Health Insurance Companies Recognize Cyber Doctors

How many times have you felt under the weather, but you don't go see the doctor because of the "hassle factor". First you will have to clear your schedule, possibly call in late to work and make the trip to the medical center. You know it's the flu - everyone has it. You arrive, sign in, pay your office co-payment charge and after waiting in the doctors office or urgent care system for almost an hour (if you pick the right time), the doctor will likely see you for 2-4 minutes. He replies "Yep - it's the flu".

Recently a few health insurance companies have been experimenting with the idea of "cyber doctor visits". These doctor house calls are usually at your convenience and over the phone. When you know that "it's the flu", it is not uncommon for the doctor to diagnose your situation and prescribe an antibiotic or other common medicine within a few minutes. He/she will call in your Rx order and you soon feel better.

Insurance companies recognize that these cyber doctors will encourage you to seek early treatment and reduce the high costs of office visits. While many doctors are complaining that their business will suffer, others embrace the idea. These doctors believe that they will be more efficient and be able to provide quality care over quantity patient count.

For additional information or to locate affordable health insurance plans online, visit QuoteBroker.

Health Insurance - You can die without it

The number of American's without Health Insurance continues to grow, while the number of companies offering comprehensive benefits to their employees decline. There are far too many people who die everyday from illnesses and diseases, many conditions that could have been detected early, treated or prevented with proper health insurance coverage.

We buy car insurance, home owners protection and other types of coverages ( because the state or creditors require it) , meanwhile millions of American's do not buy health insurance because they believe the cost is too expensive. But we have no problem eating out daily or paying four bucks for a cup of coffee - go figure. Others avoid buying health insurance because they believe it is to difficult to understand, or they are afraid of making the wrong choice. Others simply don't want the hassle of interviewing insurance agents across the kitchen table until the right person and plan comes forward.

There is an affordable health insurance solution. Online insurance services now allow you to shop the insurance marketplace, compare plan features and apply online. Services such as QuoteBroker can help you sort this information by insurance name, deductible, plan type or premium. Plans can be compared in a simple side by side report that easy to understand and compare against other carriers. Within minutes you can sort and select a plan that is best for you. This unbiased approach to shopping let's you view all popular plans available in your city or state, each company competing for your business.

If health insurance is important to you, there have been many new plans that have been introduced to the marketplace that offer higher deductibles for the "big" expenses, but offer features at little or no cost to visit the doctor for office visits, health screenings, annual physicals and more. Try shopping for insurance online today.

What about Long Term Care ?

Long term care isn't just for the elderly. Long term care is required when you are unable to independently perform everyday activities such as bathing, eating, getting dressed or a number of other living activities. An individual with a serious disease, illness or accident could require long term care assistance and these circumstances could happen at any age.

Women are more vulnerable then men because they tend to live longer and are more likely to remain single. Position yourself today against losing your retirement assets, or estate to the high cost of nursing home, home health care or becoming a burden on your family or friends.

Even if a family member provides for your care, he/she will need assistance. Don't count on private health insurance or medicare as these policies usually do not offer any personal care (in some cases in patient nursing care can be covered).

A quality Long Term Care insurance program can prevent you from losing or spending down your assets, or relying on others. Today you have choices - you may not be so lucky if you wait too long. For more information contact QuoteBroker.

When the Cost of Insurance Stops You From Buying -

Have you ever made the excuse " If I can't do it right - I won't do it at all"? When it comes to something as important as protecting your income (disability insurance) or your families financial future (life insurance), think twice.

I would suggest "If it's worth doing - it's worth doing ok". If you don't have time to clean the house or garage, doesn't it make sense to get started and do more when you can?

Insurance works the same way. If you can't afford permanent insurance, then buy term. If you can't afford to protect your income until retirement, protect yourself for five or ten years. Buying the proper amount of insurance and quality coverage for a shorter period of time makes sense.

Protect your assets, your income and your life today. For more information or to receive online insurance quotes, visit QuoteBroker.

Planning for Long Term Care is a Necessity

As the US population is aging, increased life expectancy is creating a greater need for Long Term Care planning. Long Term Care insurance should be addressed when reviewing your overall retirement plan strategy. In addition to protecting your assets, your plan should consider the increased possibility that you will need quality long term care.

Only you can determine your future care. You can not rely on the Federal Government or your children to take responsibility, therefore proper planning is essential.

Where do you want to be if you require long term care? A state ran facility, a private care facility or possibly at home? Maybe you and your spouse select an "assisted living" facility.

Buying Long Term Care (LTC) insurance when you can afford it is the key. At a younger age, you will likely qualify for lower rates, allowing you to purchase a higher daily benefit. Some LTC policies allow for you to pay for premiums for ten years, or until you are 65.

For more information about Long Term Care planning, contact QuoteBroker or your states department of insurance website.

Buying Health Insurance - You must know these terms

There are many factors to consider when you purchase Health Insurance. Instead of first asking about the policy benefits, you must first understand some basic policy terminology. A good broker will know how to build a health insurance policy with the benefits and features that are important to you. An inexperienced broker will try to sell you a particular plan, without regard to your needs. If it's in the policy "it's covered", but what if you do not need maternity coverage? Why pay for that feature?

The following terms are the foundation of every health insurance policy.

#1) Deductible. The deductible is the amount you must pay for medical services each year before your insurance begins paying.
#2) Co-payment. This is the portion of charges you pay to your provider for covered health care services in addition to any deductible. For example, $20 for an office visit or $15 for a prescription drug. It is similar to coinsurance, but it is a dollar amount instead of a percentage of the charges.

#3) Coinsurance. Once you have met your deductible, you pay coinsurance for additional medical care. It is a percentage of the billed charge. For example, your insurance company might pay 80%, and then you would pay 20%. It is similar to a co-pay, but is a percentage instead of a dollar amount.

#4) Probably the most important definition. Out-of-Pocket Maximum. The most you will have to pay in a year for deductibles and coinsurance for covered benefits.

An ideal policy would have a low deductible, a low office co-payment charge, a high insurance company coinsurance percentage and a low maximum out of pocket.

Consider the worst case scenario. If you suffered from a "brain tumor" and your hospital bills totaled $300,000, how much would you have to pay? With a good insurance plan, your maximum out of pocket is your liability limit or stop loss. Read your proposal carefully as some policies maximum out of pocket limits includes the deductible, while others may be in addition to the deductible.

Don't get fooled with the variety of new "No Deductible" plans available. You are paying for the deductible, whether you know it or not. Many zero deductible plans have a patient 40% or 50% coinsurance and a higher maximum out of pocket.

Understand your health insurance terms before buying any insurance policy. Shop online and compare plan features that are most important to you. A properly designed plan will reduce your premium payments and your total patient liability. For online quotes and plan comparisons, visit QuoteBroker

Disability Insurance for Business Owners

If you are a business owner, the potential of a disability poses multiple threats:

Keeping a roof over you and your family's heads - How long could the business continue to pay your personal salary? Individual Disability Income Insurance could help.

Keeping your business' doors open - How will you cover your business expenses if you aren't there to bring in income? Overhead Expense Insurance could help.

Keeping your investment intact - How will you get the funds to purchase a disabled co-owner's interest if he or she should become disabled? Disability Buy-Out Insurance could help.

If you have employees, could they afford to live without a paycheck? If you provide group long-term disability insurance, it provides a great foundation for employees' income protection. However, the benefits are typically 60% of earned income before taxes. Additional coverage may be necessary to provide complete protection. In addition, when just three or more individuals with a common employer* obtain individual disability income protection, all may be eligible to receive a premium discount - including you!

If becoming disabled may seem unlikely, the odds may surprise you. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans will become disabled for 1 year or more before the age of 65.

The other thing to keep in mind is that an accident or illness that keeps you out of work for a period of time can be very costly. That's because people who become disabled not only need to continue providing for loved ones, but for themselves as well. A disabling injury or illness could lead to medical bills, modifications to your car or home, or other unforeseen needs that can be quite expensive.

For all these reasons, almost anyone who works ­ whether they're single, married, with children or without ­ should consider disability income insurance. For more information visit QuoteBroker

What you need to know before buying a Health Insurance plan

Insurance plans vary, so before you choose a plan, decide which benefits are most important to you and your family. To compare health plans, make sure to ask for and examine a benefits summary or outline of coverage for each plan you're considering. Think about your personal situation. For instance, if you're no longer planning to have children, you won't mind that certain pregnancy-related services aren't covered. But you might be concerned if there's no mental health benefit to help pay for your therapy sessions. Are you concerned with preventive care and checkups? Would you be comfortable in a managed care setting that might restrict your choice somewhat but give you broad coverage and convenience? These are questions that only you can answer.

Here are some of the things to look at when choosing and comparing health insurance plans. Check to see which of these items are "covered" medical services:

· Inpatient hospital services
· Outpatient surgery
· Physician's visits (in the hospital)
· Office visits
· Skilled nursing care
· Medical tests and X-rays
· Prescription drugs
· Mental healthcare
· Dental services
· Drug and alcohol abuse treatment
· Home healthcare visits
· Physical therapy
· Speech therapy
· Hospice care
· Maternity care
· Chiropractic treatment
· Alternative healthcare, such as acupuncture
· Experimental treatments
· Preventive care, such as shots for children and "well visits"
· Well-baby care
· Health screenings, such as breast exams and Pap smears for women

The best way to shop the insurance marketplace is to use an online insurance shopping service. A more popular online quoting service is QuoteBroker.com. Within moments Quotebroker shops policies from multiple insurance providers, all competing for your business.

Whether you apply online for coverage or work with an agent, arm yourself with these quotes for comparison purposes. It is also important to determine what type of policy you are looking for - HMO, PPO or POS. A Google search of "insurance terms" will give you a simple product description.

Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance

Plan B - a second choice if you can't qualify for traditional health insurance, or if you want to maintain low premiums and self insure the "small stuff"

Many people are unable to find quality health insurance. For some it is the cost, while for others it is due to pre-existing conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of a heart attack, stroke, cancer and obesity are just some of the pre-existing conditions that prevent several million Americans each year from obtaining health insurance. Without quality health insurance, a medical emergency could turn into a financial disaster.

A Guaranteed Issue plan is also referred to as a Mini Med plan works differently from traditional insurance. Many plans offer an indemnity plan (reimbursement basis), with provisions for preventative care. A popular plan remains the AIM GI plan.

** Is guaranteed issue and guaranteed renewable
** Pays for doctors and hospitals
** Has no deductible
** Covers you both in and out of the hospital
** Includes out-patient surgery benefits
** Covers pre-existing conditions after one year
** Includes life insurance
** Provides accident benefits

Yes, there are some trade-off's - however this is plan B.

This policy is available in three variations, with the most expensive plan, the Diamond plan, costing only $248 per month. The Diamond plan pays you $1,000 per day while hospitalized, for up to 100 days per year, an additional $1,000 per day while in intensive care for up to five days per year, up to $12,000 to a surgeon per incident (unlimited incidents), and up to $2,400 for anesthesia benefits per incident (unlimited incidents). Benefits are the same whether inpatient or outpatient. A $5,000 accident benefit is included, as is a $5,000 life insurance benefit. Limited doctor office visits and lab testing and x-rays are also included benefits. Visit QuoteBroker for brochure that can be downloaded.

Concerned about outliving your savings ?

As American’s begin to live longer from better living and the advancement of medicine, financial planners are becoming increasingly concerned that their clients will outlive their income.

Those who are looking ahead are beginning to look at ways of insuring against the possibility of outliving retirement assets. Fortunately, there is a solution offered by life insurance institutions in the form of a “life annuity".

In its simplest form, a life annuity pays income to an annuitant for as long as he/she survives. By Purchasing a life annuity, the annuitant converts some portion of a retirement or real estate portfolio into the maximum guaranteed lifetime income he can receive while insuring against the contingency that he will outlive his financial resources. Other annuity payouts include period certain or life and joint and survivor. In many ways, an annuity functions like the reverse of a life insurance policy. Under a life insurance policy, an insured’s loved ones are protected from financial ruin when the insured dies early. Under an annuity, the annuitant and his loved ones are protected from financial ruin when the annuitant (or a couple) lives beyond his (their) expectation of life.

Annuities can be purchased with a single premium or installments. There are no medical qualifications and annuities can be designed to accumulate at a guaranteed interest rate, or variable contract (participation in selected investment options). Many new products provide for market appreciation without market risk. Buzz words to look for are “Indexed Annuities” or “High Water Mark”. At a future date, usually at retirement, the annuitant can convert his/her annuity into a life annuity or a number of other combinations.

Annuities are gaining in popularity as more people don’t want to gamble with their financial future, or the fear of running out of money.

Before purchasing an annuity, make sure that you fully understand the product and make sure that it is a suitable product for your particular situation. For more information, contact QuoteBroker

Cafeteria plans good for employee and employer

Employee Advantages:

A Section 125 plan, also known as a flexible spending plan or cafeteria plan provide employee’s the opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for a variety of expenses, including healthcare benefits, dependent care or medical expenses. Contributions toward plans are not subject to federal, state, or social security taxes. The contributions are placed into an account the employee can use to pay for allowed expenses.

Employer Advantages:

FICA Contribution Savings - Since the employees' contributions are not subject to social security tax (FICA), the employer does not have to pay its matching contribution either. Thus, your business can save 7.65 cents for every dollar contributed.

Workers' Compensation Premium Savings - Since, depending on your state, workers' compensation premiums are set by size of payroll, the employer's payroll is reduced by every contribution resulting in lower workers' compensation premiums.For more information about how a Section 125 plan may benefit your company, contact QuoteBroker.

Realtors without health insurance equal to National average

In 2007 the National Association of Realtors (NAR) testified before the Senate Finance Committee that about 30% of NAR members lack health insurance. 84% of Realtors without health insurance sited that they do not have coverage because the can't afford it.

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately one-third or approximately 47 million Americans went without any coverage during the entire year of 2006. Additionally, almost 90 million people went without any health insurance coverage at one point between 2007-2007.

The middle class had the most serious impact, as families accounted for the majority of American's without coverage. Woman are also less likely than men to go without coverage, as woman's health insurance premiums tend to be more expensive. Women are less likely to fill prescriptions or seek treatment siting their inability to pay.

This author suggests that anyone without coverage should look at all available alternatives, including higher deductible plans that allow for routine coverage for a small fee, without first having to satisfy the deductible. There are many companies that will pay for a limited number of office visits, annual physicals or OBGYN visits, including necessary lab work. For your children, consider looking into a state sponsored program such as Healthy Families. It is possible to receive quality care from some of the top insurance companies for $5 to $15 dollars per month. And don't think you have to be poor to qualify. These plans are not the governments Medicaid program and are designed for middle America.

Also consider using online health insurance quoting services, such as QuoteBroker. You can instantly compare different insurance companies plans, features and premiums online, without any "sales jibber". Once you select a plan, you can apply online or usually download a paper application for processing.

Why you need a Health Savings Account

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an account that you can put money into to save for future medical expenses. There are a number of advantages to funding these accounts, including;

Lower medical premiums: As HSA accounts have a higher deductible, you should be able to reduce your premium costs.

Tax savings: An HSA provides three tax advantages. 1) tax deductions when you contribute to tyhe account 2) tax free accumulations through investments 3) tax free withdrawls for qualified medical expenses.

You maintain control: 1) how much money you deposit into the account 2) choose to pay for current or future medical expenses 3) which company will hold the account 4) select what investments the account will hold.

HSA's are portable: If you change jobs, become unemployed, move cities or get divorced, your HSA account follows you. Health Savings accounts are a great way to pay for "qualified medical expenses", permitted under the tax code. These include most medical care and services, dental and vision care and most over the counter drugs.

In 2008 you can contribute up to $2900 (single) and $5800 (family) Individuals over age 55 can contribute an additional $900. For more information, contact Quotebroker or your tax professional.

Long Term Care Trends

According to the Association for Long Term Care, claims are on the rise. As consumers become more aware of this valuable protection, either my word of mouth, or having the unpleasant experience of financially taking care of a loved one, 63% of LTC buyers in 2007 were under age 55.

Who's buying Long Term Care Insurance? (issued by age)

25 - 35 = 9%
35 - 44 = 18%

45 - 54 = 36%

55 - 64 = 30%

65 - 74 = 6%

75 - 80 = 1%

Note: more than 30% of all claims are coming from individuals under age 65

Where are the claims expenses coming from?

17.2% = Assisted Living

33.8% = Home Health Care

44.5% = Nursing Home

Long Term Care is important for a variety of reasons, including protecting your assets, providing valuable cash to "choice" where your loved one will receive care and most important - allow your parents/spouse to preserve their dignity. I am sure that you will agree - I don't want my children to suffer financially or emotionally when it comes to my future healthcare needs.

These plans are not cheap, especially as you get older. Prices vary based on your selected benefits. When you purchase a plan, you will need to select;

• Do you want Home Health Care, Nursing Facility Only or a combination of both?
• How much money do you want daily? Most people select $100-$400 per day
• How long do you want to receive your benefit? 2 years, 5 years, or Lifetime?
• Do you want cost of living increases or any other feature available by rider?

Take control of your future healthcare needs today. If you wait too long, you may be unable to afford or medically qualify for coverage. If you do not have coverage, you may be admitted into a State facility, many of which offer substandard surroundings and care. For quotes or additional information, contact QuoteBroker

Are you Saving for Retirement now or later?

Most Americans retirement savings plan is based on many large contributions in their later working years, which they consider to be their highest income earning potential. But what happens if the best case scenario is disrupted or fails?

According to a 2007 study by the Council for Disability Awareness, 60% of workers have never discussed how they would handle a loss of income due to disability. For those workers who did, 83% feel highly confident that they will be able to maintain their current lifestyle during a disability period. Is this practical thinking when 70%* of working Americans do not have enough savings to meet short term emergencies?

Disability Income protection should be considered in everyone's best case - worse case retirement planning scenario. Most disability insurance policies today are more affordable at younger ages and premiums will remain level throughout your working years. As you become older and your health begins to decline (the time you may need coverage the most), you may not be able to afford or qualify for coverage.

Your income is your most important asset, not your home, boat or car. Insure that asset with a quality disability insurance product from a respectable carrier. Look for a policy that will also continue to make your annual retirement contributions (Retirement protection Plan), separate from the monthly income you may receive, due to a disability. For more information regarding this subject, contact QuoteBroker.

* = National Investment Watch, AG edwards 2004

Understanding your Rx Benefits

Do you understand the different prescription Rx benefits in your health insurance plan? Don't feel alone as many people become confused between the differences between Name Brand, Generic or Formulary.

Name Brand: A brand name drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is supplied by one company (the pharmaceutical manufacturer). The drug is protected by a patent and is marketed under the manufacturer's brand name.

Generic: When a drug patent expires other companies may produce a generic version of the brand name drug. A generic medication, also approved by the FDA, is basically a copy of the brand name drug and is marketed under its chemical name. A generic drug may have a different color or shape than its brand name counterpart, but it must have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form (i.e., pill, liquid, or injection), and provide the same effectiveness and safety as its brand name counterpart.

Formulary: A formulary is a list of both generic and brand name drugs that are preferred by your health plan. Often, many drugs on the market produce the same results equally well. Health plans will choose formulary drugs that are just as safe and effective as the alternatives but cost less. A team of pharmacists and physicians meet to review the formulary and make changes as necessary.

Understanding these differences can potentially save you money next time you re-fill your prescription. Consult your physician or pharmacist to see if your Name Brand Rx is available as a Generic or Formulary brand option.