A Peek at 2006 Health Insurance Plans
(ContentDesk) October 20, 2005 -- MedSave.com, a national leader in online enrollment for low cost health insurance, published a report called A Peak at 2006 Health Insurance Plans .
While health insurance plans and rates for 2006 have not been formally announced by most insurance carriers, MedSave.com was able to compile a sneak-preview of changes that consumers can expect next year with regard to prices, insurance companies, policies and employer trends.
Tony Novak, enrollment adviser at MedSave.com, says that most health insurance buyers will benefit from the overall effect of these changes.PricesMedSave.com predicts that health insurance rates will increase by an average of 10% nationally, based on a consensus of reliable industry sources.
This is a modest price increase compared to health care inflation trends over the past 25 years.
In fact, next years price increase is expected to be the second smallest of the past decade.
High deductible insurance plans including health savings account qualified insurance will increase by more than 10%.
Average short term health insurance rates will not increase in price and costs may actually drop slightly due to the introduction of new lower-priced plans.Insurance CarriersThree of the nations largest low cost health insurance companies nationally are expected be bumped from that position and surpassed by more innovative and lower cost health plans.
Large national health plan administrators (independent of health insurance companies) will be more likely to be able to use their power to kick out an insurance company but continue to market the same or slightly improved health plan to their existing member base.
This emerging shift of power in the health care delivery system may have significant positive long term implications for consumers.
Residents of some state including Minnesota and Washington will find fewer low cost health insurance choices available as some leading low cost health plans withdraw from the state in 2006.
Listings will be updated on a state-by-state basis at MedSave.com.PoliciesThe trend toward limited benefit or basic health insurance policies will accelerate.
Limited benefit plans typically have a maximum dollar limitation built into the insurance policy.
Traditional health insurance typically provides maximum coverage amounts reaching into millions of dollars but basic health insurance limits maximum benefits to a few hundred thousand dollars.
More than a dozens new limited benefit health insurance policies will be introduced by insurance carriers in early 2006.
A second significant change will be the re-introduction of 36 month short term medical insurance plans in most states.
"Short term" insurance is significantly less expensive than continually renewable health insurance.
MedSave.com data indicates that more than 98% of health insurance buyers change their coverage in less than 36 months, so this type of coverage is suitable for most health insurance buyers.
Most short term health insurance policies are purchased directly online.The overall effect of the changes will be that the average dollar amount spent on health insurance policies purchased online at MedSave.com is expected to decrease by more than 10% compared to 2005 as more people replace full coverage health plans with limited benefit plans.
This is not because the insurance costs less, but rather because of the widely increased ability of buyers to buy different types of health insurance with less expensive "trimmed down" coverage provisions.Employer TrendsThe largest growth area in the health insurance industry in 2006 will be firms that specialize in providing benefits to low income workers as more employers offer limited health benefits to part-time workers.
The dollar amount of the employees contribution will increase by more than 10% over 2005.
This change is consistent with the long-term national trends to shift the balance of cost of health coverage from the employer to the employee.Most large employers will begin offering health savings accounts in 2006.
The availability of free health savings account administration and low cost investment account options with firms like Vanguard Funds makes this option more popular with employees.
Affiliated Web sites like www.healthsavingsaccount-hsa.com offer free assistance and support to those who wish to start a health savings account online.
MedSave.com provides enrollment support for low cost health insurance plans for individuals and small businesses.
Further announcements about health plan changes for 2006 will be made over the coming months as details become available..
No Money Down And High Loan-To-Value Home Purchases
Copyright 2006 Jason P Bertrand
In many cases it is difficult to obtain financing with little or no down payment. The lender will usually look for very high credit scores and a very thorough payment history. In some cases it may be easier than one would think. Twenty years ago it was always a rule of thumb that one needed to put down at least 20% in order to purchase a home. Last year over 40% of home purchases were made at 100% loan to value.
One reason that people avoid high loan-to-value loans is the fact that a lender will require mortgage insurance if the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%.
Loan to value is the ratio of the loan in comparison to the value of the home. For example:
Home Value = $100,000
Loan Amount = $80,000
Loan-to-Value ratio = 80%
In this example the loan to value ratio is 80% because the loan amount is 80% of the value of the home. Mortgage insurance is a policy that protects the lender in...
Insurance > No Money Down And High Loan-To-Value Home Purchases
No Money Down And High Loan-To-Value Home Purchases
Copyright 2006 Jason P Bertrand
In many cases it is difficult to obtain financing with little or no down payment. The lender will usually look for very high credit scores and a very thorough payment history. In some cases it may be easier than one would think. Twenty years ago it was always a rule of thumb that one needed to put down at least 20% in order to purchase a home. Last year over 40% of home purchases were made at 100% loan to value.
One reason that people avoid high loan-to-value loans is the fact that a lender will require mortgage insurance if the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%.
Loan to value is the ratio of the loan in comparison to the value of the home. For example:
Home Value = $100,000
Loan Amount = $80,000
Loan-to-Value ratio = 80%
In this example the loan to value ratio is 80% because the loan amount is 80% of the value of the home. Mortgage insurance is a policy that protects the lender in...
Insurance > No Money Down And High Loan-To-Value Home Purchases
InsureMe Announces 2005 Results Insurance Shopping Service Continues Five-Year Growth Trend
Denver, CO (ContentDesk) January 31, 2006 -- InsureMe, a company that helps insurance professionals find consumers who are shopping for insurance, today announced its 2005 fiscal results and plans for new developments during 2006.
The company revenues, a traditional indicator of growth, continued to escalate during 2005. InsureMe reported revenues of over $15 million for the year, representing a 30% increase over 2004. In addition, the company maintained its profit history; InsureMe has been profitable every year since its inception in 1993.Fueling the revenue growth was a significant increase in the number of consumer quote requests. During 2005, InsureMe received over 1 million of these completed lead applications, up 200% from 2001.
On average, InsureMe matched these applicants with 2.7 agents during 2005, a 25% increase from 2004.????
To handle the increased activity, InsureMe expanded its staff by 33% over the previous year, growing from 40 employees to...
Insurance > InsureMe Announces 2005 Results Insurance Shopping Service Continues Five-Year Growth Trend
SAVAGE & ASSOCIATES LAUNCHES IMPRESSIVE NEW BRANDING CAMPAIGN Integrated Print, Radio and Outdoor Ads, Plus New Website, Showcase the Firm?s Expanding Services and Growth
Toledo, OH (ContentDesk) June 5, 2004--"Protection From the Storms of Life?" is the theme of a dynamic, new integrated branding campaign recently launched by Savage & Associates, Inc., one of the nation's largest full-service insurance and financial services firms.The integrated print, radio and outdoor campaign debuted across northwestern Ohio with 60-second spots on regional AM and FM radio, including local National Public Radio affiliates, plus half- and quarter-page page ads in regional consumer and business publications, and in select national trade magazines. The campaign includes billboard advertising in Toledo and launch of a user-friendly, new Savage & Associates website at "savageandassociates.com". Daniel N. Steinberg, Co-President of Savage & Associates, said, "The Savage name is very well known. We believe the theme "Protection From the Storms of Life" complements our firm's growth and expanding range of financial services and insurance products for people and businesses...
SAVAGE & ASSOCIATES LAUNCHES IMPRESSIVE NEW BRANDING CAMPAIGN Integrated Print, Radio and Outdoor Ads, Plus New Website, Showcase the Firm?s Expanding Services and Growth
Insurance > SAVAGE & ASSOCIATES LAUNCHES IMPRESSIVE NEW BRANDING CAMPAIGN Integrated Print, Radio and Outdoor Ads, Plus New Website, Showcase the Firm?s Expanding Services and Growth
Getting The Most Out of Your Travel Deals
The lowest and the cheapest travel deals are not always the best deal. Today, travelers could be overwhelmed by the numerous travel deals being offered. Therefore you should weigh all options before choosing the right one in order to get the most out of it.
The greatest secret to getting an affordable airfare or best travel discount is to know your budget and what do you really want. Additionally, you should shop and compare deals until you run out of options and choose the best among them.
And importantly, always plan ahead.
Nothing is too early when it comes to vacation planning. This will give you ample time to search and choose.
Whether you're a business traveler or planning a family vacation, here are some travel tips to save you money and choose the best deal:
1. Buy your ticket directly. Travel agents usually charge between $15 and $35 per ticket.
2. Buy your tickets all at the same time instead...
Insurance > Getting The Most Out of Your Travel Deals
Health Insurance Professional, Sharon Alt, to Host Online Talk Radio Show on VoiceAmerica? Health & Wellness
SurfNet Media Group, Inc. (OTCBB:SFNM) announces that health insurance professional, Sharon Alt, will join its online VoiceAmerica? Network on the VoiceAmerica? Health & Wellness Channel Lineup on Thursday, March 31st, 3PM Eastern (12PM Pacific), as host of a new weekly show, "Inside Health Insurance in America." The former president of Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) and current president of Alt Benefit Consultants, Inc., Ms. Alt brings more than 15 years of experience as a health insurance professional to the VoiceAmerica? Network.The VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness Channel (http://www.health.voiceamerica.com/) offers the latest conversations in a talk radio format, providing education, interaction, and advice on key issues on a wide array of health topics. "Inside Health Insurance in America," will provide a forum for listeners to converse about health insurance issues in...
Health Insurance Professional, Sharon Alt, to Host Online Talk Radio Show on VoiceAmerica? Health & Wellness
Insurance > Health Insurance Professional, Sharon Alt, to Host Online Talk Radio Show on VoiceAmerica? Health & Wellness
Auto Financing - How to Buy a New Car and Save Money
Copyright 2006 Dean Shainin
For those who have been suffering with a worn out, overused, broke down vehicle, getting a new car is high on their list of priorities. However, their finances can be holding them back in doing so. It is really important to consider the money that you will need with auto financing. This is just being clever and wise since many people have a blurred idea of what it will cost them in getting a new or used car.
Some people would intend to pay in terms of the basic cash price while others would rather choose having monthly payments from auto financing.
Remember, even if you pay for the car with cash, there will still be other finances to come your way, such as your car's insurance, the fuel costs (which can be everyday) and the maintenance. When you buy the latest model car, you will certainly have a high insurance rate.
If you can't afford it or don't have any money saved up yet, you can always try to get auto...
Insurance > Auto Financing - How to Buy a New Car and Save Money
How Your Swimming Pool Could Get You Sued
Installing a backyard swimming pool can make those hot summers a lot more fun and relaxing, but could it get you into a lot of financial trouble too?
The short answer is: yes.
If you're not properly insured, and someone gets hurt in your pool, you are inviting law suits.
I know what you're thinking: my friends and family are the only ones who use my pool... they're not going to sue me if anything happens.
Guess again.
It's not necessarily that people love to sue or even want to.
They may have to.
With the high costs of medical expenses today, a family that suffers a serious injury (or--god forbid--a death) probably can't afford not to sue.
And if a person was injured at your pool in your backyard, guess who's technically at fault?
If someone gets hurt, don't be surprised by a lawsuit: expect it.
And don't think you can watch the pool every moment to make sure nothing...
Insurance > How Your Swimming Pool Could Get You Sued
Insurance
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