2010), Superior Shipyard and Fabrication, Inc. contracted with the insured, Sneed, to build a dry dock.  When defects were discovered in the dry dock, Superior…

  • Knowing Wrongful Act Exclusion Held Ambiguous

    Tred Eyerly
    1 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
       A psychologist was entitled to coverage after the court determined the professional liability policy's Knowing Wrongful Act Exclusion was ambiguous.  See Am. Home Assurance Co. v. Pope, No. 08-2848, 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 516 (8th Cir. Jan. 11, 2010).    Sparing you of the tortuous procedural history (running on three tracks: arbitration; up and down the Missouri state courts; three appeals to the Eighth Circuit), we cut right to the chase.  The insured psychologist's patient was a minor victim of sexual abuse by a foster parent. The psychologist never notified state…

  • Damon Key Lawyers Co-Author New ABA Construction Publication

    Tred Eyerly
    27 Jan 2010 | 7:00 am
       Damon Key construction lawyers Ken Kupchak, Anna Oshiro, Michael Yoshida, Christi-Anne Kudo Chock,  and yours trulyteamed together to draft the Hawai'i chapter of the ABA's recently published, "A State-by-State Guide to Construction & Design Law" (2nd ed.).  The treatise, first published in 1998, serves as a practical guide for the construction industry, enabling users to easily locate design and construction law and contracting practices in all 50 states, in addition to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  The second edition fully updates relevant…
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    Insurance Blog

  • Accidents Involving Recalled Toyotas Still Have Coverage, Insurers Say

    9 Feb 2010 | 8:53 am
    Toyota owners should place safety first and follow the car manufacturers’ instructions regarding the recalled vehicles, insurers say. After the recall of some 8 million Toyota vehicles, … Read the rest of this great post here

  • New York to Issue Watered-Down Disclosure Rules for Agents

    9 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am
    New York regulators are expected to release new rules tomorrow that requi re agents to disclose to clients some aspects of their compensation, although the rules are more palatable to agents … Read the rest of this great post here

  • Abram Interstate Offers HO-3 Program for Northern & Central California

    9 Feb 2010 | 8:10 am
    Abram Interstate Insurance Services Inc. in Rocklin, Calif., is offering a market for difficult to place property risks with competitive pricing and flexibility. They will write: older homes … Read the rest of this great post here

  • Adults in Kansas Could Be Ticketed for Helmet-Less Teen Motorcyclists

    9 Feb 2010 | 7:55 am
    It's illegal in Kansas for someone under 18 to drive or ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, and teenagers can be ticketed if they're caught doing so. Now, a new Senate bill proposes adults … Read the rest of this great post here

  • Riley Joins Lockton in Chicago

    9 Feb 2010 | 7:47 am
    Kansas City-based insurance broker Lockton Companies has expanded its commercial insurance team in Chicago with the addition of Jason Riley as account manager. Riley will place and service … Read the rest of this great post here
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    LIFE Foundation

  • Critical Illness—Your Risk May Be Greater Than You Think

    mfeldman
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:19 am
    Did you know that if you’re a 25-years-old male who doesn’t smoke that you have a one in four chance of having a critical illness (cancer, heart attack or stroke) before reaching 65? If you smoke, it becomes an almost 50% chance. Jesse Slome, who’s the executive director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, laid out some of these startling statistics in a recent article that highlighted the results of the AACII’s first National Critical Illness Risk Assessment Study. Additionally, the study results showed that 17 percent of non-smoking men and 36 percent of…

  • Expressions of Love Often Bring Promises to Care and Protect

    chughes
    2 Feb 2010 | 8:16 am
    They dangle from our key chains, encircle our desks, hang on our walls and sit on our mantels. Through photographs, our loved ones are all around us, even when we are not physically with them. Their pictures serve as constant reminders of what matters most in our life. To encourage people to share their greatest expressions of love, the LIFE Foundation launched on Jan. 15 its Crazy4Love Photo Contest as part of its Insure Your Love campaign running through Valentine’s Day. Dozens of people have already uploaded their pictures to Tumblr.com capturing the first moment with a newborn baby or…

  • Liar, Liar

    mleyes
    29 Jan 2010 | 8:36 am
    I was flipping through a recent issue of Real Simple, when I ran across a short article—a Q & A, really. The column is called “Right on the Money,” and it focuses on ethics when it comes to your money. The question a reader asked was, “When filling out an insurance application, can I stretch the truth about my health?” The article explained in around 200 words why this is not a good idea—that it could lead to a future claim being denied. When I thought about this, I realized that all that space was really unnecessary. “Stretch the truth” is a euphemism for lie. Lie. So,…

  • A Love Letter About Life Insurance

    jdewald
    26 Jan 2010 | 9:23 am
    I recently ran across a yellowing sheet of paper with a typewritten letter; it was a copy of a note I had sent to my son. The date on the letter was Nov. 21, 1989, and my son, who is now in college, was just four months old at the time. As I read it again after 20 years, I realized something: Although I was telling him about the life insurance policy we had just purchased for him, it was, in fact, a love letter. Love letter, you say? What has life insurance got to do with love? Well, quite a lot, it turns out. The bottom line is that you buy life insurance because you love people and want to…

  • Listening to the God of Love

    mleyes
    19 Jan 2010 | 3:58 pm
    What do love and life insurance have in common? If you’re like most Americans, you probably think that they don’t have much in common at all. A staggering majority of people—92%—don’t consider purchasing life insurance “an expression of love,” according to a recent survey from the LIFE Foundation. But I would like to parse that idea for you—if you are one of that 92 percent—to show you why it’s time to view a life insurance purchase in a new light. The most fundamental reason that we buy life insurance is love: We buy it because we love people and want to protect them…
 
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    Insurance Blog

  • Is the Health Care Crisis Causing the American Dream to Slip Away?

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:07 am
    At its core, the American Dream is the promise of a good, prosperous life for all hard-working Americans. But one expert believes that failure to pass health care reform will put the American Dream out of reach for the vast majority of Americans.

  • Texting Banned for Drivers of Big Rigs and Buses

    29 Jan 2010 | 10:34 am
    Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Tuesday that text messaging by drivers of large trucks and buses has been banned.

  • Is Healthcare Reform Dead?

    27 Jan 2010 | 8:39 am
    With the election of Scott Brown to Ted Kennedy's former Senate seat, health insurance reform seems to be at a crossroads.  

  • Does it Really Pay to Compare Quotes?

    26 Jan 2010 | 1:46 pm
    If you're still skeptical about the value of shopping around when buying insurance, here's some proof that playing the field actually can save you a bundle.

  • Television Could Be Killing You

    22 Jan 2010 | 10:07 am
    On average, Americans watch 31 hours of television per week. And new research shows that your television could be killing you--at least in one sense.
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    PR Leap: Insurance News

  • Half of Engineers not Covered for Injuries to the Public

    9 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    52% of UK Engineers liable to injury claims by waiving public liability insurance.

  • Puritan Financial Group partners with Aviva Life

    4 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    Puritan Financial Group announced recently its appointment with Aviva Life Insurance Company. Puritan Financial Group is a life insurance agency that specializes in providing insurance solutions to the mature marketplace, including life insurance for seniors, life annuity products, wealth transfer products, and income protection products. Puritan Financial Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Puritan Financial Companies, Inc.

  • Puritan Financial Group partners with Lincoln Financial Group

    3 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    Puritan Financial Group has recently announced its appointment with Lincoln Financial Group. Puritan Financial Group is a life insurance agency that specializes in providing insurance solutions to the mature marketplace, including life insurance for seniors, life annuity products, wealth transfer products, and income protection products. Puritan Financial Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Puritan Financial Companies, Inc.

  • Puritan Financial Group partners with Oxford Life

    2 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    Puritan Financial Group has recently announced its appointment with Oxford Life Insurance Company. Puritan Financial Group is a life insurance agency that specializes in providing insurance solutions to the mature marketplace, including life insurance for seniors, life annuity products, wealth transfer products, and income protection products. Puritan Financial Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Puritan Financial Companies, Inc.

  • Puritan Financial Group partners with Transamerica Life

    1 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    Puritan Financial Group has announced recently its appointment with Transamerica Life Insurance Company. Puritan Financial Group is a life insurance agency that specializes in providing insurance solutions to the mature marketplace, including life insurance for seniors, life annuity products, wealth transfer products, and income protection products. Puritan Financial Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Puritan Financial Companies, Inc.
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    Texas Department of Insurance

  • osharecog

    2 Feb 2010 | 8:59 am
    02/2/10 - AUSTIN, TEXAS - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently recognized Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation of Temple

  • dwcdecenforce

    28 Jan 2010 | 12:28 am
    01/28/10 - AUSTIN, TX - Commissioner of Workers' Compensation Rod Bordelon recently announced final disciplinary actions taken by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC).

  • December_enforcements

    25 Jan 2010 | 1:46 am
    01/25/10 - AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Insurance has announced enforcement actions that became final during December, including eight license revocations, four license denials or probated, and fines and restitution totaling $94,059.

  • frozenpipes

    5 Jan 2010 | 10:10 am
    01/5/10 - AUSTIN - Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

  • FSCcigarettes

    28 Dec 2009 | 2:31 am
    12/28/09 - AUSTIN - As of January 1, 2010, all cigarettes sold in Texas must be certified fire standard compliant (FSC).
 
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    WordPress Tag: Auto Insurance

  • 6 Reasons Why Business Car Insurance is too Costly

    anabeluno2000
    9 Feb 2010 | 7:29 pm
    Certain jobs, you would normally use the car, or vehicles owned by the company’s business. And even if you have your own car insurance, it is still very important for these companies to get business auto insurance to assure their drivers and their vehicles. Business automobile insurance does not cover only the cars or small vehicles. Business automobile insurance also covers trucks, vans, heavy vehicles or functional that workers use. However, Auto Insurance rates are still in those days. So what are things to remember before you buy the business of auto insurance? What are ways to save…

  • 6 Factors Why Business Car Insurance is Expensive

    anabeluno2000
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:55 pm
    Certain tasks, you normally will use the vehicle or vehicles owned business. And even if you have your own car insurance, it is still very important for these companies get auto insurance policy to ensure their drivers and their vehicles. Commercial vehicle insurance covers not only cars and small vehicles. Commercial vehicle insurance covers trucks, vans, heavy vehicles or functional that workers use. However, Auto insurance rates are still in those days. So what are things to remember before you buy a business auto insurance? What are the ways to save money? 1st Select a reliable car…

  • Texting While Driving: Law Amendments

    berryinsurance
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:18 pm
      New Massachusetts laws regarding cell phone usage while driving are currently being reviewed by th

  • Saving Money Every Day

    dianne1131
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:36 am
    How I saved money today. Car Insurance: Looking at my insurance bill for my cars, I thought to myself, “How does the average family do it?”  We have two old cars (you need to have a car to get around in Florida), and we both have good driving records.  We’ve been with Progressive Insurance since 2006.  Our 6 month bill was $1,159.58 if paid in full.  That is $ 2,339.16 a year.  Wow, I think that is crazy. So, I thought a phone call would be worth my time to save some money.  I called Progressive insurance and simply asked them “Is there a way to lower my car insurance rate?” …

  • The Things We Do For Love

    santaclaritainsurance
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Giving candy on Valentine’s Day is a traditional way of expressing your love—so is taking your loved one to dinner or buying a nice piece of jewelry.  Each is a lovely gesture, and is sure to be appreciated.  But this year why not try a different way of expressing your love … through the purchase of a life insurance policy.  Though it may not be romantic, what could have more meaning for your loved ones than the certainty of knowing that they will be provided for financially, even after you’re gone.  Think of it as the ultimate expression of enduring love. For additional…
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    Medicare Update

  • Region C Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Posts Additional Audit Issues for DRG Validation

    Michael Apolskis
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:33 pm
    Connolly Healthcare, the Medicare recovery audit contractor (RAC) for Region C, recently updated its CMS approved audit issues for RAC review. Specifically, Connolly Healthcare recently posted at least 19 new CMS approved audit issues on its website for inpatient hospitals pertaining to DRG validation. The issues affect providers in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.  The issues are briefly described below: Pulmonary Edema and Respiratory Failure: MS-DRG 189 Heart…

  • President Obama Calls for Televised Health Care Summit

    Michael Apolskis
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:56 am
    President Obama plans to hold a half-day, televised health care summit on February 25, 2010 with the expectation that Democrats and Republicans will go through various health care issues and possibly arrive at some agreements.Watch CBS News Videos Online

  • CMS Releases National Health Expenditure Projections

    Michael Apolskis
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:43 am
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has prepared an analysis of projected national health care expenditures through 2019, which has been published on-line by the journal Health Affairs.The growth in U.S. health care spending is projected to be 5.7 percent in 2009 and reach $2.5 trillion. As a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), CMS projects that health care spending will increase to 17.3 percent in 2009 (from 16.2 percent in 2008), which would be the largest 1 year increase in history. CMS attributes the projected accelerated growth in 2009 to (among other things):…

  • CMS to Hold Special Open Door Forum on Medicare Provider and Supplier Enrollment

    Michael Apolskis
    3 Feb 2010 | 11:41 am
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it will hold a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to discuss Medicare provider enrollment issues. The Special ODF will take place from 2:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. (ET) on February 17, 2010. At this Special ODF, CMS will discuss: Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians, non-physician practitioners and supplier organizations; Provider and supplier reporting responsibilities; Medicare ordering and referring issues; and Revalidation efforts. To participate, one must dial 1-800-837-1935…

  • Administration's FY2011 Budget Invests in Medicare Integrity and Enforcement Initiatives

    Michael Apolskis
    2 Feb 2010 | 8:30 am
    On February 1, 2010, the Obama Administration transmitted its proposed fiscal year (FY) 2011 budget to Congress.The budget requests $1.7 billion to fight health care fraud, including $561 million in Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control discretionary funding, which is a $250 million increase over the FY 2010 enacted level.  Among other things, this discretionary allocation adjustment is designed to: Expand the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative;and Provide additional resources to identify and reduce improper payments in the Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP…
 
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    Wallet Pop: Insurance

  • Health insurance premiums for Californians jump as much as 39%

    Lita Epstein
    8 Feb 2010 | 11:00 am
    Filed under: Insurance, Health, Insurance - Health InsuranceCalifornians who get their individual health insurance from Anthem Blue Cross, the largest insurer for individuals who don't have access to group health insurance in California, got notice of increases in their premiums of as much as 39% on March 1. This is the second year in a row for many who faced an increase of 41% last year. Anthem Blue Cross would not comment on the number of members it currently has, but last year when it raised its rates as much as 68% it reported it had 800,000 members. With those types of increases, one…

  • Job loss mortgage insurance giving homebuyers security

    Lita Epstein
    2 Feb 2010 | 10:30 am
    Filed under: Insurance, Real Estate, MortgagesIn these uncertain times potential homebuyers continue to sit on the sidelines because they are concerned that a job loss could kill their dreams to own a home. Innovative job loss mortgage insurance is being offered through mortgage lenders, real estate agents, new-home builders and state and local housing agencies. In many cases this protection is being offered free to the homebuyer as part of their home purchase. One real estate agent even put out a press release about the "Worry Free" Mortgage Protection." "The ability to provide home buyers a…

  • Own a piece of 'Miracle on Hudson'

    Jennifer Oldham
    2 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Filed under: Insurance, Transportation, In the NewsThe sky's the limit for the amount of money a water-logged jetliner that an U.S. Airways pilot ditched in New York's Hudson River last year may bring at a recently announced auction. Capt. Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III flew into history books when he deftly landed his disabled aircraft in the waterway after its engines swallowed wayward geese.Continue reading Own a piece of 'Miracle on Hudson'Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

  • Auto insurance premiums tied to credit score

    Gina Roberts-Grey
    29 Jan 2010 | 2:00 pm
    Filed under: Credit, Insurance, Credit Reports, Credit Cards, Insurance - Car InsuranceYou might expect a plunging credit score to affect your ability to qualify for a car loan or how high the interest rate on your credit card will soar. But too often Americans don't realize a plunging credit score can cost them big bucks on insurance premiums. One of the biggest mistakes insurers say people make is not realizing when their credit score is tanking. "Credit scores factor heavily into your rate," says Ashley M. Hunter, a construction-risk insurance specialist who owns HM Risk Group in Austin,…

  • Health care debate really about control

    Lita Epstein
    26 Jan 2010 | 10:30 am
    Filed under: Insurance, Health, Insurance - Health InsuranceWhen you think about whether or not you want the insurance companies or the government making decisions about the health care you receive, you probably quickly answer neither. But unfortunately, that's not an option unless you can afford to pay for all your health choices out of pocket without carrying a health care insurance policy. Since we're looking at what could be the demise of the national health care package now being held up in Congress, we'll likely continue to be solely under the control of the insurance companies. Knowing…
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    AOL: Insurance News

  • 15 Worst College Crime Areas

    1 Feb 2010 | 7:55 am
    NeighborhoodScout has identified the Top 15 College Neighborhoods for Property Crime in America. These neighborhoods have the highest estimated rates of property crime per 1,000 residents of any college neighborhoods in America. These neighborhoods do not necessarily have high rates of violent crime, which is not included in the analysis.

  • A Small Business Owner's View of the Health Care Proposal

    19 Aug 2009 | 9:18 am
    Kelli Glasser fights an annual battle to provide health care to her Ohio firm's workers. Every year, the price of health insurance rises. Every year, she has to trim benefits or increase out-of-pocket costs for employees so her firm, Exhibit Concepts, can continue offering a health plan. Here's what she has to say...

  • But wait, there's no more: iCan pulls Billy Mays commercial

    14 Aug 2009 | 10:17 am

  • GEICO Cuts Ads from Glenn Beck's Show

    13 Aug 2009 | 12:45 pm
    GEICO has agreed to no longer run its iconic car-insurance advertisements during the Glenn Beck Program, which broadcasts on the Fox News Channel cable network, the African-American advocacy organization ColorofChange.org said Wednesday.

  • Auto Insurance Companies' Hidden Secret

    12 Aug 2009 | 9:12 am
    When shopping for car insurance, drivers choose mainly based on price, service and reputation. But one element that's often overlooked is a company's 'surcharge schedule' -- a predetermined premium increase that's charged if you cause a car accident.
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    www.Artemis.bm

  • BMW and Premier Foods both planning longevity risk transfers

    admin
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:16 pm
    Two more major companies are planning to transfer some of their pension fund risks through longevity swaps in the coming weeks. Longevity risk transfer is becoming a really popular and much more accepted way to take some of the risk out of your pension scheme and enable you to plan your cash flow better and budget for pension payments more accurately. BMW are planning to shift a £2.5b portion of their pension fund to specialist reinsurers. They’re working with Deutsche Banks Abbey Life and Paternoster to structure a longevity swap. BMW haven’t confirmed this deal but it’s…

  • Nikon and CelsiusPro team up to offer weather refund to camera buyers

    admin
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:15 pm
    Environmental Finance reports that Nikon cameras in Switzerland are utilising the services of weather risk management firm CelsiusPro AG to offer camera buyers in Switzerland a refund should the weather turn bad over a defined period over the Easter holidays. CelsiusPro have sold Nikon a weather derivative based cover that allows them to run a weather refund promotion to their customers. Nikon will refund the purchase price of a camera to consumers who qualify for the deal by buying and registering their camera between 15th February and 14th March if the Easter break is a washout from…

  • Life and Longevity Markets Association formed to promote longevity risk market

    admin
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:31 am
    The market for life insurance securitization and longevity risk trading has now got a champion to help it grow and mature. The Life and Longevity Markets Association has been founded ‘as a not-for-profit venture in order to promote a liquid traded market in longevity and mortality-related risk’. Companies involved include AXA, Deutsche Bank, Swiss Re, RBS and others. Having the weight of these large financial companies (who are all involved in this market) behind the growth of the market will help it become viewed as a more mainstream financial market rather than as some exotic…

  • New Zealand Superannuation Fund chooses to invest in catastrophe bonds

    admin
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:20 am
    The New Zealand Superannuation Fund is the fund for the state run retirement benefit (pension) available to all working New Zealanders. Many other countries have similar funds, the UK for example has the state run pension. In a first for a fund of its kind, it has announced that it will be investing some of its fund into catastrophe bonds. The Guardians of the fund have said that they see catastrophe bonds as an attractive asset which offers them diversification and good risk-adjusted returns. Initially they have said that they will invest $125m with the potential to grow that investment to…

  • Disclosure of weather and climate related risks

    admin
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:24 am
    The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a guidance note to clarify what publicly traded companies should be disclosing about their climate change related risks effects on business operations. As well as disclosing things like emissions management, companies should now disclose anything to do with the physical impacts of the changing weather. That sounds a lot like a call for full disclose of the size of your business which is at risk from the weather (see this CERES document for more on the SEC guidance). Disclosure of those risks can only help to highlight the depth of risk…
 
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    GC Capital Ideas

  • Update: Explosion at Kleen Power Plant, Middletown, Connecticut

    GC Editor
    9 Feb 2010 | 8:34 am
    A massive explosion on February 7 at an under-construction power plant in Middletown, Connecticut, badly damaged the structure and killed five people. Fire officials said the blast occurred during... Continue reading...

  • Catastrophe Update

    GC Editor
    9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    2009 has seen an impressive recovery from last year’s financial crisis and the uncertainty caused by losses from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. This recovery has been driven by the easing of... Continue reading...

  • Credit, Bond and Political Risk Renewals

    GC Editor
    9 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    Credit and Bond  The market conditions for 2010 are fundamentally different from the 2009 renewal season. 2009 saw very tough conditions with capacity scarce and placements taking much longer to... Continue reading...

  • Property Retrocession Renewals

    GC Editor
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:11 am
    The property retrocession market renewal customarily closes late and the 2010 season was no exception. Buyers generally prefer to wait to ensure that they have the best possible view of their own... Continue reading...

  • Explosion at Kleen Power Plant, Middletown, Connecticut

    GC Editor
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:01 am
    A massive explosion at an under-construction power plant in Middletown, Connecticut, on February 7 badly damaged the structure and killed at least five people. Fire officials said the blast occurred... Continue reading...
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    TradePub: Insurance

  • Boomer Market Advisor

    4 Feb 2010 | 7:50 pm
    From mutual funds to variable annuities, fixed annuities, variable life insurance or long-term care and estate planning, Boomer Market Advisor offers advisors strategies specifically tailored to the boomer generation. Each issue features case studies, marketing tips, and product updates to help make you and your practice more successful.Request Free!

  • Insurance Sales e-Newsletter for Agents

    3 Feb 2010 | 2:20 pm
    All Web Leads is offering this complimentary newsletter to agents who join the lead program. They offer top quality insurance leads to producers looking to grow their business. And as a special offer to new customers: they'll match your first purchase of leads – up to $200 in FREE lead credits. That's like getting 50% off! Don't delay – this offer expires 3/31/10.The All Web Leads Difference:Search-Generated LeadsCustom-Targeted FiltersNo Minimums or CommitmentsFree Phone Support24/7 Account AccessReal-Time DeliveryCreate an account today to receive your free issue of The Leading Edge…

  • The Exploding Consumer Market for Insurance Online

    3 Feb 2010 | 2:20 pm
    All Web Leads is offering this complimentary report to agents who join the lead program. They offer top quality insurance leads to producers looking to grow their business. And as a special offer to new customers: they'll match your first purchase of leads – up to $200 in FREE lead credits. That's like getting 50% off! Don't delay – this offer expires 3/31/10.The All Web Leads Difference:Search-Generated LeadsCustom-Targeted FiltersNo Minimums or CommitmentsFree Phone Support24/7 Account AccessReal-Time DeliveryCreate an account today to receive your complimentary report using the…

  • Business Insurance

    1 Feb 2010 | 12:20 am
    Their core readers depend on their news coverage of risk management and risk financing, employee benefits management, workers comp and rehabilitation, commercial insurance and reinsurance, major commercial insurance claim settlements, as well as legal, legislative and regulatory developments.Request Free!

  • Increasing Profitability through Intelligent Interactions: Innovative Marketing Strategies for Individual and Personal Lines Insurers

    1 Feb 2010 | 12:20 am
    After a decade of mergers and acquisitions, Insurance carriers now have the chance to sell a vast array of products to their clients, everything from life and annuities to a host of retail financial services. As a result of this product proliferation, they have an opportunity to grow their relationships with policy holders, while enhancing customer loyalty and lifetime value. But the challenges that insurance companies face are significant. Customer interactions in this industry tend to be few and far between. That means insurers have few opportunities to cross-sell their products and build…
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    InsureBlog

  • COBRA/ARRA Extension Update

    9 Feb 2010 | 10:35 am
    We'd be remiss if we failed to remind folks that the famed COBRA/ARRA Subsidy has been extended (along with more and more folks' status as unemployed), The good news for those affected is that "[e]ligibility for the subsidy now runs through Feb. 28 ... and the duration of the subsidy can be up to 15 months. For state continuation, the length of the subsidy period depends on a particular state’s current continuation legislation. "That last refers to states with so-called "mini-COBRA" regs.There are, of course, a lot of reasons to stay on COBRA when one's (former) employer is footing most of…

  • Grand Rounds: Thoughtful Edition

    9 Feb 2010 | 6:42 am
    Dr Edwin Leap jumps into his edition of this weekly roundup of the best medblog posts with enthusiasm and insight. Well done.

  • Hail Obama

    8 Feb 2010 | 3:06 pm
    [Welcome Industry Radar readers!]HHS Secretary Sebelius seems to be "hailing" the chief in her comments on proposed rate increases by Anthem Blue Cross.The Obama administration is asking why Anthem Blue Cross is raising its health insurance rates by nearly 40 percent for some California customers while making handsome profits -- and is pointing to the rate hike as evidence of why health care reform needs to pass. Seems to me it is evidence that Blue is doing something right. In contrast, the folks in Washington can't balance a budget. So who are they to be giving financial advice on how to…

  • Prescient Carrier Tricks

    8 Feb 2010 | 11:30 am
    Today's McPaper reports that almost 3 years ago, State Farm warned the Feds that there seemed to be some "sudden acceleration" issues with some Toyota and Lexus models. The Bloomington, Illinois-based insurance behemoth "notified NHTSA in late 2007 that it was seeing an increase in sudden acceleration trends with other" vehicles from the Japanese automaker.A decade before that, State Farm also led the way in "identifying the increasing trend of tire tread separation" which then plagued Ford and Firestone.Kudos, Good Neighbor©!

  • Pre-paid Death Taxes?

    8 Feb 2010 | 8:18 am
    One of the varied uses of permanent life insurance is to pay estate taxes at a discount (since insurance dollars never cost as much as "real" ones). FoIB Joe Kristan takes that a step further, reporting on a proposal that would allow non-dead (not to be confused with "The UnDead," or the Grateful Dead) to prepay their estimated "death taxes."Interesting proposition, and definitely worth reading.
 
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    Workers Comp Insider

  • The Medicare Secondary Payer Statute: In Search of Ariadne’s Thread

    Tom Lynch
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:25 am
    In Greek mythology, Daedalus built the Labyrinth for King Minos of Knossos to contain the awful half bull/half man Minotaur. Theseus eventually killed the Minotaur, but only found his way out of the Labyrinth because Ariadne had given him a magic thread to mark his way in and out of the maze. I’m beginning to think that American health care...

  • Health Wonk Review and other news briefs

    Julie Ferguson
    5 Feb 2010 | 4:34 am
    Get the latest scoop from the health policy blogosphere at this week's excellent "Health Wonk Review - so what do we do now?" edition. Joe Paduda at Managed Care Matters is our most capable host this week. Kudos to Joe, who is the visionary and founder of Health Wonk Review, a biweekly compendium of best posts from more than 80...

  • Toyota: Hands Off!

    Jon Coppelman
    3 Feb 2010 | 10:07 am
    Toyota, the world's largest automaker, is in the midst of a public relations nightmare. Over two million vehicles have been recalled for a problem with acceleration: gas pedals are prone to sticking, which leads to unstoppable cars hurtling along at high speeds. For months, Toyota denied that there was a problem. Well, there is no denying it now. U.S. Transportation...

  • Twitter feeds we recommend

    Julie Ferguson
    2 Feb 2010 | 11:48 am
    For workers' comp news and other links in between blog posts, we encourage you to follow @workcompinsider on Twitter. If you aren't yet on Twitter, you may want to think about it. Even if you aren't ready to engage, it can be a great way to follow industry buzz. You may already be following many blogs and news sources through...

  • One Toke Over the Line

    Jon Coppelman
    1 Feb 2010 | 6:40 am
    My colleague Julie Ferguson raised some fascinating issues relating to the growing movement to approve marijuana as a medication. As is so often the case, the implications for workers comp diverge substantially from general health issues. A toke may be just what the doctor ordered for pain management, but in the context of the workplace, any such prescriptions are likely...
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    Managed Care Matters

  • Have their cake, eat it too, and have someone else pay for their gluttony

    jpaduda@healthstrategyassoc.com
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:21 am
    The recent demise of the health reform effort was killed in large part by Americans' overwhelming demand for more and more, while wanting to take less and less responsibility. Uwe Reinhardt's recent column describes the problem quite well. Americans want...

  • Break out the champagne, but don't loosen the cork

    jpaduda@healthstrategyassoc.com
    6 Feb 2010 | 4:21 am
    The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter - and closer. Yesterday's jobs report contained good news for the economy and for the workers comp industry - unemployment dropped 0.3% to 9.7%, a rate that is still...

  • Health Wonk Review - so, what do we do now?

    jpaduda@healthstrategyassoc.com
    4 Feb 2010 | 9:38 am
    If ever there was a time to be writing about health reform, this is it. It's an even better time to be reading about health reform. Is health reform dead, or is it just snoozing, waiting for a Prince Charming...

  • Disinformation - the flow of garbage continues

    jpaduda@healthstrategyassoc.com
    3 Feb 2010 | 4:53 am
    A TV ad featuring former Surgeon General C Everett Koop is but the latest example of the depths some will slither to in an effort to smear health reform and scare the crap out of senior citizens. These people are...

  • Medicare and Workers' Comp - NCCI's view

    jpaduda@healthstrategyassoc.com
    2 Feb 2010 | 4:28 am
    Recently NCCI released a white paper entitled "Medicare and Workers Compensation Medical Cost Containment". The report goes well beyond a discussion of the relationship between Medicare's physician and hospital reimbursement policies' impact on workers comp; not that it doesn't address...
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    Insurance Industry Blog

  • Challenging Times for Tort Reform

    Claire
    9 Feb 2010 | 6:38 am
    In a decision that legal experts see as part of a national trend by the plaintiffs’ bar to overturn damage caps, the Illinois Supreme Court last Thursday struck down a state law capping noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases. Similar to laws in other states, the 2005 law had capped pain-and-suffering damages in medical malpractice cases at $500,000 against doctors and $1 million against hospitals. The Wall Street Journal Law Blog notes that many state supreme courts have upheld the constitutionality of damage limits, but the issue is currently being weighed by high courts in…

  • Guaranty Fund System: Key Role

    Claire
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:51 am
    We’re sometimes asked questions about what happens in the unlikely event an insurance company becomes insolvent. The answer is that the insurance guaranty fund system in place for the last 40 years continues to provide a safety net to ensure that the needs of policyholders can be met if an insurance company fails. Not surprisingly people tend to have more questions on insurer solvency during a period of financial and economic volatility. The National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds (NCIGF) has just released its annual Insolvency Trends – 2010. In the paper NCIGF cites a recent A.M.

  • Super Bowl XLIV: a Toss-Up

    Claire
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:39 am
    It’s Super Bowl weekend and whether you’re a Colts or a Saints fan, before you place your bets you might want to take a look at the prediction of sports statistician John Dewan. In his Stat of the Week, the owner of Baseball Info Solutions and co-publisher of ACTA Sports, says: “All the betting lines favor the Colts right now by five or six points, but in my book it’s a toss-up. If I were a betting man, I’d take the Saints and the points. But if you do that, don’t blame me if you lose. It’s that close.” Dewan’s Super Bowl prediction system comprises 12 different statistical…

  • Anti-Obesity Initiative

    Claire
    4 Feb 2010 | 7:21 am
    Next week sees the official launch of First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative tackling the problem of childhood obesity. According to reports, the plan will focus on four core areas: increasing the number of healthy schools; increasing physical activity for children; improving access to healthy food options; and empowering consumers to make better eating choices. Politico.com reports on the bipartisan group of Cabinet members and Congressional lawmakers brought together by the first lady at the White House Tuesday to discuss the national campaign. Obesity is a serious health concern for…

  • Terrorism Risk and Budget Cuts

    Claire
    3 Feb 2010 | 6:59 am
    By now you’ll have read the headlines that the Obama Administration’s 2011 budget plan includes a proposal to scale back federal support for the terrorism risk insurance program (see pg. 90). Its justification is that this would “encourage the private sector to better mitigate terrorism risk through other means, such as developing alternative reinsurance options and building safer buildings.” The proposal projects savings of $249 million in the course of the next 10 years as a result of the reduction in federal support. It comes just eight years after Congress established the…
 
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    Health Policy Program: Latest Blog Posts

  • HEALTH REFORM: Snow Alert

    Joanne Kenen
    9 Feb 2010 | 5:29 am
    Light blogging today -- some of us are trying to attend part of the AcademyHealth conference before the second storm hits DC later today, others trying to finish assorted tasks and projects before the snow and ice (and one of us, unable to get a flight, is on a really, really long train ride somewhere on the East Coast). We'll post later today if we can, but depending on what happens to our lights, phones and Internet access, you may not hear much from us until we thaw out ... Health Policy Program

  • HEALTH REFORM: HHS Secretary Pushes "Comprehensive" Approach

    Joanne Kenen
    8 Feb 2010 | 3:04 pm
    We locals didn't make it to the AcademyHealth conference because of the snow but our colleague, Leif Haase, who flew in to DC from New America's California branch before the storm, got over there yesterday and emailed us a rundown of HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius's speech. He says she was "pretty categorical" about the need for health reform -- comprehensive health reform. "The president and his administration are as committed," she insisted, "to delivering on health reform as they have ever been -- not just for our citizens, but for our economy."  Americans may be confused, even…

  • HEALTH POLITICS: Coming to a C-Span Screen Near You

    Joanne Kenen
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:39 am
    As we were thinking about what might happen at the nationally-televised bipartisan health summit President Obama offered, we clicked over to Nate Silvers www.fivethirtyeight.com blog for some insight. He, alas, is still analyzing the Saints coaching and that gutsy onside kick... But maybe there's a parallel after all. Nontraditional, but aggressive, calls from the coach can change the momentum. We aren't going to write anything more about football, because we would definitely get something wrong, but the summit, possibly the political version of an onside kick, does bring us back to the…

  • IN THE NEWS: Health Wonk Review -- Disney Style

    Allison Levy
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:58 am
    Joe Paduda hosts the latest edition of Health Wonk Review over at Managed Care Matters. This edition features a compendium of thoughts from all over the health care world -- clinicians, health administrators, IT pros, policy wonks. So what next? “Is health reform dead,” he asks, “or is it just snoozing, waiting for a Prince Charming to lay on the smooch it needs to reawaken, full of promise and hope?” Check out what he has to say! Health Policy Program

  • HEALTH POLITICS: Want Transparency? You Got It

    Meredith Hughes
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:03 am
    If you’ve been following the health care debate for this past year, you may have noticed that Republicans aren’t exactly happy with the legislation. They want to see more of their ideas incorporated, or see the health care bill scrapped altogether. Democrats have shot back that the bill has a lot of bipartisan ideas in it, and accused Republicans of deliberately misleading the public about the contents of the legislation. So how can we move forward? President Obama has an idea -- let’s get both sides at the table and talk about what’s really in the bill. Not what people pretend is in…
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    GoHealth Insurance Blogs

  • California Now Requiring Discount Health Plans Providers Obtain License

    The Research Team
    8 Feb 2010 | 3:34 pm
    California regulators are now requiring discount health plan providers to obtain licenses to conduct business within the state. The state has already licensed three providers. The new licensing regulations come in response to the number of complaints the California Department of Managed Health Care has seen over the past four years about the discounted health plans according to the Los Angeles Times. Consumers complained that the discount plans exaggerate the benefits included when it comes to savings and health care provider networks. They are also blindsided by the fact the discount plans…

  • Most Americans Using Internet for Health Care Questions

    The Research Team
    8 Feb 2010 | 1:56 pm
    The Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted the National Health Interview Survey to collect data on the use of health information technology. The survey found that 51 percent of adults between the ages of 18-64 used the Web to find health information over the past year. But the use of the Internet was mostly limited to research. According to the survey, just three percent of adults used an online chat group to learn about health topics and only five percent emailed a health care provider. When it comes to using the Internet to manage personal health care, not many take advantage…

  • More Children Receiving Health Insurance Benefits

    The Research Team
    5 Feb 2010 | 2:42 pm
    Yesterday marked the one year anniversary for the signing of Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) by President Obama.  Since the signing of the legislature, an additional 2.6 million uninsured children have gained coverage through the state health programs. Kaiser Health News reports there are currently 40 million children that have coverage through Medicaid and CHIP programs. There is, however, one slight problem. Some states are finding it hard to maintain current levels of coverage for children, let alone expand the program.  There were a total of 19…

  • Illinois Supreme Court Overturns Ruling on Medical Malpractice Caps

    The Research Team
    5 Feb 2010 | 11:03 am
    The Illinois Supreme Court overturned a medical malpractice law on Thursday which was met with quick opposition from health care providers. The law put limits on the amount injured patients could receive for pain and suffering damages.  Critics of the ruling acknowledged that the caps curbed elevated health care costs and made health insurance plans more affordable in Illinois. The prior Illinois legislation put caps of $500,000 for non-economic damages filed against doctors and $1 million against hospitals. The Illinois Supreme Court believe that the law was in violation of the states…

  • How the Government is Becoming Health Care's Biggest Consumer

    The Research Team
    4 Feb 2010 | 4:24 pm
    Recent projections by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimate that the government will be paying for half of all health care services by the end of next year.  In 2008, public funds accounted for 47 percent of the $2.34 trillion spent on national health services. By 2012, it is estimated that the government will pay for at least 50.4 percent of the nations total spending on health care.  There is little to slow the increasing need of government help in purchasing health care — especially since just about all of the Baby Boomers will become eligible for Medicare in…
 
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    Methodology - a blog on insurance agent websites, web design, and marketing

  • Rethinking Social Media for Insurance Agents – Put Down the Bullhorn and LISTEN!

    It seems everywhere you turn, industry experts are telling insurance agents they should be using social media. “You should be blogging”. “ Are you tweeting?”. “Start a Facebook group for your agency.” This focus on broadcasting your message completely misses the point of social media. Let’s face the facts: with very very few exceptions, daily updates [...]

  • New Feature: Twitter Integration in Leads Management

    We launched an update last weekend that adds Twitter integration to AgentMethods Leads Management. To help you keep up with your customers and prospects, you can now add their Twitter ID to their profile and see their recent tweets directly on their lead page. Want to know more? Take a look at this short demo: Questions about [...]

  • It all comes down to trust.

    Your customers buy insurance from you because they trust you. They know that you will meet their needs, act in a professional manner, and give them the attention and service they want. If a prospect doesn’t trust you, they aren’t going to buy from you. Sales, in a sense, is the process of developing enough [...]

  • Food For Thought – Auto Insurers’ Online Marketing Budgets

    In case you think you’re spending a lot on leads, take a look at the daily search engine marketing budget for some of the biggest insurance advertisers (from SpyFu’s Top 100 SEM Spenders): #4 progressive.com – $325,087.49 #8 geico.com- $250,156.77 #29 esurance.com- $86,412.22 #85 cheap-car-insurance-quotes.org- $52,454.18 #87 libertymutual.com- $51,930.71 Did I mention that these amounts are daily? If Progressive keeps up at that rate, they’ll [...]

  • If you hate calling on shared Internet leads…

    …imagine how the lead you’re calling feels. They thought they were going to get a “Free Online Quote!” Instead, their phone has been ringing off the hook for days by desperate agents trying to sell them something. There’s a good chance they feel tricked, hounded, and frustrated. As bad as it is for you (the agent), [...]
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    California Medicare Supplement - Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Supplement

  • California Medicare Supplement - Gerber

    john
    9 Feb 2010 | 9:12 am
    Gerber Life has recently added California to one of the 32 states they provide Medicare Supplement Plans.  Serving policy holders since 1967, along with 33 Billion in Life Insurance in force, Gerber is a company we have come to know and trust.  Gerber Medicare Supplement plans are some of the most sought after policy on the senior market today.  With very competitive monthly rates along with easy access to customer service departments, along with financial security, Gerber may just be the Medicare Supplement company you are looking for.  To view the monthly rates for your area simply…

  • Blue Shield Medicare Supplement

    john
    3 Feb 2010 | 3:17 pm
    Blue Shield of California offers 8 Medicare Supplement plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, J and K for Californians with Medicare Part A and Part B.  One of these plans could very well be the right plan for you.  And they are from a company who has been providing healthcare coverage for over 65 years.  Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans offer the freedom to choose any doctor, specialist or hospital, or any other provider that accepts Medicare.  In other words you are not limited to a network! Our two most comprehensive and popular plans; Plan D and Plan F, pay the Medicare Part A deductible of…

  • California Medicare Supplement - Switching to a new company

    john
    2 Feb 2010 | 2:06 pm
    As an insured with a California Medicare Supplement plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Supplement company at anytime throughout the year.  To do this, simply submit a completed application along with a copy of your Medicare card (some companies will need the first months premium, other will deductible the first months dues from a bank account).  The new company will review the incoming application and your current health status, and base their decision on your health.  In the State of California all Medicare Supplement insureds are also allowed to switch to a new company…

  • Medicare Supplement Rates in California

    john
    26 Jan 2010 | 3:54 pm
    Are you Medicare eligible and living in California?  If so you have many great options that benefit you when looking for a new or different Medicare Supplement plans.  If you are new to Medicare Parts A and B and find Medicare to be a confusing maze of paperwork, brochures, cover letters from your current health insurance company and other forms and mailings which you don’t understand or have the time to read.  This process doesn’t have to be that hard, in fact once you clear away the unnecessary minutia you will find Medicare and the plan options which improve Medicare to be a…

  • John Conner

    john
    25 Jan 2010 | 8:44 am
    For twenty years I’ve been helping Seniors, Families and Small Business owners navigate the Health Insurance and Medicare Supplement maze.  My goal; to keep the process simple and strait forward, allowing you to make the right decisions for your situation. I live in Sacramento with my wife and three children, and when I’m not busy helping clients, I’m usually fixing my kids flat tires, helping with homework, or fighting with my backyard vineyard.     Industry changes are in constant motion and should be reviewed and compared annually.  So if you have any…
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    Life Insurance News

  • Convicted Life Insurance Murderer Wins Appeal

    7 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm
    A woman convicted of murdering a man for life insurance money recently won her appeal in court. That’s the story reported by CBS News (including pictures). The story takes place in Alaska, where the state now has to decide whether to try ...

  • A New Type of Life Risk - Longevity

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Life insurance helps protect families from mortality risk, the risk of dying unexpectedly soon. But over the last several years, pensions have become increasingly worried about people dying unexpectedly late, or longevity risk. If you are famil...

  • Life Insurance Searches in the U.S. Increase 15 Percent in 2009 to Reach Record Number

    2 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm
    As searches for life insurance surge online, many life insurance companies are starting to struggle with their online reputation. In fact, a large company I work with recently lost money because they do not effectively manage their online reputati...

  • Geithner’s claim about AIG is wrong: AIA

    2 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm
    A statement by the American Insurance Association (AIA) asserts that Secretary Timothy Geithner is wrong about AIG. Earlier, he testified that if AIG went down, the entire life insurance industry would have problems and fail, thus justifying his a...

  • Tim Geithner Testimony: Treasury Head Slams Congressman

    26 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Yesterday, we reported that AIG and the NY Fed were coming under scrutiny about the bailout. Along with these players, Timothy Geithner current head of the US Treasury, is implicated. He was in charge of the NY Fed at that time. Some of you may...
 
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    Clarifinancial Life Insurance Blog

  • Special Needs and Life Insurance

    I mentioned earlier that I updated my will and beneficiaries. One of the reasons behind doing so was to make sure my oldest brother was taken care of in his old age. You see, I’m supposed to be the trustee of his trust after our parents ...

  • Dangerous Thing Happened on My Way to Work Today

    I drove my wife to the school where she teaches this morning. We’ve been doing this for the last couple of days while we were down to one car. What was different about the trip this morning is that the driver of a minivan ran a stop sign...

  • Sales Pressure Creates Bad Life Insurance Choices

    Have you ever thought about how most companies and agents go about selling life insurance? Do they really do it in a way that helps you make better, wiser choices? I’m going to guess that hasn’t been your experience. But shouldn&rs...

  • Death and Peace and Love

    This fall, I took my wife to a conference on a college campus. I don’t often get a chance to walk along and think. Memories flood back as the season changes and I am met with my eventual reality. As I walk through the cemetery where Char...

  • Those Who Wait

    Why should you wait to get your life insurance quotes back from Clarifinancial? Speed rarely improves the quality of our decisions. There are other sites that offer instant gratification. In the case of Clarifinancial, by waiting 48 hours, you hav...
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    Term Life Insurance Blog

  • What are some common questions about term life insurance?

    9 Feb 2010 | 6:51 am
    If you are shopping for a term life policy you may have some questions you want answered before you choose a plan that's right for you. So, what are some common questions about term life insurance? How many years do you need life insurance coverage? How long does term life insurance last? Term life plans are usually available for a period of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. How much does term life insurance cost? Term life insurance is usually the cheapest life insurance available. You can compare free, instant term life insurance quotes online by requesting a free rate quote. Here's how to learn…

  • Can I Buy No Exam Term Life Insurance?

    8 Feb 2010 | 6:21 am
    What is no exam term life insurance and where can I get a quote for coverage? No exam term life insurance is a type of temporary life insurance coverage for 10, 15, 20, or 30 years that does not require you to take a physical exam to qualify for coverage. Actually, there's no physical exam, no blood test, and no urine testing, just a few health questions. However, depending on the insurer, the amount of life insurance available may be limited to $500,000 or less, and the rates are usually higher than you might pay for a life insurance policy that requires a medical exam. Learn how you may get…

  • Which is the best company for life insurance?

    7 Feb 2010 | 8:23 am
    Which insurance company is the best when it comes to life insurance? And is it worth it at all? Yes, life insurance is definitely worth it if you have people who rely on your for financial support, or you want to provide money to pay for your funera, and other final expenses, including paying off any outstanding debt you have. Which is the best company for life insurance? There is no one right answers because everyone is different, and some insurers may specialize in insuring different types of applicants. For instance, some life insurers may be more competitive when it comes to insuring the…

  • Anybody know the best deal with basic life insurance?

    6 Feb 2010 | 6:34 am
    If you are looking for affordable life insurance rates, you may want to compare quotes online to comparison shop low cost premiums between several life insurance companies in the US that would give you the best insurance quote that can save you money. Yes, you do have the option of comparing plans and rates by contacting a life insurance agent, but comparing plans online is quick and easy, and will give you an idea of what you might expect to pay for life insurance. The lowest priced life insurance is usually term life insurance that provides temporary coverage for a period of 10, 15, 20, or…

  • How to Get Instant Term Life Quotes?

    5 Feb 2010 | 5:28 am
    Where can I find instant term life quotes to help me compare the lowest prices on term life insurance from several carriers? It's quick and easy to shop online for term life quotes. Once you find a good life insurance website with access to a large network of insurers you just fill out a quote request form and you instantly receive up to 12 of the lowest priced quotes for term life insurance. The quotes are easy to understand. They show you the insurer's name, type and amount of life insurance, premiums, the financial rating of the insurer, and the premium payment options available. The…
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