January 31, 2012 in Health Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

One Out Of Every Five Americans Lives with a Pre-Existing Medical Condition Says Benepath CEO, Pennsylvania

Those who live with pre-existing conditions often have a difficult time getting affordable health insurance.

“I’ve heard this said many times over: that people with pre-existing medical conditions have a hard time getting health insurance that is reasonably priced. It is not impossible to find affordable health insurance, but it can be a challenge. That will change in 2014,” added Clelland Green, RHU, CEO, and president of Benepath in Pennsylvania.

If health care reform stays the course, what will happen in 2014 is insurance providers will be banned from excluding people with pre-existing conditions from getting insurance. However, that is still a full two years away, and does nothing to help the millions of Americans that are deemed uninsurable now.

“To fill in the gap between now and then, the government set up the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan in all 50 states,” explained Green. “In simplified terms, the plan offers health insurance to those who have difficulties getting health insurance. The plans offer hospital care, specialty care and primary care, and prescription drugs. This plan with lower premiums would be ideal for many of the almost 57 million going without health insurance. But the odd thing is that less than 19,000 people have opted for this plan.”

In an economy that makes even putting bread on the table questionable some months, one would think those who are uninsurable because of a pre-existing health condition would welcome the opportunity to have reasonably priced coverage. However, while this sounds like a great plan at first glance, the stumbling block is the waiting period.

People wanting to switch to this plan must face being without any insurance coverage for at least six months before they apply and that includes COBRA. “Six months is a long time to wait if you have diabetes or a heart condition and need daily medications. Many feel it is too big a risk to take, even if it means they’d be paying less after their waiting period was over,” Green pointed out.

There is an option that those caught between a rock and a hard place may find attractive if they want to join the government program. It is referred to as non-insurance health plans. These plans typically market health services to large groups of people and when those who do join officially become members, they have a great deal of buying clout that allows the company to obtain discounted prices for medical services. “In some cases,” demonstrated Green, “the discounts can range from 25 percent to 80 percent on vision, dental and medical service, drugs and medical supplies. Some people find that very attractive.”

When it comes to costs for going to the hospital, discount companies either pre-negotiate cost reductions for hospital procedures or assign an advocate to negotiate lower costs. “The advocate may also apply for financial assistance to pay the hospital balance off on your behalf, if that is suitable under the circumstances,” Green said.

More often than not, the discount medical programs are very affordable, coming in at less than $50 per month for the whole family. Many outfits do not require contracts, and benefits are available on sign up. “You just need to keep in mind that this option is not traditional health insurance. While it may not be for some people, others may find it attractive enough to wait the six month period until they can get the regular health insurance. Ultimately, the choices are yours and you do what you need to do for your health,” added Green.

To learn more, visit http://www.benepath.com.

January 31, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

If Teenager Got a Car for the Holidays, It Is Time To Update Insurance

This past holiday some families may have chosen to give one of the family vehicles to a teenage child to spare the expense of buying a new car.

Many families choose to give an already-paid-for automobile to one of the children as a holiday gift. This tells the child that they have earned trust and proven that they are responsible. It can be a touching moment when a teenager takes the keys of their very own car for the first time.

But it is important to remember that re-examining an insurance policy is a part of that step. Whether mom got a new car and the teenager becomes the primary driver of the old station wagon or dad bought a new truck and gave the old sedan to the teenager, it is important to go back over the Florida auto insurance quote after the holidays to make sure everyone has sufficient coverage.

“We see a lot of people who get a car as a Christmas gift and they want to give their old car to their teenager,” said Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc. “This can work out easily but it is important to have the Florida car insurance filed correctly in case something happens.”

Teenagers in cars need to be closely monitored to make sure they are not using electronic devices while they are driving. Many states outlaw using smartphones while behind the wheel, but some other states are even stricter when it comes to teenagers and mobile phones.

Florida does not have any laws restricting mobile phone use, which makes it even more important that parents keep a close eye on driving teenagers.

To learn more about how to get a great Florida auto insurance premium, visit http://www.agicinsurance.com or call AGIC Insurance at 1-877-854-0123.

January 27, 2012 in Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Medicare Supplement Leads are Trending Says Benepath.net CEO

Insurance agents know the value of Medicare supplements leads. They can turn a modest agency into a thriving business.

“It’s not hard to sell Medicare supplement leads and with good reason,” says Clelland Green, RHU, CEO, and president of Benepath.net in Pennsylvania. “The next few years will see even more Americans become a part of the Grey Wave sweeping across the nation. These individuals will become eligible for Medicare and as a result, will need Medicare supplements to fill in any gaps in coverage. This is where an enterprising insurance agent comes in.”

The modern way of sourcing business is to purchase Medicare supplement leads. For certain, the new way beats the old way of trying to sell Medicare supplements to every homeowner an agent could find, on the theory that anyone who owned a house could benefit from Medicare protection. Times have changed and so have the ratios for converting leads.

“In the ‘olden’ days, every 10 Medicare supplement leads may cough up about three appointments and out of those three appointments, perhaps one sale. Cold calling, word-of-mouth referrals, direct mail and the like did return results, but it was a long, tough road to travel. Welcome to the 21st century and the luxury of one click Medicare supplement leads,” said Green.

Today, insurance agents will grow their business best by buying pre-qualified Medicare supplement leads; leads that come in real time and have not been worked by anyone else. This is important to agents, because if the leads are not exclusive, they have lost any leverage they had to work the lead by the time they eventually get it.

“The direct purchase of exclusive Medicare supplement leads is one of the smartest business moves an agent looking to expand their business can make,” added Green. “It offers them prospects fast, in real time and often results in a high conversion rate because they are dealing with people who ‘want’ the product.”

Gone are the days of 50 to 60 hour work weeks of cold calling, setting up appointments, working leads the old-fashioned way, and not making much money. Buying Medicare supplement leads means the marketing has already been done, and the only thing that remains is to call or meet the potential client. Even though technology moves fast, the innovation of pre-qualified, exclusive insurance leads is a real plus to agents wanting to make their business successful.

To learn more, visit http://www.benepath.net.

January 26, 2012 in Home Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Valuable Holiday Gifts Often Require Homeowners Insurance Policy Adjustment

If Santa tucked a new pair of diamond earrings into the stocking last year, then it is time to adjust the home insurance policy to make sure new valuables are covered.

“A holiday gift with monetary value needs to be added to the insurance policy in case of a catastrophic event,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “People often overlook the valuables they bring into the home.”

That means new jewelry, new electronics or artwork all need to be catalogued and added to the insurance policy. Rogers recommends keeping the receipts for newly purchased items to help keep track of the values. He also suggests adding heirloom items that grandma may have given out as everyone gathered at her house during the holidays.

“If grandma gave you grandpa’s cufflinks or a valuable old watch, those things can be significant and you will want to add them to the policy,” Rogers said. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem like much, but added together heirloom jewelry and artwork can have tangible value.”

A wider variety of catastrophes can threaten the electronics in the home. A fire or flood can create havoc, but an electrical storm can do major damage, too. “High-end electronics often get overlooked when updating insurance policies,” Rogers said. “People put a projector up in the ceiling that drops down to create a movie theatre in the family’s ‘man cave.’ Those are cool to have, but it is smart to get it insured, too.”

It is important to remember to adjust the policy as soon as the gifts are brought home to make sure coverage is sufficient, Rogers said.

To learn more, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

January 25, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Donate a Car or Boat to Charity? Do Not Forget to Adjust the Insurance Policy

Nonprofit organizations, recognizing the cash-strapped times, have recently started offering an alternative as a tax-deductible donation to their cause: giving them an old car.

Sometimes public radio stations will offer a pick up service and allow supporters to donate a car or boat as a donation to the station. Groups like Boat Angel allow you to make tax deductions by giving them your boat of any size or make. Many of these donations happen at the end of the year so that the donation counts toward that year’s income tax cycle.

It is important to remember to change your insurance policy after the donation. If someone gives away an old car or an old boat, the insurance company can adjust the policy so that the old vehicle is no longer being covered.

“Donating an old car or vehicle is good for you twice,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “You get the tax deduction from the donation and you most likely will get a reduction in your insurance policy, too.”

In many cases, the boats, personal watercraft and cars are disassembled for parts, but in some cases, the vehicles are rehabilitated and sold.

“You want to get the car or boat off of your insurance policy as soon as possible after the transaction not only because it will likely save you money, but also because it removes you from being liable for the vehicle,” Rogers said.

The policy can be altered on the same day as the donation if possible, he said.

To learn more, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

January 3, 2012 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Car Features Should Focus on Safety and Not as Much Infotainment and Multitasking Safety Advocates Warn

New vehicles come with many bells and whistles, but for many auto safety advocates, new cars are coming with too many infotainment gadgets and not enough safety features. Bluetooth devices and voice commands allow for hands-free communication, but these features can still create distractions they say. Add to that social networking technology and video screens in dashboards, and it can make for a driving experience that is focused on convenience and entertainment versus just getting to your destination safely.

With pressure mounting on automakers, they are starting to include more state-of-the-art safety features. Some are still optional upgrades, but advocates hope many of these features become standard. Items such as backup cameras and electronic stability control can help drivers prevent accidents. New lane-keeping systems are being developed to trigger a steering wheel to vibrate if a driver has drifted outside a lane. And for those who get too tempted to use their phone while driving, some automakers are offering a feature that blocks phone calls through the vehicle’s phone system – this is a “Do Not Disturb” feature for the modern era.

“Safety features are getting better and more intelligent as auto technology progresses,” said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. “They also help cut down your auto insurance costs, so it benefits you in many ways.”

Parents will like to hear that automakers are including features that prevent speeds of more than 65 miles per hour and a control that keeps the sound system low until the front seat occupants put on their seatbelt.

To learn more about Orlando auto insurance and the Florida Insurance Group, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

December 30, 2011 in Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

With the CLASS Act Over Seniors Look For Long-Term Care Alternatives Notes Next Exit Retirement CEO

When long-term care provisions in the health care reform act were dumped, seniors wondered how they would pay for expensive nursing or home care.

“The abandonment of the long-term care provisions in the health reform act scared millions of American seniors and their families,” said Evan Tunis, president and CEO of Next Exit Retirement, a Boca Raton long-term care insurance broker or West Palm Beach long-term care insurance broker. “What were they going to do to pay for their pricey nursing home or assisted living care? Given the fact that there are 40.3 million seniors in the U.S., this is a bigger issue than many may think.”

To put these numbers into perspective, Senior Journal released statistics that revealed between 2000 and 2010 people in the 45 to 64-year-old age bracket increased to 31.5 percent of the total population, or 81.5 million individuals.

“That age bracket wasn’t the only one to explode,” added Tunis. “So did the 65 and older demographic, growing at a rate of 15.5 percent and topping out at 40.3 million. Those numbers are significant and those in that age bracket may need long-term care, assisted living facilities to stay independent, or nursing home care. If they don’t have long-term care insurance, this will be a major struggle not only for the individual, but the family.”

Make no mistake, this is a very emotional issue and it has a serious impact on the elderly and their caregivers. The White House said it could not find a plan that offered a reasonable premium, and so they killed it, leaving stunned and frightened seniors and caregivers trying to pick up the pieces. With one in five caregivers scouring the Internet for long-term care information and almost 12 percent of Internet browsers trying to find the same information, this is an issue that will not go away.

Long-term care has a life of its own, particularly since the costs are continually creeping upward. For example, a couple who are 65-years-old or older can expect to pay at least $197,000 for their care. If nursing home care is also a part of the equation, that cost may hit over $260,000 to $570,000. “No one has that kind of money on hand, especially not seniors, and Medicaid does not fill the gaps,” Tunis indicated.

With statistics like this facing the aging American population, it is definitely time to emphasize that buying long-term care insurance when younger is a smart move to protect one’s future. As it stands right now, seniors are faced with a lose-lose situation when it comes to trying to maintain their health. The very people that built the nation are being left out in the cold to fend for themselves because the government, once sworn to protect the rights of everyone, is abandoning them to save money.

“I honestly can’t urge you strongly enough to take your health care into your own hands and plan for the future. It is a critical issue. Calling me now to talk about what long-term care policy would suit your circumstances will give you peace of mind, not to mention that you will be able to maintain your independence later on in life because you planned for the future,” Tunis added.

Evan Tunis is with Next Exit Retirement. To learn more about Boca Raton long-term care insurance or West Palm Beach long-term care insurance visit http://www.nextexitretirement.com.

December 30, 2011 in Health Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Health Is the Most Important Asset To Have Says Benepath CEO

Taking care of one’s health is crucial to financial stability. Without health insurance, that stability is threatened.

“While you may think it is a stretch of the imagination to think you could be in debt so deep there is no way out but bankruptcy, this is a reality in America today,” said Clelland Green, RHU, CEO, and president of Benepath in Pennsylvania.
“That isn’t meant to scare you. It is meant to tell you how it is. Feel free to check this out at http://www.pnhp.org/new_bankruptcy_study/Bankruptcy-2009.pdf, where you will find some startling figures that put the medical bankruptcy problem into sharp focus.”

The facts are that medical issues have caused at least 62 percent of all personal bankruptcies filed in the U.S. in 2007. “The cost of medical care has risen sharply since 2007, and continues to rise even as you read this. With those kinds of statistics, the very thought of ‘not’ having health insurance is frightening,” Green added.

Without good health, it becomes increasingly more difficult to hold a job, pay bills, take part in life’s daily tasks, keep a roof over one’s head and put food on the table. The money that does come into the home is paid out to medical expenses; expenses that eventually overwhelm every other bill an individual or family needs to pay. There is no end to paying medical expenses, largely because they are so high to begin with. “For instance, a broken leg may cost $17,000 and up. With a bill that high and other expenses to meet, people just can’t keep up,” Green indicated.

While the cost of insurance may seem prohibitive, it is far less expensive than having to pay a $17,000 or higher medical bill. With insurance, the costs are manageable. Without it, the patient is responsible for all the costs associated with a broken leg including, but not limited to, the ambulance bill, medications, x-rays, materials to set the bone, surgery if required, casting, follow-up care and physiotherapy. That would be one whopper of a bill without insurance.

“It is vitally important to carry health insurance, even in tough economic times, unless you plan to add even more fuel to the fire by being involved in an accident or coming down with pneumonia. If you can deal with the mega bills, then you can manage without insurance. Most of us can’t, and for this reason, even if it means cutting a few corners here and there in the household budget, it makes good, common sense to have health insurance,” stated Green.

To learn more, visit http://www.benepath.com. Benepath is the leading provider of affordable health insurance quotes. Visitors to Benepath.com can get health insurance quotes from top rated insurance companies in all of the United States.

December 30, 2011 in Auto Insurance, Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Florida Drivers Heading North for the Holidays Should Double Check Their Auto Insurance For Peace of Mind

For many Floridians, the winter holidays are a time to see relatives up north. It is important to remember that it takes a different mindset to safely drive in snowy and icy conditions. Florida drivers should check with their relatives to see if there are any precautions they suggest, and call their Florida auto insurance agent to make sure their coverage is current and addresses any concerns they might have.

“For native Floridians who have never driven in snow, let alone dealt with icy roads, the family trip up north can be a stressful one,” said Vincent Payne of AGIC Insurance, Inc., a Florida car insurance company. “Get peace of mind by having a chat with your insurance company and learning more about how to drive in cold climates.”

Sometimes the most basic tips are helpful to arrive at the family’s snowy holiday destination. Trips can take longer in wintry conditions, so make sure to give the driver extra time to drive safely. Driving slower is important when it is sleeting, icy, or snowing, as it does take longer to brake, turn, and even accelerate in these conditions. Make sure to not ride the bumper of any cars in front, as braking can get tricky in winter weather.

“Make sure your cellphone is charged and the gas tank is full if you know you will be heading into dangerous weather,” said Payne. “Having properly inflated tires helps too and buy a scraper to use up north to get frost or snow off your automobile.”

Other basics to know are to be extra careful when driving over bridges or areas that do not get much light. Cruise control should also be avoided when the road is slippery as sudden braking or accelerating can cause hydroplaning.

AGIC Insurance, Inc. makes it easy for drivers to be prepared for holiday driving. Over the phone or online, drivers can get assistance and learn more about their affordable Florida auto insurance quotes. To learn more, click on http://www.agicinsurance.com or call 1-877-854-0123.

December 29, 2011 in Insurance, Insurance News by jferris

Health Insurance Leads Need to Be Worked Quickly Says Benepath CEO

To get the most out of health insurance leads, they need to be worked quickly. The faster someone receives a phone call, the quicker the sale.

“Health insurance leads are gold and need to be worked as soon as you get them,” commented Clelland Green, RHU, CEO, and president of Benepath.net in Pennsylvania. “And the reason for that is when people have made the decision to buy, they tend to call for information and want their insurance right away before they change their minds.”

Before picking up the phone and calling a health insurance lead, be prepared with all the information they requested and have even more on hand, just in case. “Marketing insurance isn’t always easy and it is better to be over prepared by having too much information, rather than not enough,” added Green. “The main thing to remember is to answer their questions and ask some of your own. This puts the conversation on a more personable level, like you were talking to them across a coffee table. Anyone searching for the right health insurance will have lots of questions, and if you can answer them, that may mean a sale.”

To work successfully with health insurance leads, make certain they are real time leads delivered within minutes of the query for more information being received through an online form. These potential clients are expecting a call and will appreciate the promptness of the response. “Fresh leads delivered directly to your inbox are well worth the investment as they are exclusive to only you,” Green said. “This provides you with a leg up over other agents who did not opt for exclusive leads and find out they are sharing them with at least five to six others.”

In today’s busy world, there is the chance that when the request for information is made by the agent, that the person who asked to be contacted may not be available when called. Often it takes several tries to reach someone, but keep calling and leave a voice message if that option is provided. Not leaving a message is the equivalent to not calling in the first place. “And if you want to be a successful insurance agent, you will utilize every marketing tool you can think of to make a sale. Using exclusive health insurance leads is one of the best tools you could have in your marketing arsenal,” Green remarked.

To learn more, visit http://www.benepath.net. Benepath is the leading provider of health insurance leads. Visitors to Benepath.com can learn more about getting exclusive health insurance leads from all of the United States.