Insurance World

Most Americans fear they’ll need long-term care at some point after retirement, but only a small percentage are are doing anything about it, according to a survey conducted for the John Hancock Life Insurance Co.* It states that 85 percent of respondents worry about needing long-term care at some time in their future, an increase from 80 percent a decade ago.

Long term care addresses a wide range of long term care and supportive services for people who may have cognitive impairment or who are unable to accomplish certain activities of daily living over an extended period of time. These can include activities such as bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. Long term care services can be provided in a variety of settings, including your home, assisted care facilities or nursing homes; and it can be very expensive.

Many Americans incorrectly believe Medicare and/or Medicaid will help fund their long-term care expenses. This is simply not true. Some feel they will be able to “trick” the system, but this has become much more difficult to do. The Deficit Reduction Act that was signed on February 8, 2006, has caused most states to radically alter Medicaid parameters and long term care programs. The loopholes are being closed.

The study also found that almost 60 percent of the respondents worry about paying for long-term care, but nearly 70 percent of these people said they have done little planning, if any, for long-term care needs. Furthermore, Americans are living longer, care costs are rising, and company pension programs are being cut back. Because the average cost of nursing home care has risen to more than $71,000 a year, the costs for in-home care are also rising and it is apparent the rate of future increases will continue to be high; there is a looming crisis in America. Americans are not facing the realities of what lies ahead, especially the potential need for long-term care.

Right now, Americans seem to be avoiding the issue. According to the survey, more than 60 percent of adults haven’t tried to calculate the amount of money they need for retirement. Of those who did the calculation, nearly half didn’t factor in long-term care. Of those who did, nearly four in 10 did nothing about it.

One important financial tool possibly being overlooked is Long-Term Care Insurance. Many people do not realize this type of insurance can be tailored to fit a persons budget as well as help with some of the potential costs of long term care. In other words, there are many variables that can be tailored to meet an individual’s financial budget as well as help with the cost of future long term care needs. A qualified Long-Term Care Insurance representative should be consulted to help develop an appropriate plan.

* The survey was conducted by Greenwald & Associates.

We all wish to make savings in our life. Cars included. Myriad insurance companies offer varying premium rates depending on their policy coverage. So it is important that you get the best Insurance package for your car.

These tips will help you how to manage your Car Insurance budget within limits.

Making Comparisons: The costs of at least three to six insurance companies will give you a fair idea of the costs involved with different policies. Seek the advise of colleagues, friends, relatives. Besides from costs involved, the track record of the companies matter a lot.

The standing, strength and financial position of the company need to be looked into. Request for higher deductibles - It’s the amount one pays prior to making any claim for the accident. The complete coverage and collision is sold along with the deductibles. The more the deductibles the less the premium rate. By increasing the deductible say from $300 to $600 will invariable reduce the cost to 20 to 35 percent.

Old Cars - Drop Collision and Comprehensive Coverage - It is better to drop the collision and comprehensive coverage if the car is worth less than 10 times your premium in the current market. One way to reduce the cost is buying the auto coverage from the existing insurance and insurance coverage from existing carrier.

No to Double Health Coverage - Avoid health coverage with auto policy provided you have enough health insurance. This is one way of reducing costs.

A Good Credit Card Record - This has multiple benefits - helps to file claims if the credit score is less. A good credit score will also help in settling the accident with the help of the company.

Low Profile Car Discount - Fancy and trendy cars with high maintenance costs higher rate and attract thieves as well. A low budget, low profile car will help a lot with insurer discounts to boost.

Mileage Counts - More discounts can be obtained by driving less than the national average mileage recorded per year.

Avoid double health coverage- If you think that you have enough health insurance, and then avoid health coverage with your auto policy. This will help you to reduce the cost.

Maintain a good credit record- Insurers are using the credit history while determining the price of insurance. Statistically, the lower your credit score, the more you are likely to file claims. A person with a good credit score is more likely to settle the accident without the support of the company. Try to maintain a good credit record.

Discounts with low profile car- Cars that are expensive to repair or attractive to thieves will have a higher rate. Consider buying a low profile or average car as it your insurer might come up with discounts for such a car.

Low Mileage Pays - Obtain some discount on premiums by driving less than the national average mileage recorded per year.

All about Group Discount - It’s all about a group taking insurance plan collectively. Be it an employer, business group or associations. Check for such plans.

Safety Discount - Discounts are also offered if the car is fitted with safety items like air bag, automatic seat belts, anti lock brakes. So make safety pay for you.