Understanding Health Insurance Coverage: A Primer

by: Peter Lenkefi

Health Insurance Coverage: What are ‘Covered’ Services? Health insurance coverage is a contract used to determine medical benefits that are covered, or not covered, between you and your insurance provider. The insurance company, based on a fee that you provide them on a regular basis, promises to pay health insurance coverage on certain items or benefits listed in that contract. These are called ‘covered’ services. ‘Covered’ services can include a wide variety of things, such as implements, prescriptions, services (such as massage), checkups, tests and/or research. Your contract should also list all of the things NOT covered in your health insurance coverage – these are items or services that you will need to pay for out of your own pocket, should you require them. Health Insurance Coverage: What is a Medical Necessity? How is this Different from Covered Services? Just as it seems, a medical necessity is something that your health professional has deemed a required service/ item that will affect your health negatively should you decide not to purchase it. However, just because your doctor tells you something is a medical necessity does not mean your health insurance actually offers coverage for it. Since insurance companies decide what health coverage they will and will not provide, you really have no leeway in this area. Health Insurance Coverage: What Do I Do? Most doctors try and keep themselves abreast as to what the major insurance companies do, and do not cover when it comes to health coverage. However, there are a LOT of plans out there, so this just isn’t enough. So how can you avoid any nasty surprises during an emergency? Read your health insurance coverage. You’re better off knowing what your health insurance company will, and will not provide coverage for right off the bat. Then, if your doctor decides on a treatment plan that isn’t covered, you can ask for alternatives that may be. If there are questions regarding your health insurance coverage, do not hesitate to contact the insurance company. Questions are good, and they expect them. Health Insurance Coverage: What Do I Do if Something I Need Isn’t Covered? The gross majority of what your doctor orders for you will be covered in your health insurance plan. If you do get a treatment or supply that isn’t covered, you can always challenge the health insurance coverage. You may not be the only one who requires the same type of service, benefit or item – so you’ll end up fighting not just for yourself, but for others in the same situation. Ask your doctor for their side, and use this in your claim. It may not help in the end, but if your doctor is on your side, you may be able to convince the health insurance company that coverage is required. About the author: For more more information about health insurance coverage please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/Health-Insurance-Coverage.php

Top Five Health Insurance Plans

by: David Chandler

Since competition in terms of health insurance is on the rise, it is no wonder that more and more forms of health insurance are being designed. Among these, there are few that are popular and they are briefly described below. Individual Insurance: Ensuring a person individually is a common mode of insurance. One may be selective about what s/he wants in a plan through this process. Accordingly, one has required premium is calculated, and the insurance plan takes effect. Group Insurance: Another type of insurance is the group arrangement. Through this type of insurance, one is compelled to abide by what others are going for, and this is dependent on the insurance providers. They are the ones that decide what is feasible to include in a plan, and on that basis, a group insurance can take place. Indemnity Plan: This plan allows one to go to any doctor when one needs to; there are no restrictions on this, and it is believed to be more of a traditional plan. One does not need permission to go to a particular health care provider. However, usually what happens is that the member pays 20% of the total fee for treatment while the insurance provider pays 80%. In addition to this, there is a period through which one pays up in this manner, and then the company takes over paying the whole 100%. HMO: The Health Maintenance Organization is one that allows a member to select a particular doctor off the panel. It is these selected doctors that will deal will with members' problems. The selected doctor is the one that will be approached for checkups of any kind, and if there are problems with a member that cannot be handled by him or her, the member is referred to specialists. About the author: For more information, visit http://www.healthinsuranceinfocenter.com

How to Shop for Individual Health Insurance

by: Keith Thompson

If you find yourself in the position of shopping for an individual health insurance policy, there are certain things you'll want to keep in mind. Whether you are coming out of a job that covered you before, or are at the end of your COBRA benefits, or simply have never had coverage before there are things you can do to get coverage on yourself and your loved ones. The basic thing to know is that if you have a shot a group health insurance, whether through a job or an association you're a member of, that is usually much more affordable than buying individual health insurance on your own. First you need to figure out your health insurance goals; in other words, what are you after? If you're young, healthy as a horse, no dependents and not attempting Mt. Everest next week, you may want to opt for a policy that covers only the catastrophes, and cover the rest out-of-pocket. On the flip side of that, if you're the sole bread winner with a family to support, the scenario is different. The basic choices you'll have are Fee-for-Service, Managed Care Plans, and Association-based health insurance. Fee-for-service is the traditional indemnity plan, harder to acquire, more expensive, but usually great coverage. Managed care plans include most HMO's and PPO's. These offer lower costs but your choices are somewhat limited. Another way to get insured is through a group or association you may already be a member of, such as professional, religious or trade organizations. Often they may offer health insurance. It's worth checking out, as sometimes you can strike gold in this vein. Things to consider when you're looking for any policy are what's covered on this plan, how much are the monthly premiums, what is the yearly out-of-pocket, what is the deductible, how much are office visits, does it cover preventative medicine, vision, dental? And I'm sure you can come up with many of your own. Sit down before you go shopping and make a list of your needs and wants, and decide in advance what you're willing to give to get. Be aware that once you start getting quotes they can vary as much as 50% for the same person! Remember, you're shopping, and nobody's making you do anything. If one insurer isn't cutting it, move on to another. If you're coming at this cold and have no good recommendations it may be wise to use a broker who represents several companies, as he or she wil be more likely to find the best policy for you, as opposed to selling the company they work for. Shopping for individual health insurance can be frustrating and time-consuming, but if you come armed with facts you'll be able to navigate this highly competitive and ever-changing field. About the author: Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.health-insurance.giftsforbiz.com,a site geared toward helping you find great individual health insurance!

How To Get Fit And Slash Your Health Insurance Costs

by: Neil Stelling

Okay, before we start, let me explain the purpose of this article. I want you to get so healthy, you'll never need to make a health insurance claim. You'll save money by increased fitness. You'll save money with a long no-claims insurance history. And you'll look and feel much better. There's three sides to your maximum health and fitness. Diet, and Exercise. But that's only two ! Let me split Exercise into Aerobic exercise and Aneorobic exercise. Get all three right. Get the right balance. And you'll get as fit and healthy as your body and genetics will allow. Whole forests of paper have been filled with advice on each of these fitness factors. Just go into your local bookstore, and see shelves of diet advice. Shelves of exercise advice. Funny how so much contradicts itself, especially for diet e.g right next to each other on the shelf, you'll find a book advocating low carbs & low fat; another saying high fat is okay if you keep the carbs low. Yet another focuses on high protein, and says carbs don't matter... * Diet Let me give you this simple diet advice. Stick to low fat, low carbs and high protein. Many medical and weight loss studies over the last 10-20 years prove this approach. Many other diet myths come from way back in time, and look just plain wrong when analyzed with modern methods. * Aerobic Exercise Couch potatoes don't realize how easily they can start feeling fit and healthy. Just walk somewhere 3-4 times per week, for around 20 minutes each time. Ideally, do some more demanding aerobic exercise. I do a lot of cycling, because it's great low-impact exercise. And I get to see beautiful scenery while I ride. Running provides even more intensive aerobic exercise, but careful of your joints. Maybe you prefer hiking, to see the local countryside ? Or take up a sport like rowing or tennis. You also get to meet new friends by taking up exercise as a sport. * Anaerobic Exercise Many people work on their diet. Many people take aerobic exercise. But many people ignore anaerobic exercise, or weight training. What makes weight training so important ? As you get older, muscle mass decreases. Muscle burns fat. So as you lose muscle, it gets harder to keep the fat off. Equally important, weight training can reshape your body. No matter how much aerobic exercise you do, you'll still be a pear shape (a smaller pear shape) if you started out a pear shape. Using weights you can flatten your stomach, tone your thighs, bulk up your chest and shoulders, and reshape your body any way you want. Weight training is incredibly beneficial to your general skeleton strength and conditioning. Older women can reduce the effects of osteoporosis, and older men can maintain their strength and agility. This short article can do nothing more than provide an introduction to the three keys to your health. Follow these and you shouldn't need to make a health insurance claim. Slash your health insurance costs with a long no-claims bonus. Slash your health insurance costs with any insurer who rates your fitness. About the author: ========================================================== "How To Get Fit And Slash Your Health Insurance Costs" - by Neil Stelling BSc, MBA © DigiLectual Inc. 2004 http://www.healthinsurance--quotes.com/ ===========================================================

How To Choose A Health Insurance Plan

by: Ron King

Are you thinking about buying health insurance? With so many different alternatives, it is difficult to know which to choose. When choosing a health insurance plan, never base your decision solely on the monthly premium. There are many other cost factors -- deductibles, co-payments, and the like -- that will determine the true price tag of your insurance. You'll need to read the fine print of the health insurance plan, including what it does and does not cover, the in-network versus out-of-network coverage and costs, claims processing procedures, and the coverage limits. Know Your Health Care Needs The first step is to review the scope of your needs: coverage just for yourself, for a large family, or something in between? Next assess the health needs for all you intend to include in your health insurance plan. Are there any pre-existing conditions to consider? Does someone need to have access to certain medical specialists or medical institutions? Research and Compare Your Options The answers to the above questions will give you a good starting point in your search for the right health insurance plan. Next, you need to explore your options. If you're getting group insurance through your employer, your options will be limited to what the company offers. Otherwise, you'll need to more research and comparison shopping. At a minimum, you have to understand the difference between the 2 basic types of health insurance plans offered today: the Indemnity Plan, and the Managed Care Plan with its variants. Indemnity Plans and Managed Care An Indemnity Plan offers the freedom to choose when and where you will seek medical assistance. Along with this freedom usually comes higher out-of-pocket costs. For many this is a fair trade-off. Managed Care Plans are more restrictive, and require you to utilize the medical professionals and institutions that are part of the plan's "network." Participants often need pre-approval for medical services that are beyond basic preventive care. The costs for this type of plan are usually lower than Indemnity Plans. For those who are basically healthy, don't mind who provides their medical services, and who need to control medical costs, Managed Care Plans are usually the better choice. This is a very basic comparison of the types of health insurance plans available. It is a first step in your own data gathering and analysis process. Select The Right Company Once you've done your homework and know what you want, you need to choose the right health insurance company. Many companies offer health insurance, from well-known corporate giants to small independent outlets. As with any major purchase, you'll want to research these companies before making a final decision. Also, find out which state or federal agency regulates the type of health insurance you're considering, in case you have questions or experience problems. Each type of health care plan has advantages and disadvantages. It is in your best interest to research thoroughly, so that the health plan you choose will be the right one for you and your family. For today and for years to come. About the author: Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visithttp://www.healthinsuring.comto learn more about this subject. Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted only if the resource box is left intact.

Is Pet Health Insurance an Option?

by: Peter Lenkefi

Most pet owners aren’t aware that health insurance for their loved animals has been available for about 15 years now. However, both the availability and restrictions on most plans have made this type of health insurance out of reach for most pet owners. Interestingly enough, pet health insurance has changed in the past couple of years. Now, animal owners are able to afford medical procedures previously prohibitive because of the cost. But many skeptics are concerned that health insurance for pets will see an increase in the red tape us humans already encounter every day. Animal medicine is one of the few health care services that isn’t financially dependent on health insurance. Medical, dental, surgical and pharmaceuticals are all pretty much covered by health insurance in humans, but veterinary patients are responsible for all of that, themselves. Or, at least their owners are. Health insurance for pets is very similar to insurance for humans. The same fees, deductibles, coverage rates and plans are all in place, with different plans based on the age, species, and general health of your pet. Most health insurance policies for animals start around the 6-8 week range, but when the policies end depend on a variety of factors, mostly decided by the health insurance company. Some have age limits, and some don’t. And just like with humans, some health insurance companies will only accept your pet on their plan if they are healthy; others will accept them only if they have had a stable condition for more than six months in a row. Currently, deductibles stand around $100 for pet health insurance. Policy costs vary as much as human health insurance does, unfortunately. Some depend on what types and kind of coverage is desired, and yet others are just blanket coverage catch-alls. Some may only cover accidents and illnesses. And more pets usually means a reduced health insurance rate for subsequent animals. But what if you decide that an health insurance policy is not right for you, and your pet? There are other options, of course! First, discuss your situation with your Veterinarian. Some animal hospitals offer packages that aren’t quite health insurance, but can offer a rate deal of some sorts on more mundane medical procedures (spaying/neutering, vaccinations, etc.), or packages for your aging animal. Secondly, research plans that offer discounts on animal health services. PetAssure is one of these companies, but there are a myriad of not-for-profits that may offer this as a side benefit when you join. Or, these same animal not-for-profits may offer financial assistance for pet owners whose health costs are beyond their means – a sort of emergency fund, if you will. All in all, it depends on you, and your pet(s), whether or not pet health insurance is the right choice. Hopefully, with the help of this article, your choice will be an informed one. About the author: For more more information about pet health insurance please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/The-Important-of-Health-Insurance.php

Health Care Costs Are Rising At Epidemic Proportions - Here's How To Protect Yourself

by: Blaine G. Dares

Health care costs are now approaching 15% of our national economy and the economic repercussions have been felt by most American families as employers are unwilling to absorb the bulk of the health care cost burden. In 2004, employer health insurance premiums increased by 11.2% - nearly four times the rate of inflation. The annual premium for an employer health plan covering a family of four averaged nearly $10,000. The annual premium for single coverage averaged $3,695. Health insurance premiums will rise to an average of more than $14,500 for family coverage in 2006. In 2004, health care spending in the United States reached $1.7 trillion, and is projected to reach $1.9 trillion in 2005. Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense. Overall national health care costs will increase further with the implementation of Medicare prescription drug coverage. Too many Americans are uninsured while even a greater percentage have no insurance at all. Uninsured individuals also present a problem for hospitals and other providers who must provide treatment in catastrophic situations without compensation. Many employees receive restricted coverage and insurance plans that are negotiated between employers and insurance providers limit coverage to a single insurance carrier or an HMO. Prescription drugs are the fastest-growing part of the nation's health care expense. Pharmacy bills have become a significant item in the budget of most families. For 37% of Americans without prescription coverage, the problem is critical. Especially for seniors who constitute 12% of the population but use 37% of prescription drugs. The rest especially those without health insurance, is significantly affected by high drug prices. What has caused this cost increase? Much of it is due to a riddled health care system of excessive administrative expenses, inflated prices, poor management, inappropriate care, waste and fraud. These problems significantly increase the cost of medical care and health insurance for employers and workers. On the other side of the cost issue there is the recent development of new effective medications for a variety of illnesses. Such newer "brand name" medications are patent-protected and cost far more than generic medications. The drug industry argues that the higher cost of new medications helps fund research and development of even newer medicines. Many critics argue that much of the research and development of pharmaceutical products is actually government funded. Also contributing to the cost increase is marketing. As this is 30% of a drug manufacturer's budget. Brand-name U.S drug makers were reported to employ 81% more people in marketing than in research and development of much needed drugs. Policymakers and government officials agree that health care costs must be controlled. But they disagree on the best ways to address rapidly escalating health spending. Some favor price controls and imposing strict budgets on health care spending. Others believe free market competition is the best way to solve the problems but if people can't afford it, how will they protect themselves and their family? Well there is something you can do and that's become apart of the solution and not the problem by learning more about our troubled medical industry. Visit http://www.medicalcardsavings.com and sign up to our weekly ezine and receive our Free ebook for complete details and answers to these questions and mo Share this article with others and we will reward you with cash and more subscribers. for your eZine. http://www.medicalcardsavings.com/ezinepublisher.html About the author: Blaine Dares is the President of Medical Card Savings USA Saving over 1 Million Americans over $100 Million on Dental, Medical, Prescriptions, Vision & Chiropractic Care. Instant Nationwide Savings. For complete details visit http://www.medicalcardsavings.com

Health Insurance and Health Care

by: Mike Yeager

Health insurance is something that everyone needs today. The rising cost of visiting a health care provider or a hospital stay makes it imperative that everyone have some type of health care coverage. Government statistics estimate that over 40 million people in America are not covered by any type of health insurance on any given day. That's an enormous number of people who really are taking a financial risk. Even if you're on a tight, limited budget, it's very important that you pick up some kind of affordable health insurance. Even if you only have a plan that covers unexpected hospitalization, your peace of mind will be greatly enhanced. Keep in mind that a catastrophic health insurance policy can come with a high deductible before their coverage kicks in. They don't pick up the cost of preventive physician visits or emergency room visits to get a few stitches. Some questions to ask when considering affordable health insurance. 1) Can your and/or your family afford to pay ALL your medical expenses if you're sick or injured? 2) How much is the deductible? 3) How much are the premiums? With a little searching and comparison shopping you find the best rate for your personal affordable health insurance. About the author: Mike Yeager Author/Publisher http://www.a1-healthinsurance-4u.com/

Health Insurance - Are You Covered?

by: Jeff Lakie

With the ever-increasing cost of health care, procedures and medicines, it's no wonder that the cost of health insurance has also dramatically risen over the past few years. But as that's happened, insurance companies and the government have seen the potential negative impact of families and individuals without insurance. There are some things you can do if you don't have health insurance. A federal mandate requires that all 50 states have a health insurance program for children. Each state was allowed to create a plan tailored to the needs of children in that state, but there are some things that are the same from one state to the next. The first is eligibility. Government funded health programs typically have very stringent income guidelines. These health insurance programs have income requirements, but the criteria allow higher income than most programs. Another criteria for participation is that the child isn't covered by any other health insurance. That differs from most programs in a very important way. Most programs say that if the family has access to insurance, they aren't eligible. That means that parents who have employer-based insurance don't qualify. But many of the employer-based plans are too expensive, and workers sometimes simply can't afford the premiums. This program is designed to help fill that gap. These programs don't cover families - only children. But there are some great benefits for those who qualify. Some states offer mental health benefits, transportation to and from appointments and dental/vision benefits. If your children don't qualify for this program, or if you're in the market for individual health insurance for an adult or private insurance for a family, you have some options. Even though insurance is typically very expensive, you can take some steps to control costs. You can eliminate extras such as vision and dental coverage, and increase deductibles to lower the cost of your insurance premiums. Look for policies that don't include maternity benefits and cancer plans as more affordable general health insurance plans. Basic coverage will likely be less expensive than an all-inclusive health insurance program. Finally, shop before you make a decision. Even if you're offered employer-based insurance, you might find a better deal elsewhere (depending on the amount of employer participation). Look to professional groups for discounts and advice. About the author: Jeff Lakie is the founder of Insurance Resources a website providing information onInsurance

Health Plans

by: Dave Markel

Choosing a health insurance plan that is best for you and your family is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Choosing between health plans is not as easy as it once was. Although there is no one best plan, there are some plans that will be better than others for you and your family's health needs. Plans differ, both in how much you have to pay and how easy it is to get the services you need. No plan will pay for all the costs associated with your medical care, some plans will cover more than others. Most Americans have health insurance through their employers, and every year more employers offer insurance coverage by managed care organizations (MCOs). Today, Americans are in an era of managed care. It's a new experience for most people. Managed care companies may decide what doctor you will see and when, and what treatments will be covered. It requires you to make some important decisions because not all managed care plans are the same. In choosing a health insurance plan, you have to decide what is most important to you. All plans have tradeoffs. It is worth asking yourself a few questions such as: • How comprehensive do you want coverage of health care services to be? • How do you feel about limits on your choice of doctors or hospitals? • How do you feel about a primary care doctor referring you to specialists for additional care? • How convenient does your care need to be? • How important is the cost of services? • How much are you willing to spend on health insurance premiums and other health care costs? • How do you feel about keeping receipts and filing claims? You might also want to think about whether the services that a health insurance plan offers meet your needs. Call the plan for details about coverage if you have questions. It is worth considering the following: • Life changes you may be thinking about, such as starting a family or retiring. • Chronic health conditions or disabilities that you or family members have. • If you or anyone in your family will need care for the elderly. • Care for family members who travel a lot, attend college, or spend time at two homes Most health insurance plans provide basic medical coverage, but the details are what count. The best plan for someone else may not be the best plan for you. For each plan you are considering it pays off to find out about a range of things from physical examinations and health screenings, care by specialists and prescription drugs to vision care and dental services. It is also important to find out about the various offered services such as medical counseling as well as what is on offer. Ask if a certain service is limited or not covered. You should find out if what is provided is what you require and if there are special programs for certain types of illness. It is also worth finding out about medicines and equipment that may be needed. Find out what types of care or services the plan will not pay for. These are usually called exclusions. Few indemnity and managed care plans cover treatments that are experimental. Ask how the plan decides what is or is not experimental. Find out what you can do if you disagree with a plan's decision on medical care or coverage. Finally you should think about the location of services and how far you may be prepared to go for care. On this subject you should consider whether or not the plan handles care when you are away from home. After you review what benefits are available and decide what is important to you, you can compare plans. Many things should be considered. These include services offered, choice of providers, location, and costs. The quality of care is also a factor to think about. About the author: For more great articles about Choosing a Health Plan visit http://for-more-info.com/health/health-insurance.html

Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance

by: Ray Shelton

Car insurance is required by all licensed drivers but many of them don’t know how to find the best rates available. Being complacent and purchasing car insurance without carefully investigating your options or maintaining the same car insurance for the remainder of your life could mean that you are paying too much for your car insurance. Comparison shopping, ensuring that you are receiving all the discounts you qualify for and maintaining a clean driving record are just a few of the money saving tips that can save you a fortune on car insurance. Comparison shopping for car insurance, even after you are already insured, cannot be underestimated. It is critical that you investigate all of your options before choosing an insurance provider to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate on your car insurance. There are so many factors considered in car insurance policies such as where you live, your driving record, your age and the type of car you drive just to name a few. With all of these factors to consider, it is very possible that you will find that there is a car insurance provider who will offer you a considerably lower rate than other providers. Even after you have secured insurance for your car, it is wise to periodically check the rates that other providers will offer you. Car insurance as well as your circumstances are perpetually changing and you may find that the provider who is willing to offer you the best car insurance rate varies periodically. Many car insurance providers offer a host of discounts to their clients who qualify for these discounts. These discounts can relate to your driving record, safety features of your car, your age or other factors. These discounts can result in a tremendous cost savings on your car insurance policy but while many insurance providers offer these discounts, they don’t always advertise them. This means that you may have to do research to determine what type of discounts you may qualify to receive. Carefully, review your car insurance policy to determine which discounts you are already receiving and then contact your car insurance provider to inquire about other discounts that may be available. For example if your driving record is devoid of accidents or tickets, you may qualify for a good driver discount. Also, if your car has certain safety features such as daytime running lights, you may also qualify for car insurance discounts. Your age can also qualify you for certain car insurance discounts. Some insurance providers also offer discounts to those who insure their house with the same company as they insure their car. Taking advantage of this type of discount can save you money on both your car and home insurance. Being aware of the discounts that are available and ensuring that you are receiving these discounts, can save you a great deal of money on your car insurance. Finally, maintaining a clean driving record is very important to receiving the best available car insurance rate. While it is true that each car insurance provider is unique in the factors that contribute to lower rates, the one factor that is consistent among all providers of car insurance is that a clean driving record is critical to your rate. Although accidents are sometimes unavoidable, it is imperative that you adhere to all traffic regulations and that you drive safely at all times. This will reduce the number of traffic violations that you incur as well as the number of accidents that you cause. Following these tips will help you to maintain a clean driving record that will keep the cost of your car insurance low. Many drivers lament paying their monthly car insurance bill because they feel as though the insurance isn’t necessary. Although car insurance is a financial burden that seems superfluous, it does pay off if you are ever in a serious car accident that has significant financial ramifications. For this reason, you should never consider allowing your car insurance to lapse and it is recommended that you search diligently to find the best available rate on your car insurance. About the author: Get all the information you need about car insurance at: http://www.1-in-insurance.com

Auto Insurance Rates

by: Sher Matsen

will vary depending on the insurance agency, your driving record, and the type of insurance you are looking to purchase. I you are looking for affordable car insurance or truck insurance then read on. There are ways to reduce your premiums without giving up coverage. One of the easiest things to do is get auto insurance rate quotes online. This will allow you to comparative shop stress free. Raising your deductibles is the easiest way to reduce your rates. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium will be. The deductible is the portion you will have to pay in the event of accident, before your insurance coverage steps in. It’s important not to carry a deductible that’s more than what you are able to pay. Your insurance company will not honor its portion of the claim until you’ve paid your deductible. However, the higher your deductible the lower your premium cost will be, so you need to find a Always remember to ask your insurance broker for any available discounts. Quite often we forget to ask and they don’t seem to volunteer the information. A clean record on the current policy for a certain period of time, having your homeowner's coverage with the same insurer, taking a defensive driving course, having an accident free driving record, and having an approved anti-theft device will reduce your auto insurance rates. The type of car you drive can also reduce your rates. Stay away from cars that have a high class rating. Rates vary among the different makes and models of vehicles. The different rates are based on the risk of accident, cost to repair, higher theft rates for a particular model and replacement costs such as with a new vehicle. So be sure your vehicle isn’t going to be in a category that increases your rates too much. A safe driving record consisting of no accidents and no traffic violations will get you the most substantial discount. Most insurance companies are very good at recognizing good driving habits. These are the drivers they want to insure because their risk is much lower. If the car is old and not very valuable, comprehensive insurance is probably not worth buying as it can quickly add up to more than you’d ever receive in the event of an accident. You can save up to 20% by eliminating collision insurance. You may want to opt not to carry collision insurance as well which can save you and additional 20%. Check around to make sure you are getting the best auto rates you can. Online auto insurance shopping has taken the guess work out of buying insurance and you can very quickly see if you are being hosed. So if your insurance is coming due now is the time to start shopping!. About the author: Sher from The Auto Insurance Center has been serving customers for over 20 years. Please visit us at http://www.all-auto-insurance.com/

GE Mortgage Insurance Issues Statement on S&P Credit Watch Action

by:

Contact: Terry Souers of GE Mortgage Insurance, 919-846-4459 or terry.souers@ge.com RALEIGH, N.C., June 27 /U.S. Newswire/ -- GE Mortgage Insurance today released the following statement in response to the decision by Standard and Poor's to put GE Mortgage Insurance on CreditWatch: S&P made its decision despite the fact that our capital position has never been stronger. The S&P action is based on a change in S&P's rating methodology, not on any change in the financial condition of GE Mortgage Insurance. S&P noted that changes within its rating criteria "now limit the rating support for a strategically important subsidiary to one notch below the parent's rating" unless there is a significant explicit support agreement from a higher rated parent. We believe we have such an agreement from GE Capital, which is rated AAA by Standard & Poor's. Our implicit and explicit support from GE Capital has not changed. GE Mortgage Insurance always has been one of the strongest capitalized participants in the mortgage insurance industry and continues to hold capital well in excess of S&P "AAA" requirements. In fact, we have operated with the lowest Risk to Capital Ratio (the industry measure of capitalization given a company's portfolio of risk) in the industry for the last five years. The other two rating agencies, Moody's and Fitch, continue to recognize the unmatched financial strength of GE Mortgage Insurance. Both agencies recently reaffirmed their ratings for the company at "AAA," their highest levels. We appreciate the fact that Standard & Poor's sees GE Mortgage Insurance as having "strong fundamentals" and "very strong earnings and market position, extremely strong capitalization, and deep and experienced management." Those factors make it clear why GE Insurance includes credit enhancements such as mortgage insurance in its vision for the future. GE Mortgage Insurance (Web site: http://www.gemortgageinsurance.com) is part of GE Insurance, a global family of insurance and reinsurance businesses with $13.6 billion in premiums and assets of $188 billion. GE Insurance provides life insurance, retirement income products, property and casualty insurance, risk prevention services, mortgage insurance, and selective financial guarantee insurance. GE Insurance is part of General Electric Company, a diversified services, technology and manufacturing company with operations worldwide. http://www.usnewswire.com/

Build Your Own Insurance Business with InsureAmerica

by: Casey Coke

Dallas-based InsureAmerica Management Company has released a new Internet site, www.byoib.com, to aid in recruitment of nationwide health insurance agents. Complete with commission examples, earnings potential breakdowns and an income potential calculator, interested health insurance agents can get a good look at the opportunity InsureAmerica has to offer. The new website is part of the company’s aggressive growth and expansion plan to further extend its national reach. “We know we have a business opportunity and a system that health insurance agents and agency owners can be successful with. We just needed an avenue to express this,” states Dan Roberts, Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “The days of simple newspaper ads are a thing of the past. People want more information and want to know what you can do for them. This is what our recruiting site is about…the agents and what we can do to make them successful.” The website address, www.byoib.com, comes from the acronym of the phrase Build Your Own Insurance Business, which is the recurring theme of the website. InsureAmerica isn’t about selling health insurance. It’s goal is to also help others grow their own businesses. “Selling health insurance and running your own insurance office is a daunting task and at times agents can feel like they are all alone. Through this website we want to convey to potential agents that we are here to help them and that they are not successful because of us, but that we are successful because of them. We have people in our group that have built very lucrative businesses and enjoy helping others do the same,” says Dan Roberts, Vice President, Sales and Marketing. In addition to being able to see commissions and earnings information, potential agents can find out more about the products that InsureAmerica represents, the in-house lead program and company background. About InsureAmerica Headquartered in Dallas, TX, InsureAmerica has been providing individuals and small businesses with quality health insurance for 17 years. The company has a nationwide presence with agents in 30 states. Insurance of America offers health insurance, life insurance and health savings accounts, among other products. All products are provided by A-rated or better carriers and endorsed by the National Business Association.

Auto Loans

by: Joel Walsh

Choose the wrong auto loan and you might drastically increase the chances of defaulting and losing your car. Find out step-by-step how to avoid a money pit. Car loans are certainly less costly than home mortgages, student loans, or other kinds of loans. So why do so many people end up defaulting and losing their cars? Find out these hidden dangers: Biggest Hidden Car Loan Danger: The Inherent Money Pit Unlike home mortgages, student loans or other big-ticket loans, car loans are inherently money pits. A house can build equity; higher education can increase earning potential; even jewelry can sometimes be re-sold for as much as was paid for it. If you borrow to buy one of those things, you may eventually get a return on investment. But every single car loses significant value and keeps losing it as time goes by. Solution: spend as little on your car as possible. Of course, in order to spend as little as possible over the life of the vehicle, you need to get a well-made, fuel-efficient car, rather than the one with the lowest price on the windshield. But a pickup truck, SUV, sports car, or "luxury" model is a guaranteed money-loser. Don’t worry about what other people will think. Think about it: when was the last time you saw an expensive automobile and thought, "I really like and respect whoever owns that!" The best buy? Many economists actually recommend buying a used car that's a year or two old. That way you can actually benefit from the fact that cars only drop in value. Even a car that’s just six months old may offer you a substantial savings. Just have it inspected thoroughly so you don't lose what you've saved on maintenance payments. Hidden Car Loans Danger: Dangerously High Monthly Payments Unfortunately, most people never figure out the total cost before signing on the dotted line. They end up staying up late at night trying to figure out how to make ends meet. They live in smaller houses. They skip going out at night. They don’t go on vacation. All that sacrifice to have a brand-new SUV in the driveway! Take a hard look at your finances, and figure out how much you can pay total each month for your car. Be sure to take into account insurance, tax, maintenance, and fuel. Usually, when people actually do calculate the total monthly cost of the car they’re considering buying, they’re amazed by how high it is. How Much Car Debt Can You Afford? 1) Make a list of your average monthly non-car expenses, and subtract them from your earnings. -___your monthly after-income-tax income -___any other taxes -___housing (including any fees and property taxes, and utilities) -___food -___health insurance or HMO -___life insurance -___debt payments -___401 (k), IRA, or other long-term savings -___short-term savings -___telephone, cellular phone, cable, internet, etc. -___entertainment and fun stuff (be honest!) -___cost of yearly vacation(s) divided by 12 -___other expenses = ____what you can spend on a car 2) Subtract your monthly car-related expenses from the amount you have left over from your other expenses. ___What you can spend on a car (from above) -___Amount you’re spending per month on gas (raise or lower this figure depending on whether you are getting a car with higher or lower gas mileage). -___Monthly maintenance (remember: your new car won’t stay new long, so maintenance will be an issue). -___Monthly insurance (remember that for a new car, your insurance premiums may go up). -___Tax. = ____ Maximum monthly loan payment. Now plug the number above into a vehicle loan rate calculator to figure out big of a car loan, and how much interest you can afford. Final Hidden Auto Loan Danger: Unnecessarily High Rates If you simply take the first loan the dealer offers you, you are probably paying too much. Do some comparison shopping on the internet, and bring a list of the best loans with you when you negotiate loan terms with the dealer. Don’t let the dealer cheat you by shifting the cost from the car loan to the car price to the deal on your trade-in. Make sure you get a good deal overall. Congratulations! You now are far better prepared to stay out of an auto loan money pit than the vast majority of car buyers.