http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for supplemental security income Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:42:21 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/supplemental+security+income http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors#comments Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:27:02 +0000 supplemental health carehealth care insurancehealth care serviceshealth insurance plancare insurance planhealth insurance policyseniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors supplemental health care insurance? Many people are not; these days, most people sign up with their employer-sponsored health care insurance plans, or purchase individual health care insurance plans if their employers do not provide health benefits. While these methods work for many individuals, seniors should consider purchasing affordable supplemental health care insurance.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about supplemental health care insurance for seniors.

What is supplemental health care insurance?

Simply put, supplemental health care insurance kicks in and pays for what your regular health insurance policy does not.

Why should seniors consider purchasing supplemental health care insurance?

Seniors don't always have the steady income that younger individuals have. If a senior's regular health insurance plan doesn't cover a significant portion of health care services, it may be difficult for the senior to pay for the gap between what is covered and what is not. Some seniors have a nest egg set aside to handle situations such as these; some even have separate insurance policies they can fall back on, such as life insurance policies. However, not all seniors have the extra money set aside to cover the gap in health care insurance; an affordable, supplemental health care insurance would work for them.

What does supplemental health care insurance provide?

The kind of coverage available with an insurance plan always depends on the insurance company from which you purchase the plan. Many supplemental health care insurance plans offer cash benefits and compensation for lost income. Some supplemental health care insurance plans even cover pre-existing conditions; pre-existing conditions are prevalent among seniors.

Do I need supplemental health care insurance if I already have Medicare?

Yes, having an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan is especially wise for seniors with Medicare, as Medicare doesn't often cover long-term health care, care provided at home or in a nursing home, or the costs of prescription medication. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car-new-jersey.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-supplemental-credit-cardholders http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-supplemental-credit-cardholders#comments Sat, 03 Jun 2006 06:32:03 +0000 apply for a credit cardcredit card limitcredit card accountbeneficial toolstore cardscharge cardsanyhow http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-supplemental-credit-cardholders
In short, supplemental credit cardholders are persons who you authorize to use your credit card account. They are issued their own card, but the account is the same number as yours and any transactions they process on the card are charged to you. Collectively you all have the same credit card limit. As such, if your supplemental cardholder makes a purchase on the card, this reduces your access to that sum from your card limit -- until such time as you have made a payment.

As you can see then, supplemental credit card users are offered all of the privileges of being credit cardholders, but based on your financial status rather than theirs. They are, therefore, a good means of providing security to your spouse and children without the worry of their having to apply for a credit card in their own name -- which, in the case of your children, will almost certainly result in them having a lower spending limit anyhow.

Although a very useful and beneficial tool, a couple of issues you need to watch out for if you agree to supplemental credit cardholders on your account:

* you are liable for their spending! If they overspend, so do you! Also, you should request that provide you with any transaction receipts so that you can track any potential fraudulent use of the card.

* you may find that you are charged a fee for the privilege of having supplemental cardholders.

Finally, keep in mind that the policy of having supplemental cardholders is not limited to supplemental credit cardholders and it is possible to have supplemental cardholders for most major charge cards and store cards. Joe Kenny writes for the credit card comparison sites http://www.cardguide.co.uk and http://www.creditcards121.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/group-disability-supplemental-insurance-plans-for-income-protection http://www.artwoo.com/article/group-disability-supplemental-insurance-plans-for-income-protection#comments Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:36:32 +0000 group disability insurancesecurity disability insurancedisability insurance policysocial security disabilitysocial security disability insurancesupplemental disabilitydisability plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/group-disability-supplemental-insurance-plans-for-income-protection group disability insurance plans offered by employers. For example, group disability plans generally have the following shortcomings:

- The plans pay up to 60% of regular income, however, all benefits are fully taxable, reducing take-home pay to roughly 42% of your standard paycheck.

- Group benefits are commonly reduced based income from other sources such as federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Worker's Compensation, or any plan/program toward which the employer contributes or makes payroll deductions.

- Group coverage has monthly benefits limits, usually in the $5,000 range (before taxes). If your annual salary is more than ~$70,000, you will find benefits from your disability insurance to be woefully less, even though the policy is paying a maximum benefit.

- Read the fine print! Group policies can include exclusions or limited coverage for specific situations such as mental or nervous-related conditions. Coverage for alcohol or drug-related disabilities can be limited to as short as 6 months or excluded altogether.

While such policies often have these and other limitations, group coverage can provide an excellent foundation for proper income protection at a very low monthly cost.

The problem is that many people assume group coverage is the entire answer when, in fact, it is just a beginning.

"People think because they deduct a few bucks from their paycheck each time that they're covered if they can't work.", explains Rene Apack, President of Insure Your Future, the nation's leading independent disability insurance brokerage. "It's only after the first disability income check that the hard reality sets in, and by then, supplemental coverage is no longer an option."

Supplemental disability insurance is coverage purchased to fill in the gaps found with the group disability insurance offered by your employer.

A supplemental disability insurance policy can reduce your risk of severe income loss in several ways:

• Policies can be written to extend your income coverage to 100% very affordably.

• Because you pay the premium, all benefits received via the supplemental policy are tax-free.

• Gaps in coverage identified by your insurance agent can be specifically closed in the supplemental policy.

• While group coverage ends when you leave your employer, supplemental coverage remains with you regardless of for whom you work.

Depending on your group policy, a supplemental policy can be further customized to fit coverage to your specific needs.

Apack continues, "The most affordable disability coverage available is supplemental insurance. We have clients that pay less than $60 per month for coverage that shores up their group disability to cover 100% of their regular income and closes gaps in their employer's policy."

Income Protection Takes Planning

Supplemental insurance can be a viable, affordable solution for couples planning to have a child as well. The number one cause of missing work for 180 or less consecutive days (i.e., short term disability) is pregnancy. The second leading cause of long term disability (over 180 days) is also pregnancy, both before and after delivery.

Future moms can apply for insurance supplemental to their group coverage prior to becoming pregnant as a hedge against missing work during the maternity months. Once back at work, the option exists to continue the coverage or let it expire.

The key to protecting a household's cash flow during and after pregnancy is for the future mom to get supplemental coverage before getting pregnant. Once pregnant, the disability benefits insurance companies offer disappear.

"We literally get 2-3 calls per day from women that are already pregnant looking for disability insurance. We'd love to sell them a policy but the dozen or so major carriers we work with have no such coverage," explains Apack.

Don't let your group disability benefits insurance give you a false sense of security. It's cheap and it's easy...but it's just a start! True income protection can be affordably achieved by strengthening your group policy with supplemental disability insurance.Please visit us at http://www.disability-insurance-update.com/ with any questions or to find further information regarding the protection of your income during and after pregnancy.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-care-supplemental-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-care-supplemental-insurance-for-seniors#comments Sat, 16 Dec 2006 18:27:08 +0000 affordable health caresupplemental health carehealth care insuranceseniorssupplemental insurancecurrent healthcommon health http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-care-supplemental-insurance-for-seniors seniors are considered "seniors," they usually have a nice little retirement nest as well as health and life insurance policies to fall back on. Maybe they are widows or widowers who have pension plans from their deceased spouses. Of course, this is the idea situation for the senior.

Many seniors in American do not have enough health care insurance to adequately cover their medical needs and prescription drug medications. This is where health care supplemental health care insurance for seniors comes into play, and aside from Medicaid and Medicare, there are ways to get affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors.

Consider these four tips when looking into affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors:

Those who join at an early age get the best rates. However, that doesn't mean seniors aren't eligible. Actually, seniors are probably the most common health care supplemental insurance policyholders.

Don't lie about your current health condition. Stretching the truth may seem like a way to get more affordable rates for your health care supplemental insurance, and yes, it's true that premiums are usually based on past and current health conditions, but lying will always catch up with you in the end, especially if there comes a time when you need that supplemental insurance and the insurance company refuses to pay because you gave false information when applying.

Think of any groups or associations to which you belong. These organizations may be able to help you obtain affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors.

Once you have a plan, stick to it. You may end up purchasing a health care supplemental insurance plan for seniors that doesn't quite fit your needs or your budget. That doesn't change the fact that you need supplemental insurance, though. Stick to it until you've found a better, more affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors. In other words, never cancel until you have a back-up plan. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-security-income-a-valuable-aid-to-the-disabled http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-security-income-a-valuable-aid-to-the-disabled#comments Sat, 09 Dec 2006 08:27:21 +0000 adult disabilitychildhood disabilitydisability benefitssocial security administrationsupplemental security incomessassi http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-security-income-a-valuable-aid-to-the-disabled
Now the harder part. The philosophical distinction between childhood disability and adult disability is also reflected in the disability benefits one is entitled to, albeit in a slightly different fashion. To put it straight, the law makes a distinction between the disabled below and above 18 years of age.

Supplemental Security Income or SSI is a social benefit program instituted by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA pays a monthly sum to those whose income is lower on account of old age, blindness or disability. Most of those under 18 years of age are considered children and the ones above as adults by the SSA. To be eligible for the SSI the rules are much the same for children and adults, but 'disability' in case of children is by definition more accommodating than the one employed for the adults.

The amount one gets as SSI is meant to meet one's very basic needs because it is assumed that a disabled person may not be able to earn enough. The need of one person living in a certain condition may be different from another in another set of circumstances. Therefore, the amount payable also differs. For instance, it is estimated that the disabled children living with their parents in the State of California need a sum of $722 per month. For those who are blind the amount is higher at $ 901, as their expenses are higher.

If, in the opinion of the authorities, you have money to spend on your basic needs in view of your sources of income, the amount is deducted from the payable sum and what remains is what you get for the SSI. The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on disability visit http://www.about-disability.com/ and also visit the article pages: http://www.about-disability.com/disability-aids/ and http://www.about-disability.com/disability-and-civil-rights/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-for-seniors#comments Fri, 25 Aug 2006 14:27:20 +0000 supplemental health insurancesocial security administrationmedicare insurancemedicaidmedicare paymentsupplemental security incomemedigap insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/medical-insurance-for-seniors
Most seniors qualify for either Medicare or Medicaid, depending on their income and situation. Medicare is available to those who are at least 65 years old, and have legally lived in the US for at least 5 years before applying. Medigap insurance is supplemental health insurance taken out by some seniors as a way of supplementing their Medicare insurance.

Medicaid is funded by the government and administered by individual states under their department of insurance. Qualification for Medicaid also depends on an individual's assets, income and type of residence. Medicaid will usually cover most or all of the costs of nursing home admission and the accompanying care that is necessary.

Some seniors, because of a particularly low income or a specific disability, may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) a program administered by the Social Security Administration. This program offers several benefits including providing monthly supplemental payments, food stamps and assistance with hospital visits and drug costs.

If you don't qualify for Medicaid, what is known as long term care insurance can be purchased for long term stays in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. If you are shopping for long term insurance, you should consider what other benefits are covered under the plan, the costs of premiums and whether the policy covers pre-existing conditions.

Seniors may also find themselves using the services of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) HMOs generally accept Medicare payment and offer lower cost deductibles or co-payments. They also put an emphasis on preventative medicine as well as the actual treatment, and many provide eye care, dental services and emergency care when necessary. http://www.myquoteguide.com/Car-Tips.shtml http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-medical-insurance-what-is http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-medical-insurance-what-is#comments Tue, 16 May 2006 00:32:04 +0000 supplemental health insuranceshort term disability insuranceterm life insuranceshort term disabilitybenefitdental insurancepremiums http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-medical-insurance-what-is benefit programs. Many employers have changed their health insurance to high deductible plans. Dental Insurance has been discontinued by some companies as well as vision care. Disability programs have been trimmed down as well as group life insurance. This has created gaps in coverage and employees have had to look for alternatives for coverage that has been omitted or decreased in their benefit package. The answer to this problem has come in the form of supplemental health insurance. Supplemental health insurance companies will enroll employees with these products and the premiums are paid through payroll deduction.

Supplemental health Insurance Products

1. Disability Insurance -- Supplemental disability insurance is sold to employees to fill in gaps or replace lost benefits. Long term and short term disability insurance can be purchased with a variety of waiting periods and benefit periods.

2. Life Insurance -- Supplemental life insurance includes a variety of permanent plans as well as term life insurance. There are non-medical life policies available for larger groups when a certain amount of employees participate in the plan.

3. Dental Insurance -- This is one of the more popular supplemental health products because it usually the first discontinued by the employer.

4. Cancer Insurance -- The cancer policy is a single need policy with relatively low premiums.

5. Accident Insurance -- The accident policy covers accidental injury and death. There are accident disability riders on some accident policies.

6. Hospital Income -- The hospital income policy pays a daily dollar rate to the insured while hospitalized. These policies can pay as low as $10 per day and as high as $200 for each day hospitalized.

The need for supplemental insurance is stronger than ever before. These policies can also be purchased on an individual basis with most companies. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/seniors-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/seniors-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance#comments Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:35:01 +0000 supplemental health careaffordable health carehealth care coveragehealth insurance coveragehealth insurance policiessenior health caresenior health insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/seniors-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance Affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors is designed to accompany =96 or supplement =96 the health insurance coverage seniors already have. Cheap senior health insurance is sometimes just as difficult to obtain as health insurance for every other age group. Therefore, finding an affordable senior supplemental health care =96 a sort of "add-on" to existing senior health insurance policies =96 makes it easier for seniors to get the necessary and adequate health care.

Finding affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors requires basically the same process as finding any kind of health care coverage. Seniors can begin by shopping around. Pay attention to advertisements both on the Internet and in print form. Word-of-mouth is also an excellent way to find out about affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors. Ask friends and family members about their own senior health care supplemental insurance.

Affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors is only affordable if it fits your budget and provides the kind of extra coverage you need. Once you've decided which health insurance companies you'd like to check out, ask their insurance agents or representatives about coverage options and rates. You want the coverage you need at the price you can afford. Don't sacrifice a particular kind of coverage you need just to save a few bucks. At the same time, don't agree to payments you may not be able to make. Think of it as a balancing act.

Affordable health care supplemental insurance for seniors doesn't mean a thing if the company from which you've purchased your policy leaves you high and dry. Make sure the insurance company is licensed to do business in your state. You can do this by contacting your state's department of insurance. There are many fly-by-night companies out there looking to make a quick buck, traveling around selling "insurance" and quickly leaving the scene of the crime, so to speak. If you know the company is licensed in your state, you know your state can help you if problems arise. http://ezquoteguide.com/health See This Site to Get Affordable Supplemental Health Care Insurance for Seniors http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health-major.shtml Affordable Major Medical Insurance for Everybody ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:24:59 +0000 medicare supplement plansupplemental health caremedical savings accountcare insurance planhealth care insuranceprescription drug coveragehealth care medicare http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors
That's where affordable supplemental health care insurance for seniors comes into the picture. By purchasing an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors can rest assured that all of their health care costs will be covered, and not just the health care Medicare covers.

When seniors purchase an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, they can stop stressing about the next health care bill the mailman drops off. After all, if you already have health care insurance, you shouldn't have to worry about health care coverage and costs, right? Wrong. Some health care insurance, such as Medicare for seniors, doesn't cover all health care costs. Luckily, with an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors won't have to stress anymore.

Many health insurance companies offer affordable supplemental health care insurance policies that are perfect for seniors; however, Medicare offers several affordable supplemental health care insurance policies for seniors as well. When choosing an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan for seniors, the goal is to choose a plan that isn't going to cost anymore than paying for the additional health care costs out-of-pocket would cost. Many seniors are on limited incomes as it is, so considering one of the plans Medicare offers is a good start.

Medicare plans include the original Medicare with Medicare Supplement plan; the Medicare Part D plan which offers prescription drug coverage; the managed care plan, which includes HMOs, PPOs, POS, and cost plans; the Medical Savings Account Plan; the Religious Fraternal Society Benefit Plan; and the Private Fee-for-Service plan. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://ezquoteguide.com/health-self-employed.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:40:00 +0000 supplemental health carehealth care insurancehealth care costshealth care medicarehealth care billmedicare part dmedicare supplement plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-you-can-get-affordable-supplemental-health-care-insurance-for-seniors health care costs that Medicare failed to pick up?

That's where affordable supplemental health care insurance for seniors comes into the picture. By purchasing an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors can rest assured that all of their health care costs will be covered, and not just the health care Medicare covers.

When seniors purchase an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, they can stop stressing about the next health care bill the mailman drops off. After all, if you already have health care insurance, you shouldn't have to worry about health care coverage and costs, right? Wrong. Some health care insurance, such as Medicare for seniors, doesn't cover all health care costs. Luckily, with an affordable supplemental health care insurance policy, seniors won't have to stress anymore.

Many health insurance companies offer affordable supplemental health care insurance policies that are perfect for seniors; however, Medicare offers several affordable supplemental health care insurance policies for seniors as well. When choosing an affordable supplemental health care insurance plan for seniors, the goal is to choose a plan that isn't going to cost anymore than paying for the additional health care costs out-of-pocket would cost. Many seniors are on limited incomes as it is, so considering one of the plans Medicare offers is a good start.

Medicare plans include the original Medicare with Medicare Supplement plan; the Medicare Part D plan which offers prescription drug coverage; the managed care plan, which includes HMOs, PPOs, POS, and cost plans; the Medical Savings Account Plan; the Religious Fraternal Society Benefit Plan; and the Private Fee-for-Service plan. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://ezquoteguide.com/health-self-employed.shtml ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-disability-insurance-protect-your-income-for-a-truly-safe-pregnancy http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-disability-insurance-protect-your-income-for-a-truly-safe-pregnancy#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:43:26 +0000 disability income insurancegroup disability insuranceshort term disability insuranceterm disability insurancelong term disability insuranceindividual short term disability insurancelong term disability http://www.artwoo.com/article/pregnancy-disability-insurance-protect-your-income-for-a-truly-safe-pregnancy Disability Income insurance can be the answer to the unknown risk to a household's cash flow due to pregnancy.

Many larger companies offer paid maternity leave to employees whereby the employee is granted full pay for a period of time (generally 3 months) while out of work with the newborn. Any complications that cause the employee to miss work before delivery or beyond the maternity leave period after delivery result in a loss of income for days or even months.

Individual short term disability insurance can provide up to 70% of regular income when you're not able to work due to illness or injury for 3-6 months. Long-term disability insurance takes over after the short-term benefits period has passed and can provide income protection for up to five years or longer.

Mothers-to-be often rely on the group disability insurance offered by their employer. Group disability usually covers up to 60% of regular income. However, all benefits received from such a policy are taxed as regular income, lowering take home dollars to roughly 42% of regular income. Group policies are also commonly riddled with exceptions and limitations that further reduce or eliminate benefits altogether.

Women with a family history of troubled pregnancies may also consider catastrophic disability insurance (CDI). CDI is different in that it is intended to cover the costs of extended at-home care instead of income loss. For instance, if a pregnancy requires the mother-to-be to literally stay in bed for months, CDI can cover the cost of a nurse to help with daily living needs. Such care is not covered by any other type of insurance and will be very expensive. CDI will cover up to specified daily amount ($120, for instance) and can be purchased with an option to increase benefits annually based on inflation.

Mothers-to-be with group disability insurance can very affordably plug the holes in their policy with a supplemental disability insurance policy. Supplemental coverage can extend income protection to 100% of pre-disability cash flow and benefits paid from the supplemental policy are not taxed as income.

The key to protecting a future mother's income during pregnancy is to get disability insurance, be it individual or supplemental, before becoming pregnant. Once pregnant, the eligibility for additional disability insurance evaporates.

Future moms have several options to protect their income from a long-term or short-term pregnancy disability. Without this coverage, families take the risk of losing a good portion of their income for months, if not longer. Whether you participate in a group plan at work or not, maternity disability can be planned for in an affordable manner to help ensure a truly safe pregnancy where your family's quality of life remains unaffected.

Please visit us at Disability Insurance Update with any questions or to find further information regarding the protection of your income during and after pregnancy.Please visit us at Disability Insurance Update with any questions or to find further information regarding the protection of your income during and after pregnancy.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/americans-with-disability-act-a-pie-of-cake http://www.artwoo.com/article/americans-with-disability-act-a-pie-of-cake#comments Mon, 16 Oct 2006 06:27:06 +0000 long term disabilitydisability insurance policiessocial security disabilitylong term disability insurancesecurity disability benefitsdisability lawssocial security administration http://www.artwoo.com/article/americans-with-disability-act-a-pie-of-cake
Howsoever citizen-friendly, law is a law. You need to have the legal brain to interpret the maximum advantage or you need to engage the services of a competent attorney to guide you through the legal complications to the best of your advantage.

The issue is not as simple as filling up the claim form and getting the payment by courier. The issue related to your disability could be any one or more of the following such as deciding the optional health care benefits and retirement plan for your situation; obtaining disability retirement compensation; shielding you against retaliation; working out equal opportunity disputes and many other issues.

You get help from the Disability Firms for Social Security Disability, Supplemental Security Income, Americans with Disabilities Act. Your long-term disability claims are also processed.

Under the Worker's Compensation (Act), you will find the listing of firms who handle disabling injuries.

The firms which handle discrimination against the handicapped by the educational establishments are listed under the Education Law.

The Social Security Administration pays the social security disability benefits to those who have put in the number of years of service as required by the law and who can prove disability.

The Supplemental Security Income benefits to the disabled persons who can prove to the satisfaction of the authorities, is also paid by the Administration.

The employers normally provide the long term disability insurance policies. You can make your private arrangements as well. Buy a policy as per your requirements, using your own judgment.

Any changes proposed by the State/Federal Governments against the Disability laws draw strongest reaction by the highly conscious legal community and social activists in USA.

Bryan Blackwell, a lawyer who represents Social Security claimants in Dothan, Alabama, said the wide variety of health problems that his clients have would make it difficult for them to continue working.

"You have people who have been injured on the job and who may have received a little money from workers' [compensation], but that's either run out or fixing to run out," Blackwell explained to The New Standard. "Maybe they get a small check, but it doesn't come out to what they were earning previously. And you know people like that sometimes have to file for disability."

Likewise, attorney Donald Bishop says about many of his clients in rural North Arkansas and the Ozark Mountain who do the back-breaking work in the timber industry and mason since their teens.

"Several of my clients have done such arduous work and have arthritic backs, a seventh-grade or less education can barely stand mostly upright for six hours," wrote Bishop in his public comments to the SSA in response to its rule-change notice. "Persons like these hard workers are the most obvious persons to be harmed by this proposed rule change."

Americans want something better for the disabled--nothing to dilute their benefits! http://www.about-disability.com/ and Disability articles page provides detailed information on disability, mental health disability, medical disability and more. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-should-you-get-disability-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-should-you-get-disability-insurance#comments Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:20:00 +0000 disability insurance policieslong term disabilitylong term disability insurancedisability insurance policygroup disability insuranceterm disability insuranceindividual disability insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-should-you-get-disability-insurance


Can you afford to live and take care of your family for 3 months or 5 years without income? Probably not! Many people wrongly believe that long-term disability is usually a result of a major accident or some rare cause, but the reality is, most adults become unable to work due to illnesses like heart disease or cancer.

Becoming disabled or otherwise unable to go to work causes a loss of income so devastating to most families that it is the reason for 46% of all home foreclosures, according to statistics provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance provides coverage for when you are unable to work due to injury or illness. It will replace a portion of your income if you become disabled and cannot work. Many employers offer group disability insurance policies, and will generally replace 60% of your current salary. You can purchase a supplemental individual disability insurance policy to cover up to 70% or 80% of your salary. If you pay for your disability insurance yourself (your employer does not pay for it) it is tax-free.

Employer-Offered Group Disability Insurance

Around half or more of all medium to large sized businesses offer long term disability insurance. Even if you are lucky and have the policy, you might consider purchasing a supplemental plan to increase the percentage of income you can receive under the policy if you ever need to use it.



Group plans will insure your regular salary- never bonus amounts, and there is a benefit cap of $60,000 per year. The amount you receive is also reduced based on other benefits you might receive, like social security benefits. If you make a decent income in terms of "bonuses" or earn a salary in the six digits- you're going to want to consider purchasing supplemental disability insurance to increase the amount you'd receive if you need to claim.

Individual Disability Insurance

For individuals who are self employed or who want to supplement the coverage they receive under their employers group disability insurance plan, you can purchase your own disability insurance. For high salary earners, you can get coverage to provide a percentage of the higher earnings and bonuses, as well.

Selecting and Buying Disability Insurance Policies

Purchasing an individual disability insurance policy can be complicated and somewhat expensive, similar to life insurance. Policy prices are based on a wide range of factors, including age, gender, health status, and the amount of coverage desired. Certain employment raises the premiums as well.

Buying the right type of disability insurance is important, since it's going to cost you money and you want to make sure you receive the highest level of benefits possible if you ever need to make use of the policy.

The longer the "waiting period" for benefits to kick in, the lower your premium. If you choose benefits that will be paid within 30 days of becoming sick or injured, you'll pay higher than policies that have you wait 120 days for benefits.

Disability insurance has various riders that you must select when buying a policy. One that you will want to be sure to include is the "own occupation" coverage rider. This rider provides benefits if you are unable to perform your exact job you held before you became disabled. While including this may cost you an additional 40%, it's well worth the money if you should need to use your disability insurance. This article has been provided courtesy of Destroy Debt, http://www.destroydebt.com . ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-dental-insurance-supplemental-dental-insurance-plan http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-dental-insurance-supplemental-dental-insurance-plan#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:29:27 +0000 dental insurance plansupplemental dental insurancedental situationfine printsgrowth positiontrue extentinsurance protection http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-health-dental-insurance-supplemental-dental-insurance-plan dental insurance plan was created.

The importance of verifying fully the fine prints of an insurance coverage should never be taken for granted. By verifying and fully understanding your coverage and likewise the limitations of your insurance protection, you can prepare yourself for any eventuality that might arise. If your insurance for example would include dental care as part of your coverage, it does not necessarily mean that all services related to your family's dental care will be covered. You will have to read the fine print of the policy to know if what kind of dental care is really covered by the insurance.

The stipulation as to what dental services are not covered will also be found there. Thus, if you are already aware of the true extent of your dental coverage, you can then decide for yourself if you still need a supplemental dental insurance plan. Your decision will of course consider the dental situation of your family; whether your daughter's set of teeth might not be in a good condition due to sweets or that maybe your son's set of teeth might have to be subjected to braces because of its abnormal growth position.

Supplemental dental insurance plan was precisely designed by insurance companies to answer the growing needs of insured clients to make it easy for those who may have to avail a dental service without the burden of having to pay additional cash for such service. This is understandable since the dental coverage included in a regular insurance plan is complimentary in nature. As such, it is not made to cover most of the expenses that will be incurred in a dental care service.

In getting a supplemental dental insurance coverage, careful selection should be made in consideration of your foreseen dental needs. If you think there is a real need for your son to have later on a dental brace, then you can go for a supplemental dental insurance coverage for braces. Do not ever think that a supplemental dental insurance will cover for all your family's dental care needs. Again, examine the policy. Read the fine print and know what are you covered for under the agreement.

It would be more to your advantage if before you decide on a supplemental plan, you first try a research on supplemental dental insurance plan. Researching on this subject in the internet can give you a good idea about the many supplemental dental care plans in relation to the exact coverage of the plan and the cost that you have to fork out as your monthly premium.

Following your research, visit the insurance company concerned and have them give you a sample of the policy of your intended supplemental dental care plan to get and examine it for any phrase or words that you might not fully comprehend. If there is any, ask them and be fully clarified about it. After you have fully understood the fine print, you can now start your application for the supplementary dental insurance plan that you would like to have for your family's dental protection.Discover how you can get reduced fee dental insurance as well as finding insurance companies that pay for dental implants only when you visit http://www.dentalcontract.com the online portal for free professional dental care plans]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/maternity-disability-how-moms-can-protect-their-income-during-and-after-delivery http://www.artwoo.com/article/maternity-disability-how-moms-can-protect-their-income-during-and-after-delivery#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:01:37 +0000 disability income insurancedisability insurance policiesgroup disability insurancedisability insurance policyshort term disability insurancelong term disability insuranceterm disability insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/maternity-disability-how-moms-can-protect-their-income-during-and-after-delivery Disability Income insurance can provide needed cash in the absence or a regular work scheduled because of a maternity disability.

Many corporations offer paid leave benefits to employees that provide full pay for up to 3 months after delivery. Complications that cause the employee to be out of work before delivery or beyond the maternity leave period after delivery can cause the household to lose cash flow for months or longer.

Maternity disability can be planned for with individual short term disability insurance that can commonly provide up to 70% of regular income while Mom is not able to work due to illness or injury for 3-6 months. Long-term disability insurance kicks in after the short-term benefits expire and can provide income protection for up to five years or longer. In fact, long term disability insurance policies commonly pay benefits until age 65 to ensure income in the event of a permanent disability such as if a dentist was to lose the use of a hand or eye.

Future Moms often rely on employee-sponsored group disability insurance. Group disability can provide benefits up to 60% of regular income. However, benefits from group policies are taxed as regular income, reducing actual benefits to roughly 42% income. Employer policies also commonly come with a bevy of exceptions and limitations that can reduce or eliminate benefits altogether.

Group disability insurance is a great start toward income protection but it's not the complete answer. A very affordable supplemental disability insurance policy can very affordably plug the holes in group coverage and provide a formidable shield against income loss due to a maternity disability. Income protection can be extended to 100% or regular income with supplemental coverage. Additionally, benefits paid via a supplemental policy are not taxed as income.

Women with a family history of challenges during maternity may also consider catastrophic disability insurance. CDI covers costs associated with extended at-home or facility care. For instance, if Mom's doctor orders her to bed for months before or after delivery, CDI can cover the expense of a day or live-in nurse to assist with the needs of day-to-day living. Such care is generally very expensive and is not covered by any other type of insurance. CDI covers up to a specified daily amount ($120, for instance) and policies can be purchased with a daily benefit that increases annually with inflation.

The solution to protecting a new Mom's income during and after maternity is to acquire individual or supplemental disability insurance before becoming pregnant. Once pregnant, Moms find that additional disability insurance is no longer available.

"This is a common mistake we see almost every day," notes Rene Apack, President of Insure Your Future, the nation's leading independent disability insurance brokerage. "We get calls from pregnant women that have suddenly realized they may miss work due to a maternity disability. They are terrified of losing their income while out of work. Unfortunately, insurance carriers don't offer new coverage during the 9 month maternity period."

Future moms can protect their income from a long-term or short-term pregnancy disability. With this coverage, families can avoid the risk of losing a good portion of their household income for months, if not longer. Whether participating in an employer-sponsored group plan or not, maternity disability can affordably be planned for to ensure a truly safe pregnancy where a solid cash flow is maintained throughout the maternity period.Please visit us at http://www.disability-insurance-update.com/pregnancy-disability-insurance.html with any questions or to find further information regarding the protection of your income from a maternity disability.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/young-mom-cant-work-income-insurance-brings-single-mothers-help http://www.artwoo.com/article/young-mom-cant-work-income-insurance-brings-single-mothers-help#comments Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:36:32 +0000 career momsfinancial ruinworking momsincome insurancedisability insurancebirdwellfallback position http://www.artwoo.com/article/young-mom-cant-work-income-insurance-brings-single-mothers-help Income insurance is often the last type of coverage on anybody's mind. This is even more so true for single working moms who have a world of concerns to address every day. Career moms, however, can have a real problem if they suddenly can't work due to illness or injury. When the paycheck stops, life can change very quickly.

Dr. Carrie Birdwell is a single mom and practicing obstetrician with a thriving practice. Her 9 year old daughter attends a local grade school and plays soccer in the local league. Dr. Birdwell was sidelined with pancreatitis last year and was unable to work for over five months, during which her practice was closed.

"I still don't know how I got pancreatitis." says Dr. Birdwell. "It almost exclusively occurs in people who drink heavily and I don't drink at all!"

The severity of the illness kept Dr. Birdwell off her feet for months, during which she had to send patients to other doctors. "I had no income from the practice... literally zero. Luckily, my income insurance kicked in after 60 days and I started receiving checks from the policy."

Dr. Birdwell carried short-term and long-term income insurance (also called disability insurance). Her policy paid $6,000 per month. "What a Godsend. I was having to dip into savings for everything from groceries to my daughter's dance classes and to hire a car to take me back and forth to the doctor each week."

Statistics show that 1 in 3 American workers will miss work for at least 90 consecutive days due to illness or injury. 1 in 5 will be out for over a year. Without income insurance, all expenses, including the monthly mortgage, come directly out of savings.

A recent study revealed that nearly half of all foreclosures are the direct result of the owner not being physically or mentally able to work. Once the savings are gone, the house is next, and from there... financial ruin.

Income insurance can be the fallback position that gets you through a tough time. Individual policies, on average, cover up to 60% of your income and potentially more. Coverage can be written to provide benefits to business owners until their regular income returns to normal, not just until they are able to return to work. Numerous other options are available depending on your occupation.

"My short term policy paid for the first 6 months while I wasn't even able to work. My long-term policy kicked in after that and paid for another 6 months until the practice was up and going again and my take home pay got back on track", comments Dr. Birdwell.

Supplemental income insurance can plug the many holes commonly found in employer-sponsored group coverage. Such coverage usually protects up to 60% of your income, however, benefits are taxed as regular wages, lowering your take home to roughly 42%. Group policies are also riddled with exceptions and exclusions that limit benefits and even exclude certain conditions.

Supplemental coverage can affordably fill in the gaps of a group policy and literally extend coverage up to 100% of regular income. In addition, benefits from a supplemental policy are not taxable because you, not your employer, pay the small premium.

"Income insurance was an afterthought, to tell you the truth. I was more concerned about life insurance. But, in the end, the income insurance is what kept us from having problems", Dr. Birdwell emphasizes.

A young mom needs all the help she can get, especially single working moms. Being a single mom means your paycheck is how the bills get paid. Losing that paycheck during an illness or injury can be catastrophic. An affordable income insurance policy can provide cash flow when you can't work, and deliver single mothers help when they need it most.Please visit us at Disability Insurance Update with any questions or to find further information regarding the protection of your income.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-determine-if-your-social-security-retirement-benefits-are-taxed http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-determine-if-your-social-security-retirement-benefits-are-taxed#comments Tue, 13 Feb 2007 04:27:07 +0000 social security retirementsecurity retirement benefitssocial security benefitsgrabgross incometax exempttax return http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-determine-if-your-social-security-retirement-benefits-are-taxed Social Security retirement benefits may be taxable. Here's how to find out how much is taxable and what you can do to reduce or eliminate any tax.

Of all the financial issues surrounding being a senior, the one that tops the list in terms of anger is the fact that, depending on the situation, Social Security retirement benefits are taxable. My experience indicates that some seniors are completely unaware of this fact. I have also had to sit and listen to the ranting of those who are aware. It goes something like this: "I already paid tax on the earnings during my working years. The Social Security withdrawn from my income each pay check was a tax. This sounds like a tax on a tax." And on and on...

After letting the person blow off some steam, my response typically was, "Hey, don't shoot the messenger! I'm here to see if any of your Social Security benefits are taxed, if so, how much and what we can do to reduce or eliminate that tax." So let me take you through the first part of our conversation.

Whether or not you are taxed depends on:

1. The amount of your income. 2. Whether or not you have income from sources other than Social Security.

The amount of your tax depends on:

1. Your marital filing status: single or married. 2. The amount of your income.

The tax on Social Security retirement benefits was put into effect in 1983. Tax was applied on up to 50% of benefits. In 1993 this was increased to 85%. Here's how the calculation goes...

The first step is to calculate your "provisional income". So grab last year's tax return.

1. Subtract your taxable S.S. benefits (line 20b) from your Adjust Gross Income (line 37). 2. Add one half of your total S.S. benefits (line 20a). 3. Add any tax exempt interest (line 8b). 4. The result is your "provisional income".

Once you know this number, you can apply the rules to determine how much of your S.S. is taxed. Again, this depends on whether you are married or single and the amount of your income.

Let's look first at a married couple filing jointly. Here is the math...

1. If your provisional income is below $32,000, you don't have a problem. 2. For provisional income over $32,000: a. Take the provisional income between $32,000 and $44,000 and divide it by two. b. If your provisional income is above $44,000, take the total provisional income, subtract $44,000 and multiply by 0.85. c. Add 2a and 2b. d. Multiply your total S.S. benefits (line 20a) by 0.85. e. The lesser of your result on 2c and 2e above is the amount of your S.S. benefit taxed.

Now let's look at the calculation for a single person...

1. If your provisional income is below $25,000, none of your S.S. benefits are taxable. 2. For provisional incomes over $25,000: a. Take the provisional income between $34,000 and $25,000 and divide it by two. b. If your provisional income is above $34,000, subtract $34,000 from your total provisional income and multiply by 0.85. c. Add 2a and 2b. d. Multiply your total S.S. benefit (line 20) by 0.85. e. The lesser of your result on 2c and 2d above is the amount of your S.S. benefit taxed.

Now that you know whether or not any of your Social Security benefits are taxable, and if so, how much, the next step is to take a look at the ways you can reduce or eliminate this tax. In general, there are three solution categories:

1. Reduce your interest income. The most common is interest on CDs. 2. Reduce your dividend income. 3. Reduce your tax exempt interest income.

Note: The calculations above use a very simplified approach. Your situation may have other factors that would affect the math. It is strongly advised that you consult with a qualified tax professional. Robert D. Cavanaugh, CLU is a 36 year financial and estate planning veteran and author of the free newsletter, "The Estate Preservation Advisor". To subscribe and get the free video, "How to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy for More Than the Cash Value", go to http://theestatepreservationadvisor.com/freevideo.htm ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-magic-of-mlm http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-magic-of-mlm#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:00:00 +0000 network marketing mlmmlm businessesmlm worksmlm companiesmlm companypyramid schemesmulti level marketing http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-magic-of-mlm MLM works mainly by recruiting salespeople who are also known as distributors. A person who is trying to earn a supplemental income from MLM will try to recruit as many distributors as possible into his or her downline. It should also be said that you are looking to recruit quality members and not just worry about quanity. Your downline grows exponentially as your recruits bring in people into their organizations and so on. You earn a nice residual income from just one person's sales. Now multiply that many times over! Get the picture? A supplemental income could, in time, replace the income of your regular job. Then you will truly be living you dream because now you are your own boss!

MLM businesses operate in the entire United States and in over 100 other countries. You must be wary of possible scams especially if you happen to be surfing the Net for business opportunities. One thing you have to be careful of is pyramid schemes because they try to make themselves out to be legitimate MLM businesses. You will soon see that if you join a legitimate MLM that the only way to earn commissions is by selling the products or services of the company. When a person signs up with an MLM company, a "sign-up fee" is paid. A member may not earn any money from someone's "sign-up fee". This is illegal.

With the 1980's there came a big change in MLM. The companies started to manage the stocking as well as the distribution of their products. The company also kept better track of the commissions that were paid to their members. Then when the Internet came into play, a big boost was given to MLM. Many companies started to go online to promote their services or products. This opened up new vistas to MLM companies!

Your goal in MLM is to try to attract other people to you as well as to your products and/or services. You must try to do this in such a way as to make them willingly want to help you be a success in your business. The people that you bring into your MLM business must be made to feel that they have a vested interest in helping you to promote your services and/or products. You must radiate a certain amount of charisma and energy to your people. You do this by not only sharing a lively passion for your business but a wonderful vision for the future.

This is what MLM is all about. You definitely can succeed in MLM. However, it will take some dedication and stick-to-itiveness on your part to make sure that your business grows. After a year or two when you look back on the nice income you are earning, you can give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done! Jim Biscardi is owner of Dynamic Wealth Systems, LLC and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about this topic Jim recommends you visit: http://www.DynamicWealthSystems.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-its-not-just-about-death http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-its-not-just-about-death#comments Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:27:07 +0000 life insurance policylife insurance policiesfamily membershttpmoneyloved onesact http://www.artwoo.com/article/life-insurance-its-not-just-about-death money behind to our loved ones to cover the costs of funeral and burial expenses, to take care of unpaid debts we leave behind, to act as a supplemental income until they can get back on their feet again, and to pay for future expenses such as medical costs and education. Many people choose not to think about, much less purchase, a life insurance policy because they don't want to think about their eventual, and inevitable, death. However, many people fail to realize that life insurance policies can be used other than in the event of your death. They can be used while you're alive.

Depending on the kind of life insurance policy you purchase, you may have the option of "cashing in" on your life insurance policy. This means, you can take out the money when you and your family members need it during your life, rather than after your death. For example, you may find yourself in financial hardship due to a job loss or some other unexpected emergency. Rather than suffer financially, you can cash in on your life insurance policy. The money you receive can act as a supplemental income until you find a new job, or can pay for whatever emergency has caused you to financial strain.

Don't push the thoughts of purchasing a life insurance policy to the back of your mind just because you don't want to think about your death. Life insurance policies can be used during your life, too. Remember, life insurance policies can be cashed in should you find yourself and your family financially burdened, so, by purchasing a life insurance policy now, not only will you be helping out your family members and loved ones in the event of your death, but you may just end up helping them out while you're still alive. http://www.myquoteguide.com/Car-Tips.shtml http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-reverse-home-mortgage-and-why-it-may-be-useful-to-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-reverse-home-mortgage-and-why-it-may-be-useful-to-you#comments Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:27:07 +0000 reverse mortgagesreverse mortgageirasmoneyhudforce peopleheirs http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-a-reverse-home-mortgage-and-why-it-may-be-useful-to-you Reverse mortgage, as the name suggests enables you receive money against equity on your home. It allows you to get money, without selling your home. However you need to repay the money after your death, while you sell your home or you stop living in the house. Many Americans, the age of 62 and above partly depend on reverse mortgage for different financial requirements like healthcare expenses, to supplement their retirement income or to pay off their mortgage.

Statutory laws pronounce reverse mortgage process generally tax-free and in most cases, without income restriction.

Types of Reverse Mortgages Basically, there are three types of Mortgages

Single Purpose Reverse Mortgages, supported by local, state agencies or nonprofit organizations They are low cost loans, usable for only a specific purpose, as specified by the lender. They are available to people with low to moderate income.

Federally Insured Reverse Mortgages, also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), backed by US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Proprietary Reverse Mortgages offered by different companies HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages are costlier than single purpose reverse mortgages.

The value of the house is the total repayable cash and taking a reverse mortgage loan doesn't affect your other property or the property of your heirs.

Advantages of Reverse Home Mortgage

You can use the money you receive for any purpose, provided you don't take Single Purpose Reverse Mortgage loans. Pay taxes, cover insurance costs, etc. Fall in returns from CDs or IRAs force people to look for other means of income security.

There is no time limit for receiving money and you continue to receive money till you sell your property, or permanently move to a different house. You will never be asked to pay more than the value of your home and at the end of loan, your heirs will receive any surplus amount in the home equity.

However attractive it appears, a reverse mortgage is not for everyone, especially for very low income people. Such a loan can disqualify them from receiving aids, like Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.

If you are a man or woman of 62 years or older, who is house-rich, cash-poor, you can opt for a reverse home mortgage. It will help you manage your cash flow problems, as and when it arises.

Copyright © 2006 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. Joel Teo writes on various financial topics relating to arizona estate goodyear investment real. Signup for his free online Real Estate Investing newsletter today and gain access to the "Six Day Real Estate Investment Profits Course" now at http://www.realestateinvestment101.info/Arizona.html ]]>