Washington, D.C. car insurance rates are third in the nation following New Jersey and New York, according to the Insurance Information Institute website, www.iii.org, an institute providing definitive insurance information to the public. The average D.C. resident pays $1,011 per year.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Blue Cross launches program to curb obesity
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina announced a new program on Tuesday to treat obesity as a medical condition. The program, dubbed Healthy Lifestyle Choices, will take affect April 1, 2005, for employer groups and individuals enrolled in the company's Blue Care, Blue Options or Blue Advantage plans. The program is designed to help Blue Cross members lose weight and avoid costly medical problems linked to obesity. Some 1.1 million of the company's 3 million members will be eligible for the benefits, which will include:
Coverage of four doctors visits annually and related testing for the evaluation and treatment of obesity. Coverage fo two prescription weight-loss drugs, Meridia and Xenical, when medically necessary. Services from licenses dietitians. The company has also identified 12 doctors in seven practices as Bariatric Surgery Centers for Excellence. None of those facilities are in the Triad. The company says unhealthy weight can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis. It said that its obese members incurred 32 percent more in claims and medical expenses than normal-weight members.
The Healthy Lifestyle Choices program will not be available to people enrolled in the State Health Plan, the Federal Employee Program or the company's Medicare Supplemental plans.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.
Coverage of four doctors visits annually and related testing for the evaluation and treatment of obesity. Coverage fo two prescription weight-loss drugs, Meridia and Xenical, when medically necessary. Services from licenses dietitians. The company has also identified 12 doctors in seven practices as Bariatric Surgery Centers for Excellence. None of those facilities are in the Triad. The company says unhealthy weight can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis. It said that its obese members incurred 32 percent more in claims and medical expenses than normal-weight members.
The Healthy Lifestyle Choices program will not be available to people enrolled in the State Health Plan, the Federal Employee Program or the company's Medicare Supplemental plans.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Health Insurance REform Needed
Healthcare Crisis Update: Health Insurance Reform Needed. LowerMyDoctorbills.com Proposes to Change the Way America Buys Healthcare!
Health insurance premiums continue to rise and are becoming unaffordable for many American working families. We've moved away from the original concept of insurance in dealing with healthcare. Spreading the risk among many for large claims makes sense, but paying additional premiums to cover expenses you know you will incur doesn't. Perhaps a new approach to health insurance is needed.
(PRWEB) October 11, 2004 -- Let’s compare other areas where insurance plays a major role. You purchase auto insurance to protect yourself and others as mandated by state laws. But, you also protect your car from damage due to accidents and theft. What would happen to your auto insurance premiums if your policy included the cost of a weekly carwash, annual detailing and monthly oil changes? That’s what we’ve done with health insurance. Homeowners insurance is another example. Home maintenance costs are not built into the cost of insuring the home against damage. Is there any wonder our idea of health insurance isn’t working today? Accidents and illnesses do happen and having health insurance coverage makes handling the situation easier. However, check ups, dental cleanings, vision and hearing exams and chiropractic care are basic maintenance benefits that are best purchased separate from a health insurance plan. Gail Lynn Moore, owner of www.LowerMyDoctorBills.com advises, “Consumers need to be open to some alternative benefit options when designing a healthcare plan. I recommend that if clients need to buy a high deductible plan to keep the premiums affordable, they should consider adding a discount benefit card to replace a lot of the maintenance benefits that the high deductible negates.” As a licensed insurance agent in California, Moore has access to a number of discount plans, but only recommends one. “I became a Marketing Associate with International Associate of Businesses (IAB) because, while the plans themselves are not insurance, they offer members the best “insured benefits” on the market. They are more than just discount cards.”When asked to clarify, she explained that membership to the association gave access to benefits such as a $2000 accidental medical benefit, a $1000/day ICU/CCU benefit, a $25 benefit toward doctor visits and $1000 annual dental benefit per family member. These insured benefits are available to everyone regardless of any pre-existing health conditions. A Care Advocacy Program (CAP) assists in getting the lowest possible costs for hospital services. Coupled with large nationwide PPO networks, these benefits give members the greatest savings possible. Additional health care and supplies, including prescriptions, vision and hearing aids are made available at deep discounts. Moore cautions "Check out the organization offering the benefits. IAB has been around since 1982 and is committed to addressing issues and concerns of the American family." Also, "Make sure the discount plan has providers in your area. Many plans limit your selection. The IAB plans have the same PPO networks offered by many national insurance companies.” She concludes, “While the healthcare crisis continues to affect more and more Americans every day, consumers have to be made aware of alternative healthcare planning options. And, www.LowerMyDoctorBills.com is leading the way in changing the way America buys healthcare.”
Health insurance premiums continue to rise and are becoming unaffordable for many American working families. We've moved away from the original concept of insurance in dealing with healthcare. Spreading the risk among many for large claims makes sense, but paying additional premiums to cover expenses you know you will incur doesn't. Perhaps a new approach to health insurance is needed.
(PRWEB) October 11, 2004 -- Let’s compare other areas where insurance plays a major role. You purchase auto insurance to protect yourself and others as mandated by state laws. But, you also protect your car from damage due to accidents and theft. What would happen to your auto insurance premiums if your policy included the cost of a weekly carwash, annual detailing and monthly oil changes? That’s what we’ve done with health insurance. Homeowners insurance is another example. Home maintenance costs are not built into the cost of insuring the home against damage. Is there any wonder our idea of health insurance isn’t working today? Accidents and illnesses do happen and having health insurance coverage makes handling the situation easier. However, check ups, dental cleanings, vision and hearing exams and chiropractic care are basic maintenance benefits that are best purchased separate from a health insurance plan. Gail Lynn Moore, owner of www.LowerMyDoctorBills.com advises, “Consumers need to be open to some alternative benefit options when designing a healthcare plan. I recommend that if clients need to buy a high deductible plan to keep the premiums affordable, they should consider adding a discount benefit card to replace a lot of the maintenance benefits that the high deductible negates.” As a licensed insurance agent in California, Moore has access to a number of discount plans, but only recommends one. “I became a Marketing Associate with International Associate of Businesses (IAB) because, while the plans themselves are not insurance, they offer members the best “insured benefits” on the market. They are more than just discount cards.”When asked to clarify, she explained that membership to the association gave access to benefits such as a $2000 accidental medical benefit, a $1000/day ICU/CCU benefit, a $25 benefit toward doctor visits and $1000 annual dental benefit per family member. These insured benefits are available to everyone regardless of any pre-existing health conditions. A Care Advocacy Program (CAP) assists in getting the lowest possible costs for hospital services. Coupled with large nationwide PPO networks, these benefits give members the greatest savings possible. Additional health care and supplies, including prescriptions, vision and hearing aids are made available at deep discounts. Moore cautions "Check out the organization offering the benefits. IAB has been around since 1982 and is committed to addressing issues and concerns of the American family." Also, "Make sure the discount plan has providers in your area. Many plans limit your selection. The IAB plans have the same PPO networks offered by many national insurance companies.” She concludes, “While the healthcare crisis continues to affect more and more Americans every day, consumers have to be made aware of alternative healthcare planning options. And, www.LowerMyDoctorBills.com is leading the way in changing the way America buys healthcare.”
Thursday, October 7, 2004
AARP announces dental insurance for seniors
A dental insurance plan for people 50 and over has been announced by AARP and Delta Dental Insurance Company.
"As the 50-plus population continues to grow in numbers, and with the current lack of accessibility, there is a critical need for affordable dental insurance for this population, as well as public information focused on the importance of dental health as we age," said Dawn Sweeney, president of AARP Services, Inc.
To meet these needs, AARP, through its subsidiary AARP Services, Inc., has teamed with Delta Dental Insurance Company to create the AARP Dental Insurance Plan and to launch a dental care initiative targeting those who are 50-plus.
The AARP Dental Insurance Plan -- featuring comprehensive family coverage and the freedom to choose any licensed dentist -- will initially be available to AARP members in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Plans are to make the program available to all 35 million AARP members across the country by 2005.
"Our members have been asking us for this type of program because they realize the value of continuing dental care," Sweeney said. "However, because of financial limitations, many have had to eliminate regular dental care from their budget." The health implications for post-retirement dental care are significant, said Harold C. Slavkin, DDS, dean of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and one of the chief architects of the landmark Surgeon General's report, released in 2000.
"Medicare does not cover routine dental services and, in most states, neither does Medicaid," he said. "With continued dental care, those who are 50-plus can avoid a myriad of health problems, including tooth loss, gum disease and mouth cancers. With continued care, we can all enjoy a robust lifestyle and a wide range of foods, communicate effectively, maintain self- esteem and meet our social responsibilities within our family and community." The AARP Dental Insurance Plan provides immediate coverage for most preventive, diagnostic and basic restorative services, as well as endodontics (root canal treatment) and oral surgery (extractions). After 12 months, coverage expands to include major restorations, periodontics (gum treatment) and prosthodontics (dentures).
"Dental insurance for retirees and those who are 50-plus is often very restrictive or simply unavailable," said Gary D. Radine, president and CEO of the holding company that includes Delta Dental Insurance Company. "This new program balances the need for immediate benefits with the need for affordable monthly premiums." Those interested in the coverage may contact the AARP Dental Insurance Plan for more information at http://www.deltadentalins.com/aarp or call toll-free at (866) 583-2085 to enroll. AARP membership is required for enrollment.
Approximately 60 percent of Americans older than 50 have dental insurance and most will lose this coverage when they retire and face fixed or reduced incomes, according to the landmark U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health.
As the "Baby Boom Generation" inches closer to retirement, their ranks continue to swell the 50-plus population of the United States, which was about 27 percent in 2000; by 2020, that number will jump by more than 115 million to approximately 35 percent, according to the U.S. Census.
"As the 50-plus population continues to grow in numbers, and with the current lack of accessibility, there is a critical need for affordable dental insurance for this population, as well as public information focused on the importance of dental health as we age," said Dawn Sweeney, president of AARP Services, Inc.
To meet these needs, AARP, through its subsidiary AARP Services, Inc., has teamed with Delta Dental Insurance Company to create the AARP Dental Insurance Plan and to launch a dental care initiative targeting those who are 50-plus.
The AARP Dental Insurance Plan -- featuring comprehensive family coverage and the freedom to choose any licensed dentist -- will initially be available to AARP members in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Plans are to make the program available to all 35 million AARP members across the country by 2005.
"Our members have been asking us for this type of program because they realize the value of continuing dental care," Sweeney said. "However, because of financial limitations, many have had to eliminate regular dental care from their budget." The health implications for post-retirement dental care are significant, said Harold C. Slavkin, DDS, dean of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and one of the chief architects of the landmark Surgeon General's report, released in 2000.
"Medicare does not cover routine dental services and, in most states, neither does Medicaid," he said. "With continued dental care, those who are 50-plus can avoid a myriad of health problems, including tooth loss, gum disease and mouth cancers. With continued care, we can all enjoy a robust lifestyle and a wide range of foods, communicate effectively, maintain self- esteem and meet our social responsibilities within our family and community." The AARP Dental Insurance Plan provides immediate coverage for most preventive, diagnostic and basic restorative services, as well as endodontics (root canal treatment) and oral surgery (extractions). After 12 months, coverage expands to include major restorations, periodontics (gum treatment) and prosthodontics (dentures).
"Dental insurance for retirees and those who are 50-plus is often very restrictive or simply unavailable," said Gary D. Radine, president and CEO of the holding company that includes Delta Dental Insurance Company. "This new program balances the need for immediate benefits with the need for affordable monthly premiums." Those interested in the coverage may contact the AARP Dental Insurance Plan for more information at http://www.deltadentalins.com/aarp or call toll-free at (866) 583-2085 to enroll. AARP membership is required for enrollment.
Approximately 60 percent of Americans older than 50 have dental insurance and most will lose this coverage when they retire and face fixed or reduced incomes, according to the landmark U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health.
As the "Baby Boom Generation" inches closer to retirement, their ranks continue to swell the 50-plus population of the United States, which was about 27 percent in 2000; by 2020, that number will jump by more than 115 million to approximately 35 percent, according to the U.S. Census.
Life Insurance for the at home parents
By Tim Dameron-business columnist/Rocky Mount Telegram
If you belong to one of the 19.6 million American families with children where both parents are working, buying life insurance for both breadwinners is an obvious "must."
However, if you are one of the 5.3 million families that rely on one-income while the other parent stays at home, life insurance for the at-home parent may seem less important. Contrary to popular belief, life insurance for the at-home parent also is extremely important.
According to the Personal Economy Index, a recent survey conducted on behalf of American Express Financial Advisors, 35 percent of at-home parents are uninsured.
Value of the at-home parent.
The at-home parent provides a valuable service to the family. In fact, if a stay-at-home parent was on a corporate payroll, the starting salary could be $65,000 per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This "value" comes from factoring in the cost of replacing the at-home parent with a full-time child care worker, cook and so on. The untimely death of a stay-at-home parent would not only be heartbreaking and tragic, but could drastically affect a family's immediate finances and long-term financial security as well.
Benefits of insuring the at-home parent.
A client from Texas, who is an electrical engineer, was advised by his American Express financial advisor to take out a life insurance policy for his wife who home-schooled five of their six children. Tragically, his wife died from complications just days after giving birth to their seventh child.
His life insurance policy gave him the financial security to leave his job to care for his family. Additionally, he was able to spare his children from further lifestyle changes such as moving or forcing them to quit their numerous sporting activities. With the money from the life insurance policy, he was able to take over for his wife's home schooling, and he didn't have to hire a child care worker or housekeeper, all of which made the transition just a bit easier for his kids.
Insuring the at-home parent.
When considering purchasing life insurance, for yourself or the stay-at-home parent, there are two questions you need to ask yourself: What type of insurance should I purchase? How much coverage do I need?
Generally, there are two types of life insurance policies: A term-life insurance policy, which provides protection for a specified term and pays a death benefit to the beneficiary should the owner of the policy die during the term. A cash value insurance policy provides the owner with a death benefit, plus any cash value earned from investments.
Generally, non-income producing parents tend to like the cash value policies, because these policies allow for them to accumulate assets despite the fact that they are not working. Term life insurance policies may be appropriate for some, since they are usually relatively less expensive in the short term.
Deciding how much life insurance you need is unique to each family and circumstances. As a starting point, consider having at least enough coverage to equal five to seven years of income. So if the stay-at-home parents' value is estimated at $65,000 per year, you may need a life insurance policy with coverage of $325,000 to $455,000. This formula can be applied to the working parent as well.
Generally speaking, you should follow these other helpful tips:
Overlooked expenses: You have to account for the less obvious costs of losing a stay-at-home parent. For example, the working parent may need to take an extended vacation or leave of absence to be at home in the case of such a tragedy. In addition, the family may eat out more often and incur other new expenses based on the new lifestyle with one parent. Don't forget to account for inflation and the expected increase in these expenses over time.
Account for lost savings: With extra expenses or lost wages, you may be forced to dip into your emergency cash reserves or reduce contributions to your 401(k).
Number of dependents and duration: When calculating how much insurance you need, estimate the length of time your dependents might need the benefits. This will depend on how old your kids are and how many you have.
Seek help: Consider meeting with a qualified financial advisor who can help you and your family develop a comprehensive financial plan. This plan will include adequate life insurance coverage for both parents, the one who works outside the home and the one who provides the valuable, albeit unsalaried, services in the home.
Tim Dameron is a financial advisor with American Express Financial Advisors Inc. in Rocky Mount.
If you belong to one of the 19.6 million American families with children where both parents are working, buying life insurance for both breadwinners is an obvious "must."
However, if you are one of the 5.3 million families that rely on one-income while the other parent stays at home, life insurance for the at-home parent may seem less important. Contrary to popular belief, life insurance for the at-home parent also is extremely important.
According to the Personal Economy Index, a recent survey conducted on behalf of American Express Financial Advisors, 35 percent of at-home parents are uninsured.
Value of the at-home parent.
The at-home parent provides a valuable service to the family. In fact, if a stay-at-home parent was on a corporate payroll, the starting salary could be $65,000 per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This "value" comes from factoring in the cost of replacing the at-home parent with a full-time child care worker, cook and so on. The untimely death of a stay-at-home parent would not only be heartbreaking and tragic, but could drastically affect a family's immediate finances and long-term financial security as well.
Benefits of insuring the at-home parent.
A client from Texas, who is an electrical engineer, was advised by his American Express financial advisor to take out a life insurance policy for his wife who home-schooled five of their six children. Tragically, his wife died from complications just days after giving birth to their seventh child.
His life insurance policy gave him the financial security to leave his job to care for his family. Additionally, he was able to spare his children from further lifestyle changes such as moving or forcing them to quit their numerous sporting activities. With the money from the life insurance policy, he was able to take over for his wife's home schooling, and he didn't have to hire a child care worker or housekeeper, all of which made the transition just a bit easier for his kids.
Insuring the at-home parent.
When considering purchasing life insurance, for yourself or the stay-at-home parent, there are two questions you need to ask yourself: What type of insurance should I purchase? How much coverage do I need?
Generally, there are two types of life insurance policies: A term-life insurance policy, which provides protection for a specified term and pays a death benefit to the beneficiary should the owner of the policy die during the term. A cash value insurance policy provides the owner with a death benefit, plus any cash value earned from investments.
Generally, non-income producing parents tend to like the cash value policies, because these policies allow for them to accumulate assets despite the fact that they are not working. Term life insurance policies may be appropriate for some, since they are usually relatively less expensive in the short term.
Deciding how much life insurance you need is unique to each family and circumstances. As a starting point, consider having at least enough coverage to equal five to seven years of income. So if the stay-at-home parents' value is estimated at $65,000 per year, you may need a life insurance policy with coverage of $325,000 to $455,000. This formula can be applied to the working parent as well.
Generally speaking, you should follow these other helpful tips:
Overlooked expenses: You have to account for the less obvious costs of losing a stay-at-home parent. For example, the working parent may need to take an extended vacation or leave of absence to be at home in the case of such a tragedy. In addition, the family may eat out more often and incur other new expenses based on the new lifestyle with one parent. Don't forget to account for inflation and the expected increase in these expenses over time.
Account for lost savings: With extra expenses or lost wages, you may be forced to dip into your emergency cash reserves or reduce contributions to your 401(k).
Number of dependents and duration: When calculating how much insurance you need, estimate the length of time your dependents might need the benefits. This will depend on how old your kids are and how many you have.
Seek help: Consider meeting with a qualified financial advisor who can help you and your family develop a comprehensive financial plan. This plan will include adequate life insurance coverage for both parents, the one who works outside the home and the one who provides the valuable, albeit unsalaried, services in the home.
Tim Dameron is a financial advisor with American Express Financial Advisors Inc. in Rocky Mount.
NJ has highest auto insurance in nation
By KATHY HENNESSYAssociated Press WriterSeptember 30, 2004, 5:16 PM EDT
TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey car insurance rates are still the highest car insurance rates in the country, but the national group that tracks insurers now concedes it's unfair to compare the state with places that have far fewer drivers and less congested roads. The state is predominantly urban and results are not comparable with states with large rural areas, according to the report from the National Association of Auto Insurance Commissioners. The report uses data from 2002.
While the report no longer gives rankings, it still shows New Jersey with the highest premiums nationwide with an average annual premium of $1,112.86, an increase of $85 over the prior year. Nationally, the average annual premium was $773.68. "Due to the costs associated with the urban-type driving conditions in New Jersey, it will never have the lowest auto insurance premiums in the country," said David Snyder, vice president of the American Insurance Association. In 2002, New Jersey drivers traveled more than 68 billion miles and the state logged more than 300,000 accidents, the report found. The national average for accidents is 131,400 per state. The ranking system was abandoned after some insurance regulators said it wasn't fair to look at a state like New Jersey in the same way as a place like Montana. Northeast states like New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are regularly among the top states in auto insurance costs. States may also vary greatly in the way they calculate premium costs, regulators said. "I think they were concerned with the fact that each state did not have the same auto insurance environment because of different laws in each state," said Ann Womer Benjamin, the Ohio Insurance director and member of task force that wrote the report. "Comparing them no longer made sense." For example, in New Jersey policyholders often get money back as dividends, but that money is not counted in the rankings. Some of the state's largest insurers, including State Farm, have paid back two to four times the national average in dividends. New Jersey Banking and Insurance Commissioner Holly Bakke said the report also doesn't reflect recent changes made to the state's auto insurance laws that have brought in two new insurers, Mercury General and GEICO. "While the information is more useful, it's still two years old and doesn't reflect improvements for policyholders in New Jersey in 2004," said Bakke.
TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey car insurance rates are still the highest car insurance rates in the country, but the national group that tracks insurers now concedes it's unfair to compare the state with places that have far fewer drivers and less congested roads. The state is predominantly urban and results are not comparable with states with large rural areas, according to the report from the National Association of Auto Insurance Commissioners. The report uses data from 2002.
While the report no longer gives rankings, it still shows New Jersey with the highest premiums nationwide with an average annual premium of $1,112.86, an increase of $85 over the prior year. Nationally, the average annual premium was $773.68. "Due to the costs associated with the urban-type driving conditions in New Jersey, it will never have the lowest auto insurance premiums in the country," said David Snyder, vice president of the American Insurance Association. In 2002, New Jersey drivers traveled more than 68 billion miles and the state logged more than 300,000 accidents, the report found. The national average for accidents is 131,400 per state. The ranking system was abandoned after some insurance regulators said it wasn't fair to look at a state like New Jersey in the same way as a place like Montana. Northeast states like New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are regularly among the top states in auto insurance costs. States may also vary greatly in the way they calculate premium costs, regulators said. "I think they were concerned with the fact that each state did not have the same auto insurance environment because of different laws in each state," said Ann Womer Benjamin, the Ohio Insurance director and member of task force that wrote the report. "Comparing them no longer made sense." For example, in New Jersey policyholders often get money back as dividends, but that money is not counted in the rankings. Some of the state's largest insurers, including State Farm, have paid back two to four times the national average in dividends. New Jersey Banking and Insurance Commissioner Holly Bakke said the report also doesn't reflect recent changes made to the state's auto insurance laws that have brought in two new insurers, Mercury General and GEICO. "While the information is more useful, it's still two years old and doesn't reflect improvements for policyholders in New Jersey in 2004," said Bakke.
Dayton Daily News urges 'no' vote on gay-marriage ban
Associated Press
DAYTON, Ohio - Ohioans should vote against a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, the Dayton Daily News said Thursday.
"A constitution should be the place where society puts down its most important principles about citizens' rights and how they'll govern themselves," the newspaper said in an editorial. "It shouldn't be a place to single out a group and deny them something."
The Daily News said the language of the proposal could be construed as barring public agencies from offering family health insurance or other benefits to employee couples.
The newspaper said the measure could also make it difficult for businesses and universities to recruit workers who aren't in traditional families.
DAYTON, Ohio - Ohioans should vote against a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, the Dayton Daily News said Thursday.
"A constitution should be the place where society puts down its most important principles about citizens' rights and how they'll govern themselves," the newspaper said in an editorial. "It shouldn't be a place to single out a group and deny them something."
The Daily News said the language of the proposal could be construed as barring public agencies from offering family health insurance or other benefits to employee couples.
The newspaper said the measure could also make it difficult for businesses and universities to recruit workers who aren't in traditional families.
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