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Car Insurance : 6 Free Or Low

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:16:00 +0000

Medicaid is a social-welfare program that provides comprehensive government-based health insurance to low-income people. Medicaid is free health insurance for those who qualify. In most cases, there are no monthly premiums, and there is no or minimal cost-sharing in the form of deductibles or copayments.

Medicaid works slightly differently in each state, but to be eligible, you must meet low-income guidelines, which vary depending on factors such as age, pregnancy, and whether you’re disabled. In many states, adults under the age of 65 will qualify for Medicaid if their household income is no more than 138% of the federal poverty level. Pregnant women and children can generally qualify for Medicaid with household incomes well above that level, but people age 65 and older generally need to have lower incomes as well as low asset levels in order to qualify for Medicaid.

However, some states have stricter eligibility criteria for adults under the age of 65. In those states, you must meet low-income guidelines and also be a member of a medically vulnerable group (people who are pregnant, parents/caretakers of a minor child, elderly, disabled, and children). In other words, there are some states (14 as of early 2021, although it will only be 12 as of mid-2021 ) where being low-income by itself will not make you eligible for Medicaid.

Medicaid may be available to immigrants who have been legally residing in the United States for five years or more if they meet eligibility requirements.

Medicaid isn’t usually available to undocumented immigrants, although there may be exceptions such as short-term limited Medicaid coverage in emergency situations, and emergency coverage for people who are pregnant. And again, Medicaid eligibility varies from state to state. California, for example, has chosen to extend Medicaid eligibility to undocumented children and young adults who otherwise meet the income criteria for eligibility.

Medicaid is paid for by federal and state taxes, and administered at the state level (which is why coverage and eligibility rules vary from one state to another). If you receive Medicaid, your friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens are paying for your health care with their tax dollars.

Although Medicaid is government health insurance, the vast majority of care provided to Medicaid recipients is provided by private businesses and healthcare providers. If you get Medicaid, you’ll likely be cared for at the same hospitals and by the same physicians as your neighbors with private health insurance.

And most states contract with private insurance companies to administer the coverage, which means your coverage ID card may display the name of a well-known private health insurer.

You can apply for Medicaid through your Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange or by contacting your state’s Medicaid program directly.

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15 Tips And Ideas For Cutting Car Insurance Costs

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:15:00 +0000

Car insurance is necessary to protect you financially when behind the wheel. Whether you just have basic liability insurance or you have full auto coverage, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible. Wondering how to lower car insurance? Here are 15 strategies for saving on car insurance costs.

Key Takeaways

* One of the ways to lower car insurance is through a discount bulk rate for insuring several vehicles and drivers at once.

* Lower car insurance rates may also be available if you have other insurance policies with the same company.

* Maintaining a safe driving record is key to getting lower car insurance rates.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?

Car insurance costs are different for every driver, depending on the state they live in, their choice of insurance company and the type of coverage they have. But when trying to save money on car insurance, it helps to know what the typical driver pays.

On average, the typical person spent $1,190 on car insurance in 2018, based on the latest figures available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). According to the NAIC data, car insurance premiums rose 30% between 2014 and 2018, despite the number of insured vehicles only rising by 7%.

Data from AAA put the average cost of car insurance for new vehicles in 2020 slightly higher, at $1,202 annually. The numbers are fairly close together, suggesting that as you budget for a new car purchase you may need to include $100 or so per month for auto insurance.

Note

While some things that affect car insurance rates–such as your driving history–are within your control others, costs may also be affected by things like state regulations and state accident rates.

How to Save on Car Insurance Costs

There are a number of strategies you may use to save on car insurance. Once you know how much is car insurance for you, you can put some or all of these tactics t work.

1. Take Advantage of Multi-Car Discounts

If you obtain a quote from an auto insurance company to insure a single vehicle, you might end up with a higher quote per vehicle than if you inquired about insuring several drivers or vehicles with that company. Insurance companies will offer what amounts to a bulk rate because they want your business. Under some circumstances they are willing to give you a deal if it means you’ll bring in more of it.

Ask your insurance agent to see if you qualify. Generally speaking, multiple drivers must live at the same residence and be related by blood or by marriage. Two unrelated people may also be able to obtain a discount; however, they usually must jointly own the vehicle.

If one of your drivers is a teen, you can expect to pay more to insure them. However, if your child’s grades are a B average or above or if they rank in the top 20% of the class, you may be able to get a good student discount on the coverage, which generally lasts until your child turns 25. These discounts can range from as little as 1% to as much as 39%, so be sure to show proof to your insurance agent that your teen is a good student.

Incidentally, some companies may also provide an auto insurance discount if you maintain other policies with the firm, such as homeowners insurance. Allstate, for example, offers a 10% car insurance discount and a 25% homeowners insurance discount when you bundle them together, so check to see if such discounts are available and applicable.

2. Pay Attention on the Road

In other words, be a safe driver. This should go without saying, but in today’s age of increasing in-car distractions, this bears mentioning as much as possible. The more mindful you are, the more accidents or moving violations you’ll be able to avoid—events that raise your insurance rates. Travelers offers safe driver discounts of between 10% and 23%, depending on your driving record.

For those unaware, points are typically assessed to a driver for moving violations, and more points can lead to higher insurance premiums (all else being equal).

3. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Sometimes insurance companies will provide a discount for those who complete an approved defensive driving course. Drivers may also be able to reduce the number of points they have on their licenses by taking a defensive driving, accident prevention, or other course.

Make sure to ask your agent/insurance company about this discount before you sign up for a class. After all, it’s important that the effort being expended and the cost of the course translate into a big enough insurance savings. It’s also important that the driver sign up for an accredited course. Every state has its own rules about accredited defensive driving courses, and GEICO allows you to check what they are by state on its website.

4. Shop Around for Better Car Insurance Rates

If your policy is about to renew and the annual premium has gone up markedly, consider shopping around and obtaining quotes from competing companies. Also, every year or two it probably makes sense to obtain quotes from other companies, just in case there is a lower rate out there.

Remember, cheap doesn’t always mean good, and going with the lower-priced company isn’t always the wisest decision. That’s because the insurer’s creditworthiness should also be considered. After all, what good is a policy if the company doesn’t have the wherewithal to pay an insurance claim?

To run a check on a particular insurer, consider checking out a site that rates the financial strength of insurance companies. The financial strength of your insurance company is important, but what your contract covers is also important, so make sure you understand it. Insure.com’s site bases its insurance company ratings on data assembled by Standard and Poor’s.

In general, the fewer miles you drive your car per year, the lower your insurance rate is likely to be, so always ask about a company’s mileage thresholds.

5. Use Mass Transit

When you sign up for insurance, the company will generally start with a questionnaire. Among the questions it asks might be the number of miles you drive the insured automobile per year.

If you use your vehicle to commute three hours to work every day, you will generally pay more in insurance premiums than someone who only drives one mile a day. If possible, try to use mass transit to rack up fewer miles, keeping in mind that you will usually have to decrease your mileage significantly before incurring a discount. Ask your insurance company about the company’s different mileage thresholds, so your efforts won’t be wasted.

Also, check with your provider to see how many miles they have you currently driving, as most can give you an improved insurance quote.

6. Downsize Your Vehicle

Buying a huge SUV may sound exciting, but insuring a 5,000-pound, top-of-the-line vehicle can be more expensive than insuring a small (but safe) lower-cost commuter car. Some insurers will offer a discount if you buy a hybrid or an alternative fuel vehicle. Farmers, for example, offers a 5% discount.

You can feel good about protecting the environment and save money on insurance at the same time. Find out the exact rates to insure the different vehicles you’re considering before making a purchase.

7. Increase Your Deductibles

When selecting car insurance, you can typically choose a deductible, which is the amount of money you would have to pay before insurance picks up the tab in the event of an accident, theft, or other types of damage to the vehicle. Depending on the policy, deductibles typically range from $250 to $1,000. The catch is that, generally speaking, the lower the deductible, the higher the annual premium.

Conversely, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. Ask your agent how your premium might be affected if you raised your deductible. It may make the annual premium better by several percentage points and put some money back in your pocket, or the savings may be minimal. If you are reluctant to file smaller claims to avoid the risk of pushing up your premium, raising the deductible may be a particularly sensible move.

8. Improve Your Credit Rating

A driver’s record is obviously a big factor in determining auto insurance costs. After all, it makes sense that a driver who has been in a lot of accidents could cost the insurance company a lot of money. However, folks are sometimes surprised to find that insurance companies may also consider credit ratings when determining insurance premiums.

Why is your credit rating considered? Michael Barry, senior vice president and head of media relations of the Insurance Information Institute, puts it this way:

> “Many insurers use credit-based insurance scores. It’s a contentious issue in certain statehouses…[but] insurers will say their studies show that if you’re responsible in your personal life, you’re less likely to file claims.”

Regardless of whether that’s true, be aware that your credit rating can be a factor in figuring insurance premiums, and do your utmost to keep it high.

Your credit card company or bank may offer free credit score access. You can check credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com

9. Consider Location When Estimating Car Insurance Rates

It’s unlikely that you will move to a different state simply because it has lower car insurance rates. However, when planning a move, the potential change in your car insurance rate is something you will want to factor into your budget.

10. Review Your Coverage

Dropping certain types of coverage can be a slippery slope. After all, nobody can predict if or when an accident will occur. However, if you are driving an extremely old automobile that’s on its last legs, it may make sense (depending on the cost, your driving record, and other factors) to drop collision or comprehensivecoverage.

The reason for this is that were the vehicle to be involved in an accident, the insurance company would likely total the car. If the value of the car is only $1,000 and the collision coverage costs $500 per year, it may not make sense to buy it.

11. Get Discounts for Installing Anti-Theft Devices

Individuals have the potential to lower their annual premiums if they install anti-theft devices. GEICO, for example, offers a “potential savings” of 25% if you have an anti-theft system in your car.

Your insurance company should be able to tell you specifically which devices, when installed, can lower premiums. Car alarms and LoJacks are two types of devices you might want to inquire about.

If your primary motivation for installing an anti-theft device is to lower your insurance premium, consider whether the cost of adding the device will result in a significant enough savings to be worth the trouble and expense.

12. Speak to Your Agent

It’s important to note that there may be other cost savings to be had in addition to the ones described in this article. In fact, that’s why it often makes sense to ask if there are any special discounts the company offers, such as for military personnel or employees of a certain company. You never know what sort of discount pricing might be available for your circumstances.

13. Switch to Pay-as-You-Go Insurance

If you’re a safe, low-mileage driver, a usage-based insurance program (also known as black box insurance) may be available to you, such as Allstate’s Drivewise, Progressive’s Snapshot, or State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save. By signing up for these programs, you let your insurer track your driving through a telemetric device installed in your car in exchange for possible discounts based on how much you drive, when you drive, and how well you drive. If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles a year, you might be able to save money with this type of program.

14. Research Additional Discounts

Insurers provide a variety of discounts. Check for discounts such as these:

* Offers to let you pay the entire annual or six-month premium at once

* Agreements to receive e-bills and documentation

* Memberships in particular organizations or groups that offer discounts

Don’t be swayed by a long list of possible discounts. Compare both discount and regular prices from multiple insurers.

15. Ditch Coverage You May Not Need

You may not need all the bells and whistles in a policy, such as roadside assistance and car rental coverage. Go over your insurance policy line by line and ask about removing anything you don’t need.

Check with your credit card company to see if they offer roadside assistance benefits to cardholders, which might allow you to drop this feature from your auto insurance policy.

The Bottom Line

The price of auto insurance is likely to continue to rise in the future. However, there are many things you can do to reduce the sting. These 15 tips should get you driving in the right direction. Remember also to compare the best car insurance companies to find the one that fits your coverage needs and budget.

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5 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:14:00 +0000

MarketWatch has highlighted these products and services because we think readers will find them useful. This content is independent of the MarketWatch newsroom and we may receive a commission if you buy products through links in this article.

Just because you’re required to have auto insurance doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg to get it. There are many ways to find the cheapest car insurance available to you so you can protect your vehicle and your wallet at the same time.

Of course, you don’t want to go too cheap, because you could end up with a company that has poor customer service or can’t fulfill its claims obligations. We’ve researched dozens of the best car insurance providers to find companies that provide both reliable and affordable car insurance. Based on price, our top five picks for cheap auto insurance are USAA, Erie, Geico, Progressive and Root Auto.

Since prices are based on your driver profile, vehicle and location, the best way to shop is to compare auto insurance quotes from multiple providers. Click below to compare free car insurance quotes from leading companies.

In this article:

* 5 cheapest car insurance companies

* How to find the cheapest car insurance

* Factors that can raise or lower your auto insurance rates

* Average car insurance costs

* Find the cheapest auto insurance in your state

* Frequently asked questions

* Our methodology

Below are our top recommendations for car insurance based on cost. The following providers stand out from the competition as the best cheap auto insurance providers not only for the discounts they offer but also for their customer service and strong industry reputations.

Cheap Car Insurance Company Cost Rating Average Annual Cost* Best For… 1. USAA 9.5 $990 Military families 2. Erie Insurance 9.0 $1,183 Basic coverage 3. Geico 8.5 $1,356 Most drivers 4. Progressive 8.5 $1,346 High-risk drivers 5. State Farm 8.0 $1,312 Students *The average nationwide cost by company is based on our rate estimate analysis for a 35-year-old driver with a good credit rating and good driving record.

Best for military families: USAA

If you’re a military member, veteran or member of a military family, you might find the cheapest car insurance through USAA. If you meet the requirements, you should consider comparing quotes from this company when you’re shopping around.

USAA gives car insurance discounts for military installation, safe driving, good students, low mileage, multivehicle coverage and more. Here are a few other things we like about USAA:

* A++ AM Best financial strength rating, indicating that the insurer has a superior ability to pay customer claims

* High ratings from J.D. Power surveys, which indicate a smooth claims process, easy purchasing process and overall customer satisfaction

* ‘B’ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, indicating that USAA has sound business practices and works to solve customer complaints

* Options for accident forgiveness, guaranteed asset protection (GAP), car replacement assistance (CRA) and usage-based insurance

Best for basic coverage: Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance is available in 11 eastern states — Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin — as well as Washington, D.C. In addition to being one of the cheapest car insurance options, the company is known for customer service and consistently performs well in industry surveys. For example, Erie was ranked in the top three spots in the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction StudySM for the mid-Atlantic, North Central and Southeast regions.

Erie Insurance is best for drivers with a good driving record and a good credit score. If you meet those requirements, auto insurance can be very affordable. Notable discounts include a new driver discount of 20% and a multi-policy discount of up to 25%. Here are a few more reasons we recommend Erie:

* A+ AM Best financial rating

* A+ BBB rating

* Options for accident forgiveness, nonstandard vehicle coverage and pet injury coverage

Best for most drivers: Geico

Because USAA has eligibility requirements and Erie Insurance is regional, most drivers should consider Geico when looking for the cheapest car insurance. The company is the second-largest car insurance provider in the U.S. and has been in business for over 80 years. Geico can be a great option whether you want to get full coverage, just the minimum or customize a plan.

Drivers in all 50 states can get cheap auto insurance from Geico, though drivers with accidents on their records may find better prices from other companies. Geico’s notable discounts include 25% savings for insuring multiple vehicles and a 15% student discount. Here are a few more things we like about Geico:

* A++ AM Best financial rating

* Highest ratings in three regions in the J.D. Power Satisfaction Study

* A+ BBB rating

* Options for mechanical breakdown insurance and usage-based insurance

* Highly rated mobile app

Best for high-risk drivers: Progressive

The nation’s third-largest auto insurance company, Progressive covers millions of vehicles a year and can be one of the most affordable choices for coverage. Not every company offers friendly prices for high-risk drivers, but Progressive does. Motorists without much experience or those with a DWI or DUI on record can generally find cheap car insurance compared with competitor plans.

Progressive has many discount opportunities, including a teen driver discount, a multicar discount that can save you up to 12% and a pay-in-full discount. Here are a few more things we like about the auto insurance provider:

* A+ AM Best financial rating

* A+ BBB rating

* Options for custom parts coverage, loan/lease payoff and usage-based insurance

Best for students: State Farm

State Farm is another great choice when looking for the cheapest car insurance. In particular, we’ve found State Farm to be one of the most affordable options for students. The company offers the largest student discount in the industry (up to 25%). Young drivers can also take advantage of State Farm’s Steer Clear® program to improve their driving skills and get further discounts.

Since its founding in 1922, State Farm has grown to become the largest insurance provider in the U.S. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, State Farm wrote over $40 billion in premiums in 2020. At that level, State Farm can offer a wide variety of coverage options to satisfy most drivers. Here are a few more highlights of State Farm:

How to find the cheapest car insurance

Auto insurance quotes are based on your situation, your desired coverage level and the range of discounts a company provides. Some things are set in stone — you can’t erase an at-fault accident from your recent history, for example. That said, there are a few ways you can improve your chances of finding cheap auto insurance.

* Look for discounts: Common discounts from auto insurers include multivehicle, bundling, military, new driver, homeowners, good student and good driver discounts. Search for the company that gives the best discounts for you.

* Improve your driver profile: You can raise your credit score to get cheaper insurance in many states. Also, being a good driver over time will lower your rates.

* Try usage- or habit-based programs: You can get a usage-based discount if you drive less than average, since you’re less likely to get into an accident. And if you’re a good driver, you can enroll in a habit-tracking program like Progressive’s SnapshotⓇ or use Root Auto to save money.

* Shop around: One basic technique to find the cheapest car insurance is to shop around. You can compare quotes every time your policy is up for renewal to make sure you’re getting a good rate, too.

Factors that can raise or lower your auto insurance rates

Insurance companies look at many different things when deciding what you should pay for a policy. Here are the main factors:

Factor How It Affects Your Car Insurance Premium Age Generally, people have fewer accidents as they age and gain driving experience (up to a point). Teen drivers pay the most, followed by drivers under 25. Marital status Married people tend to have fewer accidents, so they pay less for car insurance. Car make and model Cars that cost more to repair also cost more to insure. This applies to collision and comprehensive insurance, which cover your own car. Safety equipment like seat belts and airbags can affect the price as well. Annual mileage People who commute long distances and put many miles on their cars pay higher insurance prices. Driving record A clean driving record can reward you with discounts, while a poor one will make your insurance premiums rise. Having a DUI will make your rates jump up, and you’ll be deemed “high risk.” While a single accident in your driving history raises rates, having multiple at-fault accidents lands you in the high-risk category too. Minor traffic violations increase rates but to a lesser degree. Credit history Most states allow car insurance companies to consider your credit history when determining prices. Poor credit will make your rates go up, and vice versa. ZIP Code Urban areas have higher rates of theft, accidents and vandalism, so drivers in cities pay the highest rates. Parking in a garage can sometimes lower your rate. State requirements States range from requiring almost nothing to requiring many types of insurance. You’ll pay more for coverage as more types are required. Desired coverage Car insurance rates rise as you add more types of coverage or choose higher coverage limits. Drivers only looking for the minimum coverage, like basic liability coverage, will generally have the cheapest car insurance rates. Deductible A high deductible will lower the overall cost of the policy, and vice versa. Average car insurance costs

According to our cost estimate data, the average 35-year-old driver with good credit and good driving history pays about $1,712 a year for car insurance in 2021. However, some states have cheaper car insurance than others. Below are the top five states with the most expensive and cheapest car insurance.

Most Expensive Car Insurance States Average Cost of Car Insurance Cheapest Car Insurance States Average Cost of Car Insurance Michigan $4,430 Ohio $939 New York $4,048 Wisconsin $970 Louisiana $3,867 Maine $1,013 Florida $2,927 Vermont $1,029 Nevada $2,354 Indiana $1,106 Find the cheapest auto insurance in your state

To recap, here are our top choices for cheap car insurance:

1. USAA: Best for military families

2. Erie Insurance: Best for basic coverage

3. Geico: Best for most drivers

4. Progressive: Best for high-risk drivers

5. Root Auto: Best mobile experience

Since prices depend on so many factors, cheap insurance looks different for each driver. However, there are always cheaper and more expensive coverage options out there, and the easiest way to find the best rates is to compare multiple insurance quotes online. It may take some research, but in the end, you can likely save money on your next car insurance policy.

Frequently asked questions

Who offers the cheapest auto insurance?

USAA, Erie Insurance, Geico, Progressive and Root Auto offer some of the cheapest auto insurance on the market. There are many discount opportunities you can look into to find affordable auto insurance coverage, and some companies offer usage-based insurance policies.

What’s the cheapest type of car insurance?

The cheapest type of car insurance depends on what’s required in your state. Many states only require liability insurance, so you can get by with a simple liability policy. Other states require medical coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, so the cheapest auto insurance policy for you will have to at least include those types of coverage.

You can generally save money by going without collision and comprehensive coverage, which aren’t required in any state. However, if you get into an accident and don’t have collision coverage, you’ll have to pay for damage to your own car out of pocket.

Who has the cheapest car insurance in Arizona?

USAA and Geico are among the cheapest car insurance providers in Arizona. The state requires a standard amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, and these companies offer affordable rates for those requirements.

How can I get super cheap car insurance?

Compare at least three options to find the cheapest car insurance available to you. Ideally, shop around at least a couple of weeks before you need to change your plan. Also, try out usage-based options if you are a good driver and don’t put many miles on your vehicle.

What is the cheapest online car insurance?

Based on our cost estimate analysis, USAA offers the cheapest car insurance online for military members and their families, Geico is cheapest for the average driver and State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for students.

Our methodology

Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.

For this article, we selected companies with high overall ratings and cost ratings. The cost ratings were informed by auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities.

What Does It Mean To Be Underinsured?

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:13:00 +0000

What Does It Mean To Be Underinsured?

What Does It Mean To Be Underinsured? - You’ve heard of uninsured motorists, who are drivers who don’t have any vehicle insurance at all. But what about underinsured motorists? Are you one of the thousands who are underinsured, or don’t carry enough insurance?

Causing an accident as an underinsured motorist or being hit by an underinsured motorist can lead to an expensive situation. Here, we’ll consider the definition and examples of being underinsured.

Definition and Examples of Being Underinsured

The definition of “underinsured” may depend on the circumstances of a collision. Often, this term refers to your policy not being able to fully pay for the damages claimed because of your low maximum limits. In other words,your policy comes up short.

You may not think you’re at risk of underinsurance because you’ve followed state law by signing up for a policy that meets the state’s minimum insurance requirements. This is understandable, but state minimums can vary widely, and may not take into account the worst-case scenario.

For example, state minimums for car insurance can range from $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in Connecticut to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in Maine.12

Importan : If you’re in a state with a minimum of $25,000 and the person you hit has hospital bills and other claims that add up to $50,000, you may be an underinsured motorist.

Even if you took out more than the state’s minimum—for example, $50,000—but the injured person’s lost wages, physical therapy, and other bills add up to $75,000, you could be underinsured by $25,000.

How Being Underinsured Works

If you’re underinsured, you may be putting yourself at risk every time you slide behind the wheel. If you’re in an accident and you cause damage beyond your policy limits, the other individual could sue you in court for the difference between your policy’s payout and the actual costs, and this could even lead to bankruptcy.

If the other driver has uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, their insurance company may pay the difference between your policy’s payout and the actual costs. However, it probably isn’t wise to rely on the other driver covering your risk.

How Underinsured Motorist Insurance Works

If you’re a driver in an accident with an underinsured motorist, hopefully your policy contains uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, also known as “UI” or “UIM.” The coverage helps make up the difference between the driver’s policy limits and the damages to your vehicle or your body. Depending on your type of coverage, underinsured motorist coverage may cover:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Car repairs
Funeral services

NOTE : Fourteen states require uninsured and underinsured coverage, other states require insurers to offer it, and some states require neither.

Some states, including Nebraska and Minnesota, require underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury, but not for property damage. If an underinsured motorist wipes out your tulip garden and garage, you likely won’t be able to claim those damages. On the other hand, Vermont and Virginia require coverage for property damage by an underinsured motorist.

Before your insurance pays your claim under underinsured motorist coverage, you likely will need to pay your deductible or the amount you agreed in advance to pay if in an accident. There also may be strict time limits regarding how soon you need to file an underinsured motorist claim with your insurance company—for example, it may need to be filed within 30 days. After you provide your medical or property documentation, your insurance company reviews the claim and settles with you.4

In some states, you may be able to employ a “stacking” strategy for an underinsured claim. With this approach, you can combine maximum limits for multiple insured vehicles or policies. So, you can “stack” two $25,000 underinsured motorist policies for a limit of $50,000.

Alternatives to Being Underinsured

To avoid being underinsured, speak with an agent or review the state limits. You’ll want to have enough coverage to pay any claims that result from an auto accident you cause.

If you have significant wealth to protect, you also might consider an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy effectively increases your limits beyond the maximum available from your insurance company. Depending on your insurer, you may be able to add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your umbrella policy, thereby increasing the limits of your coverage.

If you want to protect yourself from an underinsured driver’s damages, you can take out uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Typically, these are sold in addition to your policy, if you live in a state where it isn’t legally required.

Key Takeaways

Underinsured motorists don’t carry enough auto insurance to cover the gap between the damages they caused and the maximum their insurance policy reimburses.
To reduce the chances of being an underinsured driver, consider carrying more than your state’s minimum.
If you’re a driver with an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, your insurance company may cover the difference between the actual costs and the at-fault driver’s policy payout.
Underinsured coverage may include bodily injury only, or bodily injury and property damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to resolve an underinsured motorist claim?

Some underinsured motorist claims may take longer to evaluate and settle than other claims. These delays may come from waiting to determine the final costs associated with the length and severity of medical treatments and property repairs. There also may be settlement disagreements between insurance companies, or between you and your insurance company that could be settled in court or through arbitration.

How many Americans are considered underinsured?

There aren’t any hard statistics on how many Americans are underinsured, but 12.6% of motorists were uninsured in 2019, according to a 2021 study released by the Insurance Research Council.5

Is there other insurance that could pay for my accident medical bills?

That depends on your state of residence, circumstance, and insurer. Your medical bills could be paid by your health insurance company. If you signed up for medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, your auto insurance company might also use these types of coverages. PIP is similar to medical payments auto insurance, but also may cover lost wages or other non-medical costs.

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured?

Uninsured motorists don’t have any type of auto insurance. They may have allowed their policy to lapse, didn’t pay on time, or never took out insurance. Underinsured motorists may have insurance—ust not enough to cover the damage they’ve caused.

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Health Insurance Cancellation Laws

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:10:00 +0000

Health Insurance Cancellation Laws

Health Insurance Cancellation Laws - Individual health insurance policies are typically guaranteed renewable after a 12-month contract period between you and your insurance carrier. However, your insurance provider may choose either to continue or cancel the health coverage when the policy expires. If coverage continues, your insurer may alter your plan by increasing cost-sharing (like copays and deductibles), charging higher premiums, or reducing the covered benefits.

But what happens when your insurer won’t continue providing coverage? Due to frivolous cancellations in the past, current law prohibits your health insurance provider from dropping you without notice. The written notice the insurer will send should give you time to find new coverage or appeal the decision.

Learn more about when your insurer can cancel your health policy, your rights when the policy is canceled, filing an appeal, and your insurance options after cancellation.

Key Takeaways
An insurance company has a right to cancel your health coverage if you fail to fulfill your obligations per the policy guidelines.

Your insurance provider must serve you with a written notice before it can drop your health coverage.

An insurance company can’t drop your health coverage if you made an honest mistake in your insurance application.

Your state may run a consumer assistance program that helps you file an appeal or request a review of your health insurance provider’s termination decision.

When Your Health Insurance Company Can Cancel Your Policy

Insurance companies are businesses dealing with risks, and being able to assess risks and avoid losses is part of how they operate. Their insurance policies are usually contractual agreements bound by certain rules, so they could terminate your coverage if you veer from the conditions set forth in your policy.

Luckily, current law also limits what an insurer can include as reasons for canceling your health insurance policy. For instance, an insurer typically isn’t allowed to cancel a policy midway through its term and before its expiration or renewal date.1 Your health insurance company can legally terminate your policy on these grounds:

You fail to pay premiums by the due date.
You voluntarily or mutually agree to end the coverage.
You intentionally falsify information or provide incomplete information that’s crucial to the coverage on your insurance application.
You commit fraud in obtaining insurance benefits.
You’re no longer eligible for coverage through termination from employment or death.

While an insurance company may terminate your policy for nonpayment of premiums, you may qualify for premium payment relief or a grace period during which you can settle any premiums due. The grace period for health insurance policies is as follows:1

At least seven days for weekly premium policies.
At least 10 days for monthly premium policies.
At least 31 days for all other policies.

Your Rights When Your Policy Is Canceled

When your insurance policy first comes into force, an insurer may cancel it within the first 60 days without giving a reason for the cancellation. After 60 days, an insurer must provide a written policy termination notice before the policy’s expiration date. The termination notice must clearly provide the grounds for dropping your insurance.1

In the past, an insurance company could drop your insurance, void your policy, or ask you to refund the money they’ve spent on your medical bills if it found a problem with your insurance application. Fortunately, current laws now prohibit insurance companies from canceling your health coverage for making an honest mistake or leaving out information that has minimal ramifications for your health.

Importan : When your insurance company says no to your health coverage, that doesn’t have to be the final word. You can start by appealing to the insurance company. If your coverage isn’t reinstated, you can take your appeal to an independent review organization.

An insurance company must inform you why it ended your coverage and how you can dispute the decision.

Filing an Appeal

You can appeal your insurer’s cancellation decision in these two ways.

Internal Appeal

When you challenge your insurer’s decision through an internal appeal, you’re simply asking the insurance company to revisit the decision and do a full and fair review. If the appeal is urgent, your insurer must expedite the process. If your insurance company still upholds its decision, you can proceed to the second option.

External Review

If an internal appeal fails, the law allows you to seek independent third-party intervention to review the insurance company’s decision. With an external review, the insurance company is stripped of its power to overturn the external reviewer’s decision.2

NOTE : You must request an external review within four months after the date you receive a policy termination notice from your insurer.3

In all states, insurance companies must have and adhere to an external review process that conforms with federal consumer protection standards. This way, you’ll be protected by the guidelines of the process. If your state’s external review process doesn’t meet the consumer protection standards threshold, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will oversee the review process in your state.

You won’t incur any charges if your insurer used the HHS-administered external review process. However, you’ll be charged if your insurance company contracts with an independent review organization, but this won’t exceed $25 per review.3

Health Insurance Options After Cancellation

As mentioned, your insurer must provide notice and give clear reasons for canceling your policy. The notice period is at least 30 days and should help you appeal or seek alternative coverage.4 If an insurer rejects your appeal, you have the right to purchase any other health plan you qualify for. Here are your health insurance options if your current coverage is canceled.

Buy Another Plan From Your Insurer

You can still apply for another health insurance plan through your current insurer as long as you’re eligible. The insurance company shouldn’t lock you out of purchasing—either directly or through an agent—any of its other plans for which you qualify. Inquire with the insurance company which plans may be available to you.

Apply for a Marketplace Plan

You can seek health coverage through the Marketplace or any insurer that sells insurance through the Marketplace. If you lost coverage for non-payment of premiums, you could qualify for income-based financial assistance on premiums and out-of-pocket costs. You may also be eligible for low-cost or free coverage through Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). Marketplace plans also come with their own rights and protections.

Buy a Plan From Another Insurer

You can purchase health insurance from another insurance company outside the Marketplace. Contact multiple companies to see what plans are available in your state and to compare prices. Most of the plans you buy outside the Marketplace will also include rights and protections.

Enroll in any Other Coverage Available to You

If you can’t secure coverage through and outside the Marketplace, you may sign up for any other coverage your situation qualifies you for. For instance, you could enroll in an employer-sponsored group health plan, Medicare, TRICARE, or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, among other types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do current health insurance cancellation laws protect all plans?

Cancellation laws prohibiting insurers from terminating your coverage because of an oversight on your insurance application protect all Marketplace plans, including grandfathered plans. For other appeals, you’ll need to identify whether you have an individual, group, or government-sponsored plan because the protection laws may differ.

How and when will I be notified if my health insurance policy is being canceled?

If your health insurance company is terminating your policy, it must provide at least 30 days’ notice before the policy expiration date.

What should I do after I get a cancellation notice on my health insurance policy?

After you receive a cancellation notice, read through it to understand why coverage was terminated. If the cancellation was unfair, seek to understand the appeals process and timeline. You can start your appeal within the policy cancellation notice period.

How Long Can You Stay on Your Parent’s Health Insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:09:00 +0000

How Long Can You Stay on Your Parent’s Health Insurance?

How Long Can You Stay on Your Parent’s Health Insurance? - Current federal law enables you to remain on a parent’s policy up to age 26, and some state laws allow you to keep the coverage even longer.

When it’s time to get your own coverage, it’s important to know how to get a policy and understand the type of plan that will best fit your needs. Some plans offer more affordable premiums, while others pay more health care costs. But what’s most important is that you continue health insurance coverage, even if you’re young and healthy.

Key Takeaways
Unmarried and married children can stay on their parent’s insurance until they turn 26.
Some states extend the deadline indefinitely for disabled dependents.
Once you’re off your parent’s insurance, you have several options for health care coverage.

When You Will Lose Health Insurance Through Your Parents

Currently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that children are covered by a parent’s health insurance plan until the child turns 26,1 if the parent’s health plan offers coverage for dependents. The rule applies to unmarried and married children and all types of health plans, including employer-sponsored coverage, according to the Department of Labor.

The law also allows you to remain on a parent’s plan if you:

Go to college or drop out of school
Adopt or have a child
Move out of your parents’ house
Are not claimed as a dependent on your parents’ tax returns
Refuse an offer of employer-sponsored health insurance

TIP : If your parents have coverage from the health insurance marketplace, you can remain on the policy until December 31 of the year you turn 26, or the oldest age allowed by your state’s insurance code.2

Some States Extend the Age Limit

Some states follow the ACA’s age-26 rule, but others have laws that allow you to remain on a parent’s health insurance policy longer—but only under certain conditions. Although the following states offer exceptions, health care laws are subject to repeal or revision.3

Dependent Age Limit Exceptions

Florida Up to age 30 for unmarried dependents with no children and who live with their parents up to age 30

Georgia No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

Idaho No age limit for disabled dependents

Illinois Up to age 30 for dependents who are veterans

Indiana No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

Iowa No age limit for disabled dependents and full-time students

Massachusetts No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

Minnesota No age limit for disabled dependents

Missouri No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

Nevada No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

New Jersey Through age 31 for unmarried dependents who have no dependents

New York Through age 29 for unmarried dependents who are residents of New York

No age limit for unmarried, disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

Ohio No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

Oregon No age limit for disabled children and elderly parents

Pennsylvania Up to age 30 for those without dependents and are residents of Pennsylvania, or full-time students without dependents

Up to the length of deployment for full-time students who are National Guard or reservists who leave school due to deployment

Rhode Island No age limit for disabled dependents

South Carolina No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-sustaining employment

South Dakota Through age 29 for full-time students

No age limit for disabled dependents incapable of self-support

Wisconsin No age limit for full-time students

No age limit for full-time students who are National Guard or reservists called into active duty

No age limit for dependents called for federal active duty

Health Insurance Options for Young People

If you have aged out and need to find new health insurance, you have a few options.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

Some employers offer group health insurance plans for their employees. With a group plan, the employer chooses the plan and often pays a portion of your premium. Some group plans may limit the doctors and hospitals from which you can seek services, and you may not be able to keep the same coverage when you go to work for another employer.

In 2020, employer-sponsored coverage cost an average of $7,470 for single coverage and $21,342 for family coverage. Typically, workers pay an average of 17% of the cost for single coverage and 27% for family coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.4

The Health Insurance Marketplace

The marketplace provides health insurance tailored for people who don’t get health insurance through an employer. Many marketplace participants receive subsidies that lower their premiums. You can research and buy marketplace coverage at HealthCare.gov or through your state’s marketplace. Marketplaces allow you to apply during “open enrollment” periods that typically run from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.5

Some insurance companies offer short-term health insurance plans that provide basic health coverage but do not comply with ACA rules. These relatively affordable plans can be a stop-gap if you aren’t eligible for marketplace plans. Beware: Short-term plans can deny coverage for preexisting conditions.

COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows workers who have employer-based health insurance to continue their benefits. COBRA coverage is only available following certain qualifying events such as job loss, reduction in work hours, death of the policyholder, or divorce from the policyholder. The ACA also dictates that COBRA coverage extends to dependent children, up to their 26th birthday.6 Although COBRA can help bridge the gap if you lose your coverage, it often requires you to pay the entire premium out of pocket.

Medicaid

Federal and state governments work together to provide Medicaid, which is health insurance available to low-income adults, elderly adults, people with disabilities, children, and pregnant women. States administer Medicaid according to federal guidelines. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on your modified adjusted gross income. To qualify, you must hold U.S. citizenship or have a qualifying non-citizen status such as permanent residency. Typically, you must be a resident in the state in which you apply for Medicaid.

School-Sponsored Health Insurance

Many colleges and universities offer health insurance policies to their students. Some school-based plans offer coverage for less than $2,000 per year, with copayments ranging from $30 for an office visit to $150 for an emergency room visit. Check with your school to find out what its plan covers.7

How Do You Choose the Right Coverage?

Before shopping for your first health insurance policy, it’s important to know the types of plans available, the level of coverage you can expect, and associated costs.

Types of Plans

The most common types of health insurance plans include:

Exclusive provider organizations (EPO): With an EPO, the plan will only cover costs if you seek the services of doctors, hospitals, and services within the defined network, except when you need emergency care.

Health maintenance organizations (HMO): HMOs contract with doctors, sometimes within a specific service area, to provide care and preventivehealth services. This type of plan only covers the cost of services provided by in-network caregivers, except in emergencies.

Point of service (POS): With a POS, you pay less for physician and hospital care when you seek services with a network. To receive specialist care, you must obtain a referral from your primary care physician.

Preferred provider organization (PPO): PPOs offer reduced-cost services when you seek care from doctors and hospitals within a network. This plan doesn’t require you to obtain a referral for specialist care.

Costs

Health insurance coverage requires you to pay a monthly premium. But you’ll also have to pay other costs when you need care.

Deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before the policy starts covering costs.

Copayments: Fixed payments for certain services (primary care visit, specialist visit, urgent care, etc.) you make before or after you meet your deductible, depending on the plan. For example, a plan may require you to pay a $20 copayment each time you visit your doctor.

Out-of-pocket max: A health insurance plan may cap the amount of money you must pay for health care services each year. In 2021, marketplace plans cap out-of-pocket costs at $8,550 for single coverage and $17,100 for family coverage.8

Do Young People Really Need Health Insurance?

If you’re healthy, you might not think you need health insurance until you’re older. But consider this: Treatment for a broken leg can cost up to $7,500, and a hospital stay can cost $10,000 per day, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.9 If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll have to shoulder the entire cost of medical expenses if you sustain an injury or become ill.

Nearly 20% of households have delinquent medical debt and about 9% of households have at one time filed bankruptcy due to health care expenses, according to a 2019 survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Los Angeles Times.10

Also, consider the potential for future health problems. Currently, federal law doesn’t allow ACA-compliant insurance plans to deny coverage for a preexisting condition such as diabetes or heart disease.

What Is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)?

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:08:00 +0000

What Is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)?

What Is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)? - A preferred provider organization (PPO) is a health plan where an insurance company contracts with hospitals, doctors, and clinics to create a network of participating providers. These providers have agreed to provide medical care to the plan’s subscribers at a negotiated rate. You will pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and care providers who are in the plan’s network.

Learn more about what a PPO is, how it works, the benefits and drawbacks, and how it compares to other health plans.

PPO Definition and Examples

A PPO is an arrangement between an insurance carrier and a network of preferred providers agreeing to provide health care services at a negotiated price. Encouraging plan subscribers to use in-network providers and facilities creates a higher volume of patients, which allows for discounted rates.1 You can use hospitals, doctors, and providers outside of the network for an extra cost.

Acronym: PPO

For example, insurer Aetna offers a PPO plan that provides lower rates for doctors who are in-network, and allows you to see a doctor without a referral.2

How a PPO Works

A PPO is offered by private insurance carriers that have a network of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other health care providers who offer medical care at discounted, negotiated fees. You’ll pay less if you use in-network (“preferred”) providers, but you have the freedom to seek health care from any doctor, hospital, or other health care provider.

NOTE : A PPO lets you schedule an appointment with any primary care doctor or specialist without a referral, and you won’t need to have a primary care physician coordinating your care.

If the doctors and facilities you use are in your PPO’s network, you will have access to discounted rates on services the plan provider has negotiated for you. Medical care from an out-of-network provider will come at a higher cost since the provider isn’t part of the pre-negotiated discount. For example, a plan might cover 80% of the cost of using a preferred provider but only cover 70% for an out-of-network provider. These percentages vary by plan and are outlined in your summary of benefits.

PPO plans typically include the following charges:

Premium: This is the fee your PPO plan charges each month to maintain your coverage.
Deductible: This is a specific annual dollar amount you must pay for covered medical services before your plan starts paying out benefits. If you enroll another family member, you’ll pay two medical deductibles: yours and another for your family members. Typically, your deductible doesn’t apply to preventive services.
Copay: A flat fee you pay upfront each time you see a network provider or get certain medical services. Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and emergency room visits often have varying copays.
Coinsurance: Most PPO plans will charge you a coinsurance rather than a copay, which is a percentage of the cost of covered medical services that you pay after meeting the deductible.
Total out-of-pocket maximum: This is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered services, which includes copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. If your out-of-pocket expenses hit this yearly maximum, your plan will pay 100% of the allowable costs for the remaining plan year.

The cost of using an out-of-network provider will depend on your PPO plan’s allowed amount or the standard rate for the service. If the provider charges you more than the allowed pricing your PPO has set, then you have to pay the difference.

Pros and Cons of a PPO

Pros

Lower costs for in-network providers

No primary care doctor needed

No referrals

Cons

More expensive

More responsibility

Pros Explained

Lower costs for in-network providers: A PPO network comprises doctors and facilities that have negotiated lower rates on the services they provide.
No primary care doctor needed: PPO plans don’t make you choose a primary care physician.
No referrals: In most cases, you don't need a referral to visit any doctor, specialist, or hospital. You also don’t have to consult with a primary care physician before getting a referral.

Cons Explained

More expensive: PPO plans are associated with higher out-of-pocket costs, including a higher monthly premium, copay, and a mandatory deductible before you can receive benefits.
More responsibilities: You’ll have to monitor in-network versus out-of-network providers to control costs.

PPO vs. HMO vs. EPO vs. POS

There are four basic provider networks available to customers: PPO, HMO, EPO, and POS. Each one differs in its own way.

PPO HMO EPO POS

Premiums High Low compared to PPO Low compared to PPO Low compared to PPO

Out-of-network coverage Yes No No Yes

Referrals required No Yes Yes, for some plans Yes

Deductible Low for some plans Low High Low

PPO

A PPO health plan provides discounted medical care through a network of providers. You can also see specialists and out-of-network providers without referrals.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

An HMO plan limits coverage to care and services from providers who contract with the HMO. Out-of-network care isn’t usually covered except for emergency care, and out-of-area urgent care and out-of-area dialysis for Medicare-related HMOs. You may need to work or reside in the plan’s service area to qualify for coverage. You must designate a primary care physician who coordinates all your care.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

An EPO plan only covers services and care from hospitals, doctors, or specialists who are in the plan’s network, with an exception for emergency or urgent care visits. Generally, you don’t need a primary care physician or referral to visit a specialist.

Point of Service (POS)

A POS plan is technically a combination of a PPO and HMO. It requires you to have a referral from your primary care physician to see a specialist. Coverage for out-of-network providers is also available, but with a higher copay.4

Key Takeaways
A PPO plan has a group of preferred or in-network providers who provide medical care at a negotiated lower rate.
You can visit out-of-network doctors and specialists without referrals, but at a higher cost.
PPO plans tend to have higher premiums and are often tied to a deductible you must pay before you start receiving benefits.
You or your doctor may require a preapproval from your PPO before some medical procedures, treatments, or services are performed.

How Health Insurance Works

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:07:00 +0000

How Health Insurance Works

How Health Insurance Works - Health insurance protects your assets from the high cost of medical care. But how it works can be complicated if you don't understand health insurance basics like what a deductible is, when copays apply, and how coinsurance works. Below we tackle these considerations and why health insurance is essential no matter how complicated it might seem.

Key Takeaways
Health insurance is a necessity for most Americans who cannot afford to pay medical bills out of pocket.
The cost of your health insurance premium is based on a combination of your copay, coinsurance, deductible, and maximum out-of-pocket costs.
The current health insurance system doesn't allow equal access to healthcare for all Americans.
Other countries use universal healthcare, but the Affordable Care Act only incorporates some aspects of that kind of system.

Why You Need Health Insurance

Health insurance is necessary for Americans to pay for the high cost of healthcare. You generally need it unless you can afford to pay for healthcare on your own or receive government assistance. The very wealthy can afford the cost of even extraordinary emergency or chronic medical care. Those over age 65 usually qualify for Medicare.1 Lower-income individuals and families may qualify for Medicaid.2

Everyone else must either purchase health insurance or risk medical bankruptcy. Since it is so common, many people have lost sight of its underlying purpose. It's just like insurance for your car, home, or apartment. It's supposed to protect your life savings from the devastating costs of a major accident, medical emergency, or chronic disease.

Unlike other insurance, health insurance makes it possible for you to get healthcare when you need it. If you don't have car insurance, you can take the bus until you can afford to get your car fixed. If you break your leg, you can’t splint it yourself until you save up enough to go to the doctor.

How to Choose Health Insurance

Health insurance companies provide lots of choices, options, but before you select a plan, you've got to wade through various combinations of deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and premiums.

Monthly premiums. Like auto or homeowners insurance, you pay this even if you never make a claim. That provides the cash flow so insurance companies can pay their day-to-day expenses.

The deductible. That's what you pay before the insurance company contributes a dime. It is an annual amount, which means you start over on Jan. 1 of each year if your plan has a calendar-year policy. Plans that renew at other times of the year might not follow the calendar year for resetting the deductible period.

A copay for each visit. A typical copay might be $20 for a doctor visit, $50 for a hospital visit, and $10 to $40 for each prescription. You pay 100% for the visit until the deductible is met.3

Coinsurance. That’s a percent you pay for procedures, like surgeries, or hospital stays. If your doctor visits you in the hospital, you might pay a copayment for the visit and coinsurance for the hospitalization.

Why do insurance companies charge deductibles, copays, and coinsurance? They want to keep you from running to the doctor for every sniffle. If healthcare were 100% free, their costs would skyrocket. The Affordable Care Act provided that these out-of-pocket costs for Marketplace plans can't exceed a maximum amount that is adjusted each year. For 2021, it was $8,550 for individuals and $17,100 for a family. For 2022, it is $8,700 for individuals and $17,400 for a family. After that, the insurance company pays 100%.4

All of these details make picking health insurance very complicated. You’ve got to be an odds-maker on your own health. For example, you might be willing to pay a higher monthly premium for a lower coinsurance percentage and/or deductible. That would make sense if you have a chronic disease, like diabetes, and know you’ll be in to see the doctor frequently.

On the other hand, people who are healthy might want the lowest premium possible and a higher deductible. They are willing to take the chance of paying more for healthcare because they believe their risk is small. The lower the deductible, the higher the premium, copay, or coinsurance. As healthcare costs have grown, more people have opted for higher-deductible plans just to keep their monthly premiums affordable. Obamacare has not been able to correct this underlying flaw of the health insurance system.5

Why America Relies on Health Insurance to Pay for Medical Care

Before World War II, most Americans had no health insurance. The policies that existed only covered the cost of the hospital room and board. After the war, the federal government instituted a wage freeze to curb inflation, but that meant companies couldn’t give raises to get the best employees. Instead, they offered benefits, including health insurance.

In 1954, the Internal Revenue Service made health insurance premiums non-taxable.6 That made an additional dollar of health insurance more valuable than a dollar of taxable salary. The Tax Policy Center estimates that this tax break alone increased the federal deficit by $273 billion in 2019, but politicians aren’t likely to get re-elected if they suggest removing it.

This tax break is like providing a government insurance subsidy for the upper-middle classes and the wealthy. The Tax Policy Center found that the average benefit of the health insurance tax break was about $254 for a hypothetical worker in the 12% tax bracket but $347 for those in the 22% tax bracket.7

Alternatives to Health Insurance

Many countries have adopted universal healthcare. That's where the government pays for healthcare, just like it pays for education and defense. It's like expanding Medicare or Medicaid to everyone. When Canadians go to the doctor or the hospital, the government picks up most or all of the bill. The downside is that it may take a long time to see a specialist or receive a non-emergency operation. On the other hand, no one has to worry about dying from a disease because they can't afford treatment.

When Hillarycare tried to implement universal healthcare in America, the medical profession and health insurance companies defeated it. Obamacare was initially presented as universal healthcare, but different interest groups and politicians led to that goal being changed.

Access to healthcare has become part of today's American Dream. Research has found that the higher your income, the better your health, on average.8 As a result, income inequality has led to healthcare inequality.

Why Do I Need Health Insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:07:00 +0000

Why Do I Need Health Insurance? - Health insurance is not cheap, and it can be tempting to go without coverage, especially if you never get sick. With the expensive monthly cost and out-of-pocket expenses, you may be wondering how much you really need coverage.

Why Do I Need Health Insurance?

Many people in their 20s may feel they are healthy enough to skip out on health insurance. When you rarely see a doctor, and especially if things are tight financially, it may seem like a good idea to cut the health insurance expense completely from your budget.

You can pay for medical expenses as you go instead of worrying about the insurance premiums and co-payments on the way. However, this could be very difficult if you have a serious illness, an accident, or an ongoing health issue because the costs can become very large, very quickly. This is why it's essential for everyone to always have some form of health insurance.

Medical Emergencies Can Bankrupt You

Medical emergencies are very expensive. If you have the misfortune of undergoing a medical emergency without insurance, it is easy to find yourself with a crippling amount of medical debt, and seemingly no way out of the mess.

If you take good, preventive care of your health, it's hard to see why you'd really need insurance. However, being hit by a car and becoming seriously injured, or even just missing that last stair at home and dislocating an ankle could cause an injury that costs you thousands of dollars in medical bills, and it can quickly climb higher if you need surgery or any kind of ongoing rehabilitation. Emergency surgeries such as appendectomies can be very expensive as well.

You may not be able to work while you're laid up, and that means that you could lose out on pay as well. Even with insurance, you may find it difficult to pay for health care costs in these instances. It is very hard to pay for medical costs without health insurance, especially if you are checked into a hospital even just overnight.

Health Insurance and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

As of 2019, you no longer have to pay a penalty on your federal tax return if you're not insured, as the fine was rescinded for the 2019 tax year, though some states may still have mandates.1

Even though there's no longer a penalty, you're protecting both your health and your financial status by taking out a health insurance policy.

You can sign up for health insurance at the Health Insurance Marketplace or a health insurance exchange in your state, or you can look at other options such as your employer's health care plan.

Preventive Care and Early Intervention

When you don't have insurance, you may avoid getting treated for minor issues, which can escalate into bigger problems quickly. Preventive medicine and quick treatment are the best ways to avoid expensive hospital stays.

If you have insurance, then you won't need to worry about this as much. Additionally, if you put off going in for treatment and wind up developing a serious medical condition, you may have a difficult time finding health insurance after you have not had any for so long.

Which Plan Fits Your Needs?

Health insurance is not a luxury; it's a necessity. There are many other things you should go without before you choose to go without health insurance.

If you want insurance but feel unsure about what coverage works for you, here are some questions you can answer to find out.

How's your health? Are you currently in good health, do you see a doctor regularly, and do you engage in any risky sports or occupations? Like other forms of insurance, your insurance needs are based on your degree of risk.
How often do you go to the doctor? Did you go several times last year and spend money on copays for office visits, lab work, urgent care, and prescription drugs? Add all of this up to get an idea of your typical annual health care needs.
What current options do you have? See if you can get cost-effective, quality health insurance through your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace or your state's health care exchange, or group insurance through membership in organizations such as Costco.
What are your priorities? If you see the doctor often, you'll probably want a plan with lower copays and deductibles. If your monthly expenses are already straining your paycheck, perhaps you're better off with a plan that has lower monthly premiums. High-deductible plans can lower your premiums, and if you don't go to the doctor very often, it doesn't make sense to pay large premiums for a low-deductible plan.
What are your coverage needs? Boil down all of the available insurance plan options to those that fit your needs, then dig into the details. While the cheapest plan may grab your attention, it may not provide as much value per dollar as some other plans.
Have you gotten an expert opinion? Some people find the whole experience of health insurance shopping overwhelming, and there are many insurance agents that can help you sort through the options. These agents spend their days immersed in insurance and can make quick work of finding your best-fit plan. Find an independent agent who can get you quotes from a large variety of health insurance companies.

Types of Potential Health Insurance Plans

While the array of potential options is fairly complex when it comes to health insurance, plans can be categorized into a few different types.

Traditional (indemnity) or fee-for-service plans are the original type of health insurance. You can go to any doctor, hospital, or specialist you'd like, but in exchange, you'll pay more expenses out of pocket, have a deductible, and may only receive 80% coverage on remaining medical bills.

Managed Care insurance plans include Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Point-of-Service (POS), and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). All of these plans work only with providers in a closed network. In exchange, patients pay lower premiums and have lower or no copays. PPO and POS insurance allow patients to go to providers outside their network and self-refer to a specialist. HMOs are the lowest-cost plans, but don't pay for any out-of-network visits, and patients must be referred to specialists by their doctor.

High-deductible insurance plans, sometimes known as catastrophic plans, are much lower in cost than other insurance plans, although you'll have to pay a large amount of out-of-pocket money before coverage kicks in, so it still makes sense to put money aside each month, even if it's into your own savings account instead of paid as a premium for insurance.

In some cases, health savings accounts (HSAs) are available through these plans as well. HSAs allow you to contribute tax-deferred dollars to an account and then use those dollars to pay your deductible or other care costs.

Typically, with a high-deductible insurance plan, you will be responsible for the cost of your medical care until you satisfy the (usually large) deductible, but then the insurance plan will pick up the rest of the bills. This is still a preferable situation to going without insurance. It is much easier to find a way to pay $5,000 in medical bills as opposed to $50,000. You can often work out a payment plan for the amount you owe. This means that you won't face bankruptcy due to medical bills.

What Is an Explanation of Benefits?

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:06:00 +0000

What Is an Explanation of Benefits?

What Is an Explanation of Benefits? - An explanation of benefits (EOB) statement provides details about a health insurance claim that has been processed. It explains what portion was paid to the health care provider; it also tells you what portion of the payment, if any, is your responsibility.

Medical bills can be confusing. An explanation of benefits (EOB) statement can help break down the various components. If you learn how to read this important document, you'll be able to understand why you owe the charges.

Definition and Examples of an Explanation of Benefits

An explanation of benefits statement is sent to you after a health insurance claim. It lays out the details of the service, the charges from the provider, the amount covered by insurance, and how much money is still due. Each time they provide services to you, doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals will submit claims to your insurance. This is how they receive payment. In turn, the insurance company will send you an EOB. This is to inform you of the claims submitted, how much is being covered by insurance, and how much you owe.1

Any portion of the medical expense not covered by the insurance company, such as a deductible or a co-pay, will be billed by the provider. These charges should be paid directly to the provider.2

The EOB may look like a bill, but it is not. It can also be hard to make sense of. You may need to call your insurance company to ask any questions about the EOB.

The precise layout and form of the EOB will vary by insurance company. But a simple EOB will include:

A summary of your account with important identifying information and claim number.

The details of the claim, including the date and specific services provided.

The accounting, which includes the price of the service, the amount that your insurance is covering, and the difference between the two. (This is sometimes called the "adjustment," "amount allowed," or "contracted agreement.")3

An optional summary of copays, deductible, and coinsurance.

Many insurance providers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, will have sample EOBs available on their website. You can review them to become familiar with what EOBs look like and how the information is presented.

How an Explanation of Benefits Works

An EOB can help you avoid paying more than you should for health care. Look over an EOB when it arrives in the mail; then, compare it to your bills to ensure that you pay the correct amount. If you find an error on a bill from a doctor or other provider, call your insurance company. They will help you address the discrepancy.

What if you don't understand why you owe money or simply are having trouble reading the EOB? You can also call your insurance company or your health care provider to explain the details.

If you owe money, ask the insurance company whether this payment will be put toward your out-of-pocket deductible. Or, you may need clarification on charges for certain services, you can ask the provider to explain the services and charges for each. If you think you have been charged in error, ask the provider to go over the entire EOB, line by line. This can help you see whether a mistake occurred.

Just as health care providers can make billing errors, coding errors can occur when insurance companies process EOBs. If you do not understand something on your EOB or you think your insurance policy covers an expense that was not paid, call your insurance company for an explanation.

Importan : What if you find an error on your EOB, and the insurance company cannot fix it promptly, or if there is a disagreement? You may need to have the benefit reviewed in a more lengthy process, or file a formal dispute.

How to Get an Explanation of Benefits

The explanation of benefits statement often arrives via mail. In most cases, it closely resembles a medical bill.

Most insurance companies now provide you with online access to your account. This can include digital access to EOBs. If you don't already have online access to your account, check with your insurance company about how to get it.

Once you've set up an online account, check to see what digital access options your insurer offers. Most will let you sign up for email alerts when EOBs are available. This can allow you to view them immediately, so you won't have to wait for them to arrive in your mailbox.

Key Takeways
An EOB is a statement from your insurer. It outlines which portion of a claim it has paid and what portion you will have to pay.
You should get an EOB any time your health care provider bills your insurance.
Always take a close look at an EOB to be sure the charges are correct.
Compare EOBs to the bills you receive from providers and reconcile them before you make a payment.

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Key Differences and What Is Covered

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:05:00 +0000

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Key Differences and What Is Covered

Medicare vs. Medicaid: Key Differences and What Is Covered - We publish unbiased reviews; our opinions are our own and are not influenced by payments from advertisers. Learn about our independent review process and partners in our advertiser disclosure.

In 1965, an amendment to the Social Security Act established Medicare and Medicaid, two government-run health programs.1

Their names that sound the same may lead some people to be confused about what each program covers. Adding to the questions people have about these programs is that in some cases, people may be able to sign up for both.

Both plans offer a few coverage options. This can make learning about them even more complex, but knowing how these programs work and differ can save you money on your health care costs.

Learn more in our review of Medicare and Medicaid. Find out who qualifies, what's covered, and some of the key ways they differ.

If you qualify for Medicare and are ready to look at plans, eHealth Medicare, an independent insurance broker and partner of The Balance, has licensed insurance agents at 833-970-1258 TTY 711 who can help connect you with Medicare Advantage, supplement plans, and Prescription Drug Part D plans.

Key Takeaways

Medicare is mostly based on age, while Medicaid is a welfare program based on income. Its purpose is to help people with low incomes without regard to age.

Medicare Parts A and B do not include dental care, but Medicaid may cover some dental care and treatment for adults in some states.2

State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) provide free help to teach people about programs that can help save money.

People who have Medicare may also be able to get Medicaid and use it to help pay the monthly premiums and other costs of their program.

Key Differences Between Medicare and Medicaid

A key difference between Medicare and Medicaid is that one is mainly based on age, and the other is a welfare program for people of all ages with limited financial means.

Medicare assists people 65 or older. In some cases, people under 65 with certain health concerns may be able to sign up. This only applies to the person who qualifies, but not the person's entire family.3 Medicaid is jointly run by the state and federal governments. It is for people whose eligibility is based on income rather than age or disability. It helps people and families who meet income limits get health care.4

You can apply for Medicaid at any time. You do not have to wait for an open enrollment period. In most cases, people who qualify for it may be exempt from the individual penalty. There's more on that below. When you apply for Medicare outside the time to enroll, you may have a penalty.

Differences in Dental and Vision Care

Medicare parts A and B do not include dental care like cleanings, fillings, getting teeth pulled, dentures, dental plates, or other dental items. Medicaid may cover dental care for adults in some states as well as treatment in others. This varies by state but can be a big plus over Medicare alone.

In certain cases, Medicare Part A may cover dental care if received in a hospital. Most times this would not include your standard dental care.2

Medicaid, on the other hand, only covers dental care for children.5

Eye exams or glasses may be covered by Medicaid in most states. Medicare may include a basic vision test as part of Part B care in the first preventive visit or the yearly wellness visit.

Sources to Help to Learn About Medicare and Medicaid Options

Trying to make sense of all the Medicare and Medicaid details can be a challenge. There are many programs offered, and it can be easy to get lost in the details. The good news is there are many places to get free help learning which program to sign up for. There are also other programs that you may be able to sign up for if you qualify.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) provide free, in-depth, neutral advice to help you learn about what's covered and program options which can help save you money. You can find out if there is a local SHIP office near you. You can also check out the SHIP website to get updates.

Understanding Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid may provide free or low-cost health care to people and families who meet income guidelines, people who are pregnant, seniors, and people with disabilities. More than 80 million people were covered by Medicaid/CHIP in the U.S. as of 2021.7

U.S. Medicaid rules specify certain mandatory benefits. Beyond that, each state may choose to offer extra benefits along with the basics. Because the plans are managed by each state, the state may decide the scope of the optional benefits as well as eligibility rules.

How to Get Medicaid

Medicaid differs from Medicare because it is based on finances and not age. These factors are looked at when seeing who qualifies for it:

Income.
Household size.
Disability.
Family status.

People who may be eligible for Medicaid may include: people who are pregnant, teenagers living alone, parents of sick children, people with high medical costs, blind or disabled people, or people and families with low incomes.89

Each state decides on who qualifies financially for the program. Some states that have expanded Medicaid include higher income levels in their eligibility criteria than states who have not expanded it.

You can find out if your state is growing Medicaid and see if you qualify for it based on income or if you can get any other savings on health care.

Examples of Basic Medicaid Benefits

Below are some basic services that may be included in Medicaid.

Hospitalization and clinic treatment.
Lab and x-ray services.
Doctor and nursing services.
Medical and surgical dental services.
Family planning and midwife services.
Nursing facility services for people aged 21 or older.
Home healthcare for people eligible for nursing facility services.
Pediatric and family providers.
Screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for persons under age 21.10

Can You Have Medicare and Medicaid?

People who have Medicare may also get Medicaid to help pay the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs like deductibles of their program. If you can get both, you are deemed "dual eligible."

Medigap is an add-on health plan for Medicare that may help cover co-pays and deductibles if you can't get Medicaid.

Understanding Medicare Options

Medicare provides coverage in a few parts, with different plan options. You can have original Medicare or an Advantage Plan.

You can get Medicare from a public or private plan. Getting a plan through private insurance such as in the case of the Advantage Plan may allow you greater options in your care.

Medicare Part A covers hospital services and is free most of the time, but you may pay for it as well. For instance, if you did not work long enough to earn it, you can still get it, but you will need to pay for it.11

Medicare Part B covers medical services. There is a cost to the Part B plan.12

Medicare Parts A and B do not cover dental care, but you may be able to get covered by a supplemental health plan.

Medicare Part C could confuse some people because it covers Parts A and B and may even include drug costs. Part C is known as the Advantage Plan. You may be able to get one of these plans that also offers vision and dental care. Be sure and check all your options when choosing one of these plans.

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.

If you want to access an entire list of what Medicare may cover, you can find one on the Medicare website.

How to Get Medicare: Eligibility for Parts A, B, and C

Medicare Part A: In most cases, you must be 65 years or older. You may be able to get Medicare if you are under 65 with certain conditions, end-stage renal disease, or Lou Gehrig's disease. If you are disabled and get Social Security payments for more than 24 months in a row, you may be enrolled in Medicare Part A automatically the 25th month of getting benefits.15

Medicare Part B: If you qualify for Part A, then you will have met the same rules to sign up for Part B in most cases.

Medicare Part B is optional, so make sure and sign up for it in time or you may pay a penalty for signing up after the deadline.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans): In order to be eligible for Part C, you must meet the rules of A and B. You can switch from a Plan A and B to a Plan C during an enrollment period.16

Medicare Savings Programs and the Extra Help Program

There are many kinds of Medicare savings programs that may help if you can't get Medicaid. It is worth looking into these to see if you qualify. You may also want to look into the Medicare Part D low income subsidy for prescription drugs: The Medicare Extra Help program.

Get Medicaid Facts

Kaiser Family Foundation's Medicaid Pocket Primer offers detailed help and a strong look at the vital nature of the Medicaid program in the U.S. and reports on data about the people who use it.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:02:00 +0000

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

What Does Medicare Part A Cover? - Medicare is the federal health insurance program that provides coverage for American citizens and permanent residents who are age 65 and older.

The original Medicare program had two parts: hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). But it has expanded over the years to include optional drug coverage (Part D). Medicare can also refer to comprehensive plans offered by private companies (Part C/Medicare Advantage Plans) and supplemental plans (Medigap), also offered by private companies. First introduced in 1965, Medicare covered almost 63 million people in 2020.1

Medicare is an important part of your retirement plan. Learn the basics of what Part A does and how to sign up for it.

Key Takeaways

There are multiple parts to Medicare coverage.

Part A is hospital insurance. It also covers hospice care, plus some skilled nursing facility care and home health care.

Most people don't pay a premium for Part A coverage.

Most people are eligible to sign up for Part A and all other Medicare benefits from three months before the month they turn 65 through three months after that month.

What Is Medicare Part A?

Part A is the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. Most people become eligible for Medicare once they turn 65, and they may be automatically enrolled if they receive Social Security benefits. Otherwise, you have a limited window of time during which to sign up for Part A without having to pay a penalty. This is referred to as the initial enrollment period. It lasts for a total of seven months (three months before you become eligible for Medicare and three months after).

You won't pay a premium for Part A if you already receive Social Security retirement benefits or you're eligible for them.

NOTE : You could have a coverage gap if you wait to sign up for Medicare until the month you turn 65 or later.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Part A covers a percentage of hospital or skilled nursing facilities based on benefit periods. A benefit period begins when you're admitted and ends 60 days after you're no longer receiving care. There is no limit on benefit periods.

Part A also covers 100% of hospice care and skilled intermittent home health care.

Inpatient Care in a Hospital

What it pays for:

Hospital services
Supplies that are part of your treatment
Semi-private rooms
Nursing care
Drugs
Meals

When it pays: Part A coverage begins when you're admitted under a physician's orders to a hospital that accepts Medicare.

What you pay:

A $1,484 deductible, increasing to $1,556 in 2022, for each benefit period
$371 coinsurance after 61 days, increasing to $389 in 2022
After 91 days, $742 coinsurance for up to 60 days, increasing to $778 in 2022
100% of charges once these benefits are expired3

Skilled Nursing Facility Care

What it pays for:

Short-term skilled nursing care
Occupational, speech, and physical therapy
Medical social services (medical social workers)
Dietary counseling
Medications
A semi-private room
Ambulance services

When it pays: After you have had a qualifying hospital stay of three days. Care ordered by a physician has to be for a qualifying condition that was treated during your hospital stay, or that began in a skilled nursing facility.

What you pay:

100 days of skilled nursing care per benefit period
First 20 days: $0
Day 21 through day 100: $185.50, increasing to $194.50 in 2022
Day 101 and beyond: all costs

Hospice Care

What it pays for:

Any items, services, or durable medical equipment needed to relieve pain and manage symptoms, including drugs for pain management
Medical, nursing, and social services
Aide and homemaker services
Inpatient respite care received in a Medicare-certified facility to provide rest to the usual caregiver, such as a family member
Services can be provided in the home, or at a Medicare-certified facility.

When it pays: A hospice doctor and your personal physician certify a life expectancy of six months or less.

What you pay:

$0 for care
$5 copay for prescriptions
5% copay for the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care

Home Health Care

What it pays for:

Part-time skilled nursing care
Home health aid
Medical social services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Durable medical equipment needed for care
Osteoporosis injections for women

When it pays: Your physician certifies that you are homebound, puts you on a plan of care that requires one or more home health care services, and reviews that plan of care regularly.

What you pay:

$0 for home health care
20% copay for the Medicare-approved amount for durable medical equipment

What Doesn’t Medicare Part A Cover?

No part of Medicare covers long-term care, or 24 hour-a-day custodial care. Custodial care is given at home or in a nursing home, such as a memory unit, and provides assistance with the six activities of daily living: eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence.

Medicare also does not cover dental care, dentures, eye exams for glasses, hearing aids, acupuncture, cosmetic surgery, or routine foot care.7

Part A additionally doesn’t cover prescription drugs (other than drugs for pain management in hospice or as part of your inpatient treatment), physician fees, diagnostic services, or preventive services.

How Part A Compares to Other Parts of Medicare

Part B

Part B is the counterpart to Medicare Part A. It covers regular exams and diagnostic services.

What it pays for:

Physician fees
Diagnostic tests
Preventive and screening services
Ambulance services
Durable medical equipment
Mental health services

When it pays: Services have to meet Medicare guidelines. Medicare publishes a guide of services covered and their maximum fees.

What you pay:

Most people pay the standard premium of $170.10 per month as of 2022.
High-income earners may pay up to $578.30 per month in 2022.8
You may have to pay an ongoing late fee if you enroll in part B after your initial enrollment period.

Part C

Part C is Medicare Advantage. It's a comprehensive health plan offered by private insurance companies.

What it pays for: These plans have to cover at least what Medicare covers, including prescriptions, and many offer more coverage like dental and vision benefits. Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare Advantage instead of Parts A, B, and D.

When it pays: It depends on the specific plan you enroll in, but benefits eligibility will be similar to other Medicare plans.

What you pay: You must enroll and pay for the Part B premium if you select Medicare Advantage. Some Medicare Advantage plans will pay the Part B premium for you, and others will charge an additional premium. Each Medicare Advantage plan has its own deductibles and copays.9

Part D

Part D is Medicare-approved prescription drug coverage offered by private insurance companies.

When it pays: Medicare Part D is optional. You may have to pay an ongoing penalty if you enroll in Part D after your initial enrollment period.10

What it pays for: Prescriptions have to meet plan approval for use.

What you pay: Each plan has its own premiums, copay, and deductible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Medicare Part A cost?

There is no cost for Medicare Part A if you're eligible for Social Security benefits.

How do I sign up for Medicare Part A?

You can enroll online from the Social Security Administration website.

How is Medicare Part A financed?

Part A is financed primarily through premiums, the government’s general fund, and Medicare payroll taxes that are paid by employers and their employees.12 The withholding rate is 1.45% for employees and employers, for a total of 2.9%. An additional 0.9% is withheld on earnings above $200,000.

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Law Firm

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:01:00 +0000

Mesothelioma law firms specialize in asbestos cases, and the first thing to look for when researching them is years of experience and a history of success.

The top asbestos law firms in the U.S. have a team of qualified attorneys who understand what you and your loved one are facing and can give you confidence when pursuing your legal options.

The top five must-haves when choosing your mesothelioma law firm include the following:

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Law Firm

1. Lawyers Who Understand Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos law firms have intimate knowledge of the different types of asbestos-related diseases and understand how this impacts the patient and the legal process. They understand what you and your family are going through and how treatment may impact your ability to attend a trial.

These firms know to advocate for expedited trial dates and conduct depositions as early as possible, so you can focus on your medical care as the disease progresses.

Mesothelioma law firms have expertise in handling lawsuits, trust fund claims and settlements, and they’re also familiar with state asbestos laws and the statutes of limitations that apply to your claim.

2. Ability to Document Asbestos Exposure

Firms specializing in asbestos have deep industry knowledge and proprietary asbestos databases filled with information about asbestos products and contaminated job sites.

Attorneys use this along with other proof they discover through a deep investigation to connect your mesothelioma diagnosis to prior asbestos exposure.

3. No Upfront Legal Costs and a Free Case Evaluation

Not every firm offers a free case evaluation, but dedicated mesothelioma law firms typically provide evaluations free of charge.

They can afford to do this because they’ve leveraged their nationwide network of attorneys, which is harder for local firms to do because they operate on a smaller scale.

The best firms also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay them if they recover compensation for you. If they don’t win your case, you don’t pay for their legal services.

4. Record of Winning Large Verdicts and Settlements

National firms tend to have the best track record securing compensation for victims of asbestos exposure. This kind of compensation helps families afford medical treatment, deal with lost wages and handle other expenses such as in-home nursing care.

For example, Weitz & Luxenberg secured a multimillion-dollar settlement in 2021 for a lifetime millwright and Navy veteran who died of mesothelioma. Simmons Hanly Conroy secured a $34 million verdict in 2019 from Ford Motor Company for a mechanic diagnosed with mesothelioma.

While not every case results in multimillion-dollar settlements or verdicts, working with an experienced firm increases your potential to receive substantial compensation.

5. A Lawyer that Makes You Feel Comfortable

Mesothelioma law firms understand travel is difficult when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. One of the biggest benefits of choosing a nationwide firm is its willingness to travel to you or meet with you virtually. This gives you access to the nation’s top firms no matter where you live.

While it may seem that a big, nationwide firm might not have time to attend to every client, the opposite is often true. Local firms are smaller, and it can be harder for them to dedicate the kind of time to your case that a full-time mesothelioma law firm can offer.

A good firm will provide examples of their success, explain their fees upfront, and let you learn about their attorneys and what makes their firm unique. Mesothelioma attorneys keep clients updated on the claim’s progress every step of the way, and they often anticipate their client’s needs because of their extensive experience.

Mesothelioma Treatment Free

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:01:00 +0000

If a doctor has diagnosed you or a loved one with mesothelioma, you are facing a battle. Mesothelioma treatment could potential include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or perhaps all three in your future. It’s a time to be strong, lean on your loved ones, and grow even closer with the people you trust.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

The first thing to do is to ensure that you are under the care of a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma.

This is a cancer with its own unique characteristics and patterns, and a doctor who deeply understands them makes a big difference in improving your prognosis.

If you need to be connected with a mesothelioma specialist, a lawyer at Ted B. Lyon & Associates would be pleased to help. We know of several highly reputable doctors in Texas whose work with mesothelioma patients is impressive

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Your doctor will determine which course of treatment best fits your needs. If the cancer is still localized, there may be several treatments that are suited to you, whereas if the cancer has spread, the options may be more limited.

Surgery

Removing the cancerous tumor(s) through surgery may be a viable option, particularly for patients who are diagnosed early.

The surgery for mesothelioma usually involves removing lymph nodes, the mesothelial lining, part or all of a lung, or part or all of another organ. Surgery is often one part of a multi-pronged approach that includes chemotherapy and sometimes radiation.

For advanced patients, surgery may not be available to remove the cancer, but it may still be used to alleviate symptoms and increase the quality of life.

Chemotherapy

Like other cancers, mesothelioma often responds to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the use of certain drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent cancer from spreading (metastasis). It is often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation. There are two types of chemotherapy:

Systemic: drugs are administered through an IV or in pill form

Interoperative: this is concentrated chemotherapy applied during surgery, directly to the affected area.

Radiation

Radiation is another method of killing cancer cells and preventing them from spreading. It uses beams, like X-rays, to target cancer cells and damage them.

Radiation is usually used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation is not an option for all mesothelioma sufferers and will depend on things like age, stage of cancer and overall health.

How to Get Involved This Mesothelioma Awareness Day

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0000

How to Get Involved This Mesothelioma Awareness Day

How to Get Involved This Mesothelioma Awareness Day - Autumn is now officially upon us, and that means Mesothelioma Awareness Day is quickly approaching!

On Sept. 26, 2021, Americans will honor the tens of thousands of individuals and families who have felt the devastation that comes with a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure, and each year around 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with it. The disease is almost always fatal, and patients with this cancer have an average life expectancy of 4-18 months.

What makes the disease so difficult to diagnose is its long latency period. It can take anywhere from 20-50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop, and because these symptoms are often vague and associated with other illnesses — such as the common cold or flu — misdiagnosis occurs regularly. In many cases, by the time mesothelioma is identified, the cancer has already progressed into its late stages.

That’s why a mesothelioma diagnosis often comes as a terrible shock — the shock waves of which are felt through entire families and loved ones.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day gives the mesothelioma community a very necessary day in the spotlight, and offers American citizens the opportunity to support individuals and families feeling the impact of this tragic illness.

Below we outline some of the best ways to become a part of this year’s national effort.

How to Get Involved on Mesothelioma Awareness Day This Year

Started by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in 2004, Mesothelioma Awareness Day is now in its 18th year. Each year, the awareness campaign has succeeded in drawing more and more attention to the mesothelioma community and the cause of the terrible disease: asbestos.

There are dozens of ways to get involved in the awareness effort this year.

The Mesothelioma Foundation recommends doing any of the following:

“Paint the world in mesothelioma blue” by:

Taking photos of you, your friends, family and colleagues wearing blue, the official color of the awareness effort
Sharing those photos to social media to raise awareness, using the hashtag #curemeso

Register for the 13th Annual Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk
Share social media posts from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Update your Facebook profile picture with Miles for Meso’s frame
Contact your local government to get a Mesothelioma Awareness Day proclamation

Use the Mesothelioma Foundation’s how-to guide for more information.

Contact your local newspaper and/or news station and request a story to be run on Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Those interested in supporting the cause should also visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s website for more excellent ways to join the movement

Additionally, you may consider supporting ADAO’s important advocacy work by signing the organization’s Ban Asbestos Now petition, which is nearly at its goal of obtaining 150,000 signatures.

Miles for Meso Race Begins This Saturday!

In addition to getting involved in the advocacy efforts noted above, you can also aid ADAO’s cause by signing up to participate in this year’s virtual Alton Miles for Meso race, which is set to begin this coming Saturday, Sept. 25 — the day before Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

For the eighth year in a row, all proceeds from the event will benefit ADAO. Last year’s race raised more than $30,000 for ADAO. In total, the race has brought $180,000 to the charitable organization over the last several years.

Late registration for the virtual event is still currently open. Wear your shirt on race day, race from anywhere, and connect with others on social media by using the hashtag #MilesforMeso.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:59:00 +0000

One of the biggest reasons why mesothelioma is so lethal is because of the way the symptoms present. First, there may be no symptoms at all for a very long time.

In fact, the disease has a latency period of between 10 and 50 years, meaning that’s how long it can take for symptoms to appear. And when symptoms do appear, they are often similar to more common conditions that aren’t as serious. This leads to frequent misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is incurable, but with early detection, it may be treatable. Early detection is the only way to improve the prognosis of a mesothelioma patient.

Signs of Mesothelioma

It is critical that you see a doctor if you exhibit the warning signs of potential mesothelioma. Think back on your life – did you work at a job where asbestos exposure was a risk?

These jobs include working in the military, construction work, mining, refineries, and chemical plants. Of course, asbestos exposure is not limited to work. You could have been exposed at home, in an office building or any number of other scenarios.

Fever and night sweats
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Weakness
Low oxygen
Fluid buildup
Anemia
Abdominal pain and swelling
Chest pains
Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

As you can see, these factors are not unique.

They are symptoms of many other illnesses that are not as serious as cancer. That is part of what makes mesothelioma so hard to detect.

Additional Factors Impacting Symptoms

Your symptoms may be more or less severe depending on several factors related to your asbestos exposure.

How long you were exposed to asbestos (decades, years, months)
Your age
Other factors (how the disease spread, how long it has been latent in your body)

mesothelioma lawyers texas attorney mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:58:00 +0000

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that results from ingesting asbestos fibers. Although it is often thought of as an occupational disease, anyone exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. It is especially common among people who worked in the construction trades, military veterans, oil refineries and chemical plant workers, among others.

Additionally, manufacturers in various industries used asbestos in their products because of its heat resistance, strength and insulating properties; it can be found almost anywhere. There may arise a need to consult with a mesothelioma lawyer.

Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

Doctors diagnose around 2,000 men and women with mesothelioma each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In almost every case, the exposure to asbestos-containing products occurred at least 25 years before the diagnosis of the disease, as mesothelioma is a slow-developing cancer.

This slow development made it easier for manufacturers of asbestos-containing products to claim that it was not toxic—even though they knew it was carcinogenic since the 1930s and harmful to the lungs even before.

Compensation is available for victims of this illness, as well as for family members of individuals who died due to asbestos exposure. There are many ways to obtain the compensation you deserve.

To learn more, call the Law Firm of Ted B. Lyon & Associates at 866-503-8064. We are Texas trial attorneys who represent mesothelioma victims throughout the state.

Legal Options in Mesothelioma Claims

At your initial consultation, we will discuss legal options for obtaining compensation. These usually include some combination of the following:

Filing a lawsuit, which could result in a settlement or trial
Filing a claim against the organization where you were exposed to asbestos
Filing a claim with the Asbestos Trust Fund
Filing a claim for compensation from the Veterans Administration

The strategy depends on the circumstances of your exposure and the way the illness has affected you and your family.

Having advice and counsel from one of our knowledgeable mesothelioma attorneys is critical to obtaining maximum compensation. It costs you nothing to talk with us and you only pay attorney’s fees if we obtain compensation for you.

Mesothelioma Attorneys in New York

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:57:00 +0000

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest, deadliest, and most aggressive kinds of lung cancer known to medical science. Researchers have linked this disease to asbestos exposure.

Because of its flame-retardant qualities and low cost, many companies used asbestos in construction and shipbuilding projects for a generation. Only now, many years later, have the crippling effects of mesothelioma become apparent, and victims are finding they need a mesothelioma law firm to help them pay their medical bills.

At the mesothelioma law firm of Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, our experienced mesothelioma attorneys know the devastation a diagnosis brings to you and your family. Treatment for mesothelioma is often costly with a grim prognosis. Your household will almost certainly face serious financial and emotional struggles. If you have developed mesothelioma because of the negligence of your employer or another party, you have legal rights to compensation for the suffering that this disease has caused. You should discuss your situation with a New York mesothelioma attorney today, because you have limited time to act.

WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA?

Some people dubbed asbestos the “miracle mineral” when large-scale mining began in the late 1800s. That excitement dropped off considerably around 1900, when the number of lung cancer deaths in asbestos mining towns spiked.

Doctors soon discovered that this cancer was mesothelioma, a devastating illness that essentially collapses the heart and lungs from the outside. Asbestos was still widely used in insulation and other types of building materials throughout much of the 1900s.

Anyone who worked around these materials, lived in buildings with asbestos, or lived with a person who came home with asbestos fibers on their clothes may have been exposed and at risk to develop mesothelioma.

People who worked on certain renovation projects or at certain places, like the World Trade Center on 9/11, may have been exposed to deadly asbestos fibers.

Once the fibers are inhaled, or absorb through the skin, they become lodged in the body. They can stay there for many years. Over time, these fibers often cause cancerous tumors that develop in the mesothelium, the membrane surrounding the lungs, the cardiac cavity, or the abdominal cavity.

Typically, these tumors develop inside victims years before they reach out to mesothelioma lawyers, as this disease has a long latency period. In addition, lung cancer symptoms often mimic other medical conditions, which can delay diagnosis.

As a result, many victims are not properly diagnosed until the cancer has already progressed to an advanced stage. This advanced stage makes the outcome worse. Having a mesothelioma attorney on your side can make all the difference.

MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENT IS OFTEN EXPENSIVE

As with any cancer, treatment for mesothelioma can be painful and costly and may include the following:

A combination of any of the above.

There are some emerging mesothelioma treatments, such as gene therapy and PDT (photodynamic therapy), which a mesothelioma attorney can help explore. While these treatments are more costly than traditional therapies, they have substantially improved the outcome for many victims.

Prognosis usually depends on the location of the tumors, the type of mesothelioma, the stage of progression, whether it has metastasized, and the health and age of the victim. Due to the advanced stage and older age of many mesothelioma patients, the survival period is often less than one or two years from diagnosis.

MESOTHELIOMA CASES INVOLVE COMPLEX LEGAL ISSUES

An asbestos exposure attorney at a mesothelioma law firm in New York can arrange substantial financial compensation for lung cancer victims, and those suffering from asbestosis or related injuries, if another party caused their asbestos exposure. If an employer or property owner exposed you to asbestos fibers, they should be held responsible, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. In order to win a case, mesothelioma attorneys must prove that:

The party failed to use ordinary care and negligently caused asbestos exposure;

The exposure caused the mesothelioma;

You suffered injuries as a result of the mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma lawsuit attorneys must establish each element of a negligence case by a majority of the evidence. To prove their cases in court, attorneys must collect substantial medical records, eyewitness statements, and other evidence.

Then, mesothelioma attorneys must present this evidence in a clear and convincing fashion, to maximize compensation.

Even if the negligent company is no longer operating, mesothelioma compensation is still available through asbestos trust funds.

ASBESTOS LITIGATION IN THE PRESENT DAY

There are many aspects of asbestos litigation that are relevant and necessary to achieve a favorable verdict. One of the largest challenges is that since much time has passed since asbestos has been made illegal for use, many of the businesses that used or manufactured asbestos materials have closed.

There are special mesothelioma trust funds that have been set up in these instances. There is roughly 30 Billion dollars available in these mesothelioma trust funds. In these events, there are bankruptcy court proceedings that must take place to obtain a recovery from those funds.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A MESOTHELIOMA LAW FIRM?

Both victims of the disease and family members of deceased mesothelioma victims have valid legal claims. Because of the detailed scientific and medical information involved, it is critical to have a mesothelioma attorney with experience handling these claims.

If you or a family member was diagnosed with mesothelioma, call the New York mesothelioma law firm at Napoli Shkolnik, PLLC. We can be reached at 212-397-1000, or fill out the form below to reach out to us online.

Mesothelioma Signs And Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:57:00 +0000

Although rare, mesothelioma is the most associated form of asbestos-related cancer. Mesothelioma refers to the tissue that lines your stomach, lungs, heart, and other vital organs. This cancer tends to start in the lungs and may not develop until 10 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.

Because the cancer starts in the lungs, it can be difficult to tell the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer. Unfortunately, malignant mesothelioma isn’t usually found until the cancer is advanced.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include:

chest pain
painful coughing fits
pain under the rib cage
lumps, swelling, or pain in the abdomen
nausea
weight loss that can’t be explained
breathing problems

How To Choose A Mesothelioma Lawyer

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you likely have cause to file a legal claim. Since asbestos-related lawsuits can be lucrative for plaintiffs, it’s important to hire a skilled and qualified lawyer.

Mesothelioma cases are complicated. A lawyer can help identify who should be held liable to give you the best chances of winning your case. This could be the company responsible for installing or manufacturing asbestos. It could also be a claim to collect damages from a trust fund.

Here are some tips to consider when hiring a mesothelioma lawyer.

Hire A Multi-State Law Firm

It can be helpful to hire a multi-state law firm because a lawyer with experience in mesothelioma-related cases can file your case in a district where they can yield the highest payouts. If you stick with a local law firm, you may find they lack the experience and knowledge necessary to win your case.

Contact The Lawyer’s Offices

If you’re considering filing a claim, reach out to the lawyer’s law offices by contacting them via phone or online. Many law firms, including Florin|Roebig, offer free case evaluations to determine the foundation of your case. You can also request to speak with someone directly and ask a lawyer about their history with asbestos cases, cost, and other concerns you may have.

Top-Rated Mesothelioma Lawyers In The US

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:56:00 +0000

Mesothelioma lawyers hold negligent parties liable for exposing workers and other individuals to asbestos. A skilled lawyer can determine if your case is eligible to receive compensation from an asbestos victims’ trust fund, which was created to pay out victims of mesothelioma and asbestos-related legal claims.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that lines the lungs, chest, and abdomen. This cancer is caused by asbestos exposure, which may have occurred in someone’s home, workplace, or community. Malignant mesothelioma was responsible for over 45,000 deaths between 1999 and 2015.

Although regulations have been put in place to decrease asbestos exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the number of malignant mesothelioma deaths are increasing. If you suffer from mesothelioma, you can file a claim and collect significant damages for your injuries.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is classified as a human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) and refers to six minerals that naturally occur in the environment.

These minerals break down into fibers that can be separated into durable threads used in industrial and commercial applications and products. Because of how resistant the fibers are to heat, asbestos has been used across various industries, from construction projects to automotive manufacturing.

The Dangers Of Asbestos Exposure

If any product containing asbestos is disturbed, tiny fibers can be released into the air and breathed in by humans. Once you breathe in asbestos fibers, they remain in your lungs for long periods of time.

Once these asbestos fibers accumulate, they can cause:

scarring and inflammation
breathing issues
lung cancer
larynx cancer
ovary cancer
mesothelioma
other serious health issues

Occupations At Risk Of Asbestos Exposure

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos on the job. If you had one of the following occupations and were exposed to asbestos fibers, you may be at risk for developing mesothelioma.

ALABAMA: Mesothelioma Lawsuit

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:55:00 +0000

Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuit in Alabama

For decades, the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision in Garrett v. Raytheon dictated that the state’s two-year statute of limitations for toxic torts cases ran from the date of the plaintiff’s last exposure to the toxic substance.

Because the serious health effects caused by asbestos exposure may not manifest into a diagnosis of mesothelioma until years or even decades after such exposure, under the frequently harsh “last exposure rule”, the statute of limitations would have likely expired well before a potential plaintiff ever discovered that he had mesothelioma.

While there was an exception for persons suffering from an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, whose last exposure to an asbestos product occurred after May 1979, a potential plaintiff last exposed to an asbestos product before May 1979 would likely have no viable claim against that product’s manufacturer by the time he is diagnosed with the disease.

However, in an important toxic tort decision, Griffin v. Unocal Corp., the Alabama Supreme Court overruled its decades-old last exposure rule in toxic tort cases, and instead adopted a more rational “discovery rule.”

Under the discovery rule, a potential plaintiff’s claim accrues, and the statute of limitations begins to run, on the first date the injured party, through reasonable diligence, should have reason to discover the injury – in a case of mesothelioma, the date of diagnosis.

As it appears from the court’s opinion, Alabama courts will now apply the discovery rule regardless of the date of last exposure.

In the Griffin case, David Griffin was exposed to hazardous chemicals manufactured by multiple chemical companies while employed at a tire-manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from 1973 to 1993.

David was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia on September 9, 2003, approximately ten years after he left his employment at the tire plant. He died in February 2004 as a result of his leukemia.

A week later, his wife, Brenda Sue Griffin, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on his behalf alleging that David’s illness and subsequent death was caused by his exposure to various chemicals during his employment at the tire manufacturing facility.

The defendant chemical companies filed motions to dismiss stating that Plaintiff’s claims were time-barred because her claim accrued and the statute of limitations began to run in 1993, and the time to start an action expired in 1995 (despite the fact that David discovered his injuries eight years later!). The trial court granted the defendants’ motions.

On appeal, the Supreme Court of Alabama overruled Garrett and the cases that followed its ruling, and stated that a cause of action, such as one for mesothelioma, accrues not on the date of last exposure, but instead, only when there has occurred a manifest,

In overturning the trial court’s dismissal of Plaintiff’s claims, the Supreme Court held that the proper construction of the term “accrued” means that a cause of action arises only when there has occurred a manifest, present injury.

The Court further held that a “manifest, present injury” exists when a condition has evidenced itself sufficiently that its existence is objectively evident and apparent, even if only to the diagnostic skills of a physician.

In the case of mesothelioma, even though the exposure to asbestos may have occurred years ago, the present injury is the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

New York Mesothelioma Lawyers

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:54:00 +0000

Mesothelioma Attorneys in New York- Even though the use of asbestos stopped in the 1970s, the toxic substance continues to impact thousands of people today.

Since 1979 over 45,000 Americans have died from asbestos-related diseases, 10,000 Americans will die this year – and 200,000 are living with asbestosis, a disease caused by asbestos exposure.

Despite the widespread knowledge about the devastating injuries caused by this toxic mineral, it’s still found in homes, schools, commercial and industrial buildings.

In fact, asbestos was used in over 3,000 different consumer products, including toasters and hair dryers, which may still be in use today.

The spaces we inhabit and the products we use are supposed to be free from toxic substances that can harm our health. However, all too often we find out that we have been exposed to toxins once it is too late to protect ourselves from getting sick.

When this happens, it becomes expedient to seek out an attorney and explore legal options for obtaining compensation.

If you or your family member is the victim of a toxic substance or asbestos-related injury, it’s important to partner with a caring and experienced New York personal injury attorney to secure the compensation that you deserve.

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, and the more intense and longer the exposure, the higher risk for injury.

Seeking Help For Asbestos Exposure

The Dangerous Results of Exposure to Toxic Substances

Asbestos-related disease occurs when the material’s fibers are inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can stay in the body forever, and have been linked to serious and even fatal diseases, including:

Complicating matters is the fact that the effects of exposure to toxic substances is not always immediately apparent.

In the case of carcinogenic (cancer-causing) toxins, for example, it may take years after exposure before the associated cancer appears and starts causing impairment.

Another example is exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, which can cause cognitive impairment and behavioral problems even after the exposure is eliminated and the metal is no longer in the affected person’s body.

If you or a loved one has been injured or disabled due to exposure to a toxic substance, you need to speak with the dedicated New York personal injury attorneys at Zlotolow & Associates.

In addition to helping clients with their personal injury cases in New York City, we also service The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk.

With more than two decades of experience, our lawyers have helped countless individuals and families obtain the full compensation they deserved after toxic exposure.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a toxic substance, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Zlotolow & Associates by calling us toll-free at (866) 800 – 0092, or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

6 Tips For Writing Legal Briefs For Your Law Firm

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:53:00 +0000

“Legal brief” is a written document that explains why a person is filing a case, it mostly accompanies a motion which is also known as a legal memorandum or memorandum of law.

Writing legal briefs in the law firms are the most complex task, but it is essential to perform. Usually, attorneys have the habit of using long and complicated words rather than writing to the point.When it comes to legal writing the lawyers should adhere to three C’s of writing, be clear, concise and crisp.

Using the simplest possible English is really important, it should not confuse the reader at any point of time with acronyms.

Law firms must be careful with the words, as choosing the right word and writing with the right attitude will help to convey messages without any resistance.Although, if we talk about a single lawyer, their whole career is based on two main things: interpersonal skills and writing.

Tips to improve legal brief writing:

Be sure you understand the problem of your client: When the client approaches you for their problems, then ask many questions to him. Read all the related documents and make a note of it. Try to understand the situation of the client as much you can and write a good memo or motion.

There’s no other option to write a good research memo in the abstract because you will be in a much better position if you know the appropriate specifics.

Don’t depend totally on the internet: Associate your research book with computer searches, prefer some books of the law of well-known authors such as Corpus Secundum and American Jurisprudence.

You can try to understand the subject matter by just thoroughly reading the indexes, digests and treatises from the book. And when it comes to the internet prefer advanced-search function in google books, this will offer you a variety of resources in addition to what you find with Westlaw or Lexis.

Summarize your conclusions: Whether you are writing a research memo or a brief you will need an upfront summary that consists of 3 main aspects: the questions, the answers to those questions and the explanation for those answers.

If you are drafting a motion write the aspects in such a way that your relative or friends could understand, which is actually challenging for the lawyers.

Cut the unnecessary sentence: Verbosity can make your writing confusing. So try to delete every complicated word.

For example: “General consensus of opinions is doubly redundant”, the word consensus relates to opinion and it is generally by nature, you can replace this phrase by using with the number of or several or many.

Once you are done with writing all the terms and scenarios go back cut down the paragraph, sentence, that you think is unnecessary or replace it with the correct word or sentence and keep it to the point.

Proofread one more time: Once you are done with writing legal briefs, proofread it one more time before drafting. So try it ask someone who can efficiently proofread your sentences because there may be rash or phrase that can be replaced with simple words, so it’s better that you find the problem yourself, rather than your readers do.

Effective writing is essential for lawyers and law firms because most of the advocacy undertaken by lawyers is written advocacy. Most probably lawyers, spend their time in drafting legal documents rather than the courtroom.

Nowadays, outsourcing legal research writing has become the most popular trend among law firms. Outsourcing legal research services has enabled them to focus on their core business areas and build a relationship with their clients.Even after following the tips If you still face issues in writing legal briefs, you may consider outsourcing some of your law firm’s operations to Cogneesol.

We have experienced legal professionals to help you manage most of your daily tasks. To know more about our legal outsourcing services, contact us at +1 646 688 2821 or write to info@cogneesol.com.

A short guide on methods of investing in the stock market

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:52:00 +0000

A brief guide on how to invest in the stock market

how to invest

A short guide on methods of investing in the stock market.

The market has attracted many small and experienced investors. Flash profits, coupled with great risks, are the behavior of newcomers to the stock market. However, Contrary to the belief that the stock market relies on, there are compelling reasons for the stock market. Speculation, no doubt, creates a place in trade. This could be in your favor with respect to penny stocks; however, for long term investments, core technical analysis is what guides you on how to invest in stocks.

The stock market today is entirely technology driven, allowing you to trade on any exchange in the world. However, this requires some knowledge and analysis that will help you choose the right stock at the right price.

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For investors who have been bitten by the stock market bug, do some research and analysis before you invest in stocks. This includes his industry background, finances and, most importantly, credit rating.

Company documentation

As a potential investor, you need to be familiar with industry profiles, board discussions, and annual reports outlining performance. The following document notes provide you with industry knowledge:

Form 10-K, which is submitted annually by the industry to the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a comprehensive research document and includes all required data to investors. The quarterly type of Form 10-K is 10-Q.

The Power of Attorney shares data on the board, shareholder proposals, and management compensation.

The most recent annual report outlining the future prospects of business leaders.

Reflection of industry performance statistics in the last 5/ 10 years

Financial information

Stock performance is strongly influenced by its finances. If you choose to choose a stock, you must really analyze and describe its financial statements. This lists the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

The income statement reflects the profit/loss made by the industry during a novel year. The cash flow statement is a description of its liquidity. A full and complete reflection of the legacy and liabilities of the industry offered by the balance sheet. All 3 financial statements above analyzed together would like to present the true net worth of the industry stocks you are proposing to invest in.

When you want to build a stock portfolio, you need to study its industry and financial profile before you invest.

Robust fundamental and technical analysis helps you choose the right stocks. Stock prices in several aspects. Market aspects, both macro and micro, and stock profiles and investor sentiment, play a role in determining stock prices. Therefore, the fluctuations that you see are stock transactions within a day and between days.

Tools for technical analysis

Stock trading cannot be successful on trust alone. Moreover, increase the risk of loss. Therefore, technical analysis is needed, which helps predict future stock prices based on historical prices. Trend analysis and the law of averages are applied to predict trends using scientific tools. One such investor-friendly tool is the Stockchart.

Stockcharts

A stock chart, which is a graphical representation of a stock's price or trading volume over a given period of time, is a tool often used by technical analysts to predict future stock prices, based on price and volume changes. Technical stock charts can be bar charts, line charts, point and number charts, and candlestick charts. The ups and downs of charts help analysts to follow trends, identify big and low prices, and also determine with certainty the price of shares in the stock market in the future.

Thus, with the encouragement of these technical analysis tools, investors will be more informed when to buy/sell shares.

Investing your money in stocks

If making your money is stock is an option, here are 4 ways to do it:

Invest through the 401k.

plan. Invest via broker.

account. Invest through a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, or simple IRA account.

Invest through a direct share purchase plan or a dividend reinvestment plan.

Playing in stocks is risky. So before you actually go down to buy stocks, make sure you have done a good fundamental and technical analysis. Also measure your tolerance level. It is best when you build your portfolio, describing your investments. Select a combination of large caps, large caps, and small caps. This is the key to being a successful investor.

Family Law Attorney 2022

noreply@blogger.com (download driver printer all) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:04:00 +0000

Family Law Attorney 2022

Types Of Lawyers 2022, Criminal lawyers are attorneys who help to defend individuals accused of a crime. Yes, there are also many different types of c

Family Law Attorney 2022

Criminal Lawyer

Type of Lawyer 2022, Criminal lawyers are lawyers who help defend people who are not guilty of crimes. Yes, there are different kinds of crimes. attorney attorney is also a prosecutor, defense attorney, or universal defender. Criminal attorneys deal with homicide, white-collar crime, and many other criminal offenses that make this job an interesting and varied career.

Personal Injury Lawyer

An individual injury attorney represents a person, who due to the negligence of another person has been injured. They deal with people falling at work, vehicle accidents, animal attacks, defective products, poor insurance claims, and more. Medical injuries through misjudgment of negligence are handled by medical malpractice lawyers, although it can also be written on individual wounds.

Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are thinking of hiring a disability attorney to help you with your Social Security problems, then the main thing to consider is how much you have to pay. You are required to pay fees that are governed by federal law and which will add up if your case ends up in the Appeals Council or federal court of law. The benefit of a social security disability attorney is their attempt to manipulate you and they can help you make a proposal for Social Security.

Civil Litigation Lawyer

This type of attorney is needed when 2 or more people are entangled in a legal dispute and seek money and the civil law court process is the result. The parties who participated after that led to the legal panel so that the judge and jury decided the verdict.

Free Case Evaluation

If you are in a difficult financial situation, enjoying a free life can be very useful for you. Some law firms offer their clients this trouble free, which means they don't have to pay an upfront fee. Also, if a problem doesn't create a solution, no payment is required.

Intellectual Property Lawyer

These lawyers practice intellectual property law. If someone needs an intellectual property attorney, they need to pursue legal rights to their own inventions, artwork, or individual designs.

Employment Lawyer

Employment contracts, frameworks, discrimination, payment of wages, or workplace issues that are part of the labor law are handled by labor law. Both employees and employers use the services of an employment lawyer. Employment lawyers must have knowledge of state, judicial, federal and local codes, laws, and regulations to properly represent them.

Family Lawyer

Family attorneys represent clients who are involved in family-related legal matters. This can include agreements, divorce, child custody, alimony, same-sex marriage, alimony, adoption and other family-related issues. Family law can also cross over to other areas of law, namely immigration, inheritance planning, and criminal justice. Family attorneys typically practice in one position as they are required daily in courts of law on behalf of their clients.

Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers have a busy schedule like what we see in the news media. They help people and families gain legal rights and status. Immigration is a special part of the law. They represent their clients with visas, green cards, likes and more. In America, the President is responsible for instituting policies, while the federal legal assembly drafts immigration and submits immigration decisions. Immigration lawyers can vary in different languages and cultures. They work tirelessly long hours in an attempt to seek justice for those who cannot defend themselves.

Estate Planning Lawyer

A planning attorney helps people draft various wills and trusts. A planning attorney is responsible for the law to justify the distribution of property as well as the inheritance of a person's death. They are also knowledgeable about real taxes, retirement plans, life insurance policies, donations, probate matters, real business matters, and more.

General Practice Lawyer

Universal application lawyers tackle a wide variety of legal issues. They represent people in any legal issues they may have in your office. They don't hold on to their application of law which means that they don't practice any type of specialization. Universal application attorneys practice in all of the above areas of law as well as more.

Becoming a lawyer as a career requires time, emotional strength, learning steadfastness, and character. Yes, lawyers find a good income income, but there are also lawyers who work pro bono (without pay). Lawyers work in various areas in all 50 states, including federal districts, and counties. More : Blog.bungmais.com