The A, B, C, & D of Medicare

THE A, B, C, & D OF MEDICARE BREAKING DOWN THE BASICS. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care decisions. Parts A & B: Original Medicare. There are two components. In … Read more

The Cost of Medical Care

When uninsured people end up in the hospital, “sticker shock” can follow. Just a quick look at the current prices for medical procedures can be sobering. How much does a CT scan cost? Between $300-$6,750, depending on where it is performed. Need a stent in your heart? The cost of that delicate procedure can cost between … Read more

Medicare Advantage 101

Medicare Advantage, sometimes known as “Part C,” is something of a catch-all choice for those who are ready to sign up for Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers in conjunction with the Medicare program, and can provide you with additional health insurance coverage. WHAT’S IN THEM? In addition to signing up for … Read more

Silver Sneakers 101

Once you turn 65, the world of Medicare opens to you, and you also gain access to its offshoot supplemental programs. You likely know about Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and other sections, but you may not know about the senior fitness offering “SilverSneakers.” SilverSneakers is a versatile and free fitness plan for Medicare … Read more

Dog Bites Neighbor. Now What?

In 2023, there were 19,062 dog bite claims nationwide totaling aggregate damages of about $1.12 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.1 For most homeowners (and renters), a standard policy generally covers any legal liability that may result from their dog biting or harming another individual. Typically, this coverage is designed to extend to places … Read more

Gap Insurance for Leased Cars

One of the attractions of leasing a car is that it generally requires a much smaller upfront outlay of cash compared to what purchasing a car might require. This preference to minimize an upfront cash payment may mean that some individuals may also roll other associated costs into the lease payment, including the capital-reduction amount … Read more

Teen Drinking and Your Liability

Despite the overwhelming research documenting the health and behavioral consequences of underage drinking, some parents believe that allowing minors to drink under their supervision may lead to more responsible drinking in their adult years. Other parents believe that allowing minors to drink in the home is a better alternative to drinking outside the home. Regardless … Read more

How Insurance Deductibles Work

An insurance deductible is the amount you, the insured, pay before any claim is paid by your insurance carrier. Depending upon the type of insurance, a policy may set the amount of deductible, or offer you the ability to select a deductible amount. Deductibles serve a dual purpose: they save the insurance company money (including … Read more

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance has many names. For some healthcare professionals, it’s called malpractice insurance. For lawyers, it may be called professional liability insurance. Whatever name it goes by, E&O insurance is designed to protect you or your company from potential financial damages that may arise from a client holding you responsible for a … Read more

Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Insurance Rates?

One landmark study found that credit-based insurance scores are used by about 95 percent of all auto and home insurers in calculating the cost of insurance to individuals.¹ While the vast majority of insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine the price of insurance, it is banned in the states of Massachusetts, Hawaii, … Read more

Gun Ownership and Your Homeowners Policy

If you own a gun, you need to consider whether you are covered in the event the gun is stolen or destroyed and protected against any potential liability should your firearm cause an injury. Gun ownership is a big responsibility and having the proper insurance coverage is an important element in meeting that responsibility.¹ PERSONAL … Read more