Articles by Ryan Patterson on ArticleSnatch.com

Divorce and Affordable Auto Insurance

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As the saying goes, “Marriage is about love, and divorce is about money.” Dividing property accumulated over the years can be as emotional as it can be difficult. It can also be fraught with legal complications. Deciding who gets which car may be an obvious decision in a divorce, but careful consideration of how to take possession of an affordable auto insurance policy may be a little more difficult. While auto insurance regulations and collision coverage requirements vary by state, there are enough similarities to offer this quick checklist to make sure that you’re covered. Communicate Be sure to inform your insurance agent when you and your spouse first separate. Depending on your state’s auto insurance laws, you may need to purchase a separate policy if you and your spouse are not living in the same home or are legally divorced. Removing your ex from your auto insurance policy now will clear you of any possible future liability in the event of his or her involvement in an auto accident. **End Summary** Topics: affordable auto insurance]]> collision coverage]]> gap car insurance]]> auto insurance quotes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on insurance for women .

Affordable Auto Insurance: Whatâs Everyone Else Paying?

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

All drivers want affordable auto insurance, but the average price drivers pay for insurance yearly varies greatly from state to state because of factors such as the stability of the economy and the state’s population size. Check out the following information to find out how much insured drivers in your state are paying compared to other states. According to Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org), the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates average auto insurance expenditures per state by assuming that all insured vehicles have liability insurance, but not necessarily comprehensive or collision coverage. The average auto insurance expenditure, therefore, measures the price consumers actually pay for insurance on each vehicle rather than equaling the sum of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage together. This is because most policyholders do not usually carry all three types of coverage. NAIC data also shows that 77 percent of insured drivers buy comprehensive coverage in addition to liability insurance. And only 72 percent purchase collision coverage. In a September 2007 NAIC report, New Jersey held the record for the highest average auto insurance expenditure per year at $1,184. **End Summary** Topics: affordable auto insurance]]> auto insurance policies]]> liability insurance]]> collision coverage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on insurance per state .

Cancellation or Non-renewal: It Pays to Know the Difference for Affordable Car Insurance

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

So you use your tax refund as a down payment on a new car, or at least one new to you. You get the new car; you get your new, affordable car insurance policy in writing; you’re good to go. Unfortunately, at some point down the road you may receive a notice that your policy will become ineffective in X number of days (it varies from state to state). It’s important to understand exactly why the policy is expiring because it means the difference between a mere inconvenience and payback for an event you can’t seem to live down. Let’s start with the best-case scenario. If you’re lucky, the going rate for the coverage you have is still good, and your insurance company will offer a renewal at the same rate. On the other hand, the insurance company may change its mind. Sometimes an insurer will agree to renew your policy, but on different terms. In such cases, the carrier is required to mail you notification of the change in terms, usually received 60 or 90 days before your policy expires. Usually, if the rate is below 25 or 30 percent, state law does not require this type of notification. **End Summary** Topics: high-risk auto insurance]]> no fault auto insurance]]> affordable car insurance]]> insurance cancellation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on high-risk auto insurance .

Choosing the Right Vehicle Means Saving on Car Insurance for a Young Driver

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

You were there for the first words, the first steps, and that first soccer goal. Now, it’s time for another “first” for your child—the first car. But you’ve heard the stories about exorbitant premiums for teen drivers; so how do you find reasonable car insurance for a young driver? Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for a teenager, and getting that first car puts your teen on the road to independence. But the statistics on teen drivers are cautionary: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers and 16-year-olds have the highest crash rate of all drivers in any age bracket. Knowing these statistics may not inspire you to hand over the car keys to your late model car, but making sure your teenager is driving a car equipped with all the latest safety features might mean all the difference—from affordable auto insurance to saving your teen’s life. In addition to the worry about your teen out on the highways and byways, your bank account might also have some issues when you purchase car insurance for a young driver. **End Summary** Topics: student car insurance]]> collision coverage]]> liability insurance]]> young driver car insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on family auto insurance .

Cell Phones: Hang Up and Drive for Affordable Liability Insurance and Collision Coverage

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Got a call you just have to make on your cell phone while driving your car? Better be sure that your liability insurance and collision coverage are in good shape with your insurer. And, if you’re the parent of a newly driving teenager who is also armed with his or her own cell phone, you need to be especially sure that your car insurance for a young driver is up to date, because the chances are very high that you’ll need it for the inevitable fender-bender, which can also mean good-bye to affordable car insurance. Talking on the cell phone while driving has created a new “unsafe at any speed” situation on the modern highway. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, based in Australia, confirms this with their findings that drivers distracted by yapping on their cell phones while driving are four times more likely to become involved in accidents. Not only does cell phone usage cut down on a driver’s ability to hear what’s going on around him (such as sirens, car horns, people, etc.), it also takes a driver's attention away from the road. **End Summary** Topics: liability insurance]]> collision coverage]]> affordable car insurance]]> teen auto insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on family auto insurance .

Closing the Gap: Auto Insurance Terms Defined for The Smart Shopper

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

As anyone who has shopped for auto insurance – or filed an auto insurance claim – knows, car insurance agents and companies use terminology all their own. Below is a list of definitions to give you the expertise to close the gap: auto insurance comparisons and dealing with claims doesn’t have to feel like negotiating in a foreign language! Actual cash value: The market value of your car as it stands today. Anti-theft device: A device that deters thieves or burglars from stealing your car. Some insurance companies offer a discount if you have one in your car. Assigned risk insurance: In states requiring insurance coverage for its drivers, it’s a law that requires insurance companies to accept a certain number of high-risk drivers onto their policies. Such policies can be pricey, but they do exist. Auto replacement coverage: Supplement that allows for your entire vehicle to be completely repaired or replaced, regardless of cost to the insurance company. Bodily injury liability coverage: Covers another party’s personal injuries if you caused a crash. Binder: Temporary auto insurance that protects you until your new policy comes into force. **End Summary** Topics: liability insurance]]> total loss]]> sr-22 auto insurance]]> no-fault auto insurance]]> gap auto insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on gap auto insurance .

New Residents: How to Register Your Vehicle and Obtain Affordable Auto Insurance

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

There are lots of details to handle if you move to another state and take your automobiles with you. Safety and emissions inspections, registering your car and transferring your license, all these processes vary from state to state, as does the amount of time you’ve got to bring your vehicle into compliance and get yourself an affordable auto insurance policy that meets your new state’s requirements. The first thing you need to do, and you can do it online before you hit the road or when you get to your new state, is visit the Department of Motor Vehicles in the town you’re moving to. There you’ll learn what is needed to drive your car legally in your new town as well as the time frame allowed to get it done. For example, if you’re leaving California, where only emissions inspections are mandated, for Texas, your car will also have to pass a vehicle safety inspection. To get that, you’ll need to show proof of insurance. To find a list of inspection facilities, do an Internet search or use a phone directory in your new town. **End Summary** Topics: temporary car insurance]]> short-term car insurance]]> affordable car insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on short term insurance .

Fuel Efficiency: Auto Insurance Discounts Arenât the Only Way to Save Money on Driving

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Remember when SUVs began taking over the roads in the 1990s and drivers of the heavy gas-guzzlers felt like masters of the universe? With fuel prices being what they are today, the hybrid owners are the envy of all. You’ve spent hours researching how to save money on your personal or business auto insurance; now, how can you further reduce your driving costs even if you can’t afford to buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle? Take heart. There are many ways to decrease your fuel consumption that don’t require buying a new car. The catch? You’ll have to make some changes to both your style of driving and living. According to Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor at Edmunds.com, where the most common tips on how to be a fuel-efficient driver were road tested in 2005 and again in 2008, there are more miles per gallon to be had—as high as 38 percent more, depending on the vehicle—awaiting those who can change from “aggressive” to “calm” drivers. “We’re seasoned car guys and we were pretty surprised at the results we got. If we were surprised, we think others will be surprised,” said Reed. **End Summary** Topics: business auto insurance]]> auto insurance]]> driving tips]]> save money on auto insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on insurance for older cars .

Affordable Auto Insurance: How Do Insurance Companies Calculate My Premium?

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

So, you’re finally ready for that sweet ride you’ve been dreaming of since junior high, but then some buzz kill reminds you that maybe you better look at how much insurance is going to cost you. Yow! How did they get that number? When researching the most affordable auto insurance rate, it helps to know what statistical components most insurance companies take into consideration. Since the insurance business is based on intelligent hedging, several important commonalities show up regularly in auto premium calculations. They include: Driving record. You play; you pay. It's that simple. Your personal driving statistics are perhaps the most important component of your premium. Speeding or other moving violations count against you, but accidents will drag you down the furthest, causing not only damage to your car or yourself, but also bringing the onset of raised premiums or even dropped coverage. Age of driver. Car insurance for the young driver is notoriously more expensive, but premiums drop dramatically for drivers over the age of 25 with good driving records. Gender. Here’s where the gender gap still lives, hiding behind statistics that say men under the age of 30 tend to be involved in more accidents. Car. **End Summary** Topics: affordable car insurance]]> safe driving auto insurance discount]]> multi-policy discount auto insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on first-time driver insurance .

Finding Affordable Car Insurance: A Discount Auto Insurance Checklist

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you own and drive a vehicle, in most states it’s the law to have auto insurance. You can shop around and compare prices from various insurance companies, but you should also ask about available discounts that could save you money on your auto coverage. The following checklist provides discounts you can ask about when shopping for affordable car insurance, but the availability of discount auto insurance varies by state and company. Discounts for Safe Drivers If you are a safe driver, and you have avoided having an automobile accident or any moving violations for three years, you may be eligible for a safe-driver discount. Accident free for three years No moving violations in three years Discounts for Safe Cars Many insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders whose cars came equipped with certain safety features. These features reduce the risk of injury and theft; therefore, reducing the cost of auto coverage. Air bags Anti-lock brakes Daytime running lights Anti-theft device Discounts for Students, Adult Seniors, and Others Car insurance for young drivers is often problematic, but full-time students who meet age and GPA requirements can sometimes get lower auto insurance rates. These qualifications vary by company and state. **End Summary** Topics: affordable car insurance]]> safe driving auto insurance discount]]> multi-policy discount auto insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on business auto insurance .

Affordable Auto Insurance With a Good Credit Rating

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Most people know they have a consumer credit score, but few realize there is a similar ranking used by auto and property insurance companies to rate a customer’s potential liability and it is key to getting affordable auto insurance. Fittingly, this is called an insurance score, but it takes into account more than just how promptly you pay your bills. It also incorporates data such as how many claims you've made on past policies, how frequently and how costly they've been to previous insurers. This score has a dramatic impact on the cost of your auto and property insurance premiums. According to Robert Hartwig, president and founder of the Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org), a nonprofit agency designed to help consumers with insurance questions, “These scores are basically credit information that an insurance company uses from your credit profile, but they then take that and relate it to actual information regarding your claims history or your legal history.” In other words, do you have a habit of suing people? Fair or not, those things factor into your insurance score. **End Summary** Topics: high-risk insurance]]> affordable auto insurance]]> collision coverage]]> insurance score]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on bad credit insurance. .

Save Money: Affordable Auto Insurance

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you’re shopping for affordable auto insurance and looking to save money, there are many variables to consider. The price of auto insurance varies depending on the car you drive, your driving record, and the insurance company you choose. This guide has information to help you choose the best auto insurance policy for your goals. Shop Around It’s easy to shop around and get price quotes from various companies now that most of this information is online. Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org) suggests drivers get at least three price quotes. You can get an online auto insurance quote from an insurance Web site or call them directly. Sometimes, your state insurance department has charts to compare auto insurance ( http://www.iii.org/media/companies/state_org/insur_departments ). Be sure to compare quotes from different types of insurance companies. For example, some companies sell policies through their own agents, while others sell through independent agents who offer policies from various insurance companies. Sometimes policies are sold directly online or by phone. Depending on the sales method, prices may vary. Remember, though, you shouldn’t shop by price alone. Make sure the company as a whole satisfies you. **End Summary** Topics: affordable car insurance]]> safe-driver discounts]]> discount car insurance]]> low-mileage discounts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . USIO provides quotes and information on safe-driver discounts .

How to Get the Most from Your Family Health Insurance: The Smart Doctor Visit

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Do doctor visits always leave you feeling like you spent more of your valuable time in the waiting room than with the doctor? You may spend as much per month on your family health insurance as you do on groceries, your car, or even your rent or mortgage. Use these helpful tips to get the most out of your next trip to see your physician. Doctors are usually quite busy and aren’t able to spend more than a few minutes with each patient, so it’s your responsibility to prepare for a doctor visit and get the most from it. Call ahead. If you are visiting a doctor for the first time, call the office before your appointment to learn more about the doctor and what you may expect when you get there. A recommendation from a friend or family member is often very helpful; however, all doctors do not necessarily suit all people’s preferences. When scheduling your appointment, be aware of the wait-time corresponding with various times of the day. Generally, very early morning appointments and those just after lunch tend to have shorter wait-times. **End Summary** Topics: family health insurance]]> cheap health insurance]]> personal health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on family health insurance .

How to Buy a Health Savings Account

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back for wisely choosing to open a self-directed health savings account, or HSA, as a means to augment your low-premium high deductible health insurance. Planning ahead by establishing a savings and investment plan for the money you set aside for health care each year definitely has its advantages—as long as you know how best to work your HSA benefits to your advantage, both now and in the future. Established in 2003, HSA is the new kid on the block to the financial planning scene, and has been extremely popular with those who want to invest their money with an eye toward affordable health care. A self directed health savings account is an interest bearing account that may be tapped now or later to pay for medical expenses. Interest on an HSA account is compounded daily and credited monthly. One distinct advantage to an HSA is that it places you in control of the account; decisions on how to spend money in your account are made by you without having to ask the permission of your insurance company or a third party. **End Summary** Topics: health savings account]]> health savings accounts]]> medical savings accounts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on health savings accounts .

Major Medical Insurance: Which Investigative Procedures it Covers

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Currently, many major medical insurance policies state that the costs of experimental, cosmetic, or investigative procedures are not covered. Yet, your health plan may actually cover these types of procedures. You just have to follow a few steps and prove that there is, indeed, medical data and justification to warrant coverage for these services. Most health insurance companies choose not to cover cosmetic or investigative procedures, such as rhinoplasty, because they are typically uncommon medical practices or new, experimental treatments that do not yet have validated results. These procedures are generally referred to as “elective” procedures, deemed so by doctors and insurance providers because they are rarely medically necessary. To be considered medically necessary, the services must be generally accepted by the medical community, have proven results, and be relatively less expensive than alternative treatments. Health insurance providers are reluctant to supply coverage for expensive, unrecognized, or new medical treatments. ( http://health.howstuffworks.com/elective-procedure.htm ) While many cosmetic procedures are labeled as vanity surgeries, a large number of investigative, elective procedures have nothing at all to do with vanity, such as angioplasty or hip replacement. **End Summary** Topics: major medical insurance]]> personal health insurance]]> private health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on major medical insurance .

Changing Jobs: What About COBRA Health Insurance Benefits?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you’re lucky enough to work for a firm that offers generous health insurance benefits, especially if your employer is not required to provide COBRA health insurance, you’re forgiven if you’ve delayed looking for a more interesting job or ruled out working for yourself. Fear of parting with employer-sponsored health insurance is legitimate, given the steady decline in the number of companies that offer it and the high cost of paying for coverage yourself. According to a 2007 report by the Committee for Economic Development, the U.S. employer-sponsored health insurance system is failing. Exorbitant premiums have led to waiting periods imposed on new hires and minimum work-hour rules to qualify employees for coverage. Research published by the Economic Policy Institute in late 2007 shows that only 59.7 percent of Americans still get their health insurance through their employers, with the number of firms offering coverage down 4.5 percent since 2000. So, what’s a nation of highly mobile, ladder-climbing professionals to do when it’s time to clear out their desks? **End Summary** Topics: COBRA health insurance]]> self employed health insurance]]> individual health insurance]]> catastrophic health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on COBRA health insurance .

Donât Overpay on Individual Medical Insurance Claims

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With ample opportunities for billing errors within today’s complex health care claims and reimbursements systems, it’s a wonder people carrying individual medical insurance don’t spend more time carefully checking each Explanation of Benefit (EOB). The EOB shows what was charged less what the insurer agreed to cover, the balance being what you owe. Checking your EOB is the first line of defense against overpaying on a health insurance claim. Your EOB may not reveal a lot, but you can check to see that your name, address, and policy information are correct. You should also confirm that you were charged the “allowable” rate set by your insurer and not a penny more. Deductibles can be as high as $10,000, and payment comes entirely from your bank account, which makes group discounts all the more important. Other common errors the EOB may reveal include: Failing to get credit for a deductible that has been paid, in-network providers classified as out-of-network, legitimate claims denied as “medically unnecessary,” “upcoding” (being charged for more expensive services than you received), and “unbundling” (when a single procedure is broken down and billed as many). **End Summary** Topics: individual health insurance]]> self employed health insurance]]> discount health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on individual health insurance .

Avoiding Health Insurance Claims Denials on Group or Private Health Insurance, Part 2

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Unfortunately, paying for health care these days – whether it’s hospital care, group or private health insurance, or durable medical supplies - is a lot like buying a car: You gotta haggle. If you can research and take care of your out-of-pocket expenses prior to surgery, it’s possible and wise to negotiate with the hospital and providers for a lower out-of-pocket rate. For example, say you know you have elective surgery coming up, and you’ve discussed it with your doctor and agreed on a date. His office already has the paperwork process underway with the insurance company, and you read through your policy and find that it does not cover out-of-network anesthesia. What do you do? You might call the hospital and ask how many in-network anesthesiologists they generally have on hand at the time when you’ve scheduled your surgery. If you know there’s a good chance the person who is going to provide that service is not going to be covered by your policy, this is where the negotiations start. Today, we have to negotiate these kinds of things, as difficult as that seems in light of any health issue. **End Summary** Topics: private health insurance]]> group health insurance]]> personal health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is Chief Marketing Officer of All Web Leads, which provides information to consumers via USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on private health insurance .

Family Health Insurance Evolves Again: Domestic Partner Health Insurance

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When it comes to domestic partner health insurance, most observers agree the insurance industry has morphed with the times. As notions of traditional and common-law marriage, as well as same-sex civil unions, have reconfigured, so has family health insurance. Over the past several years, many major corporations decided to cover same-sex partners under their spousal and family health insurance policies. Though some new couples (gay or straight) don't realize it, they now have many of the same rights and benefits as traditional spouses and dependents. As with any other couple, it's merely a matter of sitting down and figuring out what type of coverage they need and what they can afford. To find out more, check out these sites: http://www.hrc.org/issues/workplace/benefits/domestic_partner_benefits.htm http://www.healthsymphony.com/insurance101b.htm http://www.usinsuranceonline.com/healthinsurance/resources/domesticpartners.php “Most companies I work with cover domestic partners these days,” says Texas insurance agent Jaimie Marino, whose company, based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has clients around the state. “The only thing you need to consider is that you can’t have a spouse or significant other living at another address. If the [primary policy holder] fills out an applicant/spouse form, the insurance companies usually won’t ask if you’re officially married. **End Summary** Topics: family health insurance]]> cheap health insurance]]> private health insurance]]> domestic partner health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on family health insurance .

Avoiding Health Insurance Claims Denials on Group or Private Health Insurance, Part 1

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

These days a patient must be vigilant about his or her own health care in terms of researching treatment, securing preauthorizations, and knowing what to do if their group or private health insurance policy denies a claim. After all, a health insurance claim denial is the last thing you want to have to worry about in the middle of a health crisis. A denied claim feels like a knife in the back placed there by the very company that’s supposed to be watching your back. Luckily, some claim denials can be easily avoided. According to one lawyer at the Texas State Department of Insurance, “The most common basis for a claim denial in the health insurance industry is that the procedure, preparation, or pharmaceutical is not covered by the policy. So, the easiest and most important way to avoid a claim denial is to read through the most recent and most inclusive version of your health insurance policy and get a picture of the kinds of things that are covered, and those that aren’t.” This is a great starting point. Make sure your policy is the most up-to-date. **End Summary** Topics: private health insurance]]> low cost health insurance]]> group health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on private health insurance .

Where Can I Get More Information About Major Medical Insurance?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The current health insurance system is incredibly complex and constantly changing, and it becomes difficult and overwhelming to keep all of the information straight when searching for the major medical insurance plan that is just right for you and your family. There is so much to consider and the abundance of information can become confusing, but there are resources available that provide information clearly and answer common questions about health insurance. The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) are two leading insurance trade associations that provide consumers with information about the various health insurance plans available today. LIFE is a non-profit organization that desires to satisfy the public’s increasing need for education and information about health insurance. On its Web site ( HYPERLINK " http://www.life-line.org/"http://www.life-line.org ), LIFE presents a section called “Health Insurance” to answer commonly asked questions about the industry, to provide information about different types of health care policies, and to discuss ways to compare one policy with another. Some questions the LIFE Web site addresses include: Who needs health insurance? What are the different types of health insurance? Where can I get coverage? What should I know when buying? **End Summary** Topics: major medical insurance]]> discount health insurance]]> family health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on major medical insurance .

When You Both Have Group Health Insurance: Comparing Your Policies

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With the cost of living on the rise, it makes sense to take the time to review your health care coverage. In the case of families with two working spouses working for employers that offer group health insurance coverage, it makes even more sense to compare policies. Most health insurance policies offered by employers have an open enrollment period, in which dependents may be added or dropped. To make sure that you’re getting the best coverage for your family’s health care needs, you’ll need to make an accurate comparison of what each plan offers. Have a copy of your current policy on hand, and when the next open enrollment period rolls around, get ready to perform a side-by-side comparison. You may find that when it comes to selecting the best family health insurance plan, one policy doesn’t fit all. Get the basics: What are the costs of premiums, yearly deductibles, benefits or services, and annual maximum benefit of each policy? What is the difference between the different service co-pays for each policy? Take stock of your family’s needs: Does your family have certain recurring yearly medical expenses, such as regular wellness checkups, physical therapy, chiropractic services, eye examinations, and eyeglasses? **End Summary** Topics: family health insurance]]> cheap health insurance]]> individual health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on family health insurance .

Family Health Insurance and Divorce: How to Protect Yourself

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Many couples discover the hard way that planning the wedding was the easy part—divorcing a spouse is a much longer, drawn out process from both an emotional and a financial perspective. Divorce means not only considering how best to fairly divide the shared property such as a house, vehicles, and bank accounts, but also how to best distribute intangible but no less important shared benefits. Careful consideration should be given when a couple has a family health insurance plan. Unless both spouses have their own individual health insurance and their marriage has no children, the issue of health care should be at the top of a checklist of important items to include in the divorce decree, according to Kelly Ausley-Flores, a certified family law attorney with Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores in Austin, Texas. “There’s so much to cover in the overall divorce scheme of things that health insurance coverage gets put at the bottom of the list, or not considered at all,” says Flores, “and that is the biggest mistake people can make. **End Summary** Topics: family health insurance]]> cheap health insurance]]> individual health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . He and partner Jim Waltrip founded the company in 2005 to provide quotes and information on family health insurance .

Can You Get Separate College Student Health Insurance for your Child?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

We know that loving and caring for children doesn’t stop at school graduation. With the joy and excitement of sending a child off to college come a new set of parental responsibilities that encompasses everything from financial aid to finding affordable housing. Another consideration is making sure adequate college student health insurance is in place for college-bound sons and daughters. As difficult as it may be to think about taking on an additional expense when facing tuition and book fees, making sure a student’s health care is covered is as necessary as registering for classes. College students often look for ways to cut expenses, and sometimes gamble with their health insurance as a way to pinch a few pennies. A recent survey by Commonwealth Fund Task Force revealed that 10 percent of students would opt out of paying for their health insurance if they could. The same study also showed that people ages 19 to 29 are twice as likely to be without health care coverage than children and senior citizens, and the number of uninsured young people in this age bracket has increased from 22 to 30 percent. **End Summary** Topics: student health insurance]]> family insurance plans]]> closed-network HMO]]> affordable health care]]> supplimental health insurance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . After graduating from the University of Texas, Ryan founded US Insurance Online with partner, Jim Waltrip. The company provides quotes and information on student-health-insurance , and affordable-care .

You have Personal Health Insurance; Now Consider Long-Term Care Insurance for Your Aging Parents

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Planning to cover your own insurance needs, from finding good personal health insurance to choosing the correct auto insurance coverages can be a challenge. Don’t forget to consider your role in caring for aging parents as you build your insurance portfolio. Between the financial extremes of abundance (stockpiled cash, trust funds, or earmarked annuities) and a poverty-based qualification for Medicaid, choosing LTC insurance becomes more complicated when considering what’s reasonably affordable. The price tag for three weekly in-home visits seems small compared to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), but those home visits might not cover all your real needs. Payment options are also a sobering concern. If your family member is a veteran, the Veterans Administration may pick up some of the expenses related to a stay in a long-term facility. Medicare and private health insurance policies do not cover LTC; they generally cover only medicine and medical care—though Medicare covers limited short-term care services if they follow a hospital stay of more than three days. Medicaid only covers those without assets or income. An increasingly popular option is long term health insurance, or LTC insurance. **End Summary** Topics: long term health insurance]]> ltc insurance]]> personal health insurance]]> medical insurance]]> health insurance]]> pre-existing conditions]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ryan Patterson is president of USInsuranceOnline.com . After graduating from the University of Texas, Ryan founded US Insurance Online with partner, Jim Waltrip. The company provides quotes and information on student-health-insurance , and affordable-care .

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