Low or No Money Down?

GAP Insurance Can Save You Big if Your Car is Totaled or Stolen
 

When you purchase a new car, you'll probably be asked if you want to purchase gap insurance. Auto insurance companies offer gap insurance to customers as a way to protect you against unforeseen financial losses and it can be added for a minimal cost to your policy.

What Is Gap Insurance?
Gap insurance literally covers the gap between what you owe on a car and what it's worth if your car is totaled in a covered loss, such as an accident or theft. The types of losses covered and the extent of coverage vary depending on the company providing the gap insurance, so make sure you clarify what's covered before you make your decision.

Who Needs Gap Insurance?
If you purchased or leased a new vehicle and weren't able to afford a large down payment, you may need gap insurance. Vehicles notoriously depreciate in value - and quickly - and depreciation starts the moment you leave the dealership. If you're not able to pay the difference between what you owe and what your vehicle is worth out of pocket, gap insurance may be worth your while.

One thing to remember if you're leasing a vehicle: Often, leasing companies include gap insurance or loan/lease payoff coverage in their contracts, so make sure you review your contract before you purchase it from your auto insurance company. 

If you have any questions or would like more information on GAP Insurance, call or email Alpha Property & Casualty:

 Mark Becker,  216-520-3300 ext. 169 or

 Stephanie Stadler, 216-520-3300 ext. 166

Toll free 800-886-3315

From the Desk of Renee Kral, Alpha Wellness Department

February is American Heart Month

Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It's the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its affects, The Alpha Group is proudly participating in American Heart Month by recognizing Go Red Day  - we can help you do the same.

In the United States, the most common type of heart disease iscoronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through some simple lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

Making healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart   disease can make a big difference, even if you have a family history of heart disease.  A family history may make you more susceptible to heart disease which gives you even more reason to take active steps to reduce your risk. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.

· Watch your weight.

· Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

· Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

· If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

· Get active every day.

· Eat healthy.

· Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin every day if you are a man over the age of 45, or a woman past menopause.

· Manage stress.

It's never too late to start living a healthier life! Reduce your risk of America's number one killer by taking small steps to a healthier you. 

Contact Renee to find out how a worksite wellness program can benefit your employee's & reduce health risks at your company.

Download complete Wellness Issue #8

Kaiser Policy Holders

Prescription drug copay amounts no longer printed on KAISER member ID cards

Please note: Pharmacies (Kaiser or network) do not use plan ID cards to determine members' copays. They use the "RxBIN" number, which is still printed on the ID cards, to obtain the member's information and route the prescription claim electronically.

This printing change affects all members in all products, regardless of whether their plans or benefits have changed for 2011.

Members who have questions about their copay amounts can find out by:

1. Checking their Evidence of Coverage (HMO and POS Tier 1) and/or Certificate of Insurance (POS Tier 2 and Out-of-Area PPO)

2. Calling Customer Relations

Commercial members: 1-800-686-7100 or 1-877-676-6677 (TTY), Monday through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Medicare members: 1-800-493-6004 or 1-866- 513-9966 (TTY), seven days a week, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

3. Logging on to My health manager on kp.org

Log in with user name and password, then go to My plan and coverage. Select My eligibility and benefits, click on the link under "Payor/plan," and scroll down to "Prescription Drugs."

Please note that for members enrolled in a POS plan, the benefits displayed on the website reflect Tier 1 coverage only; POS members should please call Customer Relations or refer to their Certificate of Insurance to find out their Tier 2 copay amounts. 

4. Call or email your Alpha Account Manager or Broker - 216-520-3300.