Thursday, December 10, 2009

Finding Low Cost Auto Insurance in Virginia

If you are interested in getting your car insured in Virginia, you are no doubt curious where you can find low cost auto insurance from a reliable provider. The following information will help you do so.

Make Use of Insurance Comparison Websites

Each insurance provider offers different kinds of auto insurance and their rates can differ drastically in some cases. By taking the time to compare quotes from a variety of providers, you may be able to save quite a bit of money. Online resources make comparison shopping a breeze.

All you have to do is fill out a form on one of the many insurance comparison websites. This will allow you to view A-rated insurance providers’ auto insurance quotes. You can compare these quotes and figure out which company will save you the most money.

You won’t be missing out on expert advice my using the Internet to compare quotes. That’s because you can chat with live professionals on many insurance comparison websites. They will answer any questions you may have while comparing auto insurance rates.

What Coverage Should You Buy?

The minimum auto insurance coverage required in Virginia is:

Property damage: $20,000

Death or bodily injury (per person): $25,000

Death or bodily injury (more than one person) $50,000

Of course, these figures only reflect the minimum coverage that the law demands. Nearly all professionals who deal with insurance suggest that you carry an insurance policy with better than minimum coverage. You can determine what coverage level is best for you by considering the value of the property you need to insure.

Reduce Your Insurance Rates

The following suggestions will help Virginia drivers shopping for auto insurance to reduce their rates:

·        If you own a vehicle that is more than five years old, it may be best not to carry collision and comprehensive insurance policies.

·        Remember that a high deductible means a lower premium. For that reason, drivers who choose to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance should set their deductibles as high as they can.

·        Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to their customers. You should ask about discounts for having a good driving record or for ant-theft devices that are installed in your vehicle.

Finding Low Price Car Auto Insurance in Virginia

You can use the website www.InsuranceBestPrices.com to get several different quotes from a variety of car insurance providers. Compare their rates to save as much money as possible. The website’s article section contains lots of helpful information from experts in the field of insurance. You can also chat with insurance professionals who can provide their assistance.

Posted via web from besthealthcarerates's posterous

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

What Will Obamacare Bring?

It is official; the House of Representatives has passed its almost 2,000 page document for health care/medical insurance reform. Of all the information that lies within it here are some of the facts that have been gathered about it: 

  • Medicare will be cut by $400 billion.
  • Medicare Advantage, which helps over 10 million senior citizens, will be dismantled in order for the current administration’s deal with AARP to go through for a more expensive option called Medi-Gap to be used. This was done in order to gain the endorsement of AARP.
  • There will be 35 million new patients that will need health care and the providers will not be able to keep pace especially if many of the doctors leave their jobs as promised if this is passed. In fact 45 percent of doctors are threatening this very point.
  • Obama sought to gain ‘doctor approval’ by getting an endorsement from the American Medical Association, or AMA, but the fact is that only 18 percent of America’s doctors belong to the organization and many of them strongly disapprove of the government’s health care measures.
  • Those who are uninsured will be penalized 2.5 percent of their income if they do not buy medical insurance. There will also be a possibility of five years in prison if the penalty is not paid.
  • While the plan does offer subsides to low income people, those subsidies only take place after they have paid eight to twelve percent of their incomes towards medical costs. As if low income people weren’t having a hard enough time paying their bills.
  • Many medical devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and more will now be taxed. That cost will be passed on to the patient, or to the insurance company that will then raise premiums. Either way it is the American people who will pay the price.
  • The new bill states that medical expenses will have to equate to ten percent of your total income in order for you to be able to deduct the costs from your federal tax return. This is an increase of 2.5 percent from the current level of 7.5 percent.
  • Many uninsured will have to be added to state funded Medicaid rolls which is going to effectively raise state taxes.
  • By the fifth year of the plan being in effect, there will be a 40 percent tax on health insurance for households earning over $75,000 per year.
  • By the year 2013 the average family’s health care coverage premium cost will increase by a whopping $1,700 per year.
  • This bill will create an estimated 150,000 new government jobs in the form of 110 new boards, bureaucracies, commission, and other such programs. These people will be making all of your health care decisions for you. What plans you can and can’t have and what you can and can’t be treated for. And only one person, the commissioner of health care, will have the final say in defining what goes in the government health plan and your private health plan.
  • Taxes to fund this plan are to begin immediately, but the plan will not take effect until 2013. This is like paying on something for three years and never getting to utilize it. This is being done so that the revenues will run the plan for seven years and bring the bill in under Obama’s ten year dollar limit. While this may make him look like a hero in the short term, after the first ten years of the program it will always be in the red; the same as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. 

Is this the type of health care reform America needs or wants? Perhaps the focus should lie on other issues such as tort reform which could reduce premiums by 40 percent. Don’t you want to be able to buy health insurance across state lines to keep competition fierce and costs down? These points and more are all part of a conservative health care reform bill that the liberals will simply not let come to light. 

The problem is that Obamacare is not really about finding the best solutions for medical care for Americans. It is about growing the government’s power and increasing government jobs. It is also about greasing the palms of those who have greased theirs in the past. This bill includes huge concessions to union bosses that the American people will have to pay for. And because trial lawyers gave a substantial amount of campaign dollars to the liberals, there is no way that tort reform is ever going to be brought up. 

It is time to wake up and smell the coffee America. Instead of listening to the liberal government entities that seem to have hidden agendas you need to be listening to conservative talk radio, watching Fox News, and conducting your own research online. The liberals are counting on the fact that most Americans won’t want to read the 2,000 page document that is the health care reform bill, but you have to prove them wrong. 

This could be the end of America as we know it. China has already voiced concerns about this health care reform and when they speak we have to listen since they have been funding all this debt that the government keeps racking up; now at $12 trillion and counting. What happens when they decide to stop floating the bill for all this paper money that the government keeps printing? This out of control spending of our money needs to stop. 

This is not about being a Democrat or a Republican; this is about being smart and caring about the future of our country. Every American is supposed to have a voice and now is the time that you must make your voice heard. Call, e-mail, fax, or write your Senators and Representatives today and tell them this has to stop.  

President Obama, Rep. Pelosi, and Sen. Reid are on a mission to have Obamacare passed by this Christmas. The country has to act now, not later. If Americans wait too long, there may not be a very bright tomorrow to look forward to.

Posted via web from besthealthcarerates's posterous

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Why Doctors Need Own-Occupation Disability Insurance

Physicians buy individual disability insurance a lot, and there are several reasons for it. No other occupation can say that a larger percentage of them own individual disability policies. During residency you probably saw at least 5 or 6 agents give lunch and learn seminars on practice management and insurance, and most of them addressed individual disability insurance with you. You are also in an occupation that sees disabilities every day, none of you are foolish enough to believe you'll never become disabled. A computer consultant might not own DI because they believe if they can think and type that they can work, you on the other hand know better. Nobody is doing a lot of anything during cancer treatments, or because of severe back problems preventing you from sitting in a chair. Now that we understand a little bit more about why so many physicians own disability insurance, let's dive into what a physician should be looking for in a personal DI policy.

Own-Occupation Definition of Total Disability With Medical Specialty Language
Every policy is going to have a definition of total disability, it is the legal language that dictates when the DI policy will pay you a total monthly benefit. To read this definition, just open up your policy and read it. If you are evaluating several policy choices in the buying process, ask your agents for specimen policies. Don't just assume you have an excellent definition of total disability because somebody told you it is, read it in the policy, or in the specimen policy. The definition of total disability is what dictates whether or not you have an own-occupation, a modified own-occupation, or a gainful occupation disability insurance policy.

Agents will refer to a pure own-occupation, and a modified own-occupation policy as own-occ. They couldn't be more different from each other, and a pure own-occupation policy is all that a physician should own. A pure own-occupation policy can pay you a total monthly benefit if a sickness or injury prevents you from performing the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation, even if you are at work in some other capacity. A modified own-occ policy will pay a benefit for the same reason, but would reduce benefits by any other earned income during a claim. Essentially with a pure own-occupation policy you could double dip during a claim.

There are only a handful of carriers that go one step above a pure own-occupation policy for physicians, and offer you medical specialty language in the definition of total disability. If you have limited your practice to a single medical specialty, the insurance company will deem that medical specialty to be your occupation. Therefore if you were a diagnostic radiologist, and became disabled from performing the material and substantial duties of a diagnostic radiologist, you could collect your total monthly benefit even if you were still able to teach at a university or practice some other type of medicine. Very few carriers offer medical specialty language built into the definition of total disability, if you are a physician don't settle for any disability insurance policy that does not contain medical specialty language in the actual definition of total disability.

For more information visit www.Call2Insure.com or click the links below:

Dentists Disability Insurance Quotes

Doctor Disability Insurance Quotes

Posted via web from besthealthcarerates's posterous

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Some Questions People Should Ask about COBRA and COBRA Alternatives

Understanding all of the provisions related to COBRA is daunting even to some professionals and so is information about COBRA alternatives. There are important deadlines that must be met if a person plans on continuing their health insurance after becoming eligible for benefits under COBRA. Most people realize they have more questions after they have had their meeting with the human resources department or received their written notification of COBRA benefits in the mail. It is imperative that people take action to get the answers they need so that they can make an informed decision about whether to continue with their employer-sponsored benefits or to choose a COBRA alternative. Here are some questions that are common:

 

What is COBRA? Most people don't even know what COBRA is much less have an understand about how to sign up for benefits. In short, COBRA is the acronym for a law enacted by Congress in the late 80s. It was set up to protect employees from losing health insurance coverage when there is a death of the sponsoring employee, a divorce, a job separation whether voluntary or involuntary, or a reduction in qualified hours for retaining health insurance coverage. COBRA is not health insurance.

 

What is a COBRA alternative? Any private health insurance can be an alternative to COBRA. Policies are available for purchase from licensed health insurance agents. Private health insurance policies are contacts made between the person covered and the insurance company, not the employer.

 

How long do benefits under COBRA provisions last? People can continue their employer-sponsored benefits for up to 18 months. This can be extended for a total coverage of up to 36 months if the person meets eligibility requirements such as disability.

 

How long do benefits under a COBRA alternative last? As long as premiums are paid, private health insurance policies last until the policy is canceled for nonpayment or the covered person chooses to cancel the policy.

 

How much will it cost for benefits under COBRA provisions? This is a question that can only be answered by the benefits administrator in the human resources department of the former employer. People who choose to enroll in coverage continuation under COBRA provisions must pay for 100% of all insurance premiums plus a 2% surcharge each month.

 

How much will a COBRA alternative policy cost? People can get free quotes from a licensed health insurance agent. Premium costs vary by the type of policy and the state where the individual lives. Rates are also affected by health and age.

 

These are just a few of the many questions people may have about health insurance coverage related to COBRA and COBRA alternatives. People should contact the benefits administrator at their former employer for questions about COBRA. Questions about COBRA alternatives should be directed to a qualified health insurance agent.

 

Since 2001 BestHealthcareRates.com has helped thousands of families and businesses to find the most benefits for their insurance budget. The company is committed to exceptional service and strives to achieve 100% customer satisfaction and Affordable Health Insurance for all. For more information about COBRA alternatives, visit www.BestHealthcareRates.com get instant insurance medical quotes.

Posted via web from besthealthcarerates's posterous

Some Questions People Should Ask about COBRA and COBRA Alternatives

Understanding all of the provisions related to COBRA is daunting even to some professionals and so is information about COBRA alternatives. There are important deadlines that must be met if a person plans on continuing their health insurance after becoming eligible for benefits under COBRA. Most people realize they have more questions after they have had their meeting with the human resources department or received their written notification of COBRA benefits in the mail. It is imperative that people take action to get the answers they need so that they can make an informed decision about whether to continue with their employer-sponsored benefits or to choose a COBRA alternative. Here are some questions that are common:

 

What is COBRA? Most people don't even know what COBRA is much less have an understand about how to sign up for benefits. In short, COBRA is the acronym for a law enacted by Congress in the late 80s. It was set up to protect employees from losing health insurance coverage when there is a death of the sponsoring employee, a divorce, a job separation whether voluntary or involuntary, or a reduction in qualified hours for retaining health insurance coverage. COBRA is not health insurance.

 

What is a COBRA alternative? Any private medical insurance can be an alternative to COBRA. Policies are available for purchase from licensed insurance medical agents. Private medical insurance policies are contacts made between the person covered and the insurance company, not the employer.

 

How long do benefits under COBRA provisions last? People can continue their employer-sponsored benefits for up to 18 months. This can be extended for a total coverage of up to 36 months if the person meets eligibility requirements such as disability.

 

How long do benefits under a COBRA alternative last? As long as premiums are paid, private health insurance policies last until the policy is canceled for nonpayment or the covered person chooses to cancel the policy.

 

How much will it cost for benefits under COBRA provisions? This is a question that can only be answered by the benefits administrator in the human resources department of the former employer. People who choose to enroll in coverage continuation under COBRA provisions must pay for 100% of all insurance premiums plus a 2% surcharge each month.

 

How much will a COBRA alternative policy cost? People can get free quotes from a licensed health insurance agent. Premium costs vary by the type of policy and the state where the individual lives. Rates are also affected by health and age.

 

These are just a few of the many questions people may have about health insurance coverage related to COBRA and COBRA alternatives. People should contact the benefits administrator at their former employer for questions about COBRA. Questions about COBRA alternatives should be directed to a qualified health insurance agent.

 

Since 2001 BestHealthcareRates.com has helped thousands of families and businesses to find the most benefits for their insurance budget. The company is committed to exceptional service and strives to achieve 100% customer satisfaction and Affordable Health Insurance for all. For more information about COBRA alternatives, visit www.BestHealthcareRates.com

Posted via web from Insurance Knowledge Base

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Why You Need Disability Insurance

Most people take it for granted that they are able to awake each day and earn an income to support themselves and their family. The ability to be independent in this regard is one of your most valuable assets. Additionally, most people do not understand that the chances of becoming disabled at some time during their working career are higher than they would imagine. Hence, disability insurance is available to protect your assets.

Disability insurance is insurance that is intended to replace your income if you should become sick, disabled, or hurt, and the illness or accident prevents you from earning an income in your occupation. Disability insurance will pay anywhere from 45% to 60% of your gross income during your absence from work.

It is important to note however, that not every policy is the same. Carefully scrutinizing the details and comparison-shopping is necessary when shopping for disability insurance. The least expensive policy is not necessarily a good choice. The odds of being paid a monthly benefit that will cover your cost of living while you are disabled are not improbable if you have purchased a low-cost insurance policy.

The purpose of this article is to provide useful information about the features of disability insurance, so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your insurance policy.

Types of disability insurance

Short-term disability is as it name implies. This policy may pay benefits for two weeks up to two years. Usually, your employer provides short-term disability policies.

Long-term disability as it name implies, will provide benefits for an extended period. Long-term disability insurance usually lasts about 5 years. This type of insurance will also expire when the person turns 65. Some employers will offer this type of insurance as part of employee benefit package or will make it available at a specific cost.

The two main types of long-term disability insurance policies are non-cancelable and guaranteed renewable. A non-cancelable and guaranteed renewable policy means that the insurer cannot cancel or refuse to renew your policy as long as the required premiums are paid on time. However, the significant differences between the two policies are that with a guaranteed renewable policy the premiums can be raised, but only if it affects the entire class of policyholders. Under a non-cancelable contract, the premium payment remains in effect as stated on the policy. Consequently, initial premiums for guaranteed renewable policies can be less expensive than non-cancelable policies.

More Information

Click to get quotes for disability insurance including disability insurance for dentists

Disability insurance does not replace the need for a good major medical insuarance plan

Click to get family health insurance quotes and other medical insurance quotes

Posted via web from besthealthcarerates's posterous

Friday, October 16, 2009

How to Choose Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance

Many insurance companies offer additional benefits known as Medicare supplemental health insurance plans. All of these plans are to provide coverage for health insurance costs that are not covered by Medical. When Medicare changed the way of coverage and payment that was in place for a number of years, Medicare supplemental health insurance plans were created.

Some of the differences between the old insurance and the new are the new Medicare insurance does not cover as much of the costs for prescription drugs as the old. It also does not cover many of the preventive health measures required for older Americans. Medicare insurance can be considered a "back up" insurance policy for any item that Medicare will not pay for.

Currently, Medicare has 12 standard Medicare supplemental health coverage plans that are available to senior citizens. Each of these plans must cover the same areas of healthcare for seniors and the plans are strictly regulated by the government. If you are planning to buy a Medicare insurance plan, the best time to purchase is within six months of applying for Medicare.

Click Medicare Supplemental Insurance to read the full article.

Posted via web from besthealthcarerates's posterous