66 vehicles get insurance institute's highest safety rating

Big improvements to 2011 models in roofs to protect passengers in rollovers contribute to the jump in automobiles that make it into the top ranking, up from 27 at the start of this year. Automobiles, whether economy cars or the top luxury models, are rapidly becoming safer to drive, an insurance industry trade group said. Read Story

South Florida workplaces push smoking bans to cut insurance costs

Each smoker costs an employer about $3,400 annually in higher health care bills, so South Florida businesses and nonprofits are pushing their employees to stop smoking and lead healthier lives with the goal of controlling ballooning health care costs and increasing productivity. Read Story

Health insurers may have to justify large premium hikes

The Obama administration wants firms to explain increases of more than 10% a year and plans federal reviews if states can't scrutinize premiums, but the plan doesn't give authority to block hikes.  Moving to restrain skyrocketing health insurance premiums, the Obama administration is proposing rules requiring insurers to justify increases of more than 10% a year in 2011. Read Story

COBRA benefits unchanged under health care law

COBRA benefits unchanged under health care law.  But there may be less demand for the coverage after 2014, when state exchanges will offer more affordable plans for the uninsured. Read Story

Viewpoint: What's our collective desire on individual mandate?

What part of the insurance business do opponents of healthcare reform not understand? Read Story

Medicare Guide

Medicare open enrollment ends soon. Use this handy Medicare Guide to make sure you have the coverage that meets your needs.

Experts ponder 'Plan B' options for the health insurance mandate

With Republicans vowing to dismantle the health law and courts wrestling with its constitutionality, some health policy experts are pondering a possible "Plan B" in case the individual mandate -- the requirement that everyone get health insurance starting in 2014 -- is weakened or struck down. Read Story

Mobile health in the palm of your hand

Technology companies, medical field developing mobile apps to improve patient health. Looking to better manage your diet, your vital signs or a chronic disease? Read Story

New rules spell out protections for consumers with 'limited benefit' insurance policies

HHS says that employers and insurers have 60 days to send out detailed notices to consumers on the limitations of their health insurance policies, which could have effects on so-called 'mini-med' policies.

At least 1.5 million people will soon receive notices from employers or insurers that their health plans fall short of meeting a key standard in the new health overhaul law -- and by how much. Read Story

California's largest health plans are fined nearly $5 million

California's seven largest health plans were fined nearly $5 million in total Monday for failing to properly pay medical claims submitted by thousands of doctors and hospitals over the last three years. Read Story

New auto insurance policies will give low-mileage drivers a break

New auto insurance policies will give low-mileage drivers a break. 'Pay-as-you-drive' coverage, to be offered by two companies in California beginning in February, based rates on miles driven.  California motorists who spend little time on the road could pay significantly lower insurance premiums with new "pay-as-you-drive" auto policies starting in February.

Identity thieves target Medicare recipients again

Identity thieves target Medicare recipients again.  Scammers phone seniors saying they are owed a refund.  Florida seniors are again getting phone calls from scammers trying to steal personal and financial information, this time by claiming a Medicare HMO owes them a refund. Read Story

Californians' costs for employer-based health insurance soar

Rates for family coverage have soared 40% over the last six years, a study finds, though other states have it worse when comparing average costs.

Working Californians have seen the cost of their employer-based health insurance shoot up about 40% over the last six years, but they may be surprised to find that workers in many other states fared even worse. Read Story

Find and compare more affordable health insurance at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

UnitedHealthcare hits some insulin users in the wallet

The health insurer is raising the price of NovoLog 250% while lowering the price of a similar drug, Humalog. The shift will force those on NovoLog to make difficult choices. It also shows how out of whack the healthcare system is.

We hear frequently about how higher rates charged by health insurers impact people's access to medical treatment. But what about the pharmaceutical side of things? Read Story

Unhappy with your current health plan? Find and compare health insurance at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Some employers offering wellness programs to cut health costs

Like the rest of the faculty and staff at Philadelphia's Springside School, Frank V. Aloise Jr. totally buys into the idea of good health as an important employee value. Read Story

Medicare plan changes are coming; seniors should review coverage

About 13% of Medicare Advantage plans are being phased out, forcing those who have them to make new choices. Even for those not losing a plan, there are good reasons to evaluate coverage now, during open enrollment. Nobody likes to deal with their medical plan choices; possibly least of all seniors. Read Story

Find the right supplement to Medicare that meets your needs at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Help is on the way for those who can't get medical insurance

A federally funded health plan is coming to California. But the federal and state plans vary.  Last month, California joined the ranks of states that have created a federally funded health plan for people who are medically uninsurable. All states either have a plan or will have one soon. Read Story

Compare California health plans and other states at Discount Insurance Marketplace.com.

Florida sued over sale of drivers' personal information

Florida's DMV is learning the hard way that you can't sell personal information.  Hopefully, this will send a strong message to other state agencies and put them on notice that they don't own your personal information and are responsible for safeguarding your personal information.  A lawsuit against the state of Florida over the sale of personal driver's license information to a private firm may proceed as a class action, a federal judge has ruled. Read Story

Many individual health policies do not cover pregnancy

Individual health insurance policies generally don't cover maternity care, as a recent investigation by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce reported. When Amy Tiller became pregnant six years ago, she was a high school biology teacher in Waynesville, N.C., and the health insurance plan she had through her school system covered the tab for the birth of her twins. Read Story

Make sure you get the coverage you need by comparing health insurance plans at Discount Insurance Marketplace. 

Reform lets young adults stay on parents' policies

With the kids home from school for the holiday, it's a great time to review their health insurance options. Reform lets young adults stay on parents' policies. Read Story

Find and compare student health insurance plans at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Q&A: Extending children's health coverage

Not all insurers have to provide coverage for college kids. Under the new rules, they can wait until early next year.

Q: I have medical insurance through my employer. The insurance company is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. I have a 23-year-old daughter who was dropped from my insurance policy due to graduation from college. My understanding of the health care bill is as of the effective date I should be able to enroll my daughter into the insurance policy. When I asked if I will be able to do this on Oct. 1, I was told no. I would, however, be able to enroll her when my employer has its annual enrollment, which is January of 2011. Is this correct? Read Story

You can find and compare student health insurance instantly at Discount Insurance Marketplace. 

Your paycheck is about to shrink

You may want to adjust your holiday spending when you find out how much less you will have to spend with each paycheck in 2011. Your paycheck is about to shrink. Read Story

Most health plans won't change much in 201; but costs likely will

If you were expecting dramatic changes in your workplace's health plan next year because of the health-care overhaul, here's some good news: Most employers aren't substantially changing their plans. Read Story

Universal American, 2 other insurers suspended from enrolling new Medicare Advantage members

Universal American, 2 other insurers suspended from enrolling new Medicare Advantage members. Read Story

Find Medicare Health Plans For Seniors from nationally recognized providers.

Medicare, Medicaid quality plan unveiled

As part of President Obama's healthcare overhaul, Washington officials and the private sector will work more closely with the aim of improving care for patients.

The Obama administration on Tuesday announced new initiatives to boost the quality of medical care that Americans receive, laying the foundation for what many experts think could be one of the most far-reaching benefits of the new healthcare law. Read Story

Compare Medicare Health Plans For Seniors 

Keep your teen safe behind the wheel

Keep your teen safe behind the wheel

Studies show that parents who initially limit their teens driving privileges have fewer traffic tickets, accidents
By Sue Hubbard, M.D., The Kid's Doctor
Tribune Media Services

If you're the parent of a teenage driver, it can be a bit nerve wracking! The best way to keep your nerves in check is to establish and enforce the rules of the road. Read Story

Discount Auto Insurance For Teen Drivers

Republicans are spoiling for a healthcare fight

Republicans are spoiling for a healthcare fight


Leaders and strategists hope a renewed battle over the health overhaul will boost the party's gains and possibly give it back the White House in 2012.

By Noam N. Levey, Tribune Washington Bureau

Reporting from Washington -- With their eyes on the 2012 election, Republicans are preparing to maximize conflict with Democrats over healthcare in the new Congress and minimize potential compromises, according to GOP strategists, lawmakers and lobbyists. Read Story

Employers ready to raise the stakes for health incentives

Employee rewards for hitting health targets will likely increase over the next few years.
By Lisa Zamosky, Special to the Los Angeles Times

Your employer wants you to stop smoking and lose some weight. And the boss is willing to sweeten the pot if you succeed. Read Story

Co-payments for many preventive medical services for most workers will disappear starting Jan. 1

Finally, some good news on the health care front. Co-payments for many preventive medical services for most workers will disappear starting Jan. 1. How will you be affected? Read Story

Give yourself a health insurance check-up.  Find cheaper health insurance at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Are You Getting All Of The Insurance Discounts You Deserve?

When it comes to automobile insurance, most insurers use a carrot and stick approach to premiums.  Insurance carriers reward good drivers for being safe and penalize those drivers that break the rules of the road.  Sadly, even the most responsible drivers are still not getting all of the discounts they deserve. 

So, what is a driver to do?  Pool all of your policies together and shop around.  A typical family household may have two or more drivers and a homeowner's insurance policy each with different carriers.  Most insurance companies will give multi-policy discounts.  These discounts can amount to hundreds of dollars or more per year in savings. 

Another popular reward is called a loyalty discount.  Many carriers will give you a discount for simply being a loyal policy holder.  If you don't see this discount on your auto policy, call and ask if they offer it.  Chances are that they do.  Finally, if you haven't had any accidents or tickets in the last five years or more you should see a safe driver discount.  The length of time required to be considered a safe driver varies between carriers as there is no set number.  If you don't see a safe driver discount on your policy, call your carrier and ask how you can qualify for their safe driver discount.

The good news is that these discounts can usually be combined to give you the lowest possible rates for car insurance.  We ask all of the right questions so you can get all of the discounts you deserve with a cheaper auto insurance policy at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

More Americans opt for high-deductible health insurance plans

More Americans opt for high-deductible health insurance plans
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Rising costs lead to a nearly threefold increase in the number of workers covered by the policies since 2006. Health experts worry about consumers who forgo preventive care.

By Duke Helfand, Los Angeles Times
November 9 2010

Looking to save money in a weak economy, Americans increasingly are turning to health insurance plans with low premiums and high deductibles; prompting doctors and health experts to worry that consumers may be skipping routine care that could head off serious ailments. Read Story

Find a more affordable health plan at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Should a 29-year-old buy life insurance?

Should a 29-year-old buy life insurance?
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Liz Pulliam Weston
Money Talk
October 31 2010

Dear Liz: I'm 29 and growing my assets. I'm contributing 6% to my 401(k), which doesn't have a match, and maxing out my Roth. I've also been investing in shares of my company (which is privately held). Read More

Compare low-cost life insurance quotes online at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Be smart about choosing a Medicare plan

Be smart about choosing a Medicare plan
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By Bob LaMendola, Sun Sentinel

Do you need part D drug coverage? If you have good coverage from an employer, retiree plan or federal program such as Veterans Affairs, often it's best to stick with it and skip Medicare. Read Story

Find affordable Medicare Health Insurance at Discount Insurance Marketplace

Many seniors must scramble for new Medicare coverage - Sun Sentinel

As the November 15th deadline approaches, many seniors are scrambling for new Medicare coverage. Read Story

Compare Medicare Health Plans For Seniors at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

How the Affordable Care Act works for college students | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times

How the Affordable Care Act works for college students. Read Story

Compare student health insurance plans at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Health tips for flu season and taking your workout on the road

The weather is getting a little cooler, the leaves are changing, it's flu season. We have some health tips for the flu season and taking your workout on the road. Read Story

Sick Californians may be forgoing care because health deductible is too high, study says | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times

Sick Californians may be forgoing care because health deductible is too high, study says. Read Story

Is your health plan deductible too high? Compare California Health Plans and save at http://www.DiscountInsuranceMarketplace.com

Insurance commissioners to vote on medial loss ratio rule

Insurance commissioners to vote on medial loss ratio rule. Learn how this may affect your health coverage and rates. Read Story

What you need to know about health savings accounts - Sep. 27, 2010

Here's what you need to know about health savings accounts. Read Story

Health reform's side effect: Scams

Health reform's side effect: Scams Source: money.cnn.com Scammers are exploiting consumers' confusion about the law to sell fake plans and steal rebate checks; AARP warns seniors especially vulnerable.
Learn more about Medicare Advantage Health Plan for Seniors.

Cost of your health plan to rise 14%

The cost of health care continues to rise faster than inflation. The cost of your health plan to rise 14%. Read Story

Beat the rising cost of health care. Get an affordable health insurance quote from multiple providers at http://www.DiscountInsuranceMarketplace.com.

Health Plans For Seniors

Affordable Health Plans For Seniors

Medicare doesn't cover all of your health care needs.  Medicare Advantage and Medigap are private health plans approved by Medicare to extend your Medicare coverage.

Learn more about Medicare Advantage

Have health insurance questions? Your government has prices.

The government added price information to its new website, www.HealthCare.gov, that allows consumers to shop more readily for health insurance on the Internet.

Affordable Health Insurance Plans are available at http://www.DiscountInsuranceMarketplace.com

Life Insurance For Children That Builds Cash Value

Buying life insurance for your child is often the first investment in your child's future.  Gerber's Grow-Up plan is a highly-rated insurance plan with some very important benefits:

• Benefits Double At Age 18 - For example, a $10,000 policy becomes a $20,000 policy with no premium increase.
• Builds Cash Value - At Age 25 the cash value is equal to 100% of the paid premiums.  The insured can borrow against the policy or turn it in for the cash value.
• Guaranteed Insurability - Even if the insured cannot get insurance anywhere else.

Give the gift that lasts a lifetime - Get a Child Life insurance quote today and receive a FREE child safety kit at http://www.DiscountInsuranceMarketplace.com.

1 million workers lose out on better coverage

1 million workers lose out on better coverage Source: money.cnn.com Government exempts McDonalds, Jack in the Box, Aetna and others for a year from having to significantly raise coverage limit for their workers.

Health care: You don't get what you pay for

Health care: You don't get what you pay for Source: money.cnn.com New industry report on health care quality shows plans that allows for many doctor visits and tests don't necessarily deliver the best care.

Big changes to your health insurance

Big changes to your health insurance Source: money.cnn.com On Sept. 23, several key insurance changes kicked in to consumers' health plans. Here's what you need to know.

Premium hikes loom for long-term care insurance

Some insurance providers are raising premiums for long-term care insurance. Read Story

 Get Disability Insurance Online Discount Disability Insurance. Fast Quote From Multiple Carriers

Hurricane insurance discounts may be coming to an end in Florida

Insurance companies in Florida are beginning to take away discounts for making your home hurricane-resistant, thus increasing the cost of homeowner's insurance. Read story

Are you paying too much for insurance? Get your homeowner's insurance quote at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Study: Swimming after excercising increases appetite

A new study suggests that swimming after exercising increases appetite. Full Story

Floridians will get tax credits for health care

William E. Gibson
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
September 28 2010, 11:45 AM EDT

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Nearly 2 million Floridians will be eligible for health-care tax credits in 2014, according to the advocacy group Families USA.
Full Story

Drop off unwanted or expired meds Saturday at National Prescription Drug Take-Back sites nationwide - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Thinking about discarding expired medication down the drain? Think again. Drop off unwanted or expired meds Saturday at National Prescription Drug Take-Back sites nationwide Full Story

Unimmunized adults, teens a key factor in spread of whooping cough, officials say

By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times
September 23 2010

Pertussis has killed nine infants in California this year. Officials stress the need for older children and adults, especially those who have contact with babies, to get inoculated. Who is to blame for the spread in California of whooping cough, which has killed nine infants this year?

Full Story

An Easy Way To Reduce Your Car Insurance Rates

A quick and easy way to save money is to reduce the amount you pay for car insurance. Aside from your monthly car payment, car insurance is probably your next biggest expense. By using reputable online insurance websites, you can obtain multiple instant online car insurance quotes from many different insurance companies. In just a few minutes you could be saving hundreds of dollars per year. Wouldn't you rather have the money in your pocket?

When considering which insurance websites to use, you will want to take into consideration whether or not they have pre-screened their insurance providers or if they are just submitting your information to random providers.  This is important because you want to be certain that the quote you are receiving is from a carrier that will provide excellent insurance at low rates. By doing this via the internet you save time and money. Some online websites will even provide you with a toll-free phone number to call in case you have any questions about the quote or the insurance.  I think this is a fantastic personal touch.  It usually takes about five minutes or so to complete a secured online quote and get your results.  You may be able to get multiple quotes instantly from insurance providers that want to compete for your business.  In just a few minutes, you will know precisely how much you will save.

If you haven't had a car insurance check-up in the past year you may be shocked to learn that you may be paying too much for insurance. Especially, if you haven't seen a drop in your premiums since your last renewal.

While millions of drivers shop online each year to save money on their vehicle insurance, many consumers renew their auto insurance without receiving competing quotes. With the number of online web sites available there is no reason not to get some quotes. It only takes a few minutes to see if you're current insurance carrier is giving you the best deal. That's why it is a great idea to get multiple insurance quotes annually. It's your money so why not keep as much of it as you can.

Get cheap auto insurance quotes at Discount Insurance Marketplace today.

Obama promoting health care law to skeptical voters, as Democrats worry about November - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Obama promoting health care law to skeptical voters, as Democrats worry about November election.  Full Story.

Protecting Your Income With Long Term Disability Insurance

In 2004, there were more than 32 million disabled adults, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  That’s approximately ten percent of the U.S. population.  What would you do if you suddenly became disabled and lost your income? Do you have the financial resources to continue to pay your bills until you retire?
The financial impact for individuals who cannot work due to an illness or injury and do not have disability insurance can be staggering.  A recent study found the cost of becoming disabled to be 20 times a person’s annual salary.  Furthermore, with the current economic conditions, many Americans do not have enough savings and investments to rely on should they be unable to work as a result of an illness or injury. 

However, by obtaining private disability insurance you can reduce the financial impact by up to 80%. When combined with government disability insurance programs you can shield up to 95% of those costs.  When you have insurance that covers most of the expenses you eliminate not only the financial burden, but also the emotional hardship.  With the financial hardship removed you are better able to focus on your rehabilitation.  Without private disability insurance you may need to sell your home, car and other assets.  In fact, people that are suddenly faced with a disability and loss of income have lost their homes to foreclosure. 

When you think of all of the costs associated with not being able to work, obtaining disability insurance to protect your income seems to be a very wise and inexpensive thing to do.  When you sit down and think about your monetary resources, you have to evaluate what-if scenarios.  We don’t like to think about these types of things, but you have to understand that they don’t always happen to somebody else.  When you plan for the worse-case scenario you are better off when something unexpected happens.  If it doesn’t happen you are able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that if something did happen you were fully protected.   

Like other forms of insurance, disability insurance has limitations.  It is important for you to understand the limits of your specific policy to ensure that you do not have too much or too little insurance.  You also want to know how your policy defines “disability” and whether you are covered for short term and or long term disability.  Finally, make sure you understand how to file a claim and how long you will need to wait before you get your first disability check.

Get a disability insurance quote to protect your income today or visit Discount Insurance Marketplace for more information.

Cost of obesity? Over $4,000 if you're a woman

According to a new study, obesity puts a drag on the wallet as well as health, especially for women.  In fact, the cost of obesity for women is more than 50% higher than for men.  Full story.

The Best Place For Free Online Health Insurance Quotes

Why are there so many Americans without health insurance? Firstly, when an employee is laid off Federal law requires the company to continue to provide access to its health plan at the laid-off employee's expense. COBRA, as it is called, is often two to three times more expensive than what you can purchase on the open market. As a result, the majority of laid off workers decide not to continue their health coverage. Secondly, while health coverage on the open market is considerably less expensive than COBRA, the pre-existing limitation clause of health policies has prevented most workers from obtaining affordable health coverage. As a result, the majority of unemployed, self-employed and small business workers and their families are left without any health coverage.

In March, 2010, as part of President Obama's health care overhaul, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. This law created a new program called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. This program aims to provide affordable health coverage to those persons who have been unable to obtain, or have been denied health coverage, as a result of a pre-existing medical condition. This law alone will significantly reduce the number of people that are unable to obtain health insurance.

I have found that the best way to find a low-cost health plan is to stick with web sites that compare plans across many health care providers at once. This allows you to compare the cost, deductible, plan features, limitations and exclusions. Some web sites make this easy by giving you the option of downloading the plan as s PDF file. Read the insurance policy and make a note of any limitations and exclusions.  Not all policies have the same limitations.  This way you will know what your benefits are so there are no surprises later when you visit the health care provider on your health plan.  If you're looking to obtain medical coverage or just want a cheaper plan, health plans are now more affordable then before.

Need Health Insurance? FREE Instant Quotes! or visit Discount Insurance Marketplace.