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Disability Insurance Awareness:
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8 Things to Consider
When Researching Group Health Insurance
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As a business owner, the decision to offer health care benefits to your employees is not one to be taken lightly. "Medical insurance can be confusing," says Michael Silverman, owner of New York-based Gloron Agency Inc. It is an expensive undertaking with myriad options. Here are 8 things you should consider:
Your budget. Insurance plans are one of the most expensive line items for a business. "It's a very expensive proposition," Silverman says.
Your options. Silverman advises that you seek an independent insurance advisor who will help you select the right provider. A professional who is well versed in the industry will be able to help you make an informed decision.
Your customer service needs. Make sure your insurance representative has staff members who can answer your questions if he or she is not available. For example, Silverman has four employees who work exclusively on group benefits.
Your goals. Approach the selection process with clear goals in mind. Understand your options and have a definitive idea of the type of coverage you would like to provide your employees.
Your network. Most people want a plan that keeps their doctors in network, Silverman says. When Silverman's agency works with a client, employees are asked to provide the names of the three doctors they want most in network. "Then every doctor is contacted and asked what plans they are in," he says. With that information, he can provide the client with options that best serve the employees.
Your employees' needs. Don't assume HMOs are the best option. "What about an out-of-state traveling salesman?" Silverman asks. "It can be a good thing or a dangerous thing. If you are using a doctor out of network, there is no coverage."
Your priorities. The three main issues that affect premiums are co-pays, deductibles and prescription drug cards. As a client, you will need to assess your priorities. Do you want a higher co-pay so that you can keep the deductibles manageable? Do you want prescription drug cards with a lower cost? Silverman likens it piecing together a puzzle: you have to find the configuration that "fits" your company.
Your location. Every state has different rules. For example, the definition of "dependents" varies widely, with some states recognizing domestic partnerships, and others only married couples.
Taking time to research and select the right health insurance provider will pay great dividends to both your business and staff. Your employees drive your bottom line, and taking care of their health and well-being is paramount to your success.
Read the Original Article by clicking here |
May is Disability Insurance
Awareness Month
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Why Devote a Month to Disability Insurance Awareness?
Your most important asset is not your home, your car, your jewelry or other possessions. It's your ability to earn a living. Think about it: All of your plans for the future-from buying a home, to putting your kids through college, to building a retirement nest egg-are based on the assumption you'll continue to earn a paycheck until you retire. But what would happen if those paychecks stopped? That's where disability insurance comes in. It provides an income to you and your family if you are unable to work because of illness or injury.
Though disability is behind a significant number of home foreclosures and personal bankruptcies, insuring against it has not been a high priority for most workers because many assume they're already covered through Social Security, state-mandated Workers' Compensation or employer-provided group plans. However, there are numerous holes in this safety net of coverage.
Know that about 45% of those who initially apply for disability benefits through Social Security are initially denied, and those who are approved get an average benefit of just $1,063 monthly-hardly enough to replace the average worker's income. Workers' Compensation covers only work-related disabilities, but according to the National Safety Council, 73% of disabling accidents and illnesses aren't work-related. And what about coverage through work? It's a great employee benefit, but it's not available to many workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 70% of employers do not offer long-term disability coverage.
So what's a worker to do? Explore your options and learn more about disability insurance. If your employer offers disability coverage, take the time to find out if the coverage would be sufficient to meet your income replacement needs in the event of a disabling illness or accident. If it's insufficient, your employer may offer you the option to increase your disability benefit, often through a voluntary payroll deduction. Another option is to purchase coverage on your own.
May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM), the perfect time for a disability insurance "reality check." Take this opportunity to make sure you'd be OK financially in the event that a disability keeps you out of work for an extended period of time.
Find out more HERE |
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Property & Casualty Corner
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Brought to you by:
Alberto is an early reminder for hurricane season
Weeks before the official start of the 2012 hurricane season, Tropical Storm Alberto gave South Carolinian's an early reminder that they live in a state exposed to natural disasters and tropical systems. In a year that forecasters expect to have below-average tropical activity, the South Carolina Insurance News Service seeks to remind consumers that it only takes one storm to wreak havoc on our state, and everyone should review their insurance policies to make sure they are protected.
"It only takes one hurricane hitting our state to cause catastrophic damage and heartache," said Russ Dubisky, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance News Service. "It is a good routine for people to review their insurance policies with their company or agent before the start of hurricane season to verify they have the necessary coverage." The 2012 hurricane season will begin June 1.
Hurricanes have the potential to bring flooding and damage from strong winds. Major hurricanes (such as Hugo in 1989) can flood and blow hurricane-force winds in areas hundreds of miles from the coast.
"The whole state is prone to flooding," said Dr. Jerry Mitchell, a researcher with the University of South Carolina's Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute. He explains: coastal areas, obviously; urban areas because of large areas of pavement; and the Upstate because of its hills and valleys. The storm surge blown inland by winds and the heavy rains generated on the back side of a hurricane can occur almost simultaneously, Mitchell said. While videos of hurricanes often focus on the wind, water can cause more widespread damage. South Carolina's coastline is full of bays, inlets and waterways, the perfect setup for water to surge much farther inland, Mitchell said. "That wall of water coming in doesn't stay. It comes back out like a big scouring pad bringing debris and silt."
Here's a timely warning: If you don't have flood insurance, your home is not covered for the damage from flood waters.
Coastal residents may need several separate insurance policies to protect their homes and property from disasters: a basic homeowner's insurance policy, a wind and hail policy (if your basic homeowner's policy does not already cover wind and hail), flood insurance, earthquake insurance and excess coverage such as a personal articles policy. Talk to your company or agent to ask questions about your coverage, and remember that flood insurance, obtainable through your homeowner's agent or company, will not go into effect until 30 days after purchase.
Besides buying insurance, there are other things you can do to help protect your home. "Making changes to strengthen your home not only protects your property but can qualify you for discounts on insurance," Dubisky said.
South Carolina insurance companies and the S.C. Wind and Hail Underwriting Association give discounts for the following: * Storm shutters * Roof tie-downs or clips * Impact-resistant windows and doors * Reinforced garage doors * SC SAFE HOME improvements (http://www.scsafehome.sc.gov/) * Institute for Business & Home Safety "Fortified ... for safer living" homes (http://www.disastersafety.org/)
The S.C. Insurance News Service offers the following tips to homeowners to help them prepare for this storm season:
As hurricane season approaches:
- Review your insurance coverage with your agent or company
- Document, photograph or video your possessions for insurance records. Keep this inventory in a safe place away from your home.
- Trim shrubbery and trees to make them more resistant to wind damage.
- Re-caulk windows to protect against water intrusion.
- Repair any loose roof shingles or tiles.
When a hurricane is imminent:
- Cover all windows with pre-cut plywood or storm shutters.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, garbage cans and other items that could be blown about.
- Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
- Close interior doors.
- Take insurance agent's name, phone number and your policy information with you.
- Listen to news media for evacuation orders and follow instructions.
After the storm:
It is important to start the insurance claims process in a timely fashion and through the appropriate channels. Contact your agent if you have one, schedule an appointment, or call catastrophe or claims hotline, which many companies set up after a catastrophe.
- Make temporary repairs to your home (such as placing a tarp over a damaged roof) to prevent further damage.
- Keep your receipts and include the costs associated with those repairs in your claim.
For more information from Lowcountry Insurance Services call (843)522-2020.
Lowcountry Insurance Services is partnered with Harbour Health Insurance Solutions to provide an even greater level of support for all of our clients than could be previously offered alone by the agencies. If you are interested in a joint review of current coverage by a LCINS / HHIS can contact Lowcountry Insurance (843-522-2020) or Harbour Health (843-671-9200).
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Wellness Tip of the Month
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Brought to you from Alicea Glover at:
Vacation season is officially here! Are you planning to hit to road soon? Well, don't let all those gas station temptation stray you from your healthy lifestyle. We've made a list of the good and bad with it comes to gas station snacks-there may be more healthy options available than you think!
Unwise
- Candy bar
- Honey Bun
- Hot dog
- Slushy
- Potato Chips - Have you ever noticed that you can eat an entire bag of chips and be hungry an hour later? Although addicting, chips do very little to decrease hunger. They also tend to be high in fat.
- Soda
Better
- Dark chocolate or low fat, low sugar candies like Twizzlers
- Hot breakfast sandwich - Choose a sandwich made on an English Muffin or Whole Wheat Tortilla (Breakfast Burrito) if you have the option. If the gas station doesn't offer pre-made sandwiches, go to the 'Best' option below.
- Trail Mix - Although trial mix is packed with nuts, it can also be packed with lots of sugar. Chose the mix that is mostly nuts and dried fruit and not the mix with lots of candy.
- Iced Coffee - Only use half the flavored syrup and look for a sugar-free or fat-free option.
- Baked Whole Grain Crackers
- Sports Drink - Sports drinks give you energy and come in a variety of flavors so I think they're a great option. Beware, though, because they can be high in sugar so choose the low calorie option.
Best
- Fruit Snacks - Fruit snacks are sweet and unlike candy bars, they're not gone in one bite. Be sure to check that your snack is made with real fruit.
- Energy/Kashi Bar - Pair your bar with a bottle of skim milk and you've got a filling breakfast. Just be sure it's made with lots of whole grain, real fruit and nuts.
- Deli Sandwich - If you don't have time to pack your own, many gas stations offer pre-made deli sandwiches. Load your sandwich with veggies and opt for mustard over mayonnaise.
- Smoothie - If those 50 cent big gulp slushies call your name when you walk into a gas station, try going for a bottled real fruit smoothie instead.
- Single-Serve Cereal - Eating any single-serve, whole grain cereal gives you that crunch you're craving and is already portioned out for you so you don't have to worry about overeating.
- Water - Water is usually the cheapest drink at the gas station and quenches thirst like non-other. Staying hydrated also gives you more energy so you are awake during your drive.
Other Road Trip Tips:
- If you can, pack your own meals and lunch before you leave. This will save you time, money and calories. When we're really hungry, we tend to make food choices impulsively. Keep a few healthy options on you, and you're not only more energized throughout the trip but you're also staying on track with your healthy lifestyle goals. In fact, many gas stations have microwaves available to take advantage of what's available.
- Plan ahead. If you know you're going to have to stop to eat at some point, plan ahead. Keep a list of restaurants that have options you know you like so you don't have to guess when the time comes.
- Make time for Metabo! If you have an energy drink habit, try switching to fruit instead. Nutritious snacks such as fruit and nuts will give you that natural burst of energy you're looking for. Drink plenty of water during the drive and rest up before travel day as well.
- Notice that you feel sluggish and grumpy when you put lots of junk in your body. Instead of arriving to your destination feeling tired, get there energized and feeling great by making smart choices!
Alicea Glover is responsible for H3 Direct, a corporate wellness program, facilitated by Hilton Head Health (H3), designed to take the inspiration of H3's Healthy Lifestyle™ program, delivered to your door. To learn about all the benefits of corporate wellness call (843)785-3919. You can invest in your employees' health for less than a quarter a day!
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H3 Recipe of the Month
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Brought to you by Executive Chef, Jen Welper and the
What are your plans for Memorial Day? If a picnic is on the list, be sure to prepare this cool, classic- Chicken Salad. These easy sandwiches take little time to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are perfect for outdoor events and social gatherings.
If you'd like to learn more healthy summer recipes, join us for our "American Grilling" 90 minute interactive cooking class on June 16th in the Culinary Arts Center at Hilton Head Health.
The Culinary Arts Center offers a variety of healthy cooking classes ranging from Seafood 101 to Homemade Pasta - and is the perfect setting for your next company party.
Classes are open to Lowcoutry residents and visitors so check out the Culinary Arts Center page of our website at www.hhhealth.com/cac or call (800) 292-2440 for more information on class schedule, private parties and gift certificates for your loved ones.
'Like' the Culinary Arts Center at Hilton Head Health on Facebook!
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Harbour Health Insurance Solutions is a proud member of both the:
Are you a Chamber member? Call us to take advantage of special group and individual insurance options exclusively for Chamber members! 
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We strive to ensure that you are pleased with our work and we truly appreciate any remarks that will help both improve our operations and promote our best qualities.
CLICK HERE to let us know about your experience with Harbour Health
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