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Everything you need to know about Accident Insurance

Accident InsuranceOver the past few years, voluntary benefits have emerged as a way for employers to enhance their overall benefits package in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Most people are familiar with offerings such as dental, vision, life and disability insurance, but accident insurance is now emerging as one of the more popular voluntary benefits in the marketplace, primarily due to the increasing costs of medical expenses and employers’ need to shift more of that cost to the employee.

WHAT IS ACCIDENT INSURANCE?

This product is designed to pay a lump sum benefit directly to the insured for an accidental injury. Accidental injuries include dislocations, fractures, loss of limbs, burns, and disabilities or deaths due to accidents. The lump sum payment can be used to help defray the cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with an accidental injury, such as doctor fees, copayments, deductibles, X-rays, crutches, wheelchairs, blood plasma, stitches and other emergency services. Accident insurance can cover an insured’s spouse and/or children. This offering is supplemental to any medical coverage, meaning that it is separate from any other coverage the insured has. As such, accident insurance can be purchased on its own or to fill a gap left by other coverage. The bi-weekly premium is about $8 for single coverage.Read More »Everything you need to know about Accident Insurance

2014 Affordable Care Act Compliance Checklist

[highlight type=”dark”]This Compliance Checklist is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.[/highlight]

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in March 2010 and installs a horde of health coverage reforms with effective dates stretched primarily over a period of four to five years. Many ACA reforms are already in effect for employers and their group health plans, but many of ACA’s key reforms will become effective in 2014.
Key ACA reforms that will affect employers in 2014 include health plan design changes, increased wellness program incentives, and a new transitional reinsurance fee. The employer “pay or play” mandate and accompanying additional reporting requirements previously scheduled for 2014 have been delayed for a 2015 implementation. In preparation for 2014 ACA reforms, employers should review upcoming requirements and ensure they have an action plan in place.

Read More »2014 Affordable Care Act Compliance Checklist

How to Choose Insurance for Every Life Stage

In this article, insurance experts, including Travelers Personal Insurance Vice President Elaine Baisden, recommend reviewing your policies annually and whenever you experience a life event, such as attending college, making a major purchase like a car or new home, getting married, having a child, changing jobs, renovating a home, or caring for an elderly parent. Download this article

The Growing Problem of Medical Identity Theft

The growing problem of medical identity theft and the havoc it wreaks with its victims is highlighted in a recent Bloomberg article. Medical identity theft victims are usually reticent to share the details of the crime since the theft is felt as such a personal violation. Details of the theft are shared here, as well as ID Experts’ investigative and… Read More »The Growing Problem of Medical Identity Theft

U.S. Releases New Health Insurance Reform Rules

The U.S. administration proposed new health insurance rules aimed at ending discrimination against the sick and guaranteeing minimum benefits for millions of Americans who are expected to obtain coverage under President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform law. The rules, unveiled by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, provide states and insurers with details about how the Obama administration intends to… Read More »U.S. Releases New Health Insurance Reform Rules