Auto Insurance Rates are High in Montana

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

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

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

Ohio Health Insurance Exchanges Ban Abortion Coverage

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

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

Auto Breakdowns More Likely Than Americans Think

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

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

Nebraska's Individual Health Insurance Exchange Controversy

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

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

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

Check Auto Insurance Before Car-Sharing

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

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

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

Health Insurance Paying for Record Psychiatric Meds

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

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

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

Individual Health Insurance Can Be Gender Biased

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

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

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

Should You Buy A New Or Used Car?

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

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

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

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

Open Enrollment for Medicare Starts Early

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

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

More People Going Without Auto Insurance

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

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

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

Uninsured With A Pre-Existing Condition?

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

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

Health Insurance For Those With Pre-Existing Conditions

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

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

Colorado Auto Theft Spikes

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

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

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

Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums Increasing

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

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

Individual Health Insurance Mandate: Is It the Right Thing?

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

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

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

Medicare Safe From First Round Cuts

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

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

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

Employer-Based Health Insurance Threatened

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

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

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

New York Auto Insurance Fraud

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

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

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

Health Insurance Needs to Cover More Dental

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

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

GM Including Auto Insurance in Car Purchase

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

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

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

Columbus Auto Insurer Opens Large KY Center

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

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

Health Insurance Pooling in Connecticut

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

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

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

Individual Health Insurance: What to Look For

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

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

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

Medicare Supplements: Plans F-N

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

• Medicare Plan F
• Medicare Plan G
• Medicare Plan K
• Medicare Plan L
• Medicare Plan M
• Medicare Plan N

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

Used Car Prices Hit High

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

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

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

Individual Health Insurance: Lower Costs If Healthy

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

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

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

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

Florida Auto Insurance Bills to Help Fraud

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

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

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

Individual Health Insurance: Health Insurance Exchanges

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

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

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

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

Do You Need Used Car Insurance?

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

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

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

Seattle Auto Insurance Company Finds New Trend

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

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

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

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

Connecticut Health Insurance for Children

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

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

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

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

Auto Insurance Affected by Gas Prices

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

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

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

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

Geisinger Health Plan Awards

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

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

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

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

Wisconsin Auto Insurance Changes

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

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

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

NFL Lockout: Going to Extremes for Health Insurance

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

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

Health Insurance for All Incomes and Ages

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

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

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

Understanding a Used Car's History

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

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

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

Individual Health Insurance for Genders

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

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

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

Geisinger Health Plan Ranks High

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

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

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

Charter Oak Health Plan Behavioral Health

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

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

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

Pet Insurance in Boston

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

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

Auto Auctions to Save Money

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

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

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

Cheaper Auto Insurance Through Progressive

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

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

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