Insurance by the Numbers - 219 to 212
http://www.pceinsurance.com/

Did you see any of the news related to the health care vote over the weekend?

This is not a commentary on the bill, or what may or may not happen in the years to come as it relates to health care coverage, but I was shocked to hear the things grown people were saying...

Sexual and racial slurs; the malicious tone; even a Congressman shouting "baby killer" on the House floor.

Granted, emotions run high in political circles, but as the party line splits, do good manners simply fall through the crack?

What would cause an otherwise normal person to talk like this? Does hearing the expression "health care reform" make something "snap"? And, where does that "something" come from anyway? Could that "something" be lurking inside ALL of us? Ooh! When, and on what public platform might we sink to the same outrageous low?

I can only hope that - by observing such awful behavior - the rest of us will be reminded of how NOT to act!

As a child, I recall that my mother would not allow me or my siblings to use the expression "cotton-picking" (you know, like when the lawnmower wouldn't start and you were tempted to say; "that cotton-picking thing"). We didn't understand why we could not use the expression, but we certainly understood mom's rule. Later in life, we came to realize that - unlike the lesson in the children's rhyme - sticks and stones could hurt one's bones but the words could hurt even deeper.

As the countless words of the Health Reform Bill unfold, we can only hope that the uninsured and the uninsurable will find that the words "just as the doctor ordered" can apply even to them.

Insurance by the Numbers - 65

Medicare - quick overview

http://www.pceinsurance.com/

• For new enrollees, you can enroll anytime during the 3 months before you turn 65 and the 3 months after you turn 65 (a seven month window).


• You will automatically be enrolled if you are already drawing Social Security benefits.


• If you are not already getting Social Security you will need to enroll in Medicare by calling 1-800-772-1213 or going to their website http://www.ssa.gov/


• Simply put, Medicare part "A" covers the hospital and Medicare part "B" covers the doctors.


• Some individuals may choose to delay taking Medicare part "B" because they (or their spouse) are covered under an employee-sponsored health insurance plan. The general consensus is that if Medicare will be the primary insurer (if your current coverage is through an employee-sponsored plan with less than 100 employees) it is more cost effective to take the part "B" coverage at 65 and not delay enrollment.

Original Medicare...
Is managed by the federal government, and is broken into Part "A" (hospital coverage) and Part "B" (medical/physician coverage). With original Medicare you can go to any doctor, specialist or hospital that accepts Medicare. Original Medicare pays 80% of approved amounts so you are responsible for the remaining 20%. Original Medicare does not cover all costs, so many people buy supplemental coverage to fill the gap.

Medicare Advantage Plans...

Another choice is to use a Medicare Advantage Plan offered by a private insurer (this is Part "C" of the Medicare program). Under these plans, you will pay a set co-payment for doctors visits so you will know in advance your cost obligations.

Simplicity is one of the main advantages of having a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans typically include the Part "D" portion which is for prescription drug coverage.

For further information, please contact us at 616-261-2222 or by email at jim@pceinsurance.com.

Insurance by the Numbers - 50 cents

http://www.pceinsurance.com/

I am overwhelmed by the response to my first blog post! Thanks to everyone for reading and asking questions. Can you guess the primary question?

Yes, how much... for how much?

Of course, "how much insurance" depends on your circumstances.

A single person with no children or financial obligations - like a mortgage - might not need much life insurance.

A person with a spouse; children; a mortgage; will naturally have greater insurance needs.

And the cost?

The cost is based on age and health. (50 may be the new 30 in many circles, but NOT when you are talking life insurance!)

The rule is simple - buy young and buy cheap.

A healthy 40-year-old male can get a $250,000 "term" policy for about $15 per month. (Yes, you really can protect your family's future for only 50 cents a day!)

For further help with "how much for how much" give me a call or send an email.

No pressure, no obligation, just a free quote.

Insurance by the numbers - 2/2/1969

http://www.pceinsurance.com/

The day began with little excitement, as most days do. The news seemed focused on the activities of a certain ground hog and whether the winter months would drag on or see an early end. No one in our household would give either a second thought.

At 5:06 p.m. our focus was on dad, who had developed a sudden and severe headache, accompanied by nausea. Mom immediately got him into the family car and raced to the hospital.

Fifteen days later, a man of strength and vigor, 37-years-young...

A man that was vital and strong, and the "picture of health" - took his last breath at 10:26 p.m.

Ironically, it wasn't even the brain aneurysm that took his life. After a second, then a third brain surgery, it was determined that an allergic reaction to medication was the evil force that sucked his life away.

I have many wonderful stories about dad to share... I wanted to share this really important one today, in the hope of moving other dads - who are vital and strong, and the "picture of health" - to make a plan of action NOW regarding the future of their families.

Time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all. Buying life insurance is not nearly as costly as not buying life insurance. If you are not convinced, ask my mom or any of my seven siblings.