How to save on health care expenses
While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped millions of Americans obtain medical insurance, the stark reality is that health care costs continue to rise, and consumers continue to struggle with the costs. Medical debt remains a leading cause of bankruptcy filings, and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey found that more than one in five Americans struggle to pay medical bills.
To help keep health care costs in check, review these dos and don’ts.
Kevin has worked with Freedom Financial Network since 2005. Before that time, he held the position of enrollment sales supervisor for Nationwide Financial Solutions in Tempe, Ariz. Kevin also has worked as a business analyst and customer service...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesProtect your stay at home spouse with critical illness insurance
Stay-at-home parents are often under-appreciated for what they do day after day. Many may not even realize what their responsibilities are worth and how they need to protect themselves against a major illness. The risk of an American suffering from a critical illness in their lifetime is high, meaning families need to look at options for stay-at-home spouses, including proper insurance policies and enough coverage, should they not be able to perform their important duties.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesAdvice to recent college graduates on buying necessary insurance
Be careful how much you spend on insurance by purchasing the coverage that matters. By protecting what you have now and what you will have in the future, you can ease your financial burden. Even though you may have just graduated and are saving money while you look for a perfect job, there are certain things you can do to help save you money now or in the future. Here are some valuable tips to get graduates started on the right path.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesHow to mitigate and avoid the denial of a health insurance claim
High healthcare costs have become a major concern for consumers and insurance companies alike, with many insurers regularly contesting or denying policy payouts involving a variety of health care claims. Problems can sometimes be avoided by taking the right steps. This article highlights some of the most commonly contested health care claims, and what customers can do to help mitigate or avoid the related problems that often emerge.
Attorney Bruce A. Smith of Ward & Smith in Longview, Texas, represents individuals and businesses in a wide variety of insurance policy claims, including cases when payments have been denied in bad faith for health, homeowner, life and ca...
View Full ProfileDetermine your need to buy a long-term care insurance policy
With people living longer lives, the need for long-term care has been steadily increasing. There are so many ups and downs, that most consumers are confused and don’t know where to start looking. The best bet is to determine your need for long-term care insurance by evaluating several key factors in your life. Get in touch with a knowledgeable long-term care expert to guide you through the process.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesProtect your family's financial security with the right insurance
Most Americans have one insurance policy or another so they may be familiar with the benefits they offer. This is the time of year when everyone should refresh not only their home, but also their knowledge about important insurance policies to protect their financial future. Here’s some information to get you started down the path to financial security with insurance.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesHealth and disability insurance can protect you when playing baseball
While baseball is not considered as rough a sport full of physical contact like football, baseball players still see their fair share of injuries. Catchers often suffer from concussions while pitchers experience elbow injuries on a regular basis. Baseball players need to protect themselves as well as their income from injuries, which may require them to be on the disabled list for extended amounts of time. Disability insurance is there to protect players during the harsh reality of significant sports injuries.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesPlan ahead for Alzheimer's and obtain long-term health insurance
The baby boomer generation is reaching a point where medical issues begin to mount as they reach retirement age. What do these baby boomers need to do now to ensure their financial safety in case of a debilitating problem such as Alzheimer’s? Whether it’s you or someone close to you, protecting against the perils of Alzheimer’s has become necessity, as there is no cure. Here is some advice to help steer you in the right direction.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesRecent college grads should understand their health care options
You’ve just graduated college…taken your last exams, thrown up your cap, and have that pretty diploma in hand. Hopefully, you’ve landed a job and even better that job has benefits. But what if it doesn’t? Or what if you have other plans after finishing your undergraduate degree? Health insurance is still important and recent college graduates should know their options. Here is some expert advice that will help you navigate health insurance after graduating college.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesLong term care insurance ensures you're covered for medical costs
Purchasing a long term care insurance policy can be a daunting experience. It’s the biggest expense our nation’s aging population faces, especially as the cost of care continues to rise each year. There are many challenges that come with the cost of care as expenses related to long term care rise.
Wendy Boglioli brings thirty years of speaking experience to her role as Genworth’s national spokesperson. Widely recognized for her world and Olympic record-setting accomplishments in swimming, Wendy has been regularly featured in various me...
View Full ProfileBuy travel medical insurance for a safe study-abroad experience
If you are a student and plan on studying abroad it can be a very exciting endeavor full of new experiences and challenges. With that in mind some of the more important aspects of trip planning may go unnoticed, such as securing yourself some very important travel medical insurance for international students. Actually, most student visas and educational institutions require that visiting students from abroad be covered by a comprehensive medical insurance policy. Following are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when purchasing your plan.
Marc D. Lewandowski has been Life & Health insurance licensed for over 10 years with experience consulting clients on product options regarding Life, Health, Disability, Long-Term Care as well as Medicare Advantage plans. Marc Lewandowski gra...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesConsidering a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax favored benefit that is often misunderstood and underutilized by healthcare consumers. Simply put, participants are granted the ability to use a pre-selected amount of pre-tax (gross pay) dollars to pay for a wide variety of qualified expenses.
Jeffrey Ingalls is the President of The Stratford Financial Group and Stratford Employer Services located in Wayne, NJ. His published works include “Stop Buying Health Plans and Start Buying Health Insurance” authored in 2007 and “Healthcare R...
View Full ProfilePurchasing travel medical insurance
There is lots of excitement involved in planning a vacation. Your mind is consumed with imagining all that you might see and do. Even the more mundane aspects of trip planning are probably at the forefront of your thoughts. What airline will I fly with? How long will I be out of town? Who will water the plants and watch the dog? All of these questions are important, but there is one you should consider that often goes unasked: What will I do if I am injured or become ill during my vacation?
Shelby Walton is an employee of HCC Medical Insurance Service, a provider of international travel medical insurance. In her role, she is responsible for creating content for a community of over 40,000 travelers on Facebook....
View Full ProfileSelecting disability income insurance
Disability income insurance provides you with compensation to replace your income in the event sickness or injury prohibits you from being able to perform the major duties of your occupation.
While it is common for most people to insure their lives and material assets such as their homes, cars and valuables, many undervalue their option to sufficiently protect their most valuable asset: their ability to earn an income.
Helping people design Smart Strategies for their Whole Life is the mission of Raskin Global. The core principle of his practice – to provide people with economically sound strategic financial advice; to serve as the advocate of their financial ...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesAdvice for obtaining insurance coverage for kids with special needs
The cost of raising a child with special needs can vary dramatically depending on the disability and severity. Many families turn to second mortgages, credit cards and raid their retirement funds to find the money wherever they can.
Can you get your health insurance to cover the costs of special needs therapy? The chances are better than you might think. The advice below may save you thousands of dollars a year and help you get the coverage your child needs.
Melanie Fowler earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Louisiana State University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Texas Woman’s University. During graduate school, she also completed her Educational Diagnosti...
View Full ProfileInsurance coverage you need to protect your teenage children
No matter the age, from youth to graduate students, everyone needs certain insurance to stay protected in times of need. From playground disasters resulting in a trip to the emergency room to a college party resulting in damage to a rental property, parents will need to be prepared for everything. Here are some insurance necessities to keep your family safe in challenging circumstances during the school year.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesUnderstand the financial benefits of voluntary insurance
Are you rolling the dice on your health? Do you think a serious accident, injury or illness won’t happen to you? Or maybe, like many others, you just haven’t thought about it. Anyone can experience a significant medical event in an instant: an automobile accident, a major sports injury, or a diagnosis of a chronic illness, just to name a few. It could happen, but many people aren’t prepared for the financial ramifications of living without a paycheck, or underestimate the high out-of-pocket costs that accompany such an event.
Matthew Owenby has 15 years of experience in the financial services/HR industry and is Aflac’s vice president of Human Resources. He is responsible for the strategy and implementation of all aspects of human resource management for Aflac’s mo...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesHow to apply and receive veteran's benefits and services
Veterans are often eligible for benefits and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a result of their military service. For some veterans and their families, figuring out how to apply for and receive these benefits can be a frustrating process. Knowing where to turn for advice can help veterans avoid problems in seeking the benefits they have earned and deserve. Veterans and their families should also consider services available to them from their state and local nonprofit organizations.
Heather L. Ansley is the Vice President of VetsFirst, which is a program of United Spinal Association. Ms. Ansley began her tenure with the organization in December 2009. Her responsibilities include managing the public policy advocacy, vete...
View Full ProfileThink ahead when purchasing a long-term care insurance policy
Long-term care (LTC) has become an increasingly expensive proposition in the United States. With the baby boomer generation hitting retirement, the majority will face challenges they may not be fully equipped to deal with. Now may be the time to explore long-term care insurance policy options. There are many details that play an important role in these policies so when working with an expert to decide what your policy should entail, keep the following factors in mind.
Frank N. Darras made a decision nearly a quarter century ago that would affect tens of thousands of Americans. Darras took the road less traveled to help the sick, disabled, and elderly mount a heroic fight against billion-dollar insurance compa...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesHow to get the right health insurance coverage for you and your family
The Affordable Care Act now requires most Americans to have health insurance or else pay a tax penalty. It also makes government subsidies available to consumers earning less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. What it doesn’t do, however, is effectively reduce the cost of medical care and health insurance today.
Carrie is responsible for the implementation of eHealth's ongoing Customer Care Center training and support programs. She has nearly 15 years of experience managing and training customer support teams, at eHealth and Harley Davidson Motorcycles....
View Full ProfileAdvice for women on getting long-term care insurance
When it’s time for you to get long-term care insurance, who do you turn to? Having a long-term care insurance plan is a solution worth looking into for women when planning out their finances for their future, especially if their significant other is older. It is important to know what type of coverage to look for, and hiring a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ can works wonders in ensuring that you get the most for your money. Here is some advice to help.
Laura R. Knolle, MS, CFP® is a Vice President with EP Wealth Advisors. In her role with the firm, she specializes in working with clients to bring together all the pieces of their financial lives. Her expertise includes every aspect of financial...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesPrepare for higher medical costs during senior and retirement years
No matter what your politics, the Affordable Care Act will fundamentally change how we buy and pay for healthcare. Whether you have Medicare or are in that gray area between retirement and Medicare, one thing is certain. To be able to afford your healthcare you will pay more out of pocket. Is there any way to prepare so you can age with quality and not in crisis? Yes, but it takes some planning and determination.
There are almost 40 million people aged 65+ in the United States. America’s 50 and older population will reach 100 million this year. Anthony Cirillo is a passionate advocate for these caregivers and seniors, helping them lead a quality life thr...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesKnow how to navigate the Affordable Care Act to get the best coverage
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) represents a tidal shift in the U.S. healthcare system, bringing with it confusion and legitimate concerns for many Americans. Everyone wants access to safe and affordable healthcare for themselves and their families but, for many, access to quality care has been elusive, and catastrophic medical bills have triggered bankruptcy.
Robert Oscar, R.Ph., has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare. Throughout much of his career, Oscar has developed and implemented successful programs to effectively manage pharmacy benefit risk including pioneering work in the Medicare...
View Full ProfileBest pet insurance policy to protect your cat or dog and budget
Every pet parent hopes that their pet’s path to a healthy life will be smooth, but the reality is, you can’t always see the bumps in the road. In fact, one in three pets will require unexpected veterinary care each year, and every six seconds, a pet parent is faced with a vet bill for more than $1,000. Pet insurance can help keep your budget intact when you’re faced with big bills - but how do you choose the right plan for your furry family? The following advice can help your family find the perfect pet insurance fit.
As Co-Founder and Co-CEO of one of the fastest-growing pet insurance providers in the country, Chris Ashton is no stranger to competition. Holding an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Chris completed t...
View Full ProfileRecent ArticlesNo longer covered by your parents’ health insurance?
Throw away your traditional notion of health insurance and start thinking like a savvy health care consumer. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Americans received consumer protections most know very little about. With limited exceptions, all preventative care is covered 100% before deductibles and with no co-pays. Emergency room visits outside of your home state may no longer be out-of-network expenses.
With 20 years of experience working in big pharma, with the majority of that time spent in medical oncology, I learned a lot about how medical claims were paid. After the death of my children’s father, I took my knowledge about insurance and bec...
View Full ProfileDealing with a family member's long-term care insurance
It is any person’s dream to live his retirement years in comfort and peace. But with the economic crisis we’re facing right now, purchasing long-term care insurance seems to be a bit of a challenge. To help you deal with this task, here are a few doable tips that may prove to be valuable.
Kris Miller, a retirement and living trust expert, has advised over 5,000 families in the past 20 years on retirement and estate planning issues. She coined the phrase, “pretirement” to emphasize how we need to prepare for our Golden Years way b...
View Full ProfileWhy you need travel insurance for your trip
When you book a prepaid tour package, such as a vacation cruise, you should seriously consider getting travel insurance to guarantee the cost of your trip. Any one of a number of things can happen before, and even after you board the ship that could ruin your vacation. And since the trip is prepaid, you want to be insured to make sure you get your money back if you have to cancel or your trip is interrupted.
Dan Skilken is President and CEO of TripInsurance.com, the online source for comprehensive, comprehensible, and affordable travel insurance. A licensed insurance producer in all 50 states, Dan is an expert in the unique aspects of travel insuran...
View Full ProfileManage your health savings account
Every year, more and more people become eligible to open Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a result of enrolling in High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). HDHPs trade-off lower upfront premiums for higher deductibles, enabling people to reduce their upfront health insurance costs. HSAs are bank accounts containing pre-tax money that can be used to pay for medical expenses, or in some cases, used towards retirement. As a result of their multi-purpose nature, managing an HSA may be more complex than it initially appears.
Adam C. Powell, Ph.D., is a healthcare economist and is President of Payer+Provider Syndicate, a health insurance and hospital consulting firm. Dr. Powell was trained in healthcare management and economics at The Wharton School of the University...
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