hey,i want to make a terminal illness cover

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If Hyou has healthy ,you should go to hosptial. The worse condition you are ,the more charge you need to pay. People purchase many kinds of insurance ,including the medical treatment insurance. It is good for people to have a further treatment. I think medical treatment insurance is good for me.
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The number of people who enjoyed the new medical insurance which The United States adopted in 2010 reach 95%. The introduction of the new medical insurance program greatly enhanced Americans'national cohesion. Austria also recently adopted new medical insurance reform plan. Good medical insurance can make people service for their country's development much better.

good things, p4al-

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In many nations, government departments have established a comprehensive medical insurance system. The commercial wellness insurance coverage conpanies provide countless options of wellness insurance coverage for all those people that want more. Before we should pay more attention and do some research. Is the company a legitimate business? The company has strong financial strength, this is a very important point. If the company has a high social reputation or not. Futhermore, we also consider the company's reputation and the execution efficiency.
The new medical insurance which was adopted by United States in 2010 was enjoyed by 95% American. Americans strongly commended the government's new medical insurance program. Germany also adopted a new medical insurance reform plan. Whether there is a good medical insurance is one of the evaluation criterias which evaluate of the country's people's living standards.

do you want a dental plan ge wellness

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Everyday ,the hosptial is busy ,cause many people go to there. Medical charge is on basis of ill condition. So far, people are insterested in medical treatment insurance. It is fact that people can have a good treatment by the medical treatment insurance. Medical treatment helps a lot for ill people.
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In countless produced countries, the federal government has beared the health care insurance. People typically choose to purchase the commercail wellbeing insurance include and obtain the excellent services. We need to pay attention a lot of things. The company is legally registered or not. We should learn more about weather the company has enough money to deal with payment or not. We should to learn about that if the company has a high reputation. As well as, both the company's health insurance products and insurance costs are taken into consideration.
95 percent people enjoyed the new medical insurance which was adopted by The United States in 2010. According to the survey, it's found that the new medical insurance program make the Americans be satisfied with the functions of government services. Recently,Japan also has adopted a new medical insurance reform plan. Good medical insurance can also reduce a country's crime rate.

you must make a tricare standard coverage

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In many developed countries, the government has beared the medical insurance. In order to obtain better medical insurance services, we decided to choose some of the commercial health insurance companies. We need to pay attenton a lot when deciding to buy commercial medical insurance. Does the institution has long been recognized by insurance rules Regulatory Commission. The company has strong financial strength, this is a very important point. We should to learn about that if the company has a high social reputation. Besides, we also inspect the company's health insurance products and insurance costs.
95% of people in the United States in 2010 enjoy the new medical insurance program which the United States government adopted. The new medical insurance program make Americans' lives great convenient. Recently,Japan also has adopted a new medical insurance reform plan. Whether there is a good medical insurance is one of the evaluation criterias which evaluate of the country's people's living standards.

everyone need to know ua medicare

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In your life ,you will find it will be a few times of going to hosptial. The uncertain ill condition relate to different charge. Recently, the medical insurace is a hot topic in people's talking. It helps people who are not able to afford the high medical charge to continue to treat. Medical treatment helps a lot for ill people.
just imagine the happiness of being security. if you have the medicl insurance. Has the medical insurance, once you fall ill, you may reimburse the part even complete medical expense to the Insurance company or the community organization there are accidents happen, such as car accidents, unexpected injuries and serious dieases,mediacl insurance will take care those poor people and pay for most of their expense. this is very great. " For some of the old man had no children, health insurance is played a decisive role, they can be allowed to get care for free.
In many undeveloped countries, the medical insurance is charged with by individuals and businesses. The commercial wellness insurance policy companies will be the really most exceptional option in circumstance you need substantially better companies . We need to do some research about the commercial health inurance companies. Does the company has been recognized by Insurance Regulatory Commission? Weather the business has powerful monetary strength, and also this could be extremely important. We should to learn about that if the company has a high reputation. Besides, we also inspect the company's reputation and the execution efficiency.
Finally,the new medical insurance was adopted in 2010,which introduction marked 95 percent of the United States people enjoy the preferential policies. The introduction of the new medicare insurance benefit for most Americans, and increased the confidencethe index of people living. Recently Argentine government also adopted new medical insurance reform plan. Whether a country has people's internal harmony a large part depends on whether this country have a comprehensive medical insurance policy.

you must make a medicare quote supplement

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Healthy problem makes everybody go to hosptial to see the doctor. Ill condition infulences the charge a lot. Medical treatment insurance is not chance,it is necessity. People can choose the hosptial whatever is expensive,cause they have medical treatment insurance. People around the world give highly appraise to medical treatment insurance.
do you like happyness and feel more security? i think medical insurance is something you shoud do. the people who have medical insurance could apply for reimbursement of the medical expense for your insurance company if you got something wrong with your body. In case of sudden accidents, such as car wrecks, accidental injuries, or serious illnesses, the medical insurance is indeed help those who need more money and more safety. it is very significant for the old people who don't have the children and they could have free treatment.
In most countries, medical insurance has been charged with by the government. People typically choose to purchase the commercail wellbeing insurance include and obtain the excellent services. We should to know some points when choosing commercial health insurance companies. The company is a legitimate business. We should find out weather the company has enough funds or not. If the organization carries an enormous honesty or not. As well as, both the company's popularity and the company's scale are taken into consideration.
Finally,the new medical insurance was adopted in 2010,which introduction marked 95 percent of the United States people enjoy the preferential policies. The introduction of the new medical insurance can make the protection of many Americans'lives well. Singapore's medical insurance reform program is also ready to implement. Good medical insurance is a symbol of national's progress and development.

hey, medicare supplement n

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Having the healthy problem makes people very busy to go to hospital. Different problem costs different price. The medical insurance appears for this reason. Thanks to the medical treatment insurace,people can afford the medical charge. We could not ignore how the medical treatment insurance works well in our society.
medical insurance has becoming more and more perfect, we feel more safey when we have medical insurance. you can ask the insurance company for all your medical expense if you have any problem of your body. when emergencies happen like car accidents, unexpected injuries and serious dieases. the medical could save most part of the money. medical insurance plays a key rule for the old people who has no children and give them free treatment.
In countless countries, the think division demand using the health care insurance. We can obtain advanced medical insurance services if we buy the commercial health insurance. We need to do some research about the commercial health inurance companies. We should be clear that weather the company receive the official recognition of Insurance Regulatory Commission or not. The institution has adequate money to paid, this could be genuinely a astonishingly extremely important point. If the company has a high social reputation or not. Besides, we also inspect the company's health insurance products and insurance costs.
95% of people in the United States in 2010 enjoy the new medical insurance program which the United States government adopted. According to the public satisfaction survey,it's found that the new medical insurance which U.S. government introduct this time is the most satisfactory. It's very soon that Swedish government will submit new proposals for medical insurance reform program. Whether there is a good medical insurance is one of the evaluation criterias which evaluate of the country's people's living standards.

"Away from home help"

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Many employers today purchase Group Life AD&D and Disability benefits for their employees. Why not ? Despite the challenging economic times these insurance products are relatively low cost and have a high value. An unexpected death could leave family members in a difficult financial situation. How would you pay your bills if you suddenly became disabled and you didn't have disability insurance? For many of us our employers have taken these concerns away by providing such insurance products.

Unfortunately, for many small businesses, these products have become a commodity. Purchasing decisions are made on price alone - usually with the least expensive insurer. During the sales process, the insurance agent may highlight some value added services - many which most buyers forget about.

However, in the aftermath of the tragic earthquake in Haiti now may be a good time for employers to review the value added services included with their life and disability products. Many insurance companies offer assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home. Typically an employee simply dials an 800 number to access these benefits. These services can be as basic as pre-trip planning - like weather forecasts at your destination or visa, passport and immunization requirements. More complex services like emergency medical evacuation and transportation can be handled by organizations that insurers have partnered with. Lincoln Financial Group partnered with MEDEX Assistance Corporation to provide these services. In the worst case scenario that results in death these companies may even handle return of mortal remains of the deceased traveler.

Don't think these programs exist ? Check out the web sites of just a few group insurers like Unum or the Hartford. Or check your current group insurance policy and see if this benefit is part of your plan. And the next time your agent or broker explains some of the value added services insurance companies include - realize that sometimes these could be more important that you think.

Finally, if you have not yet made a donation to the victims of the Haiti earthquake, please consider giving through an organization like the Red Cross.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits. Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Joe the Plumber Doesn’t Need to Wait Any Longer

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As President Obama and many other “experts” prepare for the televised bipartisan summit on health care reform scheduled for February 25th, many small business owners are looking for relief with their health insurance premiums. Don’t expect a clear answer next Thursday. Don’t misunderstand me, health care reform is coming – but what it will look like and when it will happen is anybody’s guess.

In fact, a new poll released last week by Rasmussen Reports (Click here to view) , shows that 61% of voters want Congress to throw out the existing bills and start all over again! 54% say to wait on this topic until after the congressional elections in November. Even if the bills were passed today – true reforms don’t kick in until 2013. That certainly isn’t going to help Joe the Plumber’s small business who just got walloped with a 20% insurance increase effective March 1st!!

So what does a business owner do? Certainly not wait for the government to come to the rescue. Call your insurance broker or find a new one with creative ideas to help your business control these insurance costs. The group health insurance marketplace is coming out with new and creative ideas all the time. Joe the Plumber doesn’t have time to learn all about these programs, but his broker does – or he better otherwise Joe will find a broker who does understand them.

New prescription plan riders, creative hospital co-pays and dual option plan designs are simple approaches that many businesses have yet to implement. The Consumer Driven Healthcare plans have been around since 2004. Have you taken advantage of the lower premiums and tax savings that come with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)? How about reducing your premium in exchange for sharing the cost of a deductible with employees by implementing a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)? Go further and explore self funding your prescription plan or medical plan.

You say you have done all of these things and more, and still looking for relief? Although they make up a smaller portion of your employee benefit costs, have your broker work on the rest of your benefits, dental, life, disability, vision…..the list goes on.

So don’t wait around – take action now. Or call me and I’ll be your new broker and do the work for you.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Aetna enrolls IFS into their Premier Producer Service program.

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Effective immediately, IFS Benefits employees have a new tool to service their Aetna clients with - the Premier Producer Service program. This highly exclusive service model gives IFS direct access to highly trained employees from Aetna. Key employees in various Aetna departments such as billing, enrollment, renewal and new business sales have been assigned to IFS. Dedicated phone, fax and e-mail helps identify the inquiries as a priority. "Our current Aetna clients will be thrilled to know that we have access to key contacts there." says Stephen Blewitt, GBA - Vice President of Insurance and Financial Services, LTD of Delaware (IFS).

IFS is the only insurance agency in Delaware who was awarded with this program. Blewitt is not surprised, "Our employees believe we are different from our competitors and this recognition validates that." In fact, with the growth in the employee benefit's division, IFS is one of the largest independently owned insurance agencies in Delaware.

Aetna re-entered the small group insurance market in Delaware in February 2009. They provide health benefits to more than 175,000 members in Delaware. Programs like this will give current and prospective IFS customers a comfort level that the inevitable issue that may arise will be addressed promptly.

Temporary Extension Act of 2010 Extends the ARRA COBRA Subsidy

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For those clients that are required to offer COBRA you may have not yet heard, Congress has agreed to extend the 65% COBRA subsidy to employees who are involuntarily terminated through March 31, 2010. In addition, the below notice highlights other changes including new penalties for non-compliance and a second election period for certain individuals.

Click on the link below for details from our preferred COBRA administrator Ameriflex.

For those clients currently administering COBRA yourself you may want to call IFS about using Ameriflex instead. Our clients receive a discounted rate from Ameriflex and we take no commission on this product - saving you money !


http://trustifs.com/breaking/ben_breaking_news_03092010.html

Health Care Reform: How It May Impact You and a Detailed Comparison

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With the House of Representatives passing the health reform bill and the President signing it into law many clients and employees are trying to determine how it will impact them. While many details are still being sorted through this is what we know if you have health insurance through work.

You will be able to keep your current plan, or in 2014 have the ability to purchase insurance through soon to be created state insurance exchanges.

Within 6 months plans will stop setting lifetime limits on coverage and allow children to stay on their parents plan until age 26. Insurance companies will be required to cover children with pre-existing conditions, but will be able to deny adults without prior insurance with pre-existing conditions until 2014.

Insurance companies will be forced to pay a 40% excise tax on high value group plans, but not until 2014.

In 2013 Flex spending accounts will have a reduced maximum of $2500 a year and over-the-counter medicines will be disqualified.

In 2018 those families making over $250,000 will pay more in Medicare payroll taxes and unearned income will be subject to a 3.8% tax.

In the state run exchanges you can buy subsidized coverage if you the employee pay more than 9.5% of your income to get insurance or if your employer's plan covers less than 60% of costs.

If you qualify for a subsidy and buy a plan that covers abortion you will pay a separate premium.

If your income for a family of four is less than $88,000 and your cost for insurance is between 8 and 9.8% of your income, you can get a voucher from your employer to buy insurance on the exchange.

Finally, most Americans would be required to buy health insurance.

For a comprehensive detailed review of all the provisions in the passed Senate Bill and the changes proposed int he Reconciliation Bill please go to the Kaiser Family Foundation website: http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/housesenatebill_final.pdf

A synopsis of a few major changes are outlined by Reuters here: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2010/03/19/108294.htm

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Extending COBRA Subsidy a Third Time?

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Today is March 31st and this is not an early April Fool’s joke! Congress has gone on a two-week recess and did not approve extending the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) COBRA Subsidy. Therefore, employees laid off after March 31st will not be eligible for the 65% government subsidy for COBRA premiums.

However, most experts agree that Congress will likely extend the COBRA subsidy. They have already extended this twice before. If it is extended, it will in all likelihood be retroactive to April 1st.

Unfortunately we will have to wait until at least April 12th when Congress is back in session for an official answer.

Ameritas Dental Network Expanded

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One of the many dental insurers IFS represents, Ameritas Dental, has recently expanded its national PPO network of participating dentists. In fact for Delaware clients, their panel of dentists increased 27% - they now have 33 participating providers. Ameritas members will now have more choices. Most Ameritas plans marketed by IFS still give you complete freedom to use any dentist you want.

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

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It is not the most fun thing to think about but it is a fact: disabilities do occur and can affect all of us. Here are some sobering statistics:

Three in 10 workers entering the work force today will become disabled before retiring.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet January 31, 2007

One in 7 workers can expect to be disabled for five years or more before retirement.
"Commissioners Disability Table, 1998," Health Insurance Association of America, the New York Times, February 2000

Disability causes nearly 50% of all mortgage foreclosures, 2% are caused by death.
Health Affairs, the Policy Journal of the Health Sphere, 2 February 2005

Close to 90% of disabling accidents and illnesses are not work related.
National Safety Council, Injury Facts 2008 Ed.

The good news is that Disability Insurance is available both on an individual basis and a group basis for companies. Moreover, these coverages are extremely affordable. Call us today and ask to speak to a Benefits Specialist about disability insurance at 302.239.2355

Another COBRA Subsidy Extension ??

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Hard to believe Memorial Day weekend is here - so is the expiration of the eligibility for COBRA subsidy provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - which is currently May 31st. So if you are laid off from work on June first you are not entitled to the 65% subsidy towards your COBRA premium.

But wait.....The House is soon to act on the "American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act which includes an extension through December 31st, 2010 for those employees involuntarily terminated to be eligible for the 65%, 15 month COBRA premium subsidy. Once through the House the act would move to the Senate for another vote.

Unfortunately it seems unlikely that it will be approved before Congress goes on vacation from May 29th - June 6th 2010.

This should not come as a surprise, but a new report out shows the subsidy has been helpful in helping families maintain health insurance.

View Report

Enjoy the holiday weekend and stay tuned for more updates!

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

What is Grandfathered Status?

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National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) has created a summary of “grandfathered status” in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, H.R. 3590) and what is means for those weighing whether or not to shop their health coverage.

Click here for the summary

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

COBRA Federal Subsidy update

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Although Congress has extended the COBRA subsidy four times as part of the amended ARRA they have failed to extend it a fifth time beyond May 31st, 2010. Therefore May 31st, 2010 is the last date someone can be terminated from employment and may be eligible for the federal subsidy. Anyone terminated after this date is currently NOT eligible for the financial assistance previously available.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates if an when anything changes.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

"If you like your health plan you can keep your health plan " ......Not exactly ....

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At a town hall meeting in New Hampshire exactly one year a go, President Obama repeated a line he used many times. His statement is not exactly true. At a recent broker seminar held by Aetna in Delaware, the company announced some terrific changes coming in October. Among the changes, if you are a small Delaware employer currently with Aetna you will have to change to one of their new plan offerings upon your renewal.

In an attempt to cut administrative costs, be more flexible and adapt to client needs Aetna is streamlining their products by reducing the number of plans available. These plans will be health care reform compliant and hopefully improve pricing.

All plans incorporate 5 key components of health care reform:
1) Remove Lifetime Maximums on all plans
2) Remove Annual limits where required
3) Preventive care 100% covered
4) Dependents covered to age 26
5) No pre-existing conditions for children under 19

Small Delaware employers can pick from 14 plan designs from Aetna.

How will the marketplace react to such changes ? Check back in a year and we will have a better idea. My thought is most employers will appreciate the simplicity - especially if it means better pricing. Aetna is making similar changes in Pennsylvania and my guess is they will in other states too. I doubt Aetna will be alone either. BlueCross BlueShield of Delaware and Coventry Healthcare of Delaware both have scheduled broker seminars for the month of August. I bet they have some changes coming too!


Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Steve Blewitt, GBA recently passed the Pennsylvania Medicaid Long Term Care Services course.

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Steve Blewitt, GBA recently passed the Pennsylvania Medicaid Long Term Care Services course. This course provides a broad overview of eligibility for Medicaid Long term Care in Pennsylvania. According to a Harvard Magazine article from July/August 2004 "...nearly 40% of people currently needing long-term care are between the ages of 18-64." Long Term care insurance helps people pay for the cost of such services and can be provided as an employee benefit - like medical and dental insurance.

W-2 Health Costs Reporting is Optional

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The IRS announced last week that it will defer the new requirement under Health Care Reform set to take place in 2011 that employers must report on W-2s the cost of health care coverage. The Treasury Dept and the IRS feel it is necessary to provide employers the time needed to make changes to payroll systems and internal procedures. Guidance from the IRS will be forthcoming. For 2001 the reporting of costs on w-2s is optional and a draft of that form exists for those employers wishing to do so. It can be found here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/draft_w-2.pdf

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Employers and Brokers Find Tips at a National Conference

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About a week ago I attended a national conference that was geared towards brokers and consultants as well as HR professionals. Although the speakers and topics were different for each group there were some relevant points in this ever evolving world of health insurance that we live in.

*A survey by the National Business Group on Health on how employers will deal with health insurance increases: 63% plan to increase payroll deductions, 46% plan to downgrade benefits - 61% will offer a Consumer Driven Health Plan like an HSA or HRA in 2011.

*Many larger employers are looking into Dependent Eligibility Audits. This procedure identifies dependents that should no longer be covered on the plan (a divorced spouse, a cousin, an aged out child or custody arrangement) and their coverage is terminated - saving the employer money.

*Under health care reform penalties now exist when employers discriminate with benefits for highly compensated employees. Giving these employees a separate richer benefit or paying more towards premiums could result in fines of $100 per day per individual discriminated against. In fact the public is invited to comment on this up until November 4th. use this e-mail address Notice.Comments@irscounsel.treas.gov. Include “Notice 2010-63” in the subject line.

*Experts suggested that employers increase waiting periods to at least 90 days for new hires, disclose the full cost of insurance premiums to employees, implement a Section 125 FSA plan and consider self funding health insurance with a third party administrator.

*Small employers should explore the small business tax credit that is a part of health care reform. In general the credit is available to small employers, less than 25 employees and pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees in 2010. Because the eligibility rules are based in part on the number of FTEs, not the number of employees, businesses that use part-time help may qualify even if they employ more than 25 individuals.

*Health care reform allows children to stay on their parents plan up to age 26. This does NOT mean they are still considered dependents for tax reasons. perhaps they are 25 and married and live on their own - yet they are still on mom and dad's health plan. If so be careful if you participate in an H S A or FSA - you most likely cannot use these tax free funds on these "children" (are they really still children??) since they are no longer considered a "dependent".

Hopefully some of these strategies may benefit you and your business.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

High Deductible Help

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Health Care costs are increasing, the economy is not turning around quick enough - what are employers doing about health insurance ? Some are reducing benefits by putting in higher co-pays or large deductibles (some are doing both!). If there is substantial cost savings by doing this, a company may give back some of the savings by "funding" all or part of the large deductible in an H S A (health savings account) or an HRA (health reimbursement arrangement). Another option is to offer a voluntary set of benefits to employees designed to offset these larger potential expenses. Recently I was interviewed on this exact topic. Read more here.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Go Red for Women

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The American Heart Association created 'Go Red for Women' to dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer in women.

Friday is National Wear Red Day and I urge everyone to wear something red.

Ladies - pull your red suits, dresses, skirts, and jackets out of your closet. This sends a powerful message to other women to take care of their heart health. Remember, we cannot take care of others, if we don't take care of ourselves.

Men - you may consider a red tie or sweater and support the women in your lives to send the same message.

To learn more about the Go Red for Women program, please visit:

www.goredforwomen.org
or
www.americanheart.org.


Lori DiBattista, Senior Account Manager Lori is licensed in Life and Health in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida. Lori is actively involved in the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and serves on United’s Advisory Council. Lori is also a long-time volunteer with the Special Olympics of Delaware and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Wellness As a Means to the Ends

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If you want a raise, then participate in your company Wellness program.

I am sure by now many HR professionals and even employees have heard about corporate wellness programs. In fact, the term "wellness" sometimes means something different to everyone. Our health insurance industry has been promoting wellness for years as a way to change unhealthy behaviors and save on claim dollars down the road.

For some organizations, this may simply mean putting in a fitness center at work or organizing a daily walk for the staff. More sophisticated programs involve handing out pedometers, having guest speakers for lunch and learns and completing Health Risk Assessments. Some companies go as far as hiring a company to do Biometric Screenings - like Blood pressure and cholesterol checks; others may alter your health insurance payroll deduction based on participation in the program or give extra monies to your H S A account.

Now a company called Lincoln Industries is taking wellness a step further - they are incorporating it into employee's annual reviews. Imagine if part of your annual bonus or merit increase were based on following a healthy lifestyle. Come to think of it, maybe that is not such a bad idea. According to Health care statistics at www.preventdisease.com 2006 study estimated that - "70% to 90% of health care costs are due to unhealthy choices and preventable risks"


Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

A Personal Success Story

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It is with great pleasure that I share a personal success story as it relates to health insurance for my dependent son. He is currently a sophomore attending University of Delaware. Last year, at this time, I was anxiously anticipating the renewal rates for my company’s health insurance. Like most, due to our busy lifestyles, I tend to address situations as they arise; but last year I was a bit more proactive. I decided to shop individual plans for my son knowing that a young, single male is the lowest risk when it comes to underwriters and their pricing of a new plan. At IFS, one of the plan offerings as a full time employee is a high deductible health plan. My company is very generous in their contributions toward premium and deductible costs; however, I still had significant dollars to contribute on my own. My thought: what do I have to lose by shopping around?

My son was approved for an individual PPO plan through Aetna with a monthly premium of $102. As you can imagine, I was ecstatic because my personal health care expenses were drastically reduced without sacrificing benefits. Furthermore, I received news today that his premium is remaining the same for the next plan year. Yes, you read that correctly – NO INCREASE!! One last personal note: my son is considering transferring to an out-of-state school; and I’m very happy to report with this particular Aetna PPO plan, it is portable and coverage issues will not be a problem. Win-Win for all.

Lastly, as consumers, we shop for new cars, clothes, shoes, etc…I urge you to please take time and review your current situation. The IFS Benefits team is always ready to assist; therefore, if it makes sense for you to explore you current health care status, please give us a call – what do you have to lose?

Yours in good health,
Lori DiBattista

Lori DiBattista, Senior Account Manager Lori is licensed in Life and Health in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida. Lori is actively involved in the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and serves on United’s Advisory Council. Lori is also a long-time volunteer with the Special Olympics of Delaware and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Share This with the Women In Your Life!

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Please share this with the women in your life! I am writing to share a pleasant experience for one of the most unpleasant radiographic tests a woman can endure. It is the dreaded mammography. If you are over 35 (in some instances) and definitely over 40 years of age, this test is necessary annually. Please remember, due to the new health care reform guidelines, routine preventive mammograms are covered at 100%, NOT subject to copayments or deductibles.

I have been hearing a great deal of positive feedback from women who had their tests at the Breast Center, located at the west entrance of the Helen Graham building at Christiana Care, so I decided to give it a try.

My appointment was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. I was asked to arrive 15 minutes early to complete the necessary paperwork. I was greeted by a woman sitting at an open table (not behind the frosted window that slides back and forth) where I gave my name. She stood up, greeted me, shook my hand and ushered me to a private cube where I sat one-on-one with an extremely personable woman. The process took less than 5 minutes and I was directed to have a seat in the reception room. At exactly 9:30 a.m., I was called back to the x-ray area. As you can imagine, I wasn’t in the reception area for very long, however, I did have time to notice the magazines were all up-to-date with plenty genres to select from, including sports illustrated if you were lucky enough to be accompanied by the man in your life.

By this time, I was in contact with quite a few employees at this facility and every single person mentioned me by name and then asked me to verify my date of birth. Either they were extremely efficient or litigious; nonetheless, it was quite impressive.

While I was waiting for the results of the films, I noticed the waiting area was tastefully decorated and had refreshments that included coffee, tea, hot chocolate and healthy snacks, i.e. granola bars strategically placed in baskets all around the room. It was a very welcoming and warm environment. At one point, an employee stopped in the waiting room and asked if everyone was doing okay and to please come forward if they thought the wait seemed extraordinarily long. I was flabbergasted by this grand gesture and noticed no one had a complaint.

After one hour and 10 minutes, I walked out of the building. I’ve had many mammograms over the years and have never been treated so nicely or with such efficiency. It was my choice so I waited for a doctor to read my results. However, if you choose to leave after the films are taken, your visit will definitely be shorter and one of the staff members will call you in a timely fashion.

Please see the contact information below and I urge you to make your appointment when it is timely.

Breast Center
Helen F. Graham Center
4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road
West Entrance, Suite 1400
Newark, DE 19713

Phone: 302-623-4200

Hours of Operation: M-TH 7 a.m. – 6 pm; Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lori DiBattista, Senior Account Manager Lori is licensed in Life and Health in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida. Lori is actively involved in the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and serves on United’s Advisory Council. Lori is also a long-time volunteer with the Special Olympics of Delaware and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Is it time to consider self-funding your health insurance?

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Register here for a free seminar on Self-Funded Medical Insurance.

Aon Hewitt projected that in 2011 that health insurance increases will be at their highest in five years. I hear it every month at renewal time, "Steve, I am tired of paying all of this money every month to a health insurance company. What other options do you have for me ?" Well for starters - let's take a look a at previous post of mine that details a bunch of strategies an employer should consider to help control their costs. One of these options was self funding.

I know, I can hear you already - " Our business is too small to self insure our health insurance." perhaps that is the case but a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that 16% of companies with less than 200 employees are self funded - this is up from 10% back in 2003. In fact the same survey indicates that 59% of covered workers are in a self funded plan. I think part of this increasing trend may have to do with employers looking to avoid some of the anticipated expenses associated with health care reform requirements in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

What exactly is self insurance ? Quite simply a self-insured or self-funded health insurance plan is when the employer pays for each claim as they are incurred instead of paying a fixed monthly premium to an insurance carrier every month.

Self-funding has the potential to reduce costs, avoid state mandated benefits, give employers more control, offer plan design flexibility, provide detailed claim information and even improve your cash flow. Sign you up you say ? Not so fast.

There are potential disadvantages too - the biggest being you, the employer, are assuming a much greater risk. A few large, unexpected medical claims show up and you better be sure your company has the financial resources to meet the cost of them. Or you better have some built in protection - see "reinsurance" below.

Perhaps you are a little intrigued by the concept but still aren't sure how it actually works. In general terms, self-funding contains three parts:

1) Employer pays medical and prescription claims - as mentioned above, you take on the risk - not the insurance company....up to a point (in most cases).

2) Reinsurance (or stop-loss) - most employers will pay a premium to a reinsurance company to pay for claims that go over a certain level. This level is set on a per person basis - for example $100,000 max payout per person - after that the employer is not responsible for anymore claims that year for that person and the reinsurer takes over. In addition, you can purchase reinsurance on an aggregate basis to establish a cap on the total dollars you are willing to pay out - such as $1 million dollars.

3) Third Party Administrator (TPA) - Who is going to administer all of this ? You pay a fee to a TPA to handle things like produce enrollment materials, adjudicating claims, paying doctors (with your money) and preparing reports.

According to report from the Employee Benefits Research Institute in 2007 there were "73 million American workers and dependents covered by a self insured health plan." Does that mean it is right for you ? If you have less than 50 employees then probably not (but you can talk to me about Health Reimbursement Arrangements instead). If you are a mid size employer then you may want to consider it. In fact, sign up to learn more at an upcoming seminar we are having here at IFS. Register here for this free seminar.

See you then!


Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Ameritas Fined $100,000 for Use of Misleading College Funding Plans to Sell Variable Life Products Plans Recommended Using Funds Obtained From Mortgage Refinancings and Home Equity Loans FINRA Also Suspends Broker for Nine Months, Fines Her $60,000

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Washington, DC — The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced today that it has fined Ameritas Investment Corp., of Lincoln, NE, $100,000 and has suspended and fined one of its brokers for inducing customers to take on additional mortgage and/or home equity debt in order to purchase variable universal life insurance policies (VULs). Those policies were pitched to customers as mechanisms for funding college expenses and retirement.

Ameritas was sanctioned for failing to adequately supervise broker Nancy Ziering, who was based in New Jersey, and for advertising violations related to her financial plans. FINRA found that the financial plans she created and were misleading and that her recommendations to customers to purchase VUL policies were unsuitable. Ziering was fined $60,000 and suspended for nine months.

"Brokerage firms must exercise vigilance when their brokers recommend that customers use mortgage proceeds to purchase securities," said Susan L. Merrill, Executive Vice President and Chief of Enforcement. "FINRA will aggressively pursue firms and individuals who use misleading financial plans to induce customers to purchase securities, particularly when those plans propose that customers refinance their homes or take out home equity loans to pay for the purchase of securities. Their home is the biggest and most valuable asset that most Americans have. They should not be putting that asset at risk to buy securities."

FINRA found that Ziering used misleading financial plans with more than 220 customers whom she recruited through her separate college-planning business, Madison Financial Aid Consultants, between October 2003 and December 2005. Through Madison Financial Aid Consultants, she gave seminars on college planning at schools and other locations for parents with children approaching college age. Following her presentations, she would offer to meet with parents to discuss funding for college and other financial matters.

According to FINRA, the financial plans prepared by Ziering were extremely complicated and confusing and, to be successful, required customers to adhere strictly to all aspects of a detailed plan for 20 years. Although the plans were marketed as a way to demonstrate how customers could save for college and retirement, in nearly every instance they recommended that the customer purchase a VUL policy issued by an affiliate of Ameritas, using money obtained from a mortgage refinancing or home equity loan. Over 90 of the customers who received the financial plans purchased one or more VULs from Ameritas.

FINRA found that Ameritas became aware of Ziering's use of the misleading plans, but failed to take sufficient action to ensure that she did not continue to use the plans. FINRA found that Ameritas also failed to adequately supervise Ziering's recommendations to use proceeds from mortgage refinancings or home equity loans to purchase VULs.

FINRA found that Ziering's recommendations to six customers to purchase VULs were unsuitable. For instance, one customer had provided Ziering with information showing that she and her husband were spending more on expenses than they received in income, including nearly $80,000 in credit card and other debt, in addition to first and second home mortgages, car loans and anticipated college expenses for a child about to enter college. However, Ziering recommended that the customer purchase a VUL policy and take on the additional burden of funding the policy with large annual premium payments. In another instance, where a customer had significant assets to pay for college and also owned life insurance policies, Ziering nonetheless recommended the same plan for that customer, including the refinancing of a home mortgage and the purchase of a VUL.

Prior to FINRA's action, Ameritas rescinded the VUL policies purchased by the six customers who received unsuitable recommendations and refunded their premium payments.

In settling these matters, Ameritas and Ziering neither admitted nor denied the charges, but consented to the entry of FINRA's findings.

Investors interested in learning more about saving and investing to cover college expenses should consult the FINRA Investor Alert College Savings Plans - School Yourself Before You Invest and FINRA's Smart Investing Guide Smart Saving for College - Better by Degrees. To learn more about the risks of liquefying home equity to make investments, see the Investor Alert Betting the Ranch: Risking Your Home to Buy Securities.All are available on FINRA's Web site at www.finra.org.

Investors can obtain more information about, and the disciplinary record of, any FINRA-registered broker or brokerage firm by using FINRA's BrokerCheck. FINRA makes BrokerCheck available at no charge. In 2008, members of the public used this service to conduct 11.6 million reviews of broker or firm records. Investors can access BrokerCheck at www.finra.org/brokercheck or by calling (800) 289-9999.

FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through comprehensive regulation. FINRA touches virtually every aspect of the securities business - from registering and educating all industry participants to examining securities firms; writing and enforcing rules and the federal securities laws; informing and educating the investing public; providing trade reporting and other industry utilities; and administering the largest dispute resolution forum for investors and firms.

For more information, please visit our Web site at www.finra.org.

Investment firm, New Jersey broker, Nancy Ziering fined for improper VUL policy sales

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http://ifawebnews.com/2009/11/20/investment-firm-new-jersey-broker-fined-for-improper-vul-policy-sales/
An investment firm in Lincoln, Neb., and one of its brokers in New Jersey were fined for inducing customers to take on addition mortgage and home equity debt so they could buy variable universal life insurance policies, according to FINRA.
Ameritas Investment Corp. was fined $100,000 for failing to adequately supervise broker Nancy Ziering, who was based in New Jersey, FINRA records show. The fine also was for Ameritas’ advertising violations related to Ziering’s plans, which FINRA found were misleading and that her recommendations to customers to purchase the VUL policies were unsuitable.
The policies were pitched to customers as mechanisms for funding college expenses and retirement, FINRA said.
Ziering was fined $60,000 and suspended for six months, ending July 5, according to recently released FINRA records.
FINRA investigators say that between October 2003 and December 2005, Ziering used misleading financial plans with more than 220 customers who she recruited through her separate college-planning business, Madison Financial Aid Consultants. Through the company, she gave college-planning seminars at schools and other locations for parents whose children were approaching college age. After her presentations, FINRA said, she would offer to meet with parents to discuss funding college and other financial matters.
FINRA said the financial plans she prepared were extremely complicated and confusing and, to be successful, required customers to adhere strictly to all aspects of the detailed plan for 20 years. Although the plans were marketed as a way to demonstrate how customers could save for college and retirement, in nearly every instance, FINRA said, they recommended that the customer purchase a VUL policy issued by an affiliate of Ameritas, using money obtained from refinancing a mortgage or taking out a home-equity loan.
More than 90 of the customers who received the financial plans purchased at least one VUL from Ameritas, FINRA said.
Ameritas became aware of Ziering’s use of the misleading plans, but failed to take sufficient action to stop her, FINRA said.
In six cases, FINRA said, Ziering’s recommendations to buy VULs were unsuitable. In one case, the customer provided Ziering with information showing that she and her husband were spending more on expenses than they received in income, including nearly $80,000 in credit card and other debt, first and second mortgages, car loans and anticipated college expenses. Ziering recommended that the customers buy a VUL policy and assume two large annual premium payments, FINRA said.
In another case, where the customer had significant assets to pay for college and also owned life insurance policies, Ziering recommended the same plan, including refinancing a home mortgage to purchase a VUL, FINRA said.
Ameritas, prior to FINRA’s actions, rescinded the VUL policies purchases by six customers who received the bad recommendations. The premiums also were refunded.
Neither Ziering nor Ameritas either admitted or denied the allegations, FINRA said.