June is National Safety Month-Do you have Accident Coverage?

The National Safety Council says the annual cost of injuries in the US is $753 billion. This includes medical costs, lost wages, and damages. Each year 1 in 8 people will receive medical care due to a non-fatal injury, and accidents are the cause of 33% of all ER visits. Workers comp does a good job of covering accidents at work, but 70% of accidents occur outside the workplace. While most people have Health Insurance, we have found that one of the biggest gaps in both Group and Individual policies, even with the new Health Care Reform, is the ER deductible and co-pay. You can obtain an affordable Accident Policy that helps with these costs for as little as 50 cents a day. Give us a call at 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , for a free quote today.

Cash or Get Well Card for Cancer?

While most people are aware of the increasing risk of developing Cancer, 1 in 2 odds for men, and 1 in 3 for women, many times they are not aware of the devastating costs associated with this disease. In 2010 alone the total cost of Cancer was over $268 billion. Much of the costs associated with Cancer are indirect. Those costs include things like loss of income, travel, and other charges that will never be paid by even the best Health Insurance. With most Americans living paycheck to paycheck, they really aren’t prepared to deal with an extra out of pocket expense. The facts show that people with Cancer are more than 2 1/2 times more likely to go bankrupt than those without Cancer. There are many new and innovative plan designs that help pay cash to an individual when they are diagnosed with Cancer or another Critical Illness. Many of the plans include benefits for Cancer screening, which can lead to early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and better outcomes. While having a benefit that puts money back in your pocket doesn’t make the diagnosis or treatment easier, it is one less thing to worry about, during one of the most stressful times a family can go through. Like I asked one of our customers the other day: If you get diagnosed with Cancer, would you rather we send you a Get Well card, or a check for $20,000? The answer is pretty obvious, and you can purchase a policy like that for around $1 per day. Give us a call at 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , for a free personalized quote today.

What is a Supplemental Accident Policy?

MILLIONS of people have accidents every year.

Rate of Nonfatal, Medically Consulted Fall Injury Episodes, by Age Group

In 2010, the overall rate of nonfatal fall injury episodes for which a health-care professional was contacted was 43 per 1,000 population. Persons aged ≥75 years had the highest rate (115).

Will you or your family be affected?

Accidents and disabilities can create serious financial worries. A supplemental accident plan can help protect you and your loved ones from those concerns by providing additional assurance that major medical plans can’t.

In addition to the routine expenses that medical insurance covers, there are additional costs that you must pay yourself – not to mention the possibility of lost wages.

Protect your most valuable asset . . . your income!

With a supplemental accident plan, you get these assurances:

Your benefits are paid directly to you or to whomever you choose, unless otherwise required.
Your benefits have no lifetime maximum limits, and are renewable as long as premiums are paid.*
Your benefits are paid regardless of any other insurance you carry.
Your rates cannot be increased unless all rates of that kind are raised in your state.

*Some disability benefits/rider may only be guaranteed renewable to the age of 70

Did You Know?

Worker’s compensation only covers injuries that occur on the job.

Major medical plans may cover only routine medical expenses for accidents or disability, leaving uncovered costs such as copays, transportation, physical therapy, emergency room and a host of other expenses for you to pay out of your own pocket.

Loss of income due to a disability can strip you of your wealth-and the lifestyle to which you’re accustomed.

An accident plan is a great supplement to a high-deductible health plan.

According to the National Safety Council

66% of all accidents occur off-the-job.
More than 23.8 million injuries required medical attention in 2003.
In 2004, over 82% of all costs due to accidental injuries were non-medical costs and expenses.

How would YOU pay for unexpected costs?

Spend your savings
Sell off assets
Preserve your resources with supplemental accident insurance.

Resources:
National Safety Council, Injury Facts, 2005-2006 Edition, p2, p23
The above facts represent the U.S. population, are for information only and do not imply coverage under the policy or endorsement of the company or the policy by the cited sources

Click here for a quote on Supplemental Accident Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Supplemental Insurance?

A: Supplemental insurance is extra or additional insurance that helps you pay for out-of-pocket costs that your major medical insurance doesn’t cover. Things such as loss of income, co-pays and co-insurance, travel and lodging, etc. The benefits are paid in cash directly to you so you can use the money however you choose to pay for those unexpected expenses due to illness or injury.

Q: Do I really need supplemental insurance?

Unexpected accidents and illnesses happen. When they do, it can leave you and your family vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses that major medical insurance does not cover. Supplemental insurance benefits give you piece of mind and reduce the worry about how you will pay for those unexpected expenses. With less worry, you can focus on getting well rather than how you will get the money to pay your light bill.

Q: I am on Medicare, retired, or don’t have any income; can I still get accident insurance?

Of course! Falls and broken hips are major concerns with people on Medicare. As you can see by the chart above, our chances of a fall increase dramatically the older we get. Eventhough you may have a plan that pays for the hospital and doctor bills, you may need extra money for someone to come help take care of you during that time. Supplemental insurance benefits give you piece of mind and reduce the worry about how you will pay for those unexpected expenses. With less worry, you can focus on getting well. You don’t have to be employed to purchase an accident plan, however it will not pay in addition to Medicaid

Q: What happens when I have an accident?

A: Filing a claim is easy. You will simply visit our web site to download your claim forms, or call us at 1-877-740-8683 to have them mailed to you.

Q: How can I get supplemental insurance?

A: We make it easy as 1-2-3. 1. Just call us toll-free at 1-877-740-8683. 2. We take the application over the phone in less than 10 minutes. 3. You get your policy in the mail in 1-2 weeks. It’s that easy! Our knowledgable representatives will work with you to identify your protection needs, so you have the coverage you need to help meet those needs.

Q: How do I qualify; do I have to complete a physical?

A: Almost anyone can qualify for an accident policy even if they cannot get major medical. There are very few health questions, and no physical is required. Generally, as long as you can answer “No” to the health questions, the coverage is issued and can become effective within 15 days from the date of the application.

Q: What services are covered?

A: Most plans pay cash for things such as:

Admission to a hospital
Dislocations, fractures, eye injuries, broken teeth, paralysis, burns, lacerations, concussions, and others
Emergency transportation in an ambulance
Family lodging for a member of the immediate family
Emergency treatment in a hospital emergency room or even a physician’s office
Confinement in an intensive care unit
Physical therapy
Othes

Q: What is generally not covered on an accident plan?

A: Most plans will not pay benefits for the following:

Operating, learning to operate, serving as a crew member of or jumping or falling from any aircraft. Aircraft includes those which are not motor-driven.
Engaging in hang gliding, bungee jumping, parachuting, sailgliding, parakiting, or hot-air ballooning.
Participating or attempting to participate in an illegal activity.
Intentionally causing a self-inflicted injury.
Having any sickness, illness or bodily infirmity.
Committing or trying to commit suicide, whether sane or insane.
Dental care or treatment due to accidental injury to natural teeth.
War or any act of war (whether declared or undeclared) or participating in a riot or felony.
Alcoholism or drug addiction.
Injury originating prior to the effective date of the policy.
Injury to a covered person while practicing or being a part of organized or competitive football or rodeo, sky diving, or scuba diving.

Exclusions and limitations vary by policies by state, so always refer to your policy or outline for applicable exclusions and limitations.

View other supplemental coverages:

Critical Illness
Heart Disease / Heart Attack / Stroke
Cancer
Hospital Indemnity

Medicare Disability-Turning 65

We recently wrote about Medigap Policies for people on Medicare Disability. While some states have under 65 requirements, it is important to remember that each person, regardless of where they live, will have a new Open Enrollment Period the first month that they are both 65 and older, and on Medicare Part B. For people that were unable to get a Medicare Supplement when they were on Medicare Disability, this is a unique opportunity. Perhaps even more important, is the chance for people that had a Medigap Policy under 65 to get a fresh start. When people are fortunate enough to have a Medigap Policy while they are on Disability, the premiums are generally much higher than they would be for someone over age 65, and the plan choices are often limited to Plan A only. While the Plan A can be a good value for many people on Medicare Disability, a Plan F or Plan G provides many more benefits. We were recently able to help one of our current Plan A customers obtain a Plan G, when they turned 65. While their Plan A policy had gone down in price at their 65th birthday, they were able to get the much better Plan G, for about the same price, without having to answer any Health Questions. If you or someone you know has been on Medicare Disability, please call 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , for more information on this important time period.

Texas Long Term Care

Many people are unaware of the need for Long Term Care Insurance. Nearly 70% of people over age 65 will need some type of Long Term Care, and the cost of care can reach $70,000 per year. To watch a quick overview, click the Own Your Future Video. While the traditional image of Long Term Care is a Nursing Home, today more people are receiving Home Health Care or even residing in an Assisted Living Facility. If you think Long Term Care is covered by Medicare even with a Medigap plan, Disability, or Health Insurance, you need to take another look. While Medicaid does cover Long Term Care, you have to qualify. Long Term Care Insurance is the one type of coverage designed to pay for Long Term Care. One of the more recent changes in Long Term Care Insurance has been the addition of Texas Long Term Care Partnership-qualified plans. If you own a Partnership Qualified plan, you can have a dollar for dollar offset in asset protection. For example, if you receive $50,000 in benefits under a Partnership Quailifed plan, you could set aside $50,000 in protected resources if you did have to later receive benefits from Medicaid. While the subject of Long Term Care is not always easy, the time to purchase is while you are still young enough to qualify, and receive a reasonable rate. To find out more about Long Term Care Insurance, and Partnership qualified plans, call 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , to request a free Long Term Care Planning Kit.

“Harvard Study” Drives Life Insurance Sales

I saw a headline like this the other day that caught my eye. When I took a closer look, the headline was tongue in cheek. The point was that it really shouldn’t take a “Harvard Study”, or any other scary facts, to motivate someone to purchase Life Insurance. Simply put, we are all going to die, and there is rarely enough money to replace the Lost Income, Medical Bills, or Final Expenses that occur. If it has been a while since you have updated your Life Insurance, or have recently had a life changing event, it may be a good time for a Life Insurance Review. Just give us a call at 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com , for a friendly, no obligation consultation.

Disability Income Insurance for Sickness

Many people mistakenly believe that Accidents are the leading cause of Disabilities. According to the Council for Disability Awareness, though, 90% of Disabilities are caused by Illnesses. While some people have Disability Insurance at work, it may not be enough to truly protect your paycheck. If you are self-employed, the outlook is even more grim. Studies show that the average Disability payment from the Government is only $1,111 per month, and can take months or even years to qualify for. To find out if you have enough Disability Income Insurance, and get a free quote, please call 877-740-8683, or visit www.freedomfreequote.com .

Medicare Disability Medigap Policy

Many people who are under 65 and on Medicare Disability are unaware that they could be eligible for a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policy. That has meant that a lot of people on Medicare Disability have thought their only option was a Medicare Advantage Plan. While not all states have requirements that Insurers offer under 65 Medicare Supplements, if your state has these requirements, it can be a great option. The people we have found that benefit the most from having an under 65 Medigap policy are those that have higher out-patient costs. Even a Plan A Medigap policy(which is often the only choice under 65) will pay the 20% Part B co-insurance. This can be a life saver for people that have high Part B drug costs. It is also important to know that if your state does have under 65 requirements, you have many of the same Medigap protections, such as Open Enrollment within 6 months of Part B effective date, Guaranteed Issue if your plan terminates, etc. To find out if your state has under 65 requirements, and find the best price in your area, call 877-740-8683, or visit www.emedigap411.com