MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT CHANGE

Seniors please note this year Medicare Open Enrollment will take place at a different time:  October the 15th to December 7th.

If you are planning on changing from a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement Plan or changing your Medicare Part D Plan, please make sure to put a reminder on your calendar or call Steve Webster at 574.291.5510.

TEXTING AND DRIVING: MORE DANGEROUS THAN DRUNK DRIVING!

Car & Driver magazine has published a study of texting and driving that found just how dangerous it is.

Rigging a car with a red light to alert drivers when to brake, the magazine tested how long it takes to hit the brake when sober, when legally drunk at .08, when reading and e-mail, and when sending a text. The results are scary. Driving 70 miles per hour on a deserted airport runway, Car and Driver editor Eddie Alterman was slower and slower in reacting and braking when e-mailing and texting.

The results:

• Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake
• Legally drunk: add 4 feet
• Reading e-mail: add 36 feet
• Sending a text: add 70 feet

Car & Driver is not an insurer or licensed hazard testing organization. Please call us if you want more information at 574.291.5510.

WHY RENTERS INSURANCE?

The first time most people think about insurance is with their first car or home. Usually this is because the law or bank requires it. Although renter's insurance is usually not required, it is every bit as necessary to have. Not only will renter's insurance protect your personal items, it will also give you help with temporary housing in case of a fire creating an unlivable situation, plus liability protection such as medical expenses for people on your property or a lawyer if you are sued by someone unintentionally injured by you.

If you're not sure what is right for you, we can help. Call us at 574.291.5510.

COLLEGE STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE vs. PARENTAL PLANS

The primary purpose of student health insurance is to keep students in school so they can graduate and realize their professional and career dreams. Some college sponsored student health plans are custom designed to meet the needs of schools and their students and are tailored around the school's Student Health Center. These plans may be cost-effective alternatives.

Is your current plan going to work better than the college plan? It depends.

Current employer-provided or privately obtained insurance may provide adequate or better coverage for your student. Keep in mind if your student is attending a far out-of-state school, your insurance may consider the health care providers in that state out of network and likely will increase your out-of-pocket costs.  If the college is geographically closer, it is likely your plan is better suited to your student.

If you have questions on which type of plan will serve you best, call us at 574.291.5510.