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.