Health Insurance Reviews

Great News from Triest Agency!

2012-09-06T12:58:00.001-07:00

Whenever we have the opportunity, we are delighted to share our good news with the entire Triest family of policyholders, friends, and clients. That's why we are pleased to announce staff changes. Pollyanna Lengel has been promoted to the position of Commercial and Professional Lines Account Executive. Pollyanna has been with the agency as an agent offering professional liability coverage and will be taking duties previously assigned to Joy St. Martin. Joy recently left the agency to pursue another opportunity. We wish her only the best in her new ventures. Pollyanna has over 23 years of insurance experience. She is a native of Georgia and a graduate of Auburn University. Pollyanna's direct number is 843-303-9160 or pollyanna@triestagency.com . Amber Posey has recently joined the agency as an administrative assistant and social media director. Amber is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in English. Amber's direct number is 843-303-9209 or amber@triestagency.com . Christiana Davies has recently joined the agency as an administrative assistant. Christiana is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in History. Christiana's direct number is 843-303-9163 or christiana@triestagency.com . Please don't hesitate to contact us at 843-556-6232 if you have any questions or if we can provide assistance with your policy. As always, we'd be happy to hear from you, and look forward to sharing more good news with you in the near future. Larry W. Freudenberg President Triest Agency 1052 Gardner Road Charleston, SC 29407 larry@triestagency.com 843-303-9200

Will the Supreme Court Strike Down Health-Care Reform? - Newsweek

2010-10-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Will the Supreme Court Strike Down Health-Care Reform? - Newsweek

5 Best Ways to Cut Insurance Costs - FOXBusiness.com -

2010-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

5 Best Ways to Cut Insurance Costs - FOXBusiness.com -

A New Tax Break for the Self-Employed - NYTimes.com

2010-09-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

A New Tax Break for the Self-Employed - NYTimes.com

U.S. Rebukes Health Insurers - WSJ.com

2010-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

U.S. Rebukes Health Insurers - WSJ.com

Health Care Change 101 - Personal Finance - Health Care - SmartMoney.com

2010-07-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

Health Care Change 101 - Personal Finance - Health Care - SmartMoney.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Avoid this common and costly self-employment health insurance error

2010-06-21T09:00:00.001-07:00

Avoid this common and costly self-employment health insurance error by Alston Balkcom
in Insurance / Health Coverage (submitted 2010-06-17)

If you are a new business owner and need medical care insurance coverage, you probably have several alternatives and it may be hard to choose which choice is best for you. You may have the option of keeping your COBRA coverage from your most recent job, you may be able to get coverage through your spouse's employer, you may be able to get health insurance on your own as an individual and you may have the option of buying coverage through your business.

The biggest error you can make is to believe that all of the choices are equal or nearly so. Often a newly self-employed person will accept their COBRA option or the options offered through their spouse's job and never look around to see if they could get a better price or policy. This is understandable. It is hard to start a business and taking the easy way out regarding your medical insurance allows one to devote more time to other business-related decisions.

As understandable as this is, it is a mistake because it can be very costly. The most pricey alternative available that will cover you well will more than likely cost twice as much as the least costly choice.

Each alternative listed above has its pros and cons. For this reason, the best choice for you may not be the best choice for someone else.

Accepting the COBRA choice from a previous job has the advantage of allowing you to stay with your present policy. It also requires the least amount of paperwork and no medical questions.

There are, however, two major drawbacks. The first is that the policy is only good for a short period of time. This means that when your COBRA eligibility ends, you will need to find another health insurance policy. If you have an accident or develop diabetes, cancer or another major illness between now and then your alternatives for other contracts may not be as good as they are today. The second drawback is the likelihood that this option is one of the more costly choices.

Another choice you may have is to get your health care insurance through your spouse's place of business. This can be a good option. However, many employers are now only subsidizing the cost of their employees' medical care coverage and not the cost of their employees' dependents insurance. This can result in a higher cost than you might get from one of the other options.

Another problem with purchasing coverage through your job's plan is that your coverage will end when your spouse's employment does. It can also end if his or her job decides to stop offering health insurance coverage to its employees.

Buying coverage through your business is another option. However, do not expect a group insurance discount. Group insurance costs more than the typical policy you can get on your own. The reason for this is that group insurance contracts typically have to take all comers. This forces the insurance company to charge more for these contracts than a policy you can buy on your own.

The best option for most people who have one-person businesses is to purchase a medical insurance policy as an individual or as part of a family plan. If you have medical issues that prevent your purchasing a policy on your own, one of the other options will more than likely be better for you. However if you are in good health, you will more than likely be much better off with a policy you purchase as an individual.
About the Author

You can find both business health insurance prices and life insurance quotes on the author Alston J. Balkcom's website.

Why buy from an independent agent?

2010-06-21T08:55:00.001-07:00

Why buy from an independent agent? by Al Shiebel
in Insurance / Health Coverage (submitted 2010-06-17)

Have you ever had a car break down on you? Then you open the hood, look inside and still do not have a clue on what to do? Yet you poke and prod things in there that you think might help, get your hands dirty and still do not know what is going on.

That is the same feeling that many folks have when considering insurance services. They look online, read, get advice from their financially savvy unemployed brother in law and then they go for what they think it is best. All that without seeking help from a professional.

That is why; you should seek the advice of an independent insurance agent. Why independent you ask? An independent agent will be contracted with several carriers and does not have to make a quota by selling you their most profitable product.

Ask questions on their expertise. Agents are like attorneys who have lots of specialties, for example an agent who sells car protection may not be informed on health insurance and vice versa. Although many agents take time to educate themselves, do not take for granted that they are.

An insurance agent is a person who by law has to take at least 15 hours per year of continuing education courses to keep up with the industry. Three of those credits must be in ethics. An insurance agent should ask lots of questions and give you choices. If you feel pressured to make a decision right then and right there, my only advice is to run as hard to the opposite direction with your arms above your head while screaming "run away, run away".

When a person is purchasing insurance, they should know and feel that they have made a good decision, all their questions were answered and various options were carefully considered.
About the Author

Al Shiebel is a contributing author of Health Insurance in Georgia and associated with reputed Life Insurance Georgia. He has a thorough knowledge and experience on Life Insurance Georgia and has provided.

Keeping your adult kids on your health plan Vital Signs - MarketWatch

2010-06-09T07:45:00.001-07:00

Keeping your adult kids on your health plan Vital Signs - MarketWatch: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Keeping your adult kids on your health plan Vital Signs - MarketWatch

2010-06-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Keeping your adult kids on your health plan Vital Signs - MarketWatch: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Health-care law improves insurance coverage for pregnant women and new mothers

2010-06-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Health-care law improves insurance coverage for pregnant women and new mothers: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Hurricane warning: Be prepared and make sure you have the right insurance coverage

2010-05-25T10:37:00.001-07:00

Hurricane warning: Be prepared and make sure you have the right insurance coverage

It takes just one storm to bring major damage to South Carolina
Columbia, S.C. – May 25, 2010 – Hang on, South Carolina – it looks like a busy hurricane season may be ahead this year. Colorado State University’s forecast team predicts an above-average season, with 15 named storms in the Atlantic, eight becoming hurricanes.

It only takes one hurricane hitting our state to cause catastrophic damage and heartache. The 2010 season will begin June 1. The South Carolina Insurance News Service encourages homeowners and business owners to protect their property and make sure they have the correct insurance in place.

"It is a good routine for people to review their policies with their company or agent before the start of hurricane season to verify they have the necessary coverage," said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the S.C. Insurance News Service.

More than 20 years ago Hurricane Hugo caused $4.2 billion in insured damage when it came ashore in South Carolina. However, with population growth and increases in construction costs, our state now has $200 billion in insured property along the coastline.

Coastal residents may need several separate insurance policies to protect their homes and property from disasters: a basic homeowner’s insurance policy, a wind and hail policy (if your basic homeowner’s insurance policy does not already cover wind and hail), a flood insurance policy, earthquake insurance policy and excess coverage such as a personal articles policy. Talk to your company or agent to ask questions about your coverage.

A hurricane’s "footprint" has many aspects and each can be damaging, said Dr. Steve Lyons of The Weather Channel at a recent Hurricane Expo in South Carolina. These include wind, water rise, waves, rainfall and tornadoes. Even hundreds of miles inland, a hurricane’s torrential rainfall can bring flash flooding and tornadoes can demolish buildings.

"Making changes to strengthen your home not only protects your property but can qualify you for discounts on insurance," Dubisky said.

South Carolina insurance companies and the S.C. Wind and Hail Underwriting Association give discounts for the following :
• Storm shutters
• Roof tie-downs or clips
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Reinforced garage doors
• SC SAFE HOME improvements (See http://www.scsafehome.sc.gov/)
• Institute for Business & Home Safety “Fortified … for safer living” homes (See www.disastersafety.org)

"All South Carolina residents should pay attention to hurricane forecasts and take precautions," Dubisky said. Better tracking forecasts available now will allow issuance of a hurricane watch 48 hours in advance and hurricane warning 36 hours ahead, according to Dr. Lyons of The Weather Channel.

Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Atlantic demand our attention, as both can cause problems in South Carolina. For example, William Winn, director of public safety in Beaufort County, said his county has had more damage from storms making landfall in the Gulf. In 1998, Hurricane Earl, a Gulf storm, caused a major tornado on St. Helena Island.

Now, to get ready!

Ahead of hurricane season:

• Review your insurance coverage with your agent or company.
• Document, photograph or video your possessions for insurance records.
• Keep this inventory in a safe place away from your home.
• Trim shrubbery and trees to make them more resistant to wind damage.

When a hurricane is imminent, prepare your home and be ready to evacuate. Here are some tips:

• Cover all windows with pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other items that could be blown about.
• Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
• Close interior doors.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
• Take your insurance agent’s name and phone number and your policy information with you.

Be vigilant and pay attention to hurricane warnings and announcements, emergency management experts say. Sooner or later, another strong hurricane will hit South Carolina.

Read more about preparing for hurricanes and other catastrophes at www.scinsurance.net.

For more than 30 years, the South Carolina Insurance News Service, a nonprofit organization, has been providing free insurance information to consumers and the media about property and casualty insurance issues. The News Service is funded by insurance companies doing business in South Carolina.

South Carolina Insurance News Service
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 715
Columbia, SC 29201
Office: 803-252-3455
Fax: 803-779-0189
www.scinsurance.net

Study Points to Penalties for ‘Unaffordable’ Health Plans - NYTimes.com

2010-05-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Study Points to Penalties for ‘Unaffordable’ Health Plans - NYTimes.com

Health Reform Should Provide Insurance to Many Young Adults - Yahoo! News

2010-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Health Reform Should Provide Insurance to Many Young Adults - Yahoo! News

Health insurance: Administrative costs not the enemy « MedCity News

2010-05-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Health insurance: Administrative costs not the enemy « MedCity News

Scott Gottlieb: No, You Can't Keep Your Health Plan - WSJ.com

2010-05-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Scott Gottlieb: No, You Can't Keep Your Health Plan - WSJ.com

Just how can you save on life insurance? Here's how.

2010-05-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Nice article on life insurance. Fortunately rates for term life plans are at an all time low right now. If you complete my quote form, I'll send you rates for multiple carriers. Or you can always call me.

Term Life Quotes

Larry

Basics of Life Insurance Quote and Life Insurance Rates by Jack Bryans

in Insurance / Life Annuities (submitted 2010-05-14)

Life insurance quote in general are the provisions which are not obligatory and is a regular form to recompense your debts, manage your family budget and educational loans. One of the simple methods to select a life insurance policy that at an affordable premium and at very low rate is having a good health but surprisingly in this modern time even the overweight, with smoking habit and health problems people can make out a high premium amount. Thus it is highly recommended to go always for a health evaluation and full medical examination to see if the individual is at a good health condition.
On the other hand, when people take the time to think about it vigilantly, they will realize that they are in fact capable to acquire life insurance rates at a low costs. There are a lot of life insurance service providers that they can probably find on the worldwide market these days. This makes the competition on the market of life insurance pretty tight. Therefore, in order to obtain more consumers, every life insurance service providers will typically try to present a large variety of eye-catching offers with low rates for the insurance plan.
It is feasible to acquire low rates on the different types of life insurance. The low rates can be achieved either for the term or for the whole life insurance plan. With the life insurance rates which is low on the term plan, there is a excellent prospect that the people who sign up for this plan will not have to be anxious regarding being unable to pay for the security which lasts up to a definite period of time. Yet, with low rates on the whole plan, they will be competent to get a financial security for as long as they live while all they have to pay is only a little amount of charge.
In order to get the low life insurance rates, those people can make telephone calls to the accessible providers and inquire for information in relation to the rates. And as another option they can also make schedule with the providers and then shell out a visit to them to get a number of information regarding the rates. Conversely, paying a visit to each of the existing providers or making telephone calls may not be helpful in terms of costs, time and efforts needed. As a result, there may only be a small number of people do this.
Luckily, with the advancements of today's technology, people now can get necessary information regarding the life insurance rates right from the comfort of their homes. All they required to carry out is to access the Internet and look for the different existing providers. This, they are capable to search the most affordable life insurance rates.

About the Author

Learn the latest methods on how to get life insurance quote and ways to find life insurance rates at an affordable value. More information at InsuranceCentreOnline.com.

Check Out the New Health Insurance Credit - Personal Finance - Taxes - SmartMoney.com

2010-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

Check Out the New Health Insurance Credit - Personal Finance - Taxes - SmartMoney.com

A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF SHORT TERM INSURANCE by Ray Sandeo

2010-05-12T09:06:00.001-07:00

A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF SHORT TERM INSURANCE by Ray Sandeo

in Family (submitted 2009-10-02)

The short term health insurance is a excellent choice for people residingin the United States who are between jobs, waiting to take up another health insurance, waiting for Medicare, newly graduated, or are on COBRA.

Temporary insurance can provide insurance against possible illnesses or injuries and do not typically include benefits such as preventive care, physicals, immunizations, dental or vision care and pre-existing medical conditions.

Temporary insurance is usually valid for U.S citizens who are under the age of 64, their spouses and children. People who want to take up temporary insurance need to complete a short health qualification questionnaire which is necessary for coverage approval.

Temporary insurance covers costs such as Hospital & Surgery Fees, Outpatient Doctor Office fees, Diagnostic & lab fees, Organs, tissue or bone marrow transplant. Short Term Health Insurance provides insurance for a minimum period of one month to a maximum period of 12 months. The maximum coverage offered under this plan is up to one or two million dollars.

Temporary insurance provides insurance for a minimum period of one month to a maximum period of 12 months. The maximum coverage offered under this plan is up to one or two million dollars.

There are several companies that provide short term medical insurance plans and depending on the duration and the benefits you require, you can choose an appropriate plan.

Assurant Short Term Health Insurance, Secure Short Term Medical Insurance, Golden Rule United Healthcare Short Term Insurance and Secure 12x3 Short Term Medical Insurance are a few of the many plans available. .

Assurant short term medical insurance plan can be bought for a minimum time period of 30 days and a maximum time period of 360 days and offers coverage for U.S citizens and their spouses who are under the age of 65 and are not eligible for Medicare. Coverage is also available to their children who are under the age of 19. Non US residents must have resided in the US for at least 12 months. The other Short Term Health Insurance plans also have similar terms and conditions.

About the Author

Ray Sondeo often writes about short term insurance.

Life Plan: Stay Healthy for Less - Personal Finance - Health Care - SmartMoney.com

2010-05-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

Life Plan: Stay Healthy for Less - Personal Finance - Health Care - SmartMoney.com

The Hartford's Bicentennial

2010-05-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Hartford's Bicentennial

Congratulations to one of our partners, The Hartford which is celebrating 200 years of business. Their history is an interesting journey. The Hartford insured Abraham Lincoln's home before he became President. Triest Agency has been a Hartford partner for over 60 years.

Unemployed? Don't Rush to Pay Down Debt, Says Adviser - WSJ.com

2010-05-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Unemployed? Don't Rush to Pay Down Debt, Says Adviser - WSJ.com

Consumers Worry About Health Info Online - DailyFinance

2010-05-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Do you really want your private information about your health published online? I fully understand the benefits of having this information available in case of a medical emergency and the hospital or doctor needs your records quickly. Otherwise I hope we don't digitize our medical records on the internet. Internet information is hacked every day. I don't want my medical information hacked. Do you?

Consumers Worry About Health Info Online - DailyFinance

Callers flood ehealthinsurance asking 'Where's My Free Obama Care?'

2010-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Callers flood ehealthinsurance asking 'Where's My Free Obama Care?'

Big Health Bills on Campus - WSJ.com

2010-05-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Big Health Bills on Campus - WSJ.com

Great advice from the Wall Street Journal to college students.