How To Junk Your Car

If you have a car that won't start and you just want to get rid of it, why not get cash for used cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and even boats? Instead of paying to have an unsightly vehicle taken from your home to a junkyard, you could get cash for junk vehicles and even have someone else pay you for vehicle removal.

Many people are looking for ways to save on repairs to their own cars, from A/C hoses or entire back seats, and if they paid their regular service station or mechanic, the parts alone can cost a fortune. If you sell your car for cash to a yard, then people can come and take away just the parts they need and instead of repairing their alternator to the tune of $400 they can pay just $30 for the part and if they fix it themselves, absolutely nothing for labor.

In a tight economy, people start to look for ways to repair instead of replace. That's why your old junk car is still valuable. If you want cash for junk vehicles, then don't tow them yourself to the dump, you can have someone tow for you and give you a nice wad of cash for your junk parts that someone else will find quite valuable. It could be an entire drivetrain, a water pump, a valve, a brake shoe, or any other seemingly random car part. They are all needed for car repairs, for every make and model.

One's trash truly is another's treasure, but you can cash in on your trash by getting paid to recycle your car parts instead of sending them to a landfill. It doesn't matter if your car isn't even running, if it is rusted out and almost every part needs to be replaced. You can ask a parts company for an estimate, because there is probably some working part of the car, even if its just a windshield or steering wheel that someone else needs. Get paid some cash for your old junk vehicle while helping someone else put new life into their car too.

U.S. Unveils Proposal for Tougher Fuel Economy Standards

"Next phase in national program for light-duty vehicles will save consumers thousands of dollars at the pump while saving billions of barrels of oil, curbing pollution, enabling long-term planning for auto makers"

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today formally unveiled their joint proposal to set stronger fuel economy and greenhouse gas pollution standards for Model Year 2017-2025 passenger cars and light trucks. Cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks are currently responsible for nearly 60 percent of U.S. transportation-related petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions.

It is expected that these combined actions also will reduce America's dependence on oil by an estimated 12 billion barrels, and, by 2025, reduce oil consumption by 2.2 million barrels per day – enough to offset almost a quarter of the current level of our foreign oil imports. Taken together, these actions will also slash 6 billion metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the programs. "These unprecedented standards are a remarkable leap forward in improving fuel efficiency, strengthening national security by reducing our dependence on oil, and protecting our climate for generations to come. We expect this program will not only save consumers money, it will ensure automakers have the regulatory certainty they need to make key decisions that create jobs and invest in the future," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We are pleased that we've been able to work with the auto industry, the states, and leaders in the environmental and labor communities to move toward even tougher standards for the second phase of the President's national program to improve fuel economy and reduce pollution."

"By setting a course for steady improvements in fuel economy over the long term, the Obama administration is ensuring that American car buyers have their choice of the most efficient vehicles ever produced in our country. That will save them money, reduce our nation's oil consumption and cut harmful emissions in the air we breathe," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

The proposed program for model year 2017-2025 passenger cars and trucks is expected to require increases in fuel efficiency equivalent to 54.5 mpg if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. These improvements would save consumers an average of up to $6,600 in fuel costs over the lifetime of a model year 2025 vehicle for a net lifetime savings of up to $4,400 after factoring in related increases in vehicle cost. Overall, the net benefit to society from this rule would total more than $420 billion over the lifetime of the vehicles sold in model year 2017-2025.

There will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposal for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. In addition, DOT and EPA plan to hold several public hearings around the country to allow further public input. California plans to issue its proposal for model year 2017-2025 vehicle greenhouse gas standards on December 7 and will finalize its standards in January.

To view NHTSA and EPA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy.

Many Shoppers Unaware That Their Auto Policy Does Not Cover Items Stolen From Their Vehicle

As millions of holiday shoppers flock to local shopping malls to purchase presents for their family and friends, unfortunately, some of the gifts will disappear before making it under the tree.  That's because of a growing trend where thieves snatch gifts from unsuspecting shoppers straight from the trunk of their car.  To add insult to injury, burglary victims are surprised to learn that their auto insurance policy does not cover that kind of theft. 

While car theft is covered under most auto policies, any items stolen from your car are actually covered under your homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy.  While most homeowners carry homeowner's insurance, primarily because lenders require them, more than two-thirds of renters do not have insurance to cover the loss of their personal property.  This is unfortunate as renter's insurance is one of the most affordable insurance policies available. 

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your holiday gifts make it home:

1. When you place your purchases in your trunk, don't go back to the store for more.  Take them home.
2. Don't walk to your vehicle alone, especially at night.  Ask security or a store employee to escort you to your car.
3. Do not leave keys, wallets, cell phones and other valuables in your car.
4. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

Is Your Business Prepared For The Unexpected?

          Business insurance is essential for businesses of all sizes. However, for a small business owner it is critical to have business insurance because of a number of factors. Not having insurance can be catastrophic for a small business owner as one bad event can ruin everything in a few hours and thereby destroy years of hard work. Business insurance can give you complete peace of mind when you lock the shutters and turn in for the night.

Small business owners have several risks to safeguard from. They have stocks of their products, they have business assets such as computers, furniture, fax, printers and scanners, they have data which is vital for the running of the business and for accounting purposes, they have movable assets such as trucks, cars and vans and also they have to provide the workers benefits and against any theft or pilferage.

Small business insurance will normally insure against burglary, fire, natural causes or acts of god and also for power shortages that can pay you for any resultant loss. However, not every commercial insurance policy will cover everything. Moreover, not every business owner has the same requirements and some have more unique risks to be covered than others. Thus, it is always wise to speak with your insurance provider and explain your specific needs so that they can provide a tailor made solution for you.

For those businesses that needs to protect itself from a wide number of risks, there are special business insurance schemes which are designed specifically for that. However, it is pertinent to mention here that it is extremely expensive to try and cover for everything. It is best to compare the risk with the burden of a financial loss to justify the insurance expense for your business. 

When insuring your business, try and provide the exact value of the assets such as stock, vehicles and other items as your losses will be covered to the tune of the value of the assets less any salvage value.

In conclusion, most businesses will need some form of commercial insurance to protect their valuable assets from the unexpected. 

Four Reasons Why You May Want To Buy Life Insurance

Do you need life insurance?  Life insurance has several benefits and a few of them are:

a)      To protect a household from the severe financial crisis that corresponds to loss of income on the untimely death of the primary bread earner of the family.

b)      It also protects the estate of the insured from any due payments at the time of his death


c)      It can be used as a way to provide for retirement savings

d)      Some business owners like to insure the lives of their key employees to safeguard the business from any losses due to the untimely death of these employees

There are several other reasons why you would want to buy life insurance but the ultimate aim is to insure against the financial loss of a key individual.

When planning to purchase life insurance policies, one should take into consideration the various life insurance policy types that are available.

Term life insurance is a policy that is simple to understand. It has the simple objective to pay a lump sum amount at the untimely death of the insured. Say you take out a policy of $100,000 on your life, the insurer will be liable to pay $100,000 to your beneficiaries on the event of your death.

A whole life insurance policy, on the other hand, involves the financial benefit on the event of your death together with a cash value account which accumulates a cash amount with deferred tax implications. A whole life policy charges the same premium throughout the lifetime of the insured as long as the policy premium is paid.  It allows you to get benefits in the form of dividends from your cash account or even be allowed to set it off against the premium due.

There are several online life insurance quote calculators which offer the option to calculate the premium payable when you enter your choice of policy and other details. Although this may not be 100% perfect as certain conditions like pre-existing health issues etc still need to be checked before the policy can be bought but they are useful in terms of providing the approximate amount of the premium.
   

Getting Health Insurance For Unemployed Individuals

   
      Being unemployed can be scary.  There are a lot of choices that you need to make in a short period of time using very little financial resources.  Unfortunately, other than unemployment insurance, there is very little help available from the government. 

One of the first choices you will need to make when you initially become unemployed is to decide whether or not you will continue your health insurance through COBRA.  The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 is a law passed by Congress that requires your employer to continue health coverage.  The only problem with the law is that it allows your employer to double or triple the monthly premiums.  This is the fundamental reason why the vast majority of unemployed Americans elect not to receive their COBRA benefits.  Therefore, you and your dependents are on your own for finding more affordable health coverage.

It is much easier to find affordable health insurance today than it was in 1985.  There are virtually hundreds of health plans from a variety of health insurance providers.  There are also online websites that will provide you with free online health insurance quotes to make it easy for you to shop for health insurance.  When shopping for health insurance you will need to balance your deductible with the amount of insurance you are able to afford.  If you have a small budget and are generally healthy then you can increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium.  However, if you have a chronic illness and require a prescription medicine program, then you will need to adjust your budget accordingly.  Generally speaking, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium will be.  Just keep in mind that you will keep paying your medical bills from your own pocket until the annual deductible limit is reached.

You can also consider supplementing your health insurance with your car insurance and an accident insurance plan.  Most auto insurance companies provide a medical benefits plan for a small fee that is added to your policy.  This will cover your medical costs if you are injured in a car accident without having to worry about the deductible on your health insurance policy.  You can also buy an accident insurance policy for a small monthly premium that provides coverage if you become injured as a result of a covered accident.

Whichever medical plan you choose, be sure to read the fine print to understand the benefits, limitations and exclusions of the insurance policy.  The bottom line is that there are plenty of choices available so there is no reason to walk around and expose your risk because you do not have health insurance.  There is nothing worse than coming down with an illness when you are unemployed without health insurance. Don't let that happen to you.



   

The Difference Between Dental Insurance and Dental Plans

      Dental health of your teeth and gums is an important component of your overall health. Quite a few dental problems are often readily avoided with regular cleanings, but left unchecked could result in an unsightly disease. Scores of people are unable to effectively maintain their oral health as a consequence of a lack of an affordable dental plan. Moreover, a lot of workers  have decreased their health insurance premiums by eliminating their employer's dental insurance. Those who are used to regular dental check-ups are pursuing solutions for where they can obtain dental benefits.

Dental insurance offers prescribed benefits up to the policy limits once you have reached any required out of pocket expenses. You will need to choose a dental provider that accepts the insurance policy and in some cases you may need to obtain approval for certain dental treatments. There is normally some paperwork involved and you basically pay your share of the bill which can be anywhere from twenty percent to 50% of the bill.  In addition, you will be responsible for any costs that the insurance does not cover.

On the other hand, discount dental plans are an alternative option for obtaining reasonable dental coverage at group rates. These membership programs are accessible to anyone that wants to join. As there are typically no eligibility requirements, these plans are especially favored with individuals that needs immediate dental coverage. Some dental plans may offer free annual dental cleanings which in many cases more than covers the cost of membership. The dental service providers associated with these discount dental plans have agreed to provide dental services at a considerably discounted amount. Discounts commonly vary anywhere from 10% to 60% off customary charges. The dental plan will provide you with a pre-negotiated fee schedule so that you can compare the benefits between plans. A key feature of these programs is that there are no forms to submit, no deductibles to worry about and no waiting around for insurance permissions. Not to mention, you are able to choose any dental provider that takes part in the plan and you can switch dentists at any time.  It is difficult to surpass the cost savings and flexibility of affordable dental plans.

Getting Affordable Health Insurance Quotes

      With all of the different health insurance plans that are available; how do you choose affordable health insurance quotes?  Even though the process may seem a bit tedious at first, with very little research you will discover the health insurance plan that meets your needs.

Normally, health plans will contain physician wellness visits with a co-pay or deductible. Your health insurance quote will typically specify a benefit which covers hospital visits in the event you get severely sick or an emergency arises. Likewise, be certain that surgical charges are included. Some health policies have distinct benefits based upon the surgery being done is treated as an in-patient or out-patient service. You need to know whether your actual medical doctor or specialist is among the medical insurance company's preferred provider network or if you have the opportunity to select any physician. Several medical insurance policies offer you the freedom to select your own medical doctor, while others normally consider an out of network doctor with reduced coverage.

Beyond that, medical insurance quotes may vary considerably among insurance providers. The best thing to do is come up with a number of coverage items that are most important to you in getting health insurance.  There are frequent nice to have preferences that can be left out to save money.

Do you need eyeglasses or contact lenses? Then you may be interested in a plan that provides vision care to either cover the cost of your vision exam or partially paying for your glasses or lenses. You can decide if it is cheaper to get a separate vision plan rather than including it with your health insurance quote.  Not all medical insurance plans offer a prescription benefit. Basically, prescription coverage is usually an optional benefit. If you need prescription medication regularly, looking for medical insurance that offers pharmaceutical coverage for your medication is very important.

Moreover, if you are a woman and plan on having children, maternity care is another option that you will have to take into consideration. Once you have an understanding of these optional health benefits, you will get the medical insurance quotes that provide the best medical coverage for your needs. After analyzing various medical insurance quotes and provider benefits, compare deductibles with the monthly price to get the best medical insurance policy for you. Often, you can get low cost medical insurance online, or through your employer. All that is left is to get the best health insurance quotes online for your family members.

Electronic Signatures Becoming The Preferred Way To Do Business?

• Lower Cost - Thirty billion paper documents are circulated every year. Studies show an average cost per document of $6.50 and five hundred documents signed by the average managerial employee every year. This means the total annual cost of paper transactions per managerial employee is $3,250.
• Environmental Conservation - Electronic signatures eliminate the waste of natural resources associated with paper, equipment and storage required to print and store paper documents.
• Reduced Fraud Risk - When documents are signed electronically, the integrity of the content is guaranteed. E-signatures also enable real-time verification of the handwritten signature as opposed to a pre-defined biometric profile. Any manipulation within a document that involves an e-signature will automatically result in making the signature invalid.
• Happier Customers - Turnaround times are accelerated with the use of electronic signatures because contracts/forms are quickly retrieved from their electronic files; the process for each party to sign can be completed right from their computer or smart phones without printing. Additionally, adding an electronic signature to a document is just like signing on paper, but better, since each party instantly receives their electronic copy.
• More Sales - Less time printing, faxing and calling about documents to be printed, signed and faxed back means less administrative work and more time spent on winning new business. A virtual increase in time can create a real increase in company revenue.
  
  
  Popular documents to send for signature include W9s, NDAs, insertion orders, quotes and contracts of any kind. Try RightSignature free and see how easy it is to send documents for signature.

Do You Know The Facts About Your Private Health Insurance Plan?

Not surprisingly, most policy holders probably have never examined their own medical insurance book and generally are not cognizant of all the exclusions and limitations of their plan.  In fact, many individuals will be upset to uncover that they may be required to pay for many treatments.  Health insurance plans differ on what they pay for some visits to the doctor like wellness examinations.

Your private health insurance company presumably sent you a large envelope that contains the information you need to ascertain what are regarded as your out-of-pocket charges versus what they are willing to cover.  If your policy has a deductible, you will need to keep paying until you reach that amount before your co-pay starts.  In addition, many policies have what they consider in-network and out of network benefit tables.  Generally, physicians that are in the network have an agreement in place with the insurance carrier with a fixed fee schedule.  Since out of network health care practitioners are not bound by this contract, your out of pocket expenses will be higher.  For this reason, it is very important to confirm whether or not your doctor is part of your health plan's network. 

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 provides new advantages and benefits to health insurance policy holders.  Some of the adjustments include eliminating the lifetime and most annual benefit restrictions.  In the Past, the insurance carrier determined how much they would pay over a year and/or your lifetime. As soon as you reached the annual or lifetime maximum benefit the insurance carrier would no longer pay for any covered benefits.  Another positive modification is allowing dependents to remain on their parent's health insurance plan until they are 26 years old.  This gives their children the chance to complete college and get start their career without having to worry about locating their own health insurance plan. Recommended preventive services without cost is another feature of the new health care law.  This is a reward for both because the policy holder is assured access to wellness options that allow them to stay healthy long term which reduces the cost for the insurance company.

You need health insurance to protect you and your family from the unexpected.  You need to live healthy so you can make a living for yourself and your family.  Make sure the benefits of your personal health insurance plan addresses your situation. 

New crash tests: Small Cars Improve and the Top Performers Are Fuel Sippers

Six of 13 small cars recently evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety earn the Top Safety Pick award, and none earns a poor rating in any of 4 tests. This is a turnaround from a few years ago when small cars struggled to earn top safety ratings. The new tests include hybrids and gasoline-only models that are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in the U.S. market.

Top Safety Pick Winners:

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Honda Civic

2011 Hyundai Elantra

2011 Lexus CT 200h hybrid

2011 Nissan Juke

2011 Toyota Prius hybrid

 "The list of cars with the best fuel economy now includes those with the highest crash test ratings in their class, too," says David Zuby, the Institute's chief research officer. "At a time of high gasoline prices, consumers have never had a bigger selection of small cars that earn Top Safety Pick."  Still, Zuby points out that small, lightweight cars "don't protect their occupants as well as bigger, heavier ones. Even though fuel prices sometimes defy gravity, the laws of physics always are in effect for cars. That's why it's important that the crash-worthiness designs of smaller cars be as good as possible. The new ratings demonstrate that small cars are much safer than they used to be."

Cheap Car Insurance Quotes

Health Insurance Tips For College Grads

New college graduates in 2011 will enjoy improved prospects in the job market. According to a recent survey sponsored by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies nationwide intend to hire 13.5% more grads in 2011 than they did last year¹. However, grads may be shocked when they see how much is taken from their first paycheck to help cover employer-sponsored health insurance premiums. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, employees who get individual coverage through employers contribute $85 per month on average towards their monthly premiums for HMO-style coverage, while also shouldering an increasing share of their overall health care costs in the form of higher copayments and deductibles².                                            

 

Health Insurance Tips for 2011 College Grads:

 

Know your options before graduation –2011 college grads may be able to choose from among the following coverage options:

• Employer-based health insurance – This is how most Americans get their health insurance, but be sure you understand how your benefits work and how much you’ll be required to contribute towards the cost of your coverage and medical care.
• Individually-purchased health insurance – If you’re young and relatively healthy, individual health insurance coverage can be an affordable option. eHealthInsurance represents over 180 health insurance companies offering thousands of individual health insurance plans nationwide.
• Your parents’ health insurance plan – Health care reform allows adult children to retain coverage under their parents’ health insurance policy until age 26.
• Short-term health insurance – Consider short-term coverage if you expect to have employer-based health insurance within six months and only want basic protection for emergencies.
• Government high-risk pools – This may be an option if you’re declined for coverage on your own due to a pre-existing medical condition.
• Going uninsured – Not really an option: don’t put your financial future on the line by going without coverage!

Check your calculations before staying on Mom and Dad’s plan – One of the most tempting options for many grads is to stick with their parents’ health insurance policy until age 26. Before you do that, however, break out the calculator. Find out how much it costs your parents to keep you on their policy and compare that with quotes from leading health insurance companies in your area to see if it makes more sense to buy coverage on your own.

 

Newfound independence means a new budget – Your new independent life may require you to juggle a lot of new, unfamiliar expenses. It’s a good idea to plan out weekly and monthly budgets for yourself. When you do, be sure to save some space for health insurance. Since costs can vary depending on where you live and what kind of benefits you value most, work with a licensed agent like eHealthInsurance.com to get free quotes for plans in your area. Healthy young adults in many states may be able to find coverage from brand-name insurers for as low as $70 a month³.

 

Understand that the cost of a plan is about more than just monthly premiums – When reviewing quotes from different plans, keep in mind that the real-life cost of any health insurance plan is about more than the premiums you pay each month to maintain coverage. Pay special attention to the annual deductible you’ll be required to meet before your coverage really kicks in, plus copayments and coinsurance. ‘Coinsurance,’ for example, is when you pay a percentage of the bill and the insurer picks up the rest. Some people don’t realize it, but in many cases you’ll still have to pay coinsurance even after your deductible is met.

Get a free health insurance quote

¹SOURCE: N.A.C.E, Job Outlook 2011 Fall Preview:

² SOURCE: Kaiser Family Foundation survey of employer health benefits, published September 2010

³ Based on sample quotes generated at eHealthInsurance.com for plans from a selection of carriers and states on December 17, 2010 for 25-year-old males and females. This does not constitute a guarantee of coverage. Actual, final premiums may vary based on a number of factors including state, ZIP code, sex, smoking status, health history, etc.

A More Cost-Effective Means of Healthcare for Americans

According to a recent ABC news release, an estimated 550,000 Americans travelled abroad last year to take care of their medical needs. That number is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years.  New Jersey-based Ilan Pillai benefited from the medical tourism concept during a recent family vacation in Bangalore, India. "In spite of being fully insured, I was able to save over 70% in out-of-pocket expenses on dental procedures for me and my wife. I was very surprised to learn that the dentist had studied and practiced in the United States before she moved back to her hometown five years ago. The quality of care was comparable to the best dental facilities I had been to in the US," says Ilan.

Upon his return, Ilan interviewed a number of patients across the US who had benefited from similar medical travel. He found a consistent theme regarding the trouble and time it took for them to find information on healthcare providers abroad. There was a lack of reliable sources of information for these people to compare the quality and cost of care amongst various competing providers. 

Dental Savings Program - Save up to 70% On Dental Procedures In Your Neighborhood

The 2011 Mazda3 Is Top Safety Pick

The 2011 Mazda3 was today recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Mazda3 received the organization's highest possible crash safety rating of "Good" in all four tests conducted.

New poll shows tax credits, insurance exchanges in year-old Affordable Care Act attractive to California employers not currently offering health benefits, however most small firms don't know the provisions exist

More workers employed by California small businesses would have health insurance if their employers knew about key provisions in the national healthcare law, according to a new poll by Pacific Community Ventures.

One year after the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 43 percent of small businesses not offering insurance said they would be more likely to do so once they learned about small business healthcare tax credits, a key provision in the law, according to the survey of 804 California small employers with fewer than 20 workers. However, 48 percent of small employers in the state are unaware of provisions in the law that benefit small businesses, the survey found.

Specifically, the poll found that 57 percent of small businesses are unfamiliar with the small business tax credits they can claim this year to offset healthcare costs, and 62 percent have not heard of health insurance exchanges, which the state is establishing to drive down insurance costs.  When provided with basic information about the exchanges, 55 percent said they would be likely to participate, and 32 percent of businesses not providing coverage said they would be more likely to offer it because of the exchanges.
"This survey shows the tremendous opportunity to further inform small business owners about the healthcare act's core benefits available to help them offer insurance," noted Beth Sirull, Executive Director of Pacific Community Ventures, a nonprofit organization committed to creating jobs in low-income communities. "Armed with this information, small businesses will play a vital role in covering great numbers of uninsured workers to buoy our economy with a healthy, productive workforce."

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law March 23, 2010 and included two key provisions critical for small business. The small business tax credits allow businesses with fewer than 25 employees that have average annual wages under $50,000 to get a tax credit of up to 35 percent of their health insurance costs beginning in tax year 2010. Insurance exchanges, which go into effect in 2014, are online marketplaces where small businesses and individuals can band together to purchase insurance.

Affordable Health Insurance

NFL Players to Celebrate Everything Natural, Green and Healthy in Atlanta

While most people vehemently claim that they want to be healthier, be thinner and be greener, few really know how to make the right changes in their lives to accomplish those goals. Wouldn't it be great to find all of the latest advice, products and information all in one place? That dream will once again become a reality when Atlanta's annual Alive! Expo opens this May.

For added excitement, Atlanta Falcons player Ovie Mughelli will bring some of his NFL pals to help with the Ovie Mughelli Foundation's onsite obstacle course where kids of all sizes can learn about the importance of getting and staying active.

For one weekend, hundreds of health industry experts, green companies, natural product makers and just about anything else you can think of that means a better and healthier lifestyle will head to Alive! Expo to interact with and give straight answers directly to the public.

Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets available at http://www.AliveExpo.com:
One-day General Admission: $10 (ages 16 and under are free)
VIP One-day ticket (limited): $25; Includes: Exhibit Hall Admission and entry to VIP Lounge from 1 to 5 p.m. - must be 21 or older to enter VIP

Georgia World Congress Center, Hall A2
285 Andrew Young International Blvd., NW
Atlanta, GA 30313-1591
Discounted parking coupon available at http://www.AliveExpo.com

VEHICLES THAT EARN GOOD TEST RATINGS FOR SIDE-IMPACT PROTECTION GREATLY REDUCE RISK FOR DRIVERS

Drivers of vehicles that perform well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s side-impact crash test are much less likely to die in a real-world left-side crash than drivers of vehicles that do poorly, a new
analysis finds. The study includes only passenger vehicles with side airbags, demonstrating that airbags, while crucial, are far from the whole story in side crash protection.

After controlling for driver age and gender and vehicle type and weight, a driver of a vehicle rated good for driver protection in a side impact is 70 percent less likely to die in a left-side crash compared with a driver of a vehicle rated poor. A driver of a vehicle rated acceptable is 64 percent less likely to die, and a driver of a vehicle rated marginal is 49 percent less likely to die.“This was our first look at how our ratings correlate with actual crash data since we started side tests in 2003, and the numbers confirm that these are meaningful ratings,” says Institute chief research officer David Zuby. “Vehicles with good side ratings provide occupants with far more protection than vehicles that do poorly in our test.”

Side-impact crashes accounted for 27 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in the United States in 2009. Such crashes can be particularly deadly because the sides of vehicles have relatively little space to
absorb energy and shield occupants. The ultimate goal of the Institute’s testing program is to encourage automakers to produce safer vehicles. Knowing that consumers consult the ratings before buying, manufacturers design cars and trucks with the Institute’s tests in mind. As a result, 78 percent of current vehicle designs that have been tested have good side ratings, compared with only about a third of vehicles tested in the program’s first two years.

Research Study: Insurance Barriers Blocking Access to Healthcare

Significant barriers to patient care implemented by the health insurance industry are difficult to navigate, have a negative impact on patient care and drive up the administrative costs of healthcare, according to a statewide survey of Georgia physician assistants.  The survey, which was released yesterday by the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA), also indicated that most physician assistants (PAs) are proactively taking steps to help address the problems that plague the system, and feel there is a legislative role that can contribute to a solution.


According to the survey, a nearly universal 99 percent of PAs stated they have had to change the way they treat a patient as a result of restrictions imposed by an insurance company. An overwhelming majority, 94 percent, feels that health plans frequently or occasionally delay or deny diagnostic testing or prescription medications for their patients.

Not surprisingly, 93 percent of those surveyed stated they felt insurance requirements such as prior authorizations, pre-certifications, and step therapy protocols had some degree of a negative effect on their ability to treat patients.

"The lessons learned from this report are resounding, in that nearly all the physician assistants that responded to the survey cited major insurance hurdles they had to jump over before being able to provide the care they deemed appropriate for their patients," said Mary Vacala, ATC, PA-C, MSPAS, DFAAPA, and 2010-11 president of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. "Some cited several phone calls taking 45 minutes with an insurance company.  Others noted that patients are forced to go without medication until the insurance company would approve the treatment already prescribed by the healthcare professional."
One-in-five respondents stated they or their staffs are required to interact with an insurance provider to obtain approval for a prescribed course of treatment or to determine the insurer criteria for prior authorization or step therapy protocols an alarming 150 times or more per month. Approximately one-in-five said the number was 61-100 and more than one-in-four stated the number of interactions as 21-60.

"There are more than 2,000 physician assistants across the state of Georgia, and so many are using technology such as electronic medical records and e-prescribing, to promote better, more coordinated care," concluded Vacala.  "As these technologies continue to be developed, the Georgia General Assembly should take steps requiring that patient formulary information be more transparent and that there be a uniform electronic process for obtaining medication approval.  By taking simple steps, we will save significant time and resources while also having a healthier patient population in Georgia."

Source: Georgia Association of Physician Assistants

Millions of Americans Have Uncorrected Vision Problems

With the recent reform of healthcare in the United States, we are seeing rising costs of healthcare and health insurance coverage.  Employers are being forced to increase employees' cost sharing responsibilities and are exploring ways to add other benefits.


The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind is encouraging employers to consider Vision Care as an added benefit for their employees.  According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), two-thirds of all adults report wearing some type of eyewear and nearly one-quarter report they have an eye condition or disease.  An estimated 11 million Americans have uncorrected vision problems.

These vision problems can carry quite an expense and reduce productivity.  Vision coverage can help to maintain a healthier workforce, reduce absences and attract quality employees resulting in higher productivity.  In comparison to medical benefits, vision coverage is inexpensive.  It is often one-tenth that of medical benefits and is highly valued by employees.  Of the 43% of American adults not covered by a managed vision care plan, 63% said they would either "probably" or "definitely" sign up for vision care coverage if presented with the opportunity – even if they had to pay a small fee each month.

When seeking a vision plan provider; consider such factors:
 

Employer and employee ability to access information on the Internet;
Restrictions on eyeglass frame types;
Geographical locations of plan providers;
Age of employees (the older your employees' ages, the more coverage you need);
Cost of benefits as they relate to disposable income;
Ability to use independent providers or large optical retail chains;
Provision for a discount on laser vision correction;
The offer of both in-and out-of-network benefit alternatives;
Rate guarantees over a number of years and;
No minimum enrollments.

Find affordable health plans with vision coverage at Discount Insurance Marketplace

To Protect Possessions, Americans Need to Know Their 'Stuff'

Whether it is gourmet cooking gadgets, designer handbags or high-end electronics, what Americans invest in personal passions can have a profound impact on insurance needs. One of the best ways to make sure possessions are fully protected is to document them with a home inventory. Now, creating a home inventory is easier than ever thanks to myHOME Scr.APP.book, a new iPhone® application from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The free app lets users quickly photograph and capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers, and then stores them electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes information room by room, and even creates a back-up file for e-mail sharing.

"A home inventory assures you know exactly what you own, and what it is worth, before you need to make a claim," says NAIC President and Iowa Insurance Commissioner Susan E. Voss. "Our research, however, suggests almost half of all Americans don't have an inventory of their possessions. Our new iPhone® app makes it easy to document your stuff. Knowing what you own will help you choose the right coverage in the first place."

10 Steps to Complete a Home Inventory

1. Make a list of possessions, including 'celebration' purchases such as jewelry and fine art.
2. Think about family heirlooms, collections and furniture. Also consider items related to everyday leisure time, from flat-screen televisions to custom guitars.
3. Take note of commonplace items such as toys, CDs and clothing. And do not forget items you may only use occasionally such as holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools and high-ticket items kept outside your home such as landscape and swing sets.
4. Attach copies of original sales receipts and/or appraisal documents to your inventory. Be sure to note model and serial numbers.
5. Group your possessions into logical categories, i.e., by hobby, by room in your home.
6. Carefully photograph or videotape each item and document a brief description including age, purchase price and estimated current value.
7. Remember to open drawers and closets to document what's inside.
8. Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place such as a secured site/file online, a fire-proof box or in a safe deposit box. You may want to share a copy with your insurance provider so he or she can make necessary updates to your coverage.
9. Review and update your inventory annually and whenever you make a significant purchase.
10. To get started, download the free myHOME Scr.APP.book app for iPhone® users by visiting the iTunes® App Store or searching 'NAIC' in the app store from your phone.

 Make sure you're property is protected with Homeowner's insurance or Renter's insurance.

Five Ways the Unemployed Can Lower Their Taxes

While unemployment benefits are taxable, there are ways that the millions of people out of work last year may be able to lower their taxes, according to CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business and the leading global provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services (CCHGroup.com).


"Most people would far prefer to have a job than get tax breaks for being unemployed," said CCH Principal Federal Tax Analyst Mark Luscombe, JD, LLM, CPA. "But if that's not the case, they should at least know how to lower their tax bill."

Additionally, taxpayers who are unable to fully pay their tax debt may see some relief as a result of new IRS rules related to liens and collection procedures. Chief among the changes is barring the IRS from filing a lien against a taxpayer's property unless they owe more than $10,000 and granting more lien withdrawals, even if the debt has not been fully repaid in some instances.
"Many people were struggling with tax debt while being out of work during the recession," said Luscombe. "The hope is the new rules will ease their burden as they get back on their feet."

1. Job search deductions. What's deductible and what's not can cause some confusion, as a recent survey by CCH's CompleteTax showed (http://www.cch.com/CompleteTaxUnemploymentSurvey2011.pdf). However, you can deduct on your 2010 tax return expenses incurred in seeking employment in your same line of business during the year – whether or not you managed to find a job by year-end. These costs can include printing and mailing of resumes, as well as travel and transportation expenses. However, if you are looking for a job in a new line of business or looking for your first job, job search expenses can't be deducted.

2. Medical expense deductions. You can deduct the costs of unreimbursed health care for yourself, your spouse and dependents if the costs exceed 7.5 percent of your AGI – including that of your spouse if you file a joint return. Someone out of work may be more likely to reach this income threshold. So it's important to track medical expenses. 

3. Moving expenses. Once you find a job after being unemployed, you can generally deduct moving expenses not reimbursed by your employer if the job is more than 50 miles farther from your old residence than your old workplace was. 

4. Avoiding penalties on retirement withdrawals. If you need to take a withdrawal from your IRA, you can avoid an early withdrawal penalty by establishing a payment schedule of regular equal withdrawals over your lifetime or the joint lives of you and your beneficiary until you reach age 59 1/2. Penalty-free distributions can also be made from IRAs by unemployed individuals to pay health insurance premiums. 

5. Freelance tax breaks. Those who decide to take on freelance work will need to study up on the self-employment tax laws, including paying both employee and employer Medicare and Social Security taxes. That said, there are some tax breaks as well for the self-employed, including the ability to deduct 100 percent of health insurance premiums, home office expenses, journals and professional association fees and business travel expenses. However, if you earn more from freelancing than your state allows people collecting unemployment benefits to earn, you may lose those benefits – and if your freelance work dries up, you won't be eligible to have your unemployment benefits restarted.

 Health insurance for the unemployed

Winter-Related Damage to Vehicles Can Lead to Auto Insurance Questions

Pennsylvania drivers coping with vehicle damage from potholes or weather have the right under state law to choose their own repair shop, acting Insurance Commissioner Michael F. Consedine said today.
"While many insurance companies work with preferred body shops, insurance companies are not permitted to require policyholders to use a specific shop," Consedine said.

Damage to cars due to potholes is covered under the optional collision portion of an auto insurance policy. Coverage for potholes may vary from company to company—for instance, there may be limited coverage for damage to tires if the vehicle itself was not affected by the pothole. This coverage also pays for a collision with another car or object, or as a result of flipping over. Collision coverage is generally sold with a deductible of $250 to $1,000—the higher the deductible, the lower the premium.

The optional comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy provides coverage for weather-related damage such as a tree limb or chunk of ice that falls on a car. Comprehensive coverage also provides reimbursement for losses due to theft, fire, earthquakes, flood or hail. Basically, it covers losses caused by something other than a collision with another car or object, or a crash with an animal such as a deer. This coverage is also offered with a deductible. This coverage also reimburses for cracked or shattered windshields.

Consumers with questions or concerns should visit www.insurance.pa.gov or call the department's toll-free, consumer hotline at (877) 881-6388, or either of the department's Bureau of Consumer Services' regional offices: Harrisburg at (717) 787-2317; or Philadelphia at (215) 560-2630.

Cheap Car Insurance Quotes

Are Football Players Really Prepared for NFL Lockout #10?

With a $9 billion dollar pie to carve up and no one agreeing on how to slice it, NFL players have more at stake this week than just their salary. Insurance might not be at the top of their play list, but it should be. "Lockouts can linger and professional players must stay in shape; their livelihoods depend on jumping back into the game whenever this battle is over," says Frank N. Darras, the nation's top disability insurance attorney.  "They can't risk an illness or serious injury during lockout. Players need to secure the right insurance protection individually during this period."

Continuing health insurance is crucial and can be accomplished by purchasing COBRA coverage if a lockout occurs. Even though the cost may run $800 to $900 a month, a lapse in coverage raises ugly pre-existing condition limitations which could be catastrophic. Under the new healthcare reform act, insurance companies are required to allow dependent children to stay on their parent's insurance policies until age 26. The restrictions state: you can't have a job which offers insurance (which during lockouts players don't) and they must be claimed as dependents on their parents' taxes for that year. This might be a stretch for some players who are not yet 26, however, it is worth investigating.

Other components to consider when buying a private disability insurance policy should be:

• Buy as much as you can, as early as you can so you can lock in cheap premiums
• Re-evaluate the amount of coverage with every contract signing. As players make more money, they should increase coverage to match any increase in salary and incentives.
• Make sure to buy individual "guaranteed renewable" and "non-cancelable" disability policies. The insurance company will not be able to change the contract language, cancel coverage or increase the premiums.
• Read the fine print and make sure all questions are answered before purchasing the policy.

While no one wants to see this standoff prolonged, it is an excellent time for players to shore up their options for insurance – particularly disability insurance as they are in a high-risk profession. If a claim needs to be filed, seek a seasoned veteran – a top disability lawyer to help get the benefits they deserve, says Darras.

Online disability insurance quotes

Taking a scalpel to the healthcare system

Social Security now doles out more money in benefit checks than it takes in from taxes, and its trust fund is projected to run out of cash in about 26 years. Former Tennessee Gov. Philip Bredesen proposes a Social Security-like trust fund to collect payroll taxes and issue medical vouchers to every American. That would do away with private health insurers making it something worth considering. Read Story

Dental Savings Program

Health Care Law Can Be Temporarily Enforced

Obesity: 'Like the new smoking'

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese and, according to a growing body of evidence, at greater risk of getting, and dying of, cancer. 'Obesity is almost like the new smoking,' says one expert. Read Story

Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program - It’s a proven strategy that works!

As health costs soar, GOP and insurers differ on cause

Republicans are seizing on rising costs as evidence that the new health care law includes expensive features, but insurers say premiums are rising because of demand and cost of care.   Read Story

Health Insurance Quotes

Healthcare consumers get new ways to cut premiums, but at a price

When consumers and employers pick health plans, some increasingly are being offered a trade-off these days: They can get a hefty break on their premiums if they agree to pay more out-of-pocket when they use certain high-cost providers in their network or if they cut those providers out of their network altogether. Read Story

Health Insurance Quotes

Obama endorses key change to healthcare law

President Obama endorsed a significant change to his health reform law Monday, signing on to bipartisan legislation that would allow states to opt out of federal requirements -- including the individual mandate -- three years earlier than scheduled. Read Story

Health Insurance Quotes

Blue Shield calls pending rate hikes reasonable

Blue Shield of California, assailed by consumers and state regulators for seeking to hike insurance rates as much as 59% in recent months, declared after a review that its proposed rates are reasonable.  Blue Shield says a consultant it hired has determined that the proposed premium increases are not excessive. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones voices skepticism. Read Story

Health Insurance Quotes 

Two-thirds of uninsured Californians could gain health coverage in 2014, report says

Nearly 5 million uninsured Californians could gain access to health coverage in 2014 when the nation's healthcare law expands eligibility for subsidized insurance programs for the poor, according to a new report. Read Story

California Health Plans

Junk food tax: Fighting obesity one penny at a time

Let's call it what it is: a sin tax. A California lawmaker is targeting the obesity epidemic by proposing a penny-an-ounce tax on soda and other sweetened drinks. That's good, but why not expand it to tax all junk food? Read Story

Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program - It’s a proven strategy that works!

What seniors will save as Medicare 'doughnut hole' closes

The widely unpopular "doughnut hole" - the coverage gap in the Medicare drug benefit - is headed for oblivion, under the new health law. Beginning this year, seniors who hit the doughnut hole will get substantial discounts on both brand-name and generic drugs.  Read Story

Health Plans for Seniors

Drug Shortages Plague Connecticut Hospitals

A shortage in medications has plagued hospitals in the U.S., and Connecticut health care officials say the state hasn't been spared. Read Story

As her health insurance rate climbs, disabled woman's income can't keep up

You can understand why Health Net is raising Paula Homan's monthly insurance rate by 37%, to $1,090 from $795. She just turned 60 and, statistically speaking, will be more prone to needing costly medical treatment. Paula Homan's story illustrates why we have to do a better job spreading healthcare costs across the entire spectrum of the population.  Read Story

Disability Insurance 

Health law could affect fertility treatment coverage

A panel of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine will decide whether infertility treatments should be included in exchange policies. Read Story

Health Insurance Plans

States ignored warnings on unemployment insurance

States ignored warnings on unemployment insurance and are running out of money. Read Story

What would you do if you were unable to work due to an illness or injury?  Free online disability insurance quotes.

More Americans skipping, delaying needed health care

The number of Americans aged 18 to 64 who said they skipped or delayed needed medical care in the past 12 months because of cost rose to 15 percent in 2009, government researchers reported Wednesday.  Read Story

Find and compare affordable health plans today.

Alaska gov. refusing to enact health care law

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell said he will not implement the federal health care overhaul after a judge in Florida struck down the law as unconstitutional.  Read Story

High health insurance rates should be unconstitutional.  Find and compare affordable health plans today.

Ariz. may require hospitals to check citizenship

Arizona lawmakers are trying to widen the state's illegal immigration crackdown with a proposal to require hospitals to confirm whether patients are in the country legally. Since most patients arriving at Arizona hospitals are American citizens, this law, if passed could have unintended consequences and cause unnecessary delay of treatment  to American citizens.  Read Story

New dietary guidelines released amid 'crisis' of obesity and diet-related diseases

Though the new guidelines don't differ greatly from the last recommendations, there's a greater sense of urgency as the majority of American adults and one in three children are deemed overweight or obese. Americans are being asked to avoid oversized portions, choose products that are lower in sodium, opt for water instead of sugary drinks and eat more fruits and vegetables -- half a plateful. Read Story

Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program - It’s a proven strategy that works! Losing Weight Has Never Tasted So Good!

Opposition to healthcare law eases, poll finds

Hard feelings over President Obama's healthcare overhaul have subsided, with only about 1 in 4 people supporting its repeal, an Associated Press-GfK poll has found. Read Story

Money can motivate weight loss - for a while

Obese people might be more likely to lose weight if they have money riding on their success -- but the pounds may creep back once the financial carrot is gone, a small study finds.  Read Story

Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program - - It’s a proven strategy that works! Losing Weight Has Never Tasted So Good!

Some seniors are in for sticker shock on drug premiums

The Obama administration often touts the health-law provision that over the next decade will close the unpopular "doughnut hole" -- a gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage. Read Story

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Medicare chief says health law working

President Barack Obama's chief of health programs for the elderly and poor on Thursday said the year-old healthcare overhaul was helping millions of Americans and called a push by congressional Republicans to repeal the law unfortunate. Read Story

Overhaul your Medicare Advantage health plan. 

Does your diet need an overhaul? Tell us why and win a nutritional makeover

Does a home-cooked meal mean putting a frozen dinner in the microwave? Are the only vegetables you eat found in carrot cake? Is "breakfast" a dirty word? Then you might be our next contender for Pantry Raid, our nutritional makeover series. Learn More

 Dr. Caroline J. Cederquist, M.D., weight loss program - It’s a proven strategy that works! Losing Weight Has Never Tasted So Good!

Got a flexible spending account? Time is running out to spend unused money from 2010

If you have a health flexible spending account at work, there's still a little time to spend any money leftover in your account from 2010. Read Story

Health insurers dominate city and state markets

If you live in Alabama, chances are that you buy your health insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, which controls 93 percent of the health-insurance market in the state. If you live in Wichita, Kan., you probably buy health insurance from Preferred Health Systems, which has 81 percent of that city's market. Read Story

Find and compare health insurance plans

Farm insurance fraud is cheating taxpayers out of millions

Perpetrators falsely claim weather or insects destroyed their crops and cash in on a government-backed insurance program. Some don't bother planting at all. Others sell their harvests in secret.  The federal investigator took the witness stand and described the crime scene: a sprawling field clogged with boulders, native grasses and knee-high sagebrush. Read Story

1.6 Million In Connecticut Benefit From Reform Laws On Pre-existing Conditions

Federal health officials announce that 1.6 million people in Connecticut benefit from health reform laws on pre-existing conditions. Read Story

Buying health insurance for children

If in the past you tried to buy health insurance for a child with a preexisting health condition and were turned down, it's time to give it another shot. Find and compare affordable health insurance for children at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Regulators have little power over health insurance rate increases

The healthcare law lets the Department of Health and Human Services set standards as to what constitutes an 'unreasonable' increase. But it doesn't give regulators any new powers to reject a proposed increase before it's implemented. Read Story

Cheap Car Insurance

We don't spend millions of dollars on television commercials. We pass the savings on to you.  Save up to 50% on car insurance today.

Judge rules Obama healthcare law unconstitutional

A federal judge in Florida dealt President Obama's healthcare overhaul another legal blow Monday, ruling that the entire law is unconstitutional because of a requirement in the legislation that Americans get health insurance starting in 2014.  The ruling by a federal judge in Florida goes beyond a 2010 ruling that the law's insurance mandate is unconstitutional. Two other federal courts previously ruled the law and its mandate were permissible. The stage is now set for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Read Story

Taking the copay out of staying healthy

Being healthy is starting to cost a lot less.  Many in the U.S. including those on Medicare and Medicaid have gained access to free diabetes screenings, mammograms and other preventive services. Read Story

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

State Farm wants to raise average rates by 28 percent

State Farm Florida Insurance, the state's largest private property insurer, wants to raise rates by a statewide average of 28 percent. Read Story

Tired of paying too much for insurance?  Find a cheaper homeowners insurance policy.   

Heart disease costs to triple in U.S. by 2030

The costs of heart disease in the United States will triple between now and 2030, to more than $800 billion a year, a report commissioned by the American Heart Association predicted on Monday. Read Story

Insurers are scouring social media for evidence of fraud

Now there's another reason to be careful about what you post on Facebook: Your insurance company may be watching. If someone receiving disability benefits for a bad back brags on Facebook or Twitter about finishing a marathon, chances are their insurance company will find out and stop the checks. Read Story

Possible changes to five health law provisions could have big effects

The Republican effort to repeal the health care law is sure to founder in the Democratic-controlled Senate, but that doesn't mean that the GOP is ending its assault on the law. House Republicans are already beginning work in committees to lop off and possibly replace some of the law's individual provisions which could have big effects. Read Story

No COBRA relief; explore other options

If you lost your job and find that COBRA is too expensive, shopping for your own policy can offer a better deal.

Find a more affordable health plan at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

Medicare's policy on therapy comes under attack

The federal government is illegally denying thousands of chronically ill Americans needed therapies and medical services, five national organizations charged Tuesday in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Vermont. Read Story

Find a better Medicare Health Plan at Discount Insurance Marketplace

House Republicans offer own healthcare legislation

Following up on their largely symbolic vote to repeal the new healthcare law, House Republicans moved ahead Thursday with more targeted efforts to advance their own healthcare initiatives, including deregulating health insurance sales and not requiring insurers to cover maternity care, cancer screenings and other essential health care services. They also introduce legislation to restrict federal abortion funding. Read Story

As House healthcare debate begins, report finds millions of Americans have preexisting medical conditions

With Republicans launching their effort to repeal the healthcare overhaul law, the Obama administration analysis indicates that as many as 129 million Americans under 65 have preexisting medical conditions that could make it more difficult for them to obtain health coverage. The study is part of the White House's effort to defend the legislation. Read Story

Supreme Court to decide whether states can cut payments to Medicaid providers

Justices will hear three appeals from California, where the state has cut back Medicaid payments to doctors, hospitals and pharmacies. Those providers have successfully sued to block the cutbacks, but lawyers for the state say they have no right to sue or to demand a particular payment. Read Story

Find a better Medicare Health Plan at Discount Insurance Marketplace

Health insurance restrictions still exist for some consumers

When examining your health benefits this year, you'll probably notice that your plan has eliminated lifetime and most annual dollar limits on coverage. That was mandated by the federal health-care overhaul. But for some consumers, coverage may still be restricted: Limits on the number of doctor visits or prescriptions or other services continue to be permitted and can stymie patients' efforts to get necessary care. Read Story

Need a better health plan for less?  Visit Discount Insurance Marketplace or Call 1-800-485-6198.  We're you're one stop shop.

Some states have options to help consumers find health coverage

A reader asks: Are there other health insurance options besides high-risk pools for people who can't get coverage in the individual market because of a preexisting condition?  Read Story

Reducing drug co-pays might lower health-care costs for companies, new study finds

Orlando employer that cut co-pays for diabetes medications saw program pay for itself in three years.  If companies want to reduce their health-care costs, they should reduce the co-pays employees are charged for drugs, particularly for chronic diseases such as diabetes, according to a new study. Read Story

California insurance chief expands inquiry into healthcare rate hikes

California's new insurance commissioner has expanded his inquiry into rate hikes by major insurers, calling on them to delay pending increases for 60 days while he examines paperwork submitted to his office.  Dave Jones says he's reviewing planned premium increases on individual policies by Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and PacifiCare in addition to Blue Shield of California. Read Story

Maryland hospitals struggle with uncompensated care

Hospitals in Maryland and throughout the country are struggling with millions of dollars in unpaid medical care. Will taxpayers be paying the bill? Read Story

Insurers sometimes reject neonatal intensive care costs

If you are planning to have a baby in the near future, it is a good idea to read the fine print of your health insurance policy. In an effort to control costs, insurers sometimes reject neonatal intensive care. Read Story

Blue Shield of California seeks rate hikes of as much as 59% for individuals

Insurer says the increases result from fast-rising healthcare costs and other expenses resulting from new healthcare laws. The move comes less than a year after Anthem Blue Cross tried and failed to raise rates as much as 39%. Read Story

Say no to rising health care costs and find Affordable Health Insurance Plans at Discount Insurance Marketplace.

House votes to bring healthcare repeal to floor for debate

The House of Representatives on Friday votes to bring the repeal of the healthcare overhaul to the floor for formal debate. A new poll shows that Americans slightly supported overturning one of the signature efforts of President Obama's administration. Read Story

Law may bring consumers health insurance rebates

A piece of the federal health reform law taking effect Saturday promises to lower your health insurance premiums and make insurers pay you refunds if they collect excess profits and overhead costs. But few expected to get them, and checks may be small. Read Story

Major health insurers in California to resume offering individual policies for children

California's largest health insurers, fearing they'll lose new customers in the state's lucrative individual insurance market, have canceled controversial decisions last fall to stop selling policies for children.  The companies abruptly halted the sale of individual policies for kids in September rather than comply with provisions of the nation's new healthcare law. A new state law forced them to change course. Read Story

More small businesses are offering health benefits to workers

Major insurers around the country are reporting that a growing number of small businesses are signing up to give their workers health benefits, a sign of potential progress for the nation's battered healthcare system.  The increase is partly attributed to a tax credit created by the nation's new healthcare law. Some insurers are aggressively marketing the break, which can offset up to 35% of a company's costs. Read Story

South Florida workplaces push smoking bans to cut insurance costs

Since each smoker costs an employer about $3,400 annually in higher health care bills, 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