Health Insurance, Auto Insurance, & Life Insurance News @ Insurance Planet

Homemakers Earn $100,000 Plus Health Insurance

2012-01-17T19:14:00.007-05:00

Investopedia's Porcshe Moran did some research to find out, "How Much Is A Homemaker Worth?" By examining the basic tasks that most every homemaker does on a daily and weekly basis and taking the lowest value for each task, this article determined that a homemaker would earn around $100,000 if they worked outside of the home.

Between doing the grocery shopping and acting as a private chef for three meals a day, you could earn around $52,000 a year. House cleaning services vary depending on the size of the house, but a low average estimates just over $6,000 per year for basic housecleaning, more for things like cleaning out appliances and dusting mini-blinds. The full-time, live-in child care offered by homemakers is worth quite a lot both monetarily and in perks. A nanny would earn around $31,000 a year and would usually receive health insurance, vacation, sick days, bonuses, and even dental and vision insurance.

A personal driver for your own vehicle would cost you over $4,000 per year. Your Memphis auto insurance, or whatever city in which you live, might also cover the driver's car insurance as an added perk. Laundry services would cost nearly $1,000 per year assuming about five loads per week. Many homemakers also do landscaping services like mowing the lawn, for which they could earn more than $1,500 each year. With a salary near $100,000 per year, some homemakers may look to take some of their services outside the home!

Individual Health Insurance Rarely Covers IVF In US, More Embryos Transferred

2012-01-12T13:11:00.005-05:00

Although many people think that the more embryos implanted during IVF, the greater chance you will have a successful pregnancy, the UK's University of Glasgow has found the opposite to be true. Europe has strict guidelines regarding the number of embryos that can be implanted during IVF, unlike the US. This is probably because IVF is paid for in many European countries. Individual health insurance, or group for that matter, in America rarely covers fertility treatments like IVF. Since the cost can start at $10,000 per treatment, Americans tend to implant more embryos in the hopes that it will give them a greater chance of having a baby.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine issues recommendations for embryo transfers, but they are rarely followed and not regulated. For women under 35, they recommend 1 embryo be transferred, 2-3 embryos for women 35-37, and 3-4 embryos for women 38-40. In contrast, the Western European guidelines are often laws and have lower recommendations. For women under 37, they recommend 1 embryo transferred, for ages 37-40 there is a maximum of 2 embryos, and over 40 there is usually a maximum of 3 embryos.

One reason given for the stricter guidelines is that there could be a greater risk of miscarriage and surely a riskier pregnancy with more embryos implanted. But this most recent study also found that there is not a higher likelihood of a successful pregnancy when three or more embryos are transferred. The women under 40 who were studied had a successful pregnancy 33% of the time with 2 embryos transferred, but only 25% of the time with 3 embryos transferred. In women over 40, the success rate was the same whether 2 or 3 embryos were transferred. We'll see if this study does anything to change American regulations.

This information came from the Associated Press article, "Study finds no better odds using 3 embryos in IVF," by Maria Cheng.

Medicare, Health Insurance Cuts Hurt Doctors with Small Practices

2012-01-06T11:57:00.005-05:00

There is a sad reality facing many doctors in America who run their own businesses. Due to smaller reimbursements from health insurance companies, increasing business expenses and drug costs, and frequently changing regulations; doctors are running out of money to run their small practices. This information comes from "Small Business: Doctors going broke," by Parija Kavilanz of CNN Money. This is not only affecting family practice doctors, but also oncologists, cardiologists and just about every other specialty.

Believe it or not, half of all U.S. doctors operate in a private practice, so the loss of this industry would really hurt Americans' health care choices. Medicare cuts have hurt doctors with small businesses. Cardiovascular services saw 35-40% cuts in Medicare recently and there is a 24.7% cut in Medicare doctors' pay pending. Sadly, these cuts could force some doctors to close their small practices. Doctors have been going with less or no pay and taking out loans just to cover the payroll costs at their practices.

Medicare cuts are based on the state of the economy and health insurance companies base their reimbursements on what is happening with Medicare. Since doctors have been trained in medicine, they have to do added research to properly run a small business. Let's hope for some regulation and some better luck for doctors running small practices. While hiring another person is low on the priority list, it is wise to have someone with a business background to run a medical practice and not all doctors have that.

Auto Insurance Rates are High in Montana

2011-12-28T13:34:00.004-05:00

Montana residents pay the 4th highest auto insurance rates in the United States, according to KTVQ out of Billings. Des Toups' article, "Montana ranked 4th-highest for car insurance cost," says that the information was collected from Quadrant Information Services. The average yearly cost to insure a 2011 vehicle in Montana is $2,190. You should be able to get used car insurance for cheaper than that, but it will be difficult to find new car insurance for much less.

The three states with higher car insurance than Montana are Michigan at $2,541; Louisiana at $2,453; and Oklahoma at $2,197. One reason for steep car insurance costs in Montana is the vast size of the state. People have to drive more miles and that means that they incur a greater risk. With a fatality rate of 2.12 per 100 million miles driven, Montana has double the deaths of the national average.

Partially due to the high auto insurance rates, 11% of Montana's drivers are driving without car insurance coverage. The $2,190 rate is for what many consider average coverage in the United States. It includes $100,000 liability coverage per person and $300,000 per accident, as well as $50,000 property damage coverage. The survey assumed a $500 deductible and included uninsured motorist coverage. Shop around to get the best possible auto insurance rates in Montana and any other state.

Ohio Health Insurance Exchanges Ban Abortion Coverage

2011-12-23T14:03:00.004-05:00

Ohio's health insurance exchanges are banned from providing any type of abortion coverage, according to the Reuters article, "Ohio bans abortion funding in insurance exchanges," by Mary Wisniewski. Under President Obama's healthcare reform, states must create health insurance exchanges for easy health care shopping by 2014. Governor John Kasich of Ohio, a Republican, signed the ban of any abortion coverage in their health insurance exchange. This ban will be in place regardless of whether the citizen plans to pay for their abortion with their own money; health insurance will not cover any of the procedure.

There is definitely outrage from pro-choice and other groups like the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU said that it would sue the state if this became a law, so that may be coming soon. NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio's executive director argues that this law violates Ohio's Constitution. On the other side of the argument, Ohio Right to Life's executive director says that abortion is not actually healthcare. So while these groups agree that everyone should have access to healthcare, the groups don't agree as to whether or not abortion is actually healthcare. Abortion has been a hot debate for decades, so regardless of the law the topic will continue to be debated and fought over in the legal system.

Auto Breakdowns More Likely Than Americans Think

2011-12-11T10:53:00.005-05:00

Even though most Americans have experienced some type of car trouble while out on the road, 84% of drivers don't foresee themselves running into car trouble this holiday season. This information comes from Allstate's "American drivers unprepared for holiday travel mayhem." Close to half of drivers plan to travel at least 2 hours in the car this season, which means that many more people will likely be stranded and running into car problems. One of the best ways to avoid car trouble is to keep up with the routine maintenance on your car. Sometimes bad luck or circumstances out of your control result in car problems, but taking care of your car can ensure your gas tank is full, your tires have air, and your engine oil is full.

Since 22% of drivers indicated that a slow economy had caused them to skip some routine maintenance, car insurance companies are trying to convince their drivers to keep up with their cars to avoid unnecessary breakdowns. Indianapolis auto insurance companies have to worry about snow and ice in addition to other car troubles like flat tires, dead batteries, and blown fuses. A majority of Americans are confident that they would be able to fix a car problem, should it happen to them. Only half of them, however, say that they could survive three days in their car with the supplies they have inside. Less than half of drivers have a warm blanket, water and food, flares, or a first aid kit. Having some kind of roadside assistance from Allstate, AAA or another company could really save you in the event of a breakdown or accident.

Nebraska's Individual Health Insurance Exchange Controversy

2011-12-03T12:49:00.006-05:00

Nebraska's Hospital Association is hoping that the state does not wait until next summer before planning their health insurance exchange. This information comes from Insurance Journal's "Nebraska's Health Providers Urge State-based Insurance Exchange," by Grant Schulte. Currently, the Nebraska government plans to wait until a U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding President Obama's health insurance changes, which is expected around June. The deadline for states to have their individual health insurance exchanges planned is June 29, so Nebraska could be in a bad place if the current plans pass through the Supreme Court and they have not made their own budgeting and oversight plans.

The state run health insurance exchanges are for Americans to purchase individual health insurance with all of their options in an easy to shop location. It is estimated that a family of four, making around $55,000 per year, would be able to get an insurance plan for about $370 per month. These online supermarkets must be in place by 2014 and funded by individual states by 2015, but the deadline for federal approval of the plans is January of 2013.

Nebraska's governor doesn't want to put the work into making an exchange plan before the federal government ruling is made. He says that exchange minimum requirements haven't even been set yet and many government officials in Nebraska are worried about the costs the state will incur. If a quality health insurance exchange is not put into place by Nebraska's government, the federal government will run one for them. Twelve percent of Nebraska's population is currently uninsured, but many more are likely under-insured. Nebraska is weighing four different options for health insurance exchanges, but is likely to go with a state run plan.

Check Auto Insurance Before Car-Sharing

2011-11-26T12:06:00.006-05:00

Car-sharing is becoming more and more popular to help save money and the environment. Old school car pooling has paved the way for today's car-sharing. Along with this increase in car-sharing comes questions about what your auto insurance company is going to cover. Laws in California and Oregon have updated to include car-sharing practices, so you will know what is covered by your San Diego auto insurance policy. Other states haven't followed suit yet though, so check with your individual auto insurance company to find out what is covered.

In "Auto insurance risks of car sharing," Jay MacDonald of Bankrate says that peer-to-peer (P2P) car-sharing is a gray area of coverage for many auto insurance companies. P2P car-sharing can be either for-profit or not-for-profit and that can make a big difference in coverage. Car rental companies and even some manufacturers are also getting into the car-sharing business where you pay a monthly membership fee and then rent a car for an hourly or daily cost when you need it.

Auto insurance risks vary by the type of car-sharing, but here are some of the most common things to look into. If you are renting your own car, it is not likely that your auto insurance company will cover that so make sure the P2P company offers auto insurance coverage. Depending on who is driving the car, their auto insurance may cover them in your vehicle. There is an increased risk when using your car for car-sharing so you may see increased premiums or even have your policy canceled by your auto insurer. There will also be more questions related to liability, depreciation, and transition if you are sharing your car. Bottom line, make sure to cover all of your auto insurance bases before beginning a car-share program.

Health Insurance Paying for Record Psychiatric Meds

2011-11-18T14:44:00.007-05:00

Twenty percent of American adults are now taking some kind of psychiatric medication, according to The Wall Street Journal article "One In Five American Adults Takes Psychiatric Drugs," published on the Fox News website. This is big business for pharmaceutical companies and something that health insurance companies must pay close attention to. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and anti-psychotics are the most commonly prescribed to adults.

Between 2001 and 2010, the number of adult Americans using psychiatric medications increased by 22%. A steep increase in the number of adults using medication for ADHD, more commonly associated with children, helped the overall increase. Very powerful anti-psychotic drugs are also being prescribed in much higher numbers in the past decade. There were a few declines in use of the drugs; children are being prescribed fewer antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication is being used less for the elderly.

Just last year, Americans spent almost $35 billion on anti-psychotic drugs, antidepressants, and ADHD medications. Insurers fork over a ton of money for these drugs, so plans have very specific details on coverage and requirements. People who are lacking quality health insurance have to worry about paying for these medications on their own or finding some government assistance. That may change, depending on what happens with President Obama's health care reform act set to take effect in 2014.

Individual Health Insurance Can Be Gender Biased

2011-11-10T20:34:00.004-05:00

Would you believe that 95% of individual health insurance companies deny people for health insurance based on their gender? This affects women most of all because they are denied coverage at an alarming rate. According to CBS News story "37 states allow health coverage gender bias," there are only 13 states where it is illegal to practice this 'gender rating'.

Gender rating is simple, men pay less for health insurance coverage than women do. One of the biggest problems with this, other than the fact that it is unfair, is that women are denied because they go to the doctor more. Interviews with many experts point out though that this actually lowers the overall burden of health care costs nationally. By going to see doctors more regularly, women are treated earlier for diseases and avoid some problems altogether.

Health insurance companies don't seem to appreciate this though. Prevention magazine is publishing an article about this gender rating in their December issue. They found that women tend to pay 84% more for health insurance than men. For those who are unemployed or cannot obtain employer health insurance for some reason, Charter Oak Health Plan is an option for affordable health insurance coverage. If you are a woman who questions your health insurance quote based on gender, see if you are in one of the 13 states where gender rating is illegal.

Should You Buy A New Or Used Car?

2011-11-04T14:16:00.003-04:00

Deciding whether to buy a car new or used can be a very daunting task and making sure you get the best price for either can seem impossible. Time Magazine offers 5 resources to help you make the best use of your money when buying a car in their article "Car-Buying Help: 5 Smart Resources to Get the Right Car at the Right Price," by Brad Tuttle.

Used car insurance is going to be less expensive than new car insurance for a few reasons, but it may or may not be your deciding factor in purchasing new vs. used. In the Popular Mechanics article "How to Buy a Used Car Without Getting Burned," they offer a 101-point checklist to go over for any potential used car purchase. They don't tell you that your car should pass all 101 checks, but recommend finding out all of this information before purchasing.

The other resources recommended by Time include using the Edmunds First-Time New-Car Buyer Guide for step by step tips and reading Kelley Blue Book's 10 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers. There is also an interesting thread on Reddit where a car salesman goes undercover to give tips on what to do and what not to do when buying a car. Finally, Time suggests looking into the Wall Street Journal's car matchmaking service that takes into account your budget and many other things to match you with your best car.

In addition to doing your research from these companies, it is also wise to speak with car insurance companies and your current agent to see what the cost to insure your new or used vehicle will be. That is another figure you'll have to work into your budget.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Starts Early

2011-10-13T22:33:00.003-04:00

All Medicare eligible individuals need to be aware of the early open enrollment period this year. Starting Saturday, October 15th, recipients can choose their new plan if they choose to do so. What's more important is the end date of December 7th. This is the last day recipients can switch their plans. If they miss this deadline, individuals could end up losing the coverage they want, or they could lose all coverage. With so many choices in Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage plans, preparation is crucial.

With open enrollment earlier than normal, there are concerns that some seniors may miss the deadline and end up missing out. The government is working hard to get the information out to as many recipients as possible, but it will be hard to tell how many people will be left out. This time is critical in choosing plans that are best suited for the individual. There are so many choices to sort through and seniors are encouraged to meet with an expert to help sort through the variety of plans. It's easy to get overwhelmed with all of the information, but with the right preparation seniors can make the best choices for them and their families.

More People Going Without Auto Insurance

2011-09-26T09:20:00.002-04:00

In today's economic environment, more and more people are choosing to go without auto insurance while they still take to the roads. Industry experts estimate that about 13.8% of all American drivers are uninsured and this causes a whole host of problems for all drivers and insurance companies. Auto insurance companies lose a significant amount of money every year due to uninsured drivers and these costs are passed on to insurance premiums that insured drivers will feel. Whether you have new or used car insurance, you will likely see rate increases over time partly due to uninsured drivers.

Larry Copeland wrote the article "One in Seven Drivers Have No Insurance" on USA Today and points out that uninsured drivers end up costing insured drivers billions of dollars per year. This astonishing figure is creeping up as inflation rises and health care costs continue to increase. Data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that in 2007 the cost of people going without insurance was about $10.8 billion.

Requiring auto insurance hasn't been enough motivation to get all drivers insured. The consequences aren't quite severe enough in most cases and there are not systematic checks in place to ensure a driver is insured at all times. Generally, someone would get caught after being in an accident or getting pulled over, but if they aren't caught in this situation no one may ever find out they are uninsured. Some states have in place random auditing, but this is expensive and still isn't deterring people from getting insured in a timely manner.

Uninsured With A Pre-Existing Condition?

2011-09-16T20:57:00.003-04:00

If you have a pre-existing condition, or know someone who has a pre-existing condition and have ever struggled to find quality health insurance it's important you read this article on the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). The Affordable Care Act included this unique program to bridge the gap until 2014 when health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny an individual health insurance due to a pre-existing condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Anyone who has had trouble getting insured understands how frustrating it can be to be turned down again and again because of a pre-existing condition. The PCIP ensures these individuals are treated fairly and have access to quality health insurance just like everyone else. It only makes sense that the people who need our health care system the most should have quality coverage to ensure their needs are met.

Health Insurance For Those With Pre-Existing Conditions

2011-09-11T10:05:00.003-04:00

For years, millions of Americans have struggled to obtain quality health insurance because of a pre-existing condition such as cancer, heart disease, and even asthma. Congress recognized this as an issue and has incorporated law into the Affordable Care Act that says health insurers cannot deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition. While this is a great policy, it does not take effect until 2014. The Government wanted these affected individuals to feel relief immediately so they implemented the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) to bridge the gap until 2014.

The PCIP is targeting the specific group of people who cannot find health insurance and are continuously denied a policy due to their pre-existing condition. It even helps those who may have found coverage, but at very high rates, causing financial strain. The Federal Department of Health and Human Services says that a recent survey shows that around 36% of Americans with pre-existing conditions struggle to find the health insurance policy that suits their circumstances and meets their needs. The PCIP aims to help these individuals get a fair price on a quality health insurance policy and strives to make their lives a little easier through the complicated world of health care.

Colorado Auto Theft Spikes

2011-08-31T08:42:00.003-04:00

Colorado is experience an increase in the amount of cars stolen throughout the state. This can cause Denver auto insurance and other state's rates to increase over time and residents do not want to see this happen. According to the article "Thieves Target Jeeps as Colorado Auto Thefts Spike" by Colorado 9News, insurance industry experts noticed a spike in auto thefts throughout the summer with Jeeps specifically on the top of the list.

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most stolen SUV in Colorado and the 1996 Honda Accord is the most stolen car according to the Coloradans Against Auto Theft. The 2001 Dodge Ram happens to be the most stolen truck. The Co-Chair of the Coloradans Against Auto Theft states that criminals target older model vehicles because they are easier to break into, which makes sense. The anti-theft technology has come a long way in the last decade. Walker points out that it only take a thief 47 seconds to get into and drive away with someone's car.

It's important to make sure car theft is part of your auto insurance policy. The article referenced above gives a story of a couple who changed their insurance policy just weeks before their car was stolen and it ended up not being covered. This can be a financial devastation for any family, so double check your policy to make sure you have coverage for this type of situation.

Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums Increasing

2011-08-22T15:19:00.002-04:00

Health care reform is having effects across the nation including Connecticut where the Charter Oak Health Plan is in trouble. Over 9500 people enrolled in the state run plan will see their premiums increase by around 45% according to the article "Subsidy Cuts Boost Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums" by Arielle Levin Becker on CTMirror.org. Rates could increase by upwards of 67% starting September 1st for some members since the state is cutting some subsidies that go towards this important program.

Rate increases are being caused by a few factors. Health care claims are up causing problems and in addition to this, state officials are trying to be more strict with the state budget. David Dearborn, a spokesperson for the state Department of Social Services, says that since 2008 when the plan was started, it attracted mostly older members with more chronic health care problems which ultimately leads to higher costs and increased premiums. Currently, Charter Oak Health Plan has over 9700 members and around $5000 of them will see their rates increase from $307 to $446 this September.

Individual Health Insurance Mandate: Is It the Right Thing?

2011-08-15T18:01:00.003-04:00

Health care reform continues to be debated throughout the nation. One of the more controversial topics is the individual health insurance mandate that is leaving many Americans feeling pressured and strapped. There are arguments on both sides of the fence, but the bottom line is that the mandate is most likely happening within the next year or so. There will be exceptions made for certain groups and individuals, but overall everyone will be required to have health insurance protection or they may face a fine.

Some experts are worried people will not be able to afford the rising premiums of health insurance, but others say the Affordable Care Act will actually help bring down the cost of health insurance. If more people carry coverage, then the market may become more competitive and we may see prices go down. Not only could health insurance be more affordable, but there may be more variety and consumers may have an easier time finding a policy that fits their needs.

Another perk that is expected through health care reform, is that more people will carry health insurance, therefore more people will seek preventative care through their doctor. This could greatly reduce the amount of preventable diseases out there and improve the doctor-patient relationship significantly. Research also shows that people who visit the doctor regularly have longer life expectancies than those who do not. This is a tough topic and the debate is not likely to go away anytime soon, if ever. We'll just need to sit back and see what actually happens as Americans are forced to find health insurance coverage for them and their families.

Medicare Safe From First Round Cuts

2011-08-09T19:49:00.002-04:00

Many Americans are concerned about how the major cuts Congress plans on implementing are going to affect their health insurance. Cuts are going to be made in many areas throughout the nation, but the article "Students, Seniors May Feel Impact of Debt Deal" by Sandra Block from USA Today says that Medicare health insurance and social security are safe from the first round of cuts being made.

This doesn't automatically mean cuts will never be made, just probably not right now. Seniors will still feel some of the effects from major cuts throughout the industry. Some effects may be felt for those using care-giving services, nutrition counseling, and those relying on the government to help them find employment.

Seniors will still be receiving their social security checks though and this is huge. Relief has been felt across the board as Congress made a decision on the nation's debt problem. The debt is still there and cuts will continue so time will tell how this will ultimately affect health insurance for seniors and their overall finances.

Employer-Based Health Insurance Threatened

2011-07-30T10:34:00.003-04:00

Employer-based health insurance has been a very common way for American's to carry quality health insurance benefits. Not only is it cheaper, but benefits and co-payments are often negotiated so ensure employees are getting a great deal. Health care reform has pros and cons as many would agree, but one concern experts have is what is going to happen to employer-based health insurance over time?

The Obama administration estimates that over 14 million Americans could lose their health insurance coverage through their employers over the next eight years according to US Representative John Barrasso's article on JuneauEmpire.com. The article "Watch for Dramatic Declines in Employer-Provided Health Insurance" says a McKinsey & Company study found that approximately 30% of employers will stop offering health insurance to their employees by 2014. This could devastate millions of families as they struggle to find affordable individual health insurance.

Ideally, the cost of individual health insurance will be managed through other aspects of health care reform, but it's hard to tell at this point what effect will be made by all of these changes. The Obama administration has already handed out waivers to 3 million Americans allowing them to opt out of the health insurance mandate. Most people will still be required to carry coverage or they will face a fine. Hopefully the estimates of how many employers will drop coverage are off and more companies will choose to keep protection for their workers.

New York Auto Insurance Fraud

2011-07-24T08:47:00.003-04:00

New York auto insurance fraud has been a problem for many years and some legislators were hoping for a new law to help this problem. One reform type was left out according to the article "NY Lawmakers Fell Short on Auto Insurance Fraud" by Rafe Lieber on MPNNow.com. This reform involved passage of the "Fraud Tax Bill" which would have helped lessen the amount of high level fraud throughout the state of New York.

The article points out that New Yorkers pay on average 53% more for auto insurance rates than the rest of the nation and this is partly due to the no-fault auto accident policy. Research shows that approximately $1 billion has been stolen from the state in the last five years because of organized auto insurance fraud groups that stage accidents and run up bills with the help of participating physicians. New York lawmakers did not pass the bill this year, but this doesn't mean it won't happen eventually.

There is a possibility that the New York legislature will get together again before the end of 2011 to discuss other options. The state hasn't been passing bills including "Alice's Bill" which many consider to be common sense. This bill would make staging an accident in New York a standalone crime in hopes of making punishment harsher. Alice was a New York resident who was killed during a staged accident which shows the severity of this awful crime. Hopefully New York will work towards making it harder for criminals to commit serious auto insurance fraud.

Health Insurance Needs to Cover More Dental

2011-07-17T08:47:00.003-04:00

Health care and health insurance in America continues to be a hot topic throughout the nation. It's too expensive, not comprehensive enough, and there's a lot of inconsistency. Health care reform hopes to fix some of these issues, but it's going to be years before that is fully implemented and Americans start feeling the effects of the changes. One thing that needs to change sooner than later is access to quality dental care. The article found on the LA Times by Jenny Gold about improving dental care says that 4.6 million children did not visit the dentist in 2008 because their family could not afford the cost. And about 60% of retired people did not have dental coverage even if they had Medicare. These numbers are not acceptable, and hopefully through reform they will improve.

Until then, advocates of dental care are working to make quality services readily available to needy patients. The Institute of Medicine is offering up some new ideas to get the ball rolling and make dental coverage a reality for more Americans. One idea is to encourage more dental students from minority, low-income areas. They also suggest investigating the expansion of Medicaid to cover more adults rather than just children. And by increasing reimbursement rates for dentists, research shows more children will get teeth cleanings based on a report completed by Sandra Decker of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Journal of the American Medical Association. These may seem like minor efforts, but this is what we need to move in the right direction and truly improve dental care in America. Health insurance is far from perfect and we should always be making strides to try and improve policies and procedures.

GM Including Auto Insurance in Car Purchase

2011-07-10T17:13:00.003-04:00

With car sales still remaining flat, GM has come up with an innovative way to attract customers. In Oregon and California, GM is offering a free, one year auto insurance policy with the purchase of one of their new cars. The deal is limited to 2010, 2011, and 2012 Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac cars and crossovers. Currently it doesn't have used car insurance for their older cars as part of the deal.

GM believes this is a effective way to stay competitive in this flat market. According to the article on USA Today by Chris Woodyard, the policy will be completely free and offered through MetLife Auto Insurance. GM hopes to attract customers who are looking to save money and also save time searching the internet for auto insurance quotes.

MetLife Auto will be including the quality policy with liability and physical damage coverage for a full year. The policy will cover the person who purchased the car and whoever drives the car with the owner's permission. The offer is only good until September 6, 2011, so if you live in California or Oregon this is a great opportunity to save hundreds of dollars on a free auto insurance policy for a full year.

Columbus Auto Insurer Opens Large KY Center

2011-06-27T21:24:00.002-04:00

The Columbus auto insurance company, Safe Auto, recently opened up a 20,000 square foot call center in Somerset, Kentucky which is south of Lexington. Safe Auto is expanding the call center to support future growth and had construction under way since November. They now have doubled the size of the call center operation according to the article "Safe Auto Opens Larger KY Call Center" from Business First found on bizjournals.com.

This customer service center in Somerset went from employing 48 people to 83 with the opening of the new facility. The center was designed to accommodate up to 250 employees which tells you the kind of growth Safe Auto is looking to have. This family owned business sells auto insurance in 16 states throughout the nation with its headquarters out of Columbus, Ohio. The company is doing well as they expand their customer service departments to meet customer need.

Health Insurance Pooling in Connecticut

2011-06-20T08:57:00.005-04:00

The Connecticut Senate gave approval to the passage of a bill this week that allows municipalities and other nonprofit groups to join the state employees health insurance pool. This new plan does not include a public option and it does not offer health care to everyone.

This stirs up some controversy over the new legislation. Senator Terry Gerratana says the supporters of the new bill are involved in the process, but the legislation does not enact an insurance product even though the bill had been envisioned as some type of universal health plan. It's not providing health care exactly, but it's working towards that goal.

Gerratana points out that Connecticut already has a public option plan in place called the Charter Oak Health Plan, which was orchestrated by the former Governor M. Jodi Rell. This particular plan aims to cover families in need, but it isn't perfect. Legislators continue to work towards finding a plan that will meet the needs of as many Connecticut residents as possible and ensure everyone has access to affordable health insurance coverage.

Individual Health Insurance: What to Look For

2011-06-12T10:26:00.003-04:00

Shopping around for individual health insurance can be overwhelming and confusing. Fortunately, health care reform is working to make the process simpler and more straight forward. They want to make comparing plans side by side easier for the consumer, but this could take years before it's fully implemented. Until then, Marketwire.com has a news release from GoHealthInsurance which outlines some of the most important factors you should be looking for in a health insurance policy.

The first item discussed is the deductible. Notice if there is one and if it is reasonably priced. Next, understand if the policy has providers in-network or out-of-network. Also, be sure that preventative care is free since this will eventually be required by health care reform. Look for key coverages which include dental, vision, prescription drug and maternity care. It's crucial you fully comprehend the variety of charges on different services so that you are not surprised when it's time to pay the bill. It's easy to get swooped into an inexpensive policy, then when services are used you are hit with a huge bill you cannot afford.

Only you can weigh the importance between quality benefit and the monthly premium, but be sure to take a close look at your true health needs. Just because you are healthy now, or have never used the health care system, it does not mean that you won't need it in the future. Having the basic benefits to suit your specific needs is going to make your individual health insurance policy work for you.

Medicare Supplements: Plans F-N

2011-05-28T10:25:00.003-04:00

Once you become eligible for Medicare and you sift through all of your health care needs you will quickly come to realize that Medicare does not necessarily cover all of your needs. Luckily, there is Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, which fill in the coverage gaps for standard Medicare Plans. There are numerous plans to fulfill the needs of a variety of Medicare recipients and some of these plans include:

Each plan has a unique set of benefits and it can truly be overwhelming to sift through all of the choices and decide which plan works best for you. The good news is that the plan structure is mandated by the government so regardless of which insurer you choose, you can trust that the benefits will be the same as some other insurer. It's important to know that prices do vary. Be sure to comparison shop to determine which insurance company will offer you the best deal. Reaching out for expert advice on Medicare never hurts and you could end up saving a lot of money making making the right choice.

Used Car Prices Hit High

2011-05-17T14:51:00.002-04:00

According to the article "As Used Car Prices Hit a New High, Where to Look for Deals in Florida" by Steven Cole Smith on sun-sentinel.com, the cost of used cars is at a high in Florida and many other places throughout the US. This is not what drivers want to hear as they are already dealing with devastatingly high gas prices which are causing financial strain on millions.

May's Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, which is a monthly analysis of used cars values through Manheim Consulting, is the world's biggest broker of used vehicles and they are seeing the same trends throughout Florida. Used car prices are up and most likely not coming down any time soon. This can also have an impact on used car insurance since replacing one of these cars gets pricier for the auto insurance companies. This is a double whammy for those who were hoping to save a pretty penny by purchasing a used car during these tough economic times.

The analysis says lower wholesale supplies and higher retail demand are two of the main factors influencing the price of used cars. In addition to this, wholesale used car prices are also being affected by tight inventories of the new car market. As car owners feel the stress of economic struggles, they hold on to their current car longer making less cars available. Good used car deals are getting harder and harder to find and some Florida residents are traveling to other states to get a good deal. One good thing coming out of this is if you do want to trade in your car for a new one, you will most likely get a very good deal since people are short on used cars.

Individual Health Insurance: Lower Costs If Healthy

2011-05-09T09:07:00.003-04:00

We all know the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Staying healthy not only improves our quality of life but it can save you money on your health insurance. Individual health insurance rates can fluctuate based on many factors, one of which being your previous health history and current habits that may be considered unhealthy.

If you smoke or drink heavily you could end up paying higher health insurance premiums. Pre-existing conditions and prescriptions drugs may cause higher quotes. Age, gender and where you live also can play into how expensive your premiums are. While some of these factors are out of your control, there are things you can do to help lower your chances of having high health insurance costs.

Living a healthy lifestyle may not warrant you lower health insurance quotes immediately but over time you may be able to eliminate some prescription pills, lower your BMI, and lower how many times you need to visit your doctor. If you feel as though your individual health insurance policy is too expensive and you have changed some of your lifestyle habits to healthier living shop around and see if your new habits have earned you lower quotes on health insurance. You may be surprised how much money you can actually save.

Health care reform has prohibited people from being denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions but this doesn't fully take effect until 2014, and it doesn't mean you rates will necessarily be the same as someone without a pre-existing condition. Taking charge of the things you can control with your healthy now may warrant you big savings in the future.

Florida Auto Insurance Bills to Help Fraud

2011-05-02T10:22:00.004-04:00

In Florida, affecting many cities including Orlando and Jacksonville auto insurance, two bills are in the works to cut down the amount of auto insurance fraud plaguing the state of Florida. The article "Florida Senate Panel Advances Auto Insurance Bills" by Brent Kallestad found on Business Week's site discusses some of the details of the two bills.

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approved the bills after much debate over what was the right direction. They are trying to get a handle of how much fraud is going through the state of Florida. Auto insurance fraud not only causes losses to the auto insurance companies, but these losses are passed on to consumers in the form of higher insurance rates.

The main goal of these bills is to give more power to the auto insurance companies to deny suspicious claims. This could make it harder on honest drivers doctors who are trying to get paid, so there is definitely some mixed emotion over the best way to handle such problems. Insurance companies, medical providers and attorneys can agree that something has to be done about the rampant fraud in the state, but there are many theories on the best way to handle the situation.

Individual Health Insurance: Health Insurance Exchanges

2011-04-25T14:17:00.004-04:00

The Missouri House started to put through one of the challenging parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by voting to begin setting up an exchange program that strives to make individual health insurance easier to access with cheaper rates. They also aim to make health insurance for small businesses more attainable as well.

The article “Missouri House Begins Work on Health Insurance Exchanges” by Robert Joiner from STLBeacon.org says that some groups are unhappy with the Show-Me Health Insurance Act but despite this, the bill received an unanimous vote in the Health Insurance Committee. The new bill would allow individuals to compare health insurance rates and benefits in hopes of getting cheaper and higher quality health insurance out there.

The Committee’s chairman, state Rep. Chris Molendorp stated that the legislation plans to create more affordable health insurance for as many as 1 million individuals in Missouri by 2014 once the system is fully in place. Legislators may be rushed to get this done and could end up missing the deadline if they don't stay focused.

The ACA requires that states set up the health insurance exchanges by January of 2013, so they may be cutting it close to achieve this. They not only have to pass the bill by then, but they are also expected to design, test, and implement a federally approved internet program which would educate Missouri residents on the benefits of these health insurance exchanges. Hopefully through this ongoing education, health care reform can achieve what it has set out to.

Do You Need Used Car Insurance?

2011-04-18T12:33:00.003-04:00

It is required by law to carry auto insurance on any type of automobile whether it be new or used. Some people think some used cars are so old and cheap that they do not need to get it replaced if it's in an accident. But it's important to understand that auto insurance is not only to protect replacing the damaged car. It's also required to help cover health costs from injuries and to ensure you can fix the other person's car if the accident is deemed your fault.

The minimum amount of coverage a driver must carry varies from state to state and is known as the "Financial Responsibility Limit" for your particular state. This isn't necessarily the best way to gauge how much coverage you need, but it's helpful to know what the minimum amount is in case that's all you can afford. All states require that you have a certain level of liability insurance to pay for bodily injuries to yourself and other victims of the accident.

The good news is that used car insurance is often less expensive than car insurance for a newer car. Used cars are generally less expensive to repair and replace so this can translate to lower car insurance quotes from various insurers. If the car is too old though it can have the opposite effect if the car is deemed unsafe. As always, shop around to ensure you are getting the best deal on your used car insurance policy.

Seattle Auto Insurance Company Finds New Trend

2011-04-14T08:13:00.003-04:00

The Seattle auto insurance company, PEMCO, completed a recent poll with surprising results about how Washington state drivers are following laws. Most drivers in Washington describe themselves as law-abiding, but about 1/4 of the same drivers admit to breaking the law by using high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes even when they are not carrying the correct number of passengers in their car.

The article "Washington Drivers Confused About HOV Lanes, Admit to Abusing Lane Privileges" found on PRNewsWire.com summarizes the poll and talks about why more drivers are abusing these carpool lanes. Jon Osterberg, a spokesperson for PEMCO, says people may be abusing the HOV lanes because they are confused about when they have to follow the HOV lane rules. About 75% of respondents said they didn't know that the HOV on a particular highway was off-limits to solo drivers all the time.

Most of the time cars carrying 2 people qualify for the HOV lanes but there are even some exceptions to this where some areas require you have 3 people in your car. Failure to comply with the HOV lane rules is a moving violation and drivers face a $124 fine. The pool indicates that 61% have seen solo drivers use the HOV lanes when they were not supposed to. This can encourage more people to disobey the HOV lane laws.

Carpool lanes are used across the nation to encourage people driving together to work for less traffic on the road and over time, less emissions used in the city overall. This is especially important for high traffic cities such as Los Angeles. Los Angeles auto insurance can be higher as well because of the traffic conditions so carpool lanes hope to make driving safer and could affect rates over time.

Connecticut Health Insurance for Children

2011-04-04T20:38:00.003-04:00

Many are aware of Connecticut's affordable Charter Oak Health Plan for residents, but not everyone knows about their special plan for children called Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth (HUSKY).

Connecticut's HUSKY plan offers a full health insurance plan option for youth up to age 19 regardless of their family's income. HUSKY pays for physician visits, drug prescriptions, vision, dental care and much more. The HUSKY Plus plan has additional services for kids with special needs and the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership offers mental health and substance abuse treatment.

If you enroll your child in HUSKY, you'll be able to choose your physician, and other participating medical providers. For many families HUSKY is very low cost and often times free. Even families with high incomes can get HUSKY health care at group rates.

HUSKY serves over 241,000 children and they work hard to serve deserving families. They provide health coverage for parents, relative caregivers, and pregnant women as well. They pride themselves on very friendly customer service and are available to answer any questions you may have. More states should have a plan as comprehensive as this for resident children.

Auto Insurance Affected by Gas Prices

2011-03-28T08:03:00.003-04:00

Rising gas prices may end up affecting auto insurance rates. According to the article "Will Rising Gas Prices Cause a Small-Car Book?" by Jonathan Welsh on The Wall Street Journal, people are looking to more fuel-efficient cars as gas prices creep up.

A similar trend happened in 2008 when demand increased so many for smaller cars and hybrids that used car prices were matching that of newer cars. Used car insurance and car insurance for smaller vehicles is typically cheaper so consumers who go this route are saving money on numerous fronts.

Americans in general associate smaller, more efficient cars with tougher economic times so overall car makers wait for higher gas prices or an economic downturn to push the sale of their smaller cars.

Kelley Blue Book, which keeps track of resale values and other industry data through a Market Intelligence survey, reports that economic struggles and the growing concern over gas prices pushes new and used-car owner to proactively change the type of car they are driving. In February, their survey showed that 81% of car shoppers were influenced by gas prices which shows the power of these prices in the market place.

Geisinger Health Plan Awards

2011-03-21T11:25:00.003-04:00

Geisinger Health Plan is a well respected institution that has received a lot of recognition over the years. They work hard to ensure they are ranked well and are very focused on quality performance. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which is an independent agency dedicated to measuring the quality of America's health care, consistently rates Geisinger high on various reports.

Geisinger was rated number one in the country for beta-blocker treatment and scored in the top 10 for engagement of alcohol and other drug treatment according to their website. They also scored in the top 10 for children receiving immunizations, following up with mental illness, and counseling children about physical activity.

NCQA also rated Geisinger number one in the country for monitoring digoxin used for heart conditions as well as number one for monitoring diuretics used for heart conditions. They scored in the top 10 nationally for teens receiving annual well visits between the ages of 12 and 21 in 2009. They were also in the top 10 across the nation for giving proper pre-natal care during the first trimester.

These are just a few of the high rankings Geisinger has received over the past few years. Their focus and dedication to quality shows in these ranking reports. There is some tough competition out there to score in the top 10 so the fact that Geisinger ranks so well is very impressive and proves their motivation and drive towards superior quality. Individual health insurance is made easier with health plans such as Geisinger.

Wisconsin Auto Insurance Changes

2011-03-14T14:47:00.003-04:00

Wisconsin recently passed a new bill which will lower coverage limits for Wisconsin auto insurance according to an article found in the Badger Herald by Andrew Averill. Coverage limits were previously raised in hopes that it would save money, but the Democrats had other ideas for lowering premiums.

As of now, Wisconsin law requires auto insurers to cover $50,000 for bodily injury, $100,000 for 2 or more people, and for property damage it's $15,000. The new bill changes the limits to $25,000, $50,000, and $10,000 respectively. This is a big difference and should have an impact on Wisconsin cities and perhaps other northern cities such as Seattle auto insurance will be influenced.

Jeff Fitzgerald, the assembly speaker in Wisconsin, saws the previous law ended up increase auto insurance rates for good drivers and even limited options for consumers. He believes the new law will help people shopping for auto insurance by giving them more choices in coverage plans. He sees this bill as the perfect combination of consumer choice and consumer responsibility. Hopefully it achieves that goal.

NFL Lockout: Going to Extremes for Health Insurance

2011-03-02T17:54:00.003-05:00

The much talked about NFL Lockout is upon us and causing quite a stir when it comes to players and their health insurance benefits that could disappear tonight. Players have been encouraged to apply for COBRA, but with the hefty price tag that comes with COBRA, many players are opting out. And without any health insurance they are putting their financial situation at risk.

According to the article "Desperate Measures? Player's Wife Induces Labor Early as NFL Lockout Approaches" by Brad Cohen found on SportsGrid.com, an unnamed player's wife induced labor early deliberately to ensure the health care costs would be paid for by the NFL health insurance. This may seem extreme, but will simplify things for the family. Although COBRA is a very good option for players it is expensive. Channing Crowder, the linebacker for the Miami Dolphins says it's going to cost him about $1300 a month for COBRA health insurance. Many players may not be financially prepared for this type of monthly cost. Hopefully this NFL lockout will be resolved soon and it will be a short term situation.

Health Insurance for All Incomes and Ages

2011-02-28T11:15:00.003-05:00

Health care reform intends to ensure everyone has some form of affordable health insurance, but until then companies are stuggling to find a way to ensure everyone. Charter Oak Health Plan is a unique example of a health insurer working for the people.

One of the big debates going on in Washington currently is whether or not health insurance is believed to be a privilege or a right. It's definitely a necessity and Charter Oak recognizes this for the people of Connecticut. Many residents, including small businesses, people in between jobs, recent graduates, and early retirees felt affordable health insurance was unattainable. Charter Oak Health Plan is hoping to change that through offering health insurance to all incomes and ages.

Since 2008, Charter Oak has been working hard to serve the people of Connecticut. Those who struggle to find affordable health insurance, or any health coverage at all can turn to Charter Oak for help. They offer coverage to many adults struggling with financial hardships and cannot afford to pay for non-group premiums on their own. This is refreshing in an economic environment leaving many Americans feeling stressed and lacking proper health care coverage.

Understanding a Used Car's History

2011-02-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

It is critical in today's economic environment to ensure you are not getting scammed, and purchasing a car should be no different. Many consumers are looking to used cars for many reasons such as they are generally cheaper, used car insurance is often less expensive and with cars being made so well today, used cars can run great and for a long period of time. But there are sellers out there trying to sell lemons to do your homework.

Larry Gamache of CARFAX says there are millions of cars on the road today with open recalls that have not been attended to. According to the article "Learn A Used Car's History Before You Buy" by Stephanie Wilson on WUSA9.com, consumers should insist that a mechanical inspection be completed before purchasing a car. In addition, they should order a car report from a trusted company such as CARFAX and get information on the VIN number. If there is an open recall on a car, the manufacturer must repair it at no cost to you so it's definitely worth your time to ensure the car is safe.

Jack Gillis from Consumer Federation of America and the author of The Car Book, says the best way to find a deal on a used car and know for sure what it has been through is to buy it from a trusted friend. Since this isn't always an option following the few steps mentioned above will hopefully prevent you from buying a car that may be unsafe.

Individual Health Insurance for Genders

2011-02-11T21:24:00.004-05:00

Health insurance companies have always used gender as a factor when determining rates for individual health insurance. This was justified by the statistical data gathered over years which showed women spent more on healthcare than men. California has recently passed a new state law which will forbid health insurance companies in the state from using gender as a factor for pricing according to the article "State Law Levels Premiums" on DailyBulletin.com.

This law may have a huge impact on the way health insurers are conducting business. Many experts believe that gender rating negatively affects women and causes them to pay more for health insurance over a lifetime. The new national health care reform bill passed in 2010 will also prohibit gender pricing, but this will not take effect until 2014, so California is ahead of the game and it's possible other states follow suit and implement this practice before it's law in 2014.

The new California law will affect over 1 million women in the state purchasing individual health insurance policies according to Beth McGovern who is the legislative director for the California Commission on the Status of Women. It is going to apply to new and existing policies. Although this is a fairer way of pricing, health insurance companies will have to reevaluate how to make up for the differences in health care costs between men and women.

Geisinger Health Plan Ranks High

2011-02-05T22:02:00.003-05:00

According to the Geisinger health plan website, Geisinger Health System has been named to the 2011 SDI IHN 100, which is a list of the most integrated healthcare networks in the US. Modern Healthcare Magazine recognizes the 100 top ranked health plans in their January issue and Geisinger makes the list.

Glenn Steele Jr, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Geisinger Health System says how gratifying it's been to be recognized. He is proud of their high level of performance and integration for healthcare systems. It's a testament to their ongoing efforts to increase quality of patient care over time. There are eight categories measured including integration, outpatient utilization, hospital utilization, integrated technology, financial stability, services & access, physicians and contract capabilities.

The rankings are completed by SDI Health LLC, which happens to be a nationally recognized healthcare consulting firm located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. These rankings are very useful to providers and consumers when comparing the sustainability of a healthcare company.

Charter Oak Health Plan Behavioral Health

2011-01-30T21:36:00.003-05:00

It's important that your health plan offer some type of behavioral health benefit. You never know when you or a family member will need such services and ensuring you have coverage can give you the peace of mind that you will have options.

Charter Oak Health Plan has an outstanding behavioral health plan. Their program offers top quality coverage for mental health and substance abuse issues for plan members. The providers are educated counselors and therapists who can offer great help towards treatment. You do not need a referral and many services are offered.

Some examples of their services include outpatient treatment, medication management, intensive outpatient, adult day treatment, partial hospitalization, hospital stays, and extra support services. Charter Oak Health Plan make peer specialists available to help members get more information about the variety of services, walk you through the application process and give the support and advice you need towards effective treatment and care. If you think this type of benefit would be valuable for you and your family, research what your health care provider offers in your benefits package.

Pet Insurance in Boston

2011-01-19T21:39:00.003-05:00

More and more Boston auto insurance companies are offering their customers pet insurance to ensure their furry friends are taken care of in case of an accident. The article "Auto Insurers Take on Pets" by Donna Goodison on the BostonHerald.com, at least five auto insurance companies in Massachusetts are now offering pet insurance.

As Massachusetts has deregulated the auto insurance industry, companies are getting more competitive. This move back in 2008 has changes the way people shop for auto insurance in Massachusetts and this is a good thing for consumers. This particular benefit, pet insurance, is a huge advantage to those in love with their pets. Although not for all pet owners, it's worth getting more information on and can be relatively inexpensive. With many households looking at their pets as family members, it's nice to know companies are recognizing this relationship and helping their customers protect them.

Auto Auctions to Save Money

2011-01-14T21:12:00.002-05:00

In today's economy everyone is looking to save money and what better way than to purchase a used car once it's time for a new vehicle. With new cars depreciating so quickly after they are purchased, it makes sense to buy a car after the initial depreciation is no longer a factor. The government wants to help consumers by suggesting auto auctions as a choice.

The General Services Administration wants consumers to find their auctions rewarding and enjoyable. By becoming familiar with how these auctions work, you can find great success and get a great deal on a used car. Not only can you save money on the actual car, but used car insurance rates tend to be lower as well, so you should see savings in this respect as well.

The GSA website talks about what you should know before you attend an auction. GSA holds its public auctions through registered auctions throughout the nation. If you are interested in participating in such auctions, you can register at their website and obtain a bidder number at the auction house before the sale and there is not a registration fee. Worth looking into if you are in the market for a used car.

Cheaper Auto Insurance Through Progressive

2011-01-06T22:37:00.002-05:00

Progressive auto insurance is offering an innovation program to some of their customers to help them save money. The article "Insurance Company Tracks Driver Responsibility With In-Car Device by Jolie O'Dell found on Yahoo News goes over this unique program called "Snapshot".

Basically the specially designed device supplied by Progressive plugs into the policy holder's car and tracks how the car is being driven. If the device shows responsible behavior Progressive is offering a substantial discount, possibly up to 30% off auto insurance premiums. Progressive is monitoring drivers for 30 days and the device is easy to install since it plugs right into the diagnostic port found in most cars. They are measuring things such as time of day driven, how often the car is driven, sudden stops and starts, and speed. Those who drive less can get additional discounts since they are not on the road as much.

This type of tracking has raised privacy issues over the years while this device was being developed. There is no GPS associated with the device so there isn't any worry about Progressive having access to location, but this information could be helpful. This could be a new wave in the auto insurance industry that affects many more companies to come.

Maternity Individual Health Insurance

2010-12-28T22:53:00.003-05:00

If you do not have health insurance through your employer and you find out you are pregnant, you want to ensure you have adequate health insurance and that the policy covers maternity costs. Proper pre-natal care is crucial and health care costs should not stand in your way of seeing the doctor as soon as possible.

It's important to understand what type of plans you may be eligible for if you become pregnant. It's possible that you may find it more challenging to get approved for coverage because of your pre-existing condition, that is pregnancy. Government plans, such as Washington Basic or Medicaid, are more likely to offer adequate coverage, but there are usually income and disability requirements associated with these types of plans.

Shopping around for the best type of health insurance to cover your pregnancy is bound to pay off. If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, get insured first. This will make the transition much easier and help ensure you get the proper pre-natal care for a smooth and healthy pregnancy. Going through a pregnancy without insurance is outrageously expensive and can leave you in mounds of debt, so research health insurance options for your needs.

Car Insurance Quotes Affected by Economy

2010-12-20T15:16:00.002-05:00

Industry expert and the Insurance Information Institute's Senior Vice President, Steven Weisbert, gave a presentation last month which highlights the rise in car insurance quotes over the past three years. This disappointing information is detailed in the article "Report: Car Insurance Price Trends Are Out of Sync with Economy" by Ben Zitney found on OnlineAutoInsurance.com.

Weisbert believes the auto insurance market started struggling at the end of 2007 after four consecutive years of dropping car insurance rates. The national average costs on car insurance coverage has increased steadily for three years now which is directly affecting stuggling consumers in this down ecomony. The report shows an approximate increase of 12% from '07 to '10 and this is causing huge impacts on families.

The presentation "Mega-Trends Influencing the Future of Auto Insurance" by Weisbert was addressed back in October 2010 at the National Auto Insurance ExecuSummit in Connecticut. Not only did it go over many new trends in the industry, but it helped to explain some of the increases in car insurance rates over time. Now more than ever, consumers should be shopping around to compare car insurance rates since there can be large variations in prices from insurer to insurer.

Medicare 2011: Changes to Come

2010-12-14T13:33:00.004-05:00

The United States government sponsors many health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan, but it's most popular program, Medicare, is up for some big changes in the coming months.

According to the article "Medicare Changes Set for 2011" by The Times-Standard outlines 4 of the major changes to come. They include:

New yearly open enrollment for Medicare Advantage
Updates for the Medicare Prescription Drug programs
Less being paid into the "donut hole"
Annual wellness visits

These are just a handful of the upcoming changes for 2011 according to The National Council on Aging. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their Medicare packages to ensure they understand all changes being made that will affect them. Many will need Medicare supplement plans to have full coverage and you want to make sure you can continue to see the same doctor. The changes are intended to improve the program overall, but as the shift takes place some may be left confused so getting educated is very important.

Smartphones Are Causing Car Accidents

2010-11-29T16:04:00.003-05:00

More and more drivers are purchasing smartphones to help run their lives and with this comes the temptation to use the phone while driving. It's no surprise that using your phone while driving is highly dangerous, but with so many drivers on the road trying to multitask, it's getting very scary.

The article "Use Smartphones Smartly Can Help Avoid Car Accidents" by Richard Burton on AutoQuoteNow's website says 72% of people using their phone while driving say work related items encourage them to check their phone while on the road. About 33% are tempted to use the phone while driving to check social sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Many others check personal business items such as bank statements, auto insurance bills and to-do lists while operating a vehicle.

In the last few years, fatalities from accidents caused by multitaskers has increased dramatically despite numerous laws put into place to stop texting while driving. Smartphones are an amazing invention and offer many benefits to our societies, but the temptation to use the phone while driving is one of the dangerous downfalls. Awareness is on the rise and more and more people are committing to leaving their phone alone while driving. Hopefully those numbers will increase rather than fatal accidents from those who text while driving.

South Carolina Health Cooperative

2010-11-18T22:50:00.003-05:00

There have been many changes made to Carolina health insurance over the years, but more are coming. This includes a South Carolina health cooperative designed to help small businesses pay for health care for their employees. With health care costs making or breaking a small business, any help they can get will be valuable.

The South Carolina Health Cooperative (SCHC) combines many different types of companies together to create a pool that applies for health insurance. SCHC structures plans over the long term which protects smaller companies from unexpected rate increases. SCHC is the first approved cooperative in the state which happened this month.

The co-op is available for small businesses with 2-50 employees and the application process has been started. The best thing about this type of pool is that the more people that sign up, the more negotiating power there is to get low rates from the health insurance companies.

Sinkholes Increase Florida Insurance Rates

2010-11-10T20:30:00.004-05:00

According to the article "Sinkhole Claims Are Driving up Florida Insurance Rates, State Official Says" by Laura Green on TCPalm.com, property insurance companies in Florida are reporting a 200% increase in sinkhole claims between 2006 and 2010 with costs of over $1.4 billion.

The Florida DOI and Commissioner Kevin McCarty believe sinkhole claims are driving up insurance rates and a recent report confirms this. He is concerned because rates will never stop increasing if the problem isn't addressed. Only about 1% of the claims represent a catastrophic sinkhole, something that could swallow up a whole backyard or a SUV car.

The majority of the claims comes from Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, which are all known as the sinkhole belt. The report also shows a steady incrase in claims in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, which are areas not generally prone to sinkholes. Some of the claims may not be legitimate and not only is this type of fraud immoral, but they drive up the costs of insurance for everyone.

Health Care Reform Facts

2010-11-02T11:41:00.003-04:00

With election season here, health care reform has been a hot topic across the nation. There is so much information flying around that it's hard to decipher the facts from fiction. There seems to be three main myths out there scaring consumers. Let's put some of the myths to rest.

Health care reform is not designed to raise taxes or cause job losses. The law actually includes the largest middle class tax cut for health care ever in the United States. Most Americans do not want to pay any more taxes than we already do and the administration recognizes this.

Some experts worry that the health care bill will force Americans to purchase health insurance policies they cannot afford. Between tax breaks and hardship waivers the plan hopes everyone can have affordable health insurance policies.

Another major myth out there is that Medicare is going to be cut dramatically and hurt beneficiaries. The plan does not include any Medicare cuts to beneficiaries, but rather it adds benefits such as free preventative health care and annual wellness visits.

Understanding reform is the first step in getting Americans on board so that the plan can actually work. Politics aside, health care reform will be in full effect by 2014 so everyone needs to work together to get the best possible results.

Compare Car Insurance

2010-10-20T22:04:00.003-04:00

Relief is available for college students who are looking for auto insurance. College students are often hit hard with financial burdens such as books, tuition, living expenses and auto insurance. It's important for these students to know that they can find discounts that may save them a lot of money.

First and foremost it's crucial to compare car insurance quotes. Quotes can vary dramatically from one insurance company to another. Also, most auto insurance companies offer good student discounts which can range from 10% - 20% off the original quote price. It's important to ask your insurer about such programs in case they do not offer it voluntarily.

Even though college students are often placed in a higher risk category because of their age, they can still receive good driving discounts. If a college student has a clean record and no violations they will save money and these savings can increase over time. The type of car you drive can save you money on insurance as well and since many students are driving less expensive cars, quotes can be lower. During these tough times everyone is looking to save money, but especially college students who have many expenses them hitting them all at once. It's worth their time to learn where to save.

State Farm Supports Our Troops

2010-10-06T22:19:00.003-04:00

If you have State Farm insurance or have recently obtained a State Farm insurance quote, you may be glad to know that State Farm continues to support our communities and specifically our American troops service our country.

State Farm is very proud to sponsor the Sea to Shining Sea ride which goes across America. This bike trek is completed by exceptional athletes, many that were wounded during active duty. The last journey was completed in the spring and was a great success.

In addition to funding, State Farm Insurance agents across the nation were there for all 63 days of the ride serving as community coordinators. They provided local information, helped with logistics, assisted in route planning, and showed rallying support for the courageous riders along the way. It's just one of many great causes that State Farm supports and many members are proud of their committment to service.

California DOI

2010-09-28T20:34:00.005-04:00

The California DOI has announced that a settlement has been reached in a recent enforcement action according to the article "Two Insurers Settle California Insurance Code Violations" found on ClaimsJournal.com.

The action is against Civil Service Employees Insurance Company, and CSE Safeguard Insurance Company. This settlement marks the end of a market conduct exam which located many violations of the important Insurance Code and Regulations from back in 2005 and 2006. This code is enforced by the California DOI.

More specifically, Department reviewers studied the companies' claims handling practices in auto, homeowner, as well as commercial liability lines of insurance and found the violations. They randomly selected 596 claim files closed during the specified review timeframe and found 661 total claim handling violations all together.

Healthy Indiana Plan

2010-09-09T21:09:00.003-04:00

The Healthy Indiana Plan available to Indiana residents seeking affordable health insurance continues to be an outstanding program for Indiana families. During these tumultuous times in our economy and health care system, it's encouraging to know that plans such as these are available for Americans.

The plan primarily serves the very poor and low income population, and is a great option for families with children who do not have insurance through their employer nor can they afford standard individual health insurance plans. Those types of plans are getting more and more expensive and with mandates going into place soon with the new health care reform bill, many Indiana residents are scrambling to get proper coverage. That's why this type of plan is invaluable.

Other states such as Washington, have similar programs to help their residents. Washington Basic offers a variety of benefits to qualifying residents. Plans across the nation are quickly coming together to support struggling Americans. Unfortunately, with unemployment so high and employers dropping plans quickly, government is having a hard time keeping up with all the need out there currently.

Cheapest Car Insurance

2010-08-24T21:04:00.003-04:00

The article "Insurance Rates: Top 5 States to Insure a Car for Less" by Laurent Belsie on CSMonitor.com, compares the top 5 states where the lowest percentage of the median income goes to pay for car insurnace. If you live in one of these states it's still very important to compare car insurance, but knowing you will probably get a good deal is comforting to know.

Number five on the list is Utah, where the median driver spends about 3.5% of their income on car insurance. Their car insurance quotes may be lower because Utah has twice as much space and many less drivers than a state such as Virgina. Next on the list is New Hampshire, then Hawaii, Minnesota, and the cheapest on the list is Massachusetts.

Massachusetts may be surprising since it's often known as being an expensive state. But because of the high income overall in the state, residents only spend about 2% of their income on car insurance. This is the lowest in the country overall, and this is even considering the bustling city of Boston and their higher rates.

Ohio DOI

2010-08-17T21:30:00.003-04:00

The Ohio DOI continues to offer valuable support to Ohio residents with questions on insurance. They provide information on auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance and even more. They even have an online toolkit that is worth checking out.

Ohio senior citizens can turn to the DOI for assistance at any time. The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is a completely free benefit for Ohio citizens which provides accurate information on insurance programs and Medicare. There are free seminars to attend and representatives to talk to.

With all the misinformation out there on insurance in general it's very beneficial to have a team of professionals looking out for the consumer. As health care reform approaches there will be even more confusion with insurance so knowing you have someone to turn to with accurate information is very reassuring.

Carolina Health Insurance

2010-08-09T20:23:00.004-04:00

There are many affordable health insurance options in the Carolinas. There is a good variety of plans to choose from such as HMO plans, PPO insurance, health savings accounts, HDHP, family health insurance, as well as individual health insurance. Carolina Health Insurance has come a long way.

In North Carolina, Medicaid pays approximately 20% of the population. This is a great way to help the less fortunate have proper health insurance coverage. North Carolina Health Choice for Children is a unique option for families do not qualify for Medicaid because they make too much money but still can't afford the pricey cost of health insurance for a full family. This program offers free or discounted health insurance options for the children of these families.

South Carolina has similar health insurance options, but there are some differences from North Carolina. Hands on Health South Carolina is a valuable resource offered by the government to help residents lead healthier lifestyles. Partners for Health Insurance (PHC), provides South Carolina residents Medicare coverage to dependents who are 18 years or younger coming from families of low income.

Both states have great options for their residents which is excellent news in this economy and with the challenges residents face getting coverage as well as having access to health information.

State Farm Car Insurance Quotes

2010-08-01T21:04:00.003-04:00

If you are shopping around for State Farm car insurance quotes, it's helpful to understand what goes into determining the price they give you. Factors vary slightly from company to company but most car insurance companies consider the same factors when determining individual rates.

One factor is the type of coverage you purchase. The more comprehensive, usually the more expensive. What type of car you drive is also an important factor as well as where you drive. If you drive a lot your quote may be higher and along the same line, if you drive small amounts you will probably get a lower quote on your car insurance.

Age, gender and marital status are all considered when calculating a rate. Studies show these factors affect the riskiness of drivers. Driving record is obviously very important and more recently credit rating is used in the equation. Studies have shown that credit history is a strong predictor of future car insurance losses. For more information on what goes into a car insurance quote visit State Farm's website and get a State Farm car insurance quote to see if they may save you money.

Washington Basic

2010-07-25T20:17:00.002-04:00

According to the press release found on BasicHealth.com, over 100,000 people are on a waiting list for the state of Washington's Basic Health program. This is causing low-income Washington residents to find affordable health insurance to cover their needs.

To address this urgent matter Washington state is offering the Washington Health Program which is a non-subsidized version of the Basic Health program. Both Washington Health Program and Basic Health are administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority. Washington Basic is looking out for their residents.

Washington governor Chris Gregoire knows that health care reform is coming their way and he believes it will provide millions of Americans to quality health care. Unfortunately, he recognizes that many Washington residents cannot wait until the implementation of reform in 2014. They need coverage immediately and that is why they are taking steps to make it more readily available.

Compare Car Insurance Rates

2010-07-19T20:22:00.003-04:00

According to the article "10 Tips To Drive Down Rising Car Insurance Costs" by Victoria Bischoff on the CityWire website, car insurance costs are up but there are ways to help keep costs down for drivers.

The first tip discussed is shopping around to compare car insurance rates. It seems obvious, but many consumers do not take the time to shop around. With many website available to get multiple quotes all at once, it's painless to go this route. If drivers are more comfortable getting a State Farm insurance quote from an agent, then getting another quote from a different company agent, you still will save. It's worth the effort.

There are other tips discussed, but one important one is to downsize your car. This will have an impact on your car insurance premium immediately. Safe, and affordable cars are the cheapest to insure since replacing and repairing them is cheaper. By doing your research and figuring out which car will suit your needs the best, you can save a lot of money. It's recommended in this article to also avoid modifying your car since this can increase rates. Alloy wheels and racing stripes could have the insurance company viewing the driver as higher risk which would in turn increase rates.

Auto Insurance Information

2010-07-05T21:56:00.004-04:00

According to the press release "Vehicle Monitoring Systems Raise Serious Privacy Concerns" found on MarketWatch.com, a lawsuit filed by Progressive Insurance, accuses the Massachusetts based Liberty Mutual Group, Inc, of infringing on Progressive's patent which was received in 2000 for a car monitoring system that obtains data such as location, mileage and speed from a customer's automobile.

This type of system has caused a lot of buzz over the past few years while some believe it's intrusive and causes privacy concerns. Tracking devices can infringe on consumer privacy and possibly raise the cost of insurance according to Chris Gay who is the founder and president of MileMeter.

MileMeter is the first and only company in the US which offers pay-per-mile auto insurance. Customers pay for insured miles in advance, and rates are based on age, location and car type. This way of doing insurance not only saves the customer money, but MileMeter's program encourages less frequent driving since the less they drive the more money they save. This helps keep down pollution as well as traffic congestion. It's possible more and more companies will turn to this way of offering auto insurance coverage.

State Farm Car Insurance Quote

2010-06-22T13:12:00.003-04:00

State Farm Car Insurance is currently number one in America. They have been providing quality coverage to Americans since 1922. They prioritize their customer's needs which they believe keeps them a leader in giving and following through on a State Farm car insurance quote.

Many reputable groups such as the Illinois DOI and various other departments of insurance groups recognize State Farm as a leader in providing car insurance and many other types of insurance. Their car insurance specifically is designed to help financially cover potential car accidents, loss, and injuries. It helps to protect consumers and give them the peace of mind to know they are covered.

Not only does car insurance protect you as the driver, but it also protects fellow drivers on the road, pedestrians, passengers, and property. It's also there to assist you in case you are sued for an auto related situation. Most states require by law that you carry insurance, so it really shouldn't be a choice. With that said, there are many reasons to carry coverage regardless of what the law dictates. Getting a State Farm Car Insurance Quote can show you car insurance can be affordable.

Florida DOI

2010-06-14T11:50:00.003-04:00

The Florida DOI (Florida Office of Insurance Regulation) announced recently that the Office has ordered 16 workers' compensation insurance companies to give back over $9.4 million in excess profits to their policy holders. Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty made the official announcement.

The Florida Office performed an evaluation of submitted data that had earned premium and losses. They determined that 16 various insurance companies had excessive profits which is defined by the statute for the '05, '06, and '07 years.

The companies include American Interstate Insurance Co, Florists' Insurance Group, Hanover Insurance Group, Guard Insurance Group, Harco National Insurance Co, Indiana Lumberman's Mutual Insurance Co, Liberty Mutual Insurance Companies, MAG Mutual Insurance Co, Memic Indemity, One Beacon Insurance Group, Safety National Group, St. Paul Travelers Group, State Auto Mutual Group, Transguard Insurance Company of America, Ullico Casualty Co, and the Westfield Companies.

The Insurance companies have 60 days from the date of the request to return the premiums to their customers.

Mandatory Auto Insurance

2010-06-06T20:33:00.003-04:00

Wisconsin has recently become one of the last states to make auto insurance mandatory. According to the article "Mandatory Auto Insurance Hits Wisconsin" by Hilary Dickinson found on beloitdailynews.com, Wisconsin drivers now face a $500 fine if they are caught driving without the proper auto insurance coverage. They are the 49th state to implement this type of law.

Not only does the law state you must have auto insurance, but you must also carry proof of such auto insurance coverage. Drivers will need to carry their policy card with them, either in the car or in their wallet. If a driver happens to be pulled over and cannot show proof of insurance then they may face a ticket and a fine.

Experts are debating if the fines are going to be enough incentive to get more people to carry auto insurance. Car insurance rates are currently high and even by shopping around and seeking to compare car insurance, some people simply cannot afford the extra cost during these tough times. Since the law went into effect there has not been a significant increase in Wisconsin drivers purchasing car insurance. Experts state that the type of person who would abide this type of law already carry auto insurance because it's the financially responsible thing to do.

Compare Car Insurance

2010-05-30T21:35:00.005-04:00

Most auto insurance companies use driving record information determining your auto insurance rates. According to the recent article "Are You Driving Distracted, and is Your Auto Insurance Suffering" found on lexch.com, even non-fatal car accidents are detrimental to have on your driving record. Driving safely will end up saving you a lot of money over time, and makes it well worth your time to compare car insurance rates.

According to Distraction.gov, the official US Government site for distracted driving, there are three types of driving distractions which are visual, manual and cognitive. In 2008, distracted drivers caused around 5870 deadly auto accidents. This is a scary statistic which should motivate everyone to stop driving distractions such as talking on the phone, texting while driving, or eating. Having a conversation with a passenger or fiddling with music stations can cause accidents as well.

Before you compare car insurance quotes, be sure to know where your driving record stands. Tickets, accidents and mos DUI's do fall off your record over time, but it's important to understand that the safer you drive, the less likely you are to be in a crash and pay higher auto insurance premiums. Not to mention you can save lives if you are a very safe driver. There are many reasons to drive safely, and no good reason to risk lives and have any unnecessary distractions while driving.

State Farm Car Insurance Quotes

2010-05-21T20:47:00.003-04:00

State Farm car insurance quotes are competitive and prices are reasonable. Not only are prices good, but customer service has always been known to be top notch. Members are not only receiving a great business experience but they are supporting a company that dedicates many resources to giving back to the community.

The NBA recently partnered with State Farm Insurance for the launch of the first-ever NBA Cares Charity Challenge. This charity event is sponsored by State Farm and NBA stars compete through the league's Facebook page to help raise money for their choice of a charity. Fans were able to review videos with NBA All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol, and Dwayne Wade working with a charitable organization.

Throughout the week fans were able to vote for one of the 4 players on the NBA Facebook page. Whoever had the most votes won $10,000 for their selected charity. The other charities received $5,000. Pau Gasol ended up winning for his charity, UNICEF. The results were announced on the NBA Facebook page on May 10, 2010.

If you want a great deal on car insurance, and want to support a company that cares get a State Farm Insurance quote.

Compare Car Insurance: Which Cars Are Cheapest to Insure

2010-05-11T20:50:00.004-04:00

There is a new report found on MSN’s Money Central web page which lists the most and least expensive cars to insure for 2010. This information is helpful to have as you compare car insurance to use for comparison. Having an idea of where cars rank in insurance costs can prove very beneficial.

First on their list for the most expensive car to insure in the CAR category is the Porsche 911 Carrera GT2 2-door coupe with 6 cylinders which has an average premium of $2943.78. The next car on the list is the Mercedes S65 AMG 4-door sedan with 12 cylinders at $2863.03. The 3rd most expensive auto is the Porsche Panamera Turbo AWD 4-door sedan with 8 cylinders with an average rate of $2837.39.

The cheapest car to insure is the Dodge Caliber SXT 4-door hatchback with 4 cylinders with an average rate of $1192.85. Next on the list is the Dodge Caliber 4-door hatchback with 4 cylinders at $1196.21 and the 3rd least expensive auto is the Volkswagen Golf GLS 4-door hatchback with 4 cylinders at $1196.39 based on this report.

Keep this information handy as you shop around for car insurance. An educated consumer saves more money, so it's definitely worth your time to keep up on reports such as this.

Compare Car Insurance: JD Power Auto Insurance Rankings

2010-04-30T22:12:00.003-04:00

When you decide it's time to compare car insurance quotes it's useful to have has many tools at your fingertips as possible. JD Power recently released their 2009 National Auto Insurance Study which ranks various auto insurance companies in a variety of categories.

The categories include overall satisfaction, contacting the insurer, policy offerings, billing and payment, and pricing. Amica Mutual auto insurance received the overall JD Power Award for ranking the best overall in the categories.

Each company receives a score based on the legend with 4 different rankings. The rankings include 'among the best', 'better than most', 'about average', and 'the rest'. The JD Power Consumer Center Ratings may not have all the information and data used to determine JD Power and Associates Award. Visit the JD Power website for more detailed information on various auto insurance companies and their rankings.

California DOI: Auto Insurance Changes Coming

2010-04-25T22:28:00.004-04:00

The California DOI may need to update their records as a possible major change is coming to California auto insurance. California auto insurance agents are supporting Proposition 17 which is looking to extend a discount to millions of drivers who are currently forced to pay much more each year if they decide to switch auto insurance companies. This is according to the article on sfgate.com by Mike D'Arelli entitled "Insurance Changes Would Help 80% of Drivers".

Prop 17 wants to fix the current issue of rewarding those who keep continuous coverage, but not including those who have continuous coverage but switch insurance companies. By changing insurers, California drivers are no longer eligible for this discount, and supporters of Prop 17 see this as unfair.

With Prop 17 passing it will increase competition among auto insurance companies and provide drivers in California with more choices and more freedom to shop around for better rates. It looks to benefit about 80% of drivers who follow the law and keep continuous coverage.

There are also some other provisions in Prop 17 looking to protect consumers during tough, economic times. The proposition will also help to protect military men and women who have to halt auto insurance coverage because they are deployed. These changes, if implemented, will help keep the playing field fair and save many drivers a lot of money.

State Farm Insurance Quote: Asking Toyota to Pay Claims

2010-04-12T22:12:00.003-04:00

According to the article "State Farm Asks Toyota to Repay Acceleration Claims" by Sharon Silke Carty on USAToday.com, State Farm Auto Insurance has asked Toyota to repay them for any accidents related to uncontrolled acceleration in Toyota recalled cars. They have already paid for these claims and want to be reimbursed.

Mark Bunim, an attorney with Case Closure, says that other auto insurance companies are expected to follow State Farm's lead and demand repayment of paid claims. This could end up costing Toyota between $20 million to $30 million. It may have also affected a State Farm Insurance quote received by individuals shopping around for auto insurance. State Farm intends to ensure Toyota is held accountable.

Toyota has recalled 7.7 million cars in two recalls related to sudden and uncontrolled acceleration, one causes by a floor mat getting stuck, and one caused by a sticking pedal. The US government has officially fined Toyota the maximum $16.4 million for going against the five day deadline of reporting the defective pedals. This situation just seems to be getting worse for Toyota as more issues are arising continuously.

Healthy Indiana Plan Affected By Health Care Reform

2010-04-05T22:24:00.003-04:00

Many health insurance providers and special state programs will be affected by health care reform in some way. This includes two well known plans, Healthy Indiana Plan and Washington Basic. This does not need to be a cause for concern though. Health care reform is designed to help as many Americans as possible have affordable health insurance.

There are some important timelines that Americans should be aware of in regards to when health care reform will take place. Within one year the new bill will be offering a $250 rebate for Medicare prescription drug plans for those whose benefits have run out. 90 days after the bill goes into effect there will be immediate access to high risk pools for those previously declined for pre-existing conditions. After 6 months of enactment, insurance companies will not be allowed deny coverage for those who get sick and they cannot deny children with any pre-existing conditions. This is a huge change that many will benefit from.

By the year 2014 most employers will have to offer health insurance to their employees. People who do not carry health insurance will face certain penalties. And by 2018, a 40% tax will be placed on high end health insurance policies. It won't be until 2019 that health insurance is extended to the promised 32 million people.

Filing An Auto Insurance Claim

2010-03-28T22:06:00.004-04:00

The Illinois DOI is a great resource for valuable information on insurance laws and regulations. They discuss auto insurance cancellation and non-renewal and improper claims practices laws. Filing a claim in Illinois can be a stressful time, but when the appropriate preparation, you can make it a smooth process.

The first step to take is to ensure you really need to file a claim. If the damage is small and you can afford to pay for repairs out of pocket, it doesn't make sense to risk increasing your auto insurance premiums. The next step is to document each detail involved in the accident to ensure you have all the information your insurance company may need.

You should be prepared to receive a call from the insurance company of any other drivers involved in the accident. Any time there is a dispute on claims information, they need more information from people who witnessed the event. Once your claim is accepted you may get a visit from an auto insurance adjuster to review the damage. They may direct you towards acceptable auto repair companies and car rental companies you can use while you wait for your car to get fixed. Being prepared for the ramifications of being in an accident can help make the situation smoother.

Washington Basic Budget Update

2010-03-21T21:40:00.004-04:00

It is still unclear as of December 2009 whether or not Washington Basic will make it through the year. Basic Health will continue to offer coverage to its enrollees at least until June 30, 2010. The Basic Health Plan has been targeted to be eliminated and it provides health care coverage to about 65,000 individuals which is about $160 million.

To stay within the approved budget Washington Basic Health no longer processes new applications to determine eligibility and has a waiting list. You can still submit applications to be put on the waiting list and there are some groups that can bypass the wait list. These include foster parents, personal care workers, health coverage tax credit, tribal sponsored accounts, Washington National Guard or Reserves, some maternity applicants, and former Basic Health members who stopped coverage because of Medicaid coverage and who have since lost that coverage. They have to notify Basic Health within 30 days.

Carolina Health Insurance also is affected by the economy and budget cuts are happening throughout the company. See how your health benefits may have been affected and if anything major has changed.

State Farm Car Insurance Quotes Higher for Teens

2010-03-10T21:04:00.004-05:00

It's typically the case that State Farm car insurance quotes are higher for young adults ages 16-21. This is common for most auto insurance companies. The main reason for this is that car crashes are the #1 leading cause of death among teens in the US. They tend to get in more accidents and receive more tickets as they are learning to drive.

Schools across the United States have been in competition to create the superior safe driving campaigns with the goal of convincing fellow teens the dangers of engaging in risky behavior while driving. State Farm is sponsoring the program called Project Ignition and it's been coordinated by the National Youth Leadership Council.

The finalists for this competition have recently been announced and they have each earned $5000 to cover travel expenses to the National Service Learning Conference in San Jose, California being held between March 24th and March 27th. The winner will receive a $10,000 grant for their school. This is an outstanding initiative that will hopefully encourage safer driving among teens.

Affordable Health Insurance Plans at www.healthinsurancesort.com

2010-02-26T11:59:00.005-05:00

According to the recent press release found on PR Web entitled Healthinsurancesort.com Provides Record Number of Health Insurance Quotes in 2009, over 350,000 consumers received health insurance quotes from the online resource, www.healthinsurancesort.com.

There has been an increase in the need for individual health insurance as more and more people are unemployed and many companies are dropping their health insurance coverages. By comparing affordable health insurance plans online consumers can find a policy quickly that meets all their needs.

The press release points out that 46.3 million Americans are without health insurance. Many of these people might not realize how easy it can be to get covered. Hopefully, as awareness over health insurance issues has risen with all the debate in the news over health care reform that number of uninsured will improve dramatically.

Read more at http://www.prweb.com/releases/health/insurance/prweb3641524.htm

Health Insurance Rates Increasing for Many

2010-02-23T11:59:00.003-05:00

As if health insurance rates weren't high enough, they are rising significantly in over four states according to the article "Individual Insurance Rates Soar in 4 States" by the Associated Press on msnbc.com.

In California, some policy holders will see an increase of 39% by March 1. In Maine some will see hikes up to 23%. And in Oregon some will see rates go up 15% after a 25% increase put in place last year. This is going to be devastating for many families. Individual health insurance is usually much more volatile than insured received through employers. It's also harder to find health insurance individually if one has a pre-existing condition.

There are many states trying to help those struggling with expensive health insurance. Plans like the Healthy Indiana Plan reach out to eligible families to offer quality health insurance at affordable prices. Hopefully the states experiencing high rate increases will offer similar programs to struggling family.

La CHIP Offers Low-Cost Health Insurance

2010-02-17T19:34:00.005-05:00

La CHIP stands for Louisiana Children's Health Insurance and it's offering low-cost, and sometimes no-cost health insurance coverage for the children of Louisiana. They have been holding news conferences to raise awareness and encourage eligible children to get covered through La CHIP.

Children who are up to the age of 19 and live in Louisiana may qualify. The program covers well child visits, immunizations, doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medicines and more. For the families that do not qualify for La CHIP because their income is too high there is an alternative called La CHIP Affordable Plan. This plan has similar eligibility requirements but families are able to make more money and still qualify. They can make up to 250% of the federal poverty level.

How To Get Discounts On Auto Insurance Quotes

2010-02-09T21:23:00.004-05:00

According to the article "Little-Known Auto Insurance Discounts" on www.savingadvice.com there are many auto insurance discounts available that consumers may not know about. It's important to be educated so that you are getting the best deal possible on your auto insurance rates.

One of the discounts is the student discount, where just being enrolled can earn you some savings. Then there is the "good student" discount where grades of A or B can earn you further discounts. Discounts are often given for being a federal employee, members of AAA, or military men and women. You can even get a discount if your VIN number is on the window of your car.

Credit continues to be an important factor of most auto insurance quotes, as does where you live. Driving less and driving safe will earn you discounts and the longer you have a clean record the better. These are just a few examples of all the discounts available to drivers these days. See which ones you qualify for as you shop around for a State Farm insurance quote.

Veterans Innovation Program and Washington Basic

2010-02-01T22:20:00.005-05:00

Washington Basic Health discusses a program called the Veterans Innovation Program (VIP) which was created back in 2006 on their website. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs runs the program and one of the benefits is priority enrollment in Washington Basic.

Priority enrollment means that eligible members can enroll without being required to wait for available spaces. When Washington Basic receives more applications than there are spots available applicants go on a waiting list. This waiting list can last months at times, so priority enrollment is a huge benefit.

You are eligible for the Veterans Innovation Program if you are a member of the Washington National Guard, Reserves, their spouses, and dependents who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Noble Eagle.

Healthy Indiana Plan and Medicare Still Available as Economy Slows

2010-01-26T21:34:00.003-05:00

The article "Slow Economy Drives More Patients to Clinics" by Emily Monacelli on etruth.com says that more patients are avoiding their doctor and visiting community health centers instead. This is a direct result of the slowing economy and more uninsured Indiana residents.

Heart City Health Center in Elkart saw over 10,000 patients in 2009 which was up 45% from 2008 according to CEO Vernita Todd. Unfortunately, more patients does not translate to more revenue. Approximately 65% of the clinic's adult uninsured visitors receive a 90% discount based on their income level.

Many of these patients are unaware of the affordable options available to them and their families such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan. Many of these people are the working poor and they want to be covered, especially to protect their children but the money just isn't there. Having available health clinics is a blessing to communities, especially in tough times when unemployment is up and uninsured residents are on the rise.

Ohio DOI: BMV Email Debate

2010-01-18T11:35:00.005-05:00

There has been a hot topic email going around on the Internet in regards to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and their plates expiration date. The article "Ohio BMV: Email Not True" found on whiotv.com summarizes the situation. Many Ohioans have received an email stating that the State of Ohio is trying to trick residents into paying more for the license plate renewal. The supposed month long grace period after the birthday was apparently going away and violators would be charged in an extra penalty to try and balance the budget. Many expected the Ohio DOI to be on top of this.

But state officials say this email isn't true. Since 1989 the expiration date for plates has been on the actual birthday, not the end of the birth month like many misinterpreted. A spokesperson for the BMV stated there has been an increase in penalties for not having a sticker updated on time, but this was made very public in the Transportation Bill. They definitely were not trying to be sneaky.

The email has been circulating servers and creating quite a stir among Ohio drivers. State officials are even considering putting something on their website to straighten out the misunderstanding caused by this email.

Colorado DOI Website Has Consumer Tips

2010-01-11T11:33:00.003-05:00

The Colorado DOI has a website for their Department of Regulatory Agencies and on this site is a section dedicated to offering tips to consumers. The most recent tip segment is about keeping debt levels down and paying off holiday spending. What a great time of year to offer this type of advice as many consumers have spent more than they can afford.

Some of the highlights to the segment include paying off the highest interest rate credit card first to minimize the amount of finance charges you pay. They recommend cutting up all cards you do not regularly use and make it a priority to pay new balances in full each month. They suggest contacting creditors to negotiate lower interest rates which can often prove very worth while and will save you hundreds in interest fees if they agree. If possible, move balances from higher interest rate cards to lower interest rates cards and take advantage of low promotional rates when available.

The most important advice, which is also the most challenging for the average American, is to live within your means. If you cannot afford a particular item, save money until you can afford it and pay for it with cash. This is a habit that will prove to save you a lot of money in the long run. Good luck!

California DOI Warns Seniors

2010-01-04T11:28:00.003-05:00

According to a press release from December 17th on the California DOI website, a $15,000 fine has been issued against Annuity Services Insurance Center for deceptive practices which targeted senior citizens. This leads the DOI to warn seniors about scam artists.

California Commissioner, Steve Poizner, offers tips to help protect senior citizens from annuity scams. Some tips include watching out for high pressure selling techniques, preying on "time fears", asking for appropriate credentials, and trusting your instincts. They encourage you to contact your state if you suspect you are being scammed. If you think an offer is too good to be true, then there is a good chance it may be a scam.

It's very important that state departments take the initiative to protect those who are easy targets. The Florida DOI gives similar warnings since they have a high number of retirees in the state of Florida. It's very frustrating that there are people out there with the main intention to mislead, confuse and deceive consumers.

Washington Basic Has Information On State Budget

2009-12-29T12:12:00.003-05:00

The Washtington state budget from 2009 is very conservative according to the Washtington Basic Health website. In the years to come, the residents of Washington are bound to feel the affects of the sacrifices the state is making to stay within the responsible budget. Even the programs that were left in tact will feel the affects of the budget shift.

Washington has been preparing itself for a modern society by doing things such as building a public transportation system to create thousands of jobs and come out stronger at the end of the recession. The Washington government also took steps to bring back their ferry system by building new vessels and keeping fares low.

The Health Care Authority continues to monitor and analyze the budget to find possible ways to save money. 2009 in Washington was about sacrifice and cutting back. They are focusing on making wise decisions when determining how to spend money on health care, construction and salaries. The primary goal is to build a solid foundation for the future residents of Washington.

State Farm Car Insurance Quote for iPhone

2009-12-21T19:48:00.003-05:00

According to State Farm Insurance's website, there is a new application available for the iPhone called Pocket Agent. State Farm policyholders can download this free app to view their policy, mutual funds, and other financial information on the run.

Pocket Agent can also be used to file an insurance claim, finding a locksmith, towing services, rental cars, taxis, gas stations and hotels just by a push of a button. When filing a claim through this app, Claims Submissions will walk customers through the process. Customers are able to select policy information instead of manually typing it. You can also check your State Farm Bank account information through this application. This just shows State Farm's commitment to making policy information easily accessible for their customers.

If this type of benefit is something that interests you for your insurance needs, you can get a State Farm car insurance quote or apply for other services on their website.

More People Using Web for Auto Insurance

2009-12-15T11:44:00.004-05:00

According to an article on money.cnn.com by Lavonne Kuykendall called "More Customers Buying Auto Insurance Online", more and more auto insurance companies are adapting to internet sales. Many insurance companies rely heavily on agents to sell their auto insurance, but as more people are logging on to the Internet to shop, those agents' roles are shifting.

Thomas J. Wilson is the chief executive of Allstate Corp, and he says that Allstate is aiming to have fewer agencies that are bigger and offer a more consistent customer experience. He states that about half of their new auto insurance policyholders originally make contact through their website. That's huge when considering leads are a core part of a successful business.

Other auto industries are heavily relying on the Internet such as car companies, repair shops and Departments of Insurance (DOI). You can find much information on DOI through the county, such as Illinois DOI which has a lot of valuable information online.

Healthy Indiana Plan Offering POWER Account

2009-12-07T12:02:00.005-05:00

Health Indiana Plan offers many benefits, one of which is called a POWER account. This is an account valued at $1,100 per adult to pay for medical expenses. The State of Indiana makes contributions to the account and each participant, based on a sliding scale, receives the benefit. No one will pay more than 5% of their gross annual family income, and many will pay less.

This plan also offers a basic commercial benefits option once the yearly medical expenses go over the $1,100. Coverage for preventative services is available for up to $500/year at no additional cost for members. Once the $500 limit is reached, preventative care is covered, but the POWER account would be used when necessary.

As with most types of plans, co-pays are required for all emergency care, but that would be the only service that has a co-pay. And even in the case of an emergency the co-pay would be returned if it is determined the service was a true emergency. The Healthy Indiana Plan does not currently cover dental, vision, or maternity care.

State Farm Insurance Quote Lower from Safe Driving

2009-12-01T13:02:00.003-05:00

State Farm has a press release on their website entitled "State Farm Offers Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays" which covers some basic steps for safety on the road.

According to the article, over 400 people died and 6400 were injured in car crashes during Thanksgiving in 2008. State Farm is looking to reduce this scary statistic. If you are a safer driver it may actually end up lowering your State Farm insurance quote. Some tips may seem obvious, but it's amazing how many people do not follow these guidelines. Always buckle your seat belt, avoid risky distractions such as texting while driving, get adequate amount of sleep before you hit the road and do not eat while you drive. These are all common causes of accidents.

State Farm car insurance quotes take into consideration your driving record and the less accidents and tickets you have on your record the better. It's also important to consider that when you are partaking in risk behavior on the road you are not only putting your life at risk, but the passengers and other people out on the road are at risk as well.

Washington Basic Required to Cut Enrollment

2009-11-23T11:40:00.002-05:00

Washington Basic Health which is a state-sponsored program to help eligible Washington residents pay for health care using income from state subsidies, is feeling the wrath of the troubled economy.

Back in February 2009, Basic Health took the necessary steps to decrease enrollment by only enrolling one new applicant for every 2 applicants that left the plan. The decline in the economy has prompted Basic Health to reduce overall enrollment by 43% for the '09-'11 budget. In '07-'09 Basic Health covered about 107,000 residents and by January 1st of 2010 the enrollment must be within the new budget.

This has created a lengthy waiting list for the plan, but there are numerous groups that are allowed to bypass the waiting list because of their need. Some examples of these groups are Foster parents, personal care workers, and Tribal sponsored accounts. Plans such iCan benefits also provides access to valuable benefits to improve the health of their members.

Ohio DOI Bringing Value to the Buckeye State

2009-11-16T12:00:00.001-05:00

The Ohio Department of Insurance offers many valuable services for the residents of Ohio. The Ohio DOI has the important function of licensing insurance agents and brokers to ensure practices are consistent. They provide the exams and monitor the important continuing education since insurance laws are constantly changing.

The Ohio DOI has a unique online system the enables quick and simplified testing, fingerprinting, background checks and licensing distribution. Agents can also keep track of their mandatory credits needed in education.

Another very important function of the Ohio DOI is making information easily available to consumers. They offer an online toolkit specifically designed for those who are looking for health insurance or life insurance because of job loss or loss of benefits. There are numerous programs available to these consumers to help ease the financial burden associated with such events. The Ohio DOI brings much value, and it's important to ensure you are educated on their responsibilities.

State Farm Car Insurance Quotes Affected By Deer Accidents

2009-11-09T12:21:00.004-05:00

According to the article "Deer-vehicle collisions rise in Pennsylvania" by Bob Frye on Pittsburghlive.com, Pennsylvania has always been a state with a high rate of deer accidents. According to State Farm Insurance, West Virginia and Michigan are the only two other states with a higher rate of accidents with deer. They rated a driver's chance of hitting deer 97 to 1 in PA.

The average property-damage cost of a deer accident across the country is up 2.5% from a year ago according to State Farm. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says there are about 1.5 million deer accidents a year in the US. They cause about 150 deaths, and $1.1 billion in property damages.

Driving history affects your State Farm car insurance quotes so it's important to ensure you are not doing anything to distract you from keeping your eyes on the road. Texting, eating, and talking on the phone while driving are all dangerous distractions that may cause an accident with a deer. But sometimes they jump right in front of you and there isn't much you can do.

Healthy Indiana Plan Useful Information

2009-11-02T10:54:00.003-05:00

Affordable health insurance in this day and age can be extremely challenging for some, especially if your employer does not offer a plan and you are in the poor population. If you live in Indiana though there is a great opportunity for you. It's called the Healthy Indiana Plan and it's available to lower income Indiana residents.

The state approved this plan back in January of 2008 by the Federal government through a waiver to reallocate Medicaid funds. To qualify for the plan, individuals must have been uninsured for more than 6 months, be ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid and be between the ages of 19-64. You must also be a US Citizen.

The plan has excellent coverage and will meet most applicants' needs. Some benefits include prescription coverage, physician services, hospital visits, home health care, hospice, family planning, disease management, mental health services and substance abuse help. Currently, dental, vision, and maternity care is not offered. Based on your income, there may be a monthly premium, but it ends up being only about 2-5% of one's income. See if the Healthy Indiana Plan is right for you.

Washington Basic History

2009-10-26T22:20:00.002-04:00

Washington Basic was created back in 1987 and started out as a pilot program to provide access to affordable health insurance for Washington residents with lower incomes. The establishment was made permanent in 1993.

Washington Basic is a state sponsored program which assists Washington residents who are eligible for the program through subsidies from the state. Everyone does participate financially. It is considered a health insurance program rather than an entitlement. They have a partnership with the private sector of health insurance and they use a market based, non regulatory approach which makes it a unique program. All of the health plans offer the same basic benefits, but the monthly rates, providers and smaller details of the plan may vary from policy to policy.

They type of coverage you will receive will depend on many factors including the size of your household, the plan you choose, your age as well as your income level. It's important to ensure you choose a plan that best suits the needs of you and your family.

Auto Insurance Being Dropped As The Economy Struggles

2009-10-19T22:09:00.003-04:00

As unemployment increases and the state of the economy continues, more people are expected to drop their auto insurance coverage to save money. This is found in the article “More Motorists Expected To Drive Without an Auto Insurance Policy” by John Pirro on live-pr.com.

The article also states that many experts see a correlation between unemployment rates and the number of people driving without auto insurance protection. According to a study from the Insurance Research Council, about one in every six drivers will be driving without auto insurance by 2010. The more people who drive without protection, the more expensive auto insurance policies will become for the insured.

The consequences for driving uninsured are getting stricter. For example, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will suspend a driver’s vehicle registration if they are caught without proof of auto insurance. Many of these people driving around without insurance believe they can't afford the month to month cost of carrying protection. Unfortunately, getting caught without insurance or getting get an accident uninsured can end up costing you a lot more money.

Florida DOI Here To Help

2009-10-12T20:02:00.004-04:00

According to the article "Florida Department of Insurance: Business Units" on economywatch.com, the Florida Department of Insurance (DOI) is committed to residents of the state of Florida to offer high quality insurance services. They offer user friendly guides for consumers which can be found online to assist residents in finding their insurance needs.

Florida DOI maintains a thorough database of all insurance companies in the state. The database also includes company profiles for more detail. Through the Florida DOI's online resources policies can be compared online which is extremely useful if you are looking for the best deal.

Another important function of the Florida DOI is to respond to customer grievances. If you find yourself being treated unfairly by your insurance company you can file a complaint with Florida DOI and they will do their best to protect consumers from insurance fraud. They research companies to ensure there is no unlawful conduct. Efficient working of the Florida DOI not only ensures the protection of consumers, but it also allows the insurance industry to thrive. California DOI and Colorado DOI have similar responsibilities.

iCan Benefits Information

2009-10-05T19:43:00.003-04:00

There is an unique company in the health insurance industry called iCan Benefits which has thousands of existing customers. Their mission is to bring access to affordable health care to all Americans. They believe that America needs better access to health care, financial assistance, and lifestyle improvement benefits.

ICan knows everything about health insurance. They will walk you through the process of finding the best health insurance policy. Once its found, they will stay with you and manage the policy, answering any questions you may have.

ICan benefits has a partnership with the Health Care Credit Union Association (HCCUA), which is a not for profit organization established in 1985. Their goal is to provide access to valuable benefits to better the health of their members and their families.

Washington Basic Information

2009-09-28T19:50:00.003-04:00

Washington Basic Health is a health insurance option providing low cost health care to qualifying Washington residents. Residents must meet income requirements and not be eligible for free or purchased Medicare. They cannot be institutionalized at the time of enrollment and also cannot be attending school full time in the US on a student visa.

Currently, there is a waiting list for Washington Basic. There are certain criteria which allow a resident to bypass the waiting list. This includes foster parents, personal care workers, HCTC, Tribal sponsored accounts and Washington National Guard or Reserves who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Noble Eagle.

Also exempt from the waiting list is BH Plus and Maternity applicants who are ineligible for DSHS programs and former BH members dis enrolled because of Medicaid who have since lost that coverage and notified Washington Basic Health within 30 days.