medications Archives - Page 10 of 21

Apache is functioning normally

June 22, 2023 by Brett Tams

When I started getting serious about frugal living, my husband dredged up one piece of juicy financial advice he recalled from his grad school days: Use half of what you normally would. He was talking about consumable goods like shampoo and dish soap. The idea is to reduce by half the amount of these things you use by doling out smaller portions. Normally use a quarter-size dollop of shampoo? Try cutting back to a dime.

There’s no need to stop at half, actually. You can keep scaling back your usage gradually until you hit a point where you actually don’t have enough, and then creep back up to the last place it felt good. Maybe that dime-size drop of shampoo isn’t enough for your hair, but a nickel-size portion gets the job done nicely.

This approach works. I bought a large container of dish soap at Costco in March of 2009 and have not run out yet. This is not for lack of doing dishes: There are five people in my household, and we do all of our cooking from scratch. We make a lot of dirty dishes, and we wash a few sinkfuls a day.

One reason cutting back on consumption has worked so well for me is that I automated it. Rather than depend on my fragile mind to remember to use smaller sloshes of soap or shampoo every time I wash, I buy my cleaning products and personal care items in bulk and pour them into smaller containers — at half strength. The small plastic bottle next to the kitchen sink contains half water and half soap. I use the same amount when I wash the dishes, but I’m going through the soap at half the rate I used to.

The 50-percent solution has worked so well for me with my household goods, I decided to expand it to other areas of my life. In addition to basic consumables, I’ve applied to 50-percent solution to:

Shopping for clothes. I mostly don’t shop for clothes, but on the rare occasion that I do, I’ve learned to ask: Do I need two of these? I picked up the habit of buying multiples of something I like when I was younger. While that often works out well, just as often I can get by with one pair of jeans or one new bra.
Going out to bars and restaurants. This is often a trouble spot for me, since I love going out with friends. Scaling back that type of social activity by half lets me stay close to the people I care about without busting my budget.
Over the counter medications. Take two aspirin and call me when you’ve tried cutting back to see if one will do the trick. I wouldn’t suggest trying this with your prescription meds, but for simple over-the-counter stuff like headache medicine, I’ve found that a half dose is often perfectly effective.
Groceries. My kids will eat a near infinite amount of fresh fruit, pretzels, and yogurt. How much is enough? The only way to tell was to gradually buy less until we ran out and they complained. We’ve cut our grocery budget in half combining this with other grocery savings hacks. We also waste practically no food these days, which is a pretty great feeling.
Therapeutic appointments. My husband sees a chiropractor regularly for chronic back issues. Over time, they’ve gradually scaled back their appointments from twice a week to only twice a month. This saves us time and money. As with all these measures though, the key is to get to Enough. Cutting back too much on these appointments would cause him pain and interfere with his life. The balancing act is to be sure he gets what he needs from his chiropractor, without over-committing resources that could be better used elsewhere.

Basically, we’ve tried tapering off anything I routinely spend money on where I have some control over the amount I use. For example, cutting dinner dates with my husband down from once a week to once a month felt too scarce, but every other week is a good balance between staying frugal and staying connected.

In general, this approach saves me money. In a few cases, it’s prompted me to spend more. I wasn’t spending enough time with my husband, for example. As our financial situation has stabilized, that’s a problem I’ve started throwing more money at, taking us out for “date nights” a few times a month instead of insisting that we always stay in. Yes, eating out is expensive. But the time alone together away from the weight of housework and unfinished tasks at home is priceless.

As with any money hack, the most important thing isn’t how I save the money, it’s what I do with it. A dollar saved is only really saved if I don’t immediately spend it on something else. The savings from these gradual reductions in consumption are often harder to see than the clear figures one gets from canceling a subscription and saving the monthly fee.

How much have I saved on laundry soap over the past year? It’s possible to track that data and get a real answer, but I don’t keep records that detailed. The dollars I’ve saved didn’t get banked straight into my savings account. Instead, they’ve padded my margin a bit, making it easier to stick to our budget each week and possible to splurge on treats like dinners out with my husband.

Even beyond the actual money saved, I get a psychological benefit from doing this. Like my commitment to buy nothing new or my 30-day list, the 50-percent solution acts as a checkpoint for purchases. Do I really need this? Do I need all of this? Could I make do with less?

Being in the habit of asking myself those questions has saved me a lot more money than just cutting my shampoo with water does. It helps me stay in a frugal mindset when I’m shopping. That’s not easy to do. Stores are designed to push you towards impulse buys, and being armed with mental money hacks helps me fight back against their subtle (and not so subtle) marketing.

I love this approach because it helps me find balance. It’s not about committing to a life of extreme austerity, it’s about avoiding waste. I often think of the curve at the beginning of Your Money or Your Life that shows a person’s happiness increasing as they have the resources to supply their basic needs, and then some comforts and finally a few luxuries. Beyond that magic point of Enough, the curve calls off as more and more luxuries are piled on but fail to satisfy.

The 50-percent solution helps me know what my personal Enough is. What’s Enough soap? Enough entertainment? Enough snack food?

Scaling back incrementally lets me find those magic points on the curve and stay close to them. I get to have Enough to be happy, without wasting resources like money, time and energy on acquiring more of something than I need or want.

Welcome Lifehacker readers – feel free to join the conversation and share what has worked for you. Also don’t forget to follow Get Rich Slowly on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 21, 2023 by Brett Tams

From the daily walk of the Peabody Ducks to the annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, there are so many unique pieces that make up this Tennessee city.

Memphis is an affordable place to live for renters. The cost of living in Memphis is 13.1 percent lower than the national average, which makes the Home of the Blues more affordable, overall, than nearby cities like Nashville and Little Rock.

Given this lower cost of living, you’ll find plenty of great places to live in Memphis. But, the only way to know for sure is to break down your budget into pieces. Here’s how individual components, that make up the cost of living in Memphis, compare.

Housing costs in Memphis

Memphis housing is pretty reasonable all around. Rents aren’t too high, and housing prices are reasonable. Overall, housing prices in Memphis are 20.2 percent below the national average. This is on par with other Southern cities like Birmingham, though it’s slightly higher than places like Jackson, MS.

When it comes to rental prices, averages are reasonable whether they’re trending up or down. The average one-bedroom rent in Memphis is about $1,000 per month, down 4 percent from last year. For two-bedroom apartments, the average monthly rent is up by 4 percent but it’s still under $1,100 per month.

Home prices are down slightly over last year — the median sale price in Memphis is a reasonable $175,000. By comparison, the median sale price for a home in Nashville is about $465,000.

Finding the best apartment in Memphis

There are so many great Memphis neighborhoods to consider calling home that it may feel challenging to narrow things down. Price and location will play a big part, but it’s also the vibe of the community that can help solidify your choice.

The priciest spot for a one-bed is the up-and-coming arts district of Crosstown. Here the average monthly rent for just one bedroom is about $1,900. This area is a huge draw for young professionals, artists and musicians who join families who’ve called this neighborhood home for a long time.

Two other sought-after neighborhoods that provide a great location while catering to a more artsy crowd are Mud Island and South Main. They feature one-bedroom apartments for an average monthly rent of around $1,500 and $1,200, respectively.

Food costs in Memphis

Almost as big as the music scene, the food in Memphis is second-to-none. Of course, we’re talking Memphis barbecue with its slightly sweet and tangy sauce slathered on a nice rack of ribs in restaurants like The Rendezvous and Central BBQ. There are other signature eats in Memphis (check out Gibson’s Donuts), but nothing stacks up the “Q.”

As good as all the restaurant eats are though, locals can’t eat out all the time. Since groceries run 8.9 percent below the national average though, it’s pretty affordable to eat at home. Even at a tiny increase over last year, most items on your shopping list should remain pretty affordable. For example, expect to pay $1.06 per pound for store-made fried chicken and $1.97 for a dozen eggs. If you need a good side, potatoes average $3.73 per pound, making it affordable to whip together some homemade potato salad.

Utility costs in Memphis

The seasons can get rough in Memphis thanks to muggy summers and wet and windy winters, but overall temperatures aren’t too extreme. It still gets hot and cold at the right times of the year, but you won’t see a lot of snow.

This helps make utility costs a little more affordable on the whole, and 12.2 percent below the national average. Memphis actually has one of the lowest average utility costs in the state, with an average monthly electric bill is $141.05. Nashville is one of the only Tennessee cities that comes in lower, and it’s only by $2.31.

Transportation costs in Memphis

Although not an entirely walkable or bike-friendly city overall, Memphis’ best parts are often extremely walkable. Places around downtown, including Beale Street, are better seen on foot anyway.

Public transportation is also available in Memphis, primarily by bus via MATA. Operating 34 different lines, the adult base fare is $1 per way, and you’re able to purchase a daily fast pass for just $2. For downtown and riverfront access, MATA runs three trolley lines at just $1 per way.

Though it is possible to live in Memphis without a car, many residents own one to make it easier to road trip as well as get to the outer suburbs.

When it comes to city parking, locals can pick between meters and garages. The parking garages around town can range greatly in price, from as little as $4 to upward of $25. Meters have an hourly cost of $1.50.

All combined, transportation costs in Memphis are 6.9 percent below the national average, an increase of 4.2 percent over last year.

Healthcare costs in Memphis

Budgeting for healthcare as a part of your cost of living in Memphis is challenging. Not only is everyone’s medical situation different, but things can change from month to month. Having insurance helps, but it’s also worthwhile to know what average costs are like without it.

In Memphis, healthcare costs are 9.4 percent below the national average. This is pretty close to normal when compared to other cities in Tennessee and pretty close to cities, like Birmingham, in neighboring states.

This average keeps doctor’s visits in a pretty reasonable range, assuming you don’t have insurance to pay the costs. Expect to pay an average of $99.72 per doctor’s visit, $78.60 to see the eye doctor and $105.40 for a trip to the dentist. When it comes to prescription medications, the average cost (without insurance) in Memphis is $465.99.

Goods and services costs in Memphis

Not all the pieces that make up the cost of living in Memphis are functional and necessary. You also have to put a little fun into the budget, and that’s where goods and services come in. They’re the thing you enjoy doing, you want to do, but if you ever needed to cut back, could do without.

Goods and services are what make a night out on Beale Street possible, among other fun activities. In Memphis, the overall cost of goods and services, lumped together, is 10.1 percent below the national average. That could mean more money in the budget for fun, as long as you don’t have too much.

How does this impact your favorite to-do’s? Well, in Memphis, a six-pack of beer averages out at $9.77, a movie ticket is $13.08, that pizza you’re craving is $10.73 and a haircut before that big night out is $18. Prices coincide with other cities in Tennessee, sometimes being a little bit more or a little bit less, but always relatively close.

Taxes in Memphis

The state sales tax in Tennessee is 7 percent, but each individual county and city can add on additional taxes. That said, you’ll pay 9.75 percent in sales tax in Memphis, the highest total rate in the state (and the most common.)

To think about this rate in dollar amounts, for every $1,000 you spend shopping for clothes, or buying furniture for your new apartment, $97.50 goes straight to taxes.

How much do I need to earn to live in Memphis

Even with a better understanding of the cost of living in Memphis, it’s hard to really know how much you need to earn to live in this fun city. A good place to start digging into your budget though is with rent.

Most experts agree you should spend about 30 percent of your annual income on rent, so to afford that average one-bedroom price of $1,000, you’d need a yearly salary of about $40,000.

Is this easy to find in Memphis? Well, given that the median household income is slightly higher at $41,864, your chances look good. To get the numbers exact though, check out our rent calculator.

Living in Memphis

Life in Memphis is not only affordable for many, but also fun. Memphis is a city full of things to do, with decent weather and a vibrant cultural scene. Its deep musical roots and delectable food are simply the icing on the cake for this great place. With so much to explore, deciding to live in Memphis is most likely going to be an easy decision.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.

The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of November 2022.

Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 20, 2023 by Brett Tams

When shopping for life insurance, high blood pressure or treated blood pressure can complicate the process.

If you currently have high blood pressure, getting life insurance will be more difficult.

The higher your blood pressure, the more chances you will be excluded from the best life insurance rates and policies.

However, there are still insurance companies that will offer favorable rates for those with high blood pressure or being treated for high blood pressure under the right conditions.

Your specific blood pressure rate is important to insurance companies, but whether you take medication or not is also important. Your average readings for the past year or two will be taken into consideration when you have high blood pressure or treated blood pressure.

Why Life Insurance Companies are concerned about Hypertension

When a life insurance applicant has high blood pressure (hypertension), it means that there is the potential for serious health problems, making that person a high risk life insurance individual.

Here are some, but not all, of the potential health complications that could contribute towards a premature fatality that would require a life insurance company to pay a death claim:

Strokes and Transient ischemic attacks
Heart attacks
Possibly cause sleep apnea
Artery damage and aneurysms
Kidney failure and scarring
Heart disease and heart failure

Obviously, an applicant with these conditions would make that person a high-risk category for insurers. There are other health-related complications that aren’t necessarily life-threatening. However, conditions such as poor eyesight resulting from damage to the eyes, bone loss due to excessive elimination of calcium in the urine, problems with having sex for both men and women, and possible dementia would be issues that are not of immediate concern for life insurance companies but are real nonetheless.

Life Insurance and Blood Pressure Readings

It is very important that an individual who has been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure understand and monitor their blood pressure readings.

[embedded content]

Blood pressure readings are composed of 2 numbers and they are usually displayed as a ratio. The top number is called the Systolic reading, and it measures the fluid pressure in the arteries when the heart is beating.

The second number (bottom number) is Diastolic and measures the pressures in the artery in between the heartbeats.

These numbers are measured by the pressure in terms of the millimeters of mercury. The American Heart Association has the following guideline recommendations for categories of Blood Pressure:

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic mm Hg (upper #)		Diastolic mm Hg (lower #)
Normal	less than 120	and	less than 80
Prehypertension	120 – 139	or	80 – 89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1	140 – 159	or	90 – 99
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2	160 or higher	or	100 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)	Higher than 180	or	Higher than 110

Most life insurance companies prefer that your blood pressure readings are in the prehypertension range or better in order to get their preferred rates.

Life Insurance Companies consider Blood Pressure Medications

When you need life insurance with high blood pressure, taking medications may count against you with some life insurance companies. This is true even if the medication keeps your blood pressure at healthy levels. If your blood pressure is under control, insurance companies prefer that it has remained under control for a long time. However, if your blood pressure is still fluctuating, it could count against you. Some companies have a specific time frame that they prefer your levels to be under control.

Almost all of the typical medications that are being used today to treat high blood pressure can be taken orally. Some of the most popular ones are:

Lisinopril
Atenolol
Bystolic
Diovan
Hydrochlorothiazide
Metoprolol succinate
Amlodipine
Norvasc
Toprol XL

Make sure when applying for life insurance, that you know the exact dosages of the medications you are taking. This will be one of the questions that you will have to answer either to your insurance agent, a paramed examiner, or to a life insurance company employee.

In addition to the normal pharmaceutical’s prescribed by doctors, you will find many homeopathic treatments and natural non-drug treatments being advertised for treatment of high blood pressure.

Some of these are:

Herbal teas
Garlic
Hawthorn
Cinnamon
Basil
Flaxseed
Calamarine oil
Seaweed extracts

Always check with your pharmacist before taking something new, even over the counter, to see if it interacts with any high blood pressure medications you may be taking.

#ap80506-wwfont-family:Archivo,sans-serif#ap80506-wwpadding-top:20px;position:relative;text-align:center;font-size:12px#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-indicatortext-align:right;color:#4a4a4a#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-indicator-wrapperdisplay:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-end;margin-bottom:8px#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap80506-ww-textdisplay:block#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap80506-ww-labeldisplay:none#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-textmargin:auto 3px auto auto#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-labelmargin-left:4px;margin-right:3px#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-iconmargin:auto;display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px;cursor:pointer#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-icon imgvertical-align:middle;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-text-bottommargin:5px#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-textdisplay:none#ap80506-ww #ap80506-ww-icon imgtext-indent:-9999px;color:transparent

Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad

Life Insurance with Blood Pressure Other Considerations

In addition to medications, life insurance companies always look at the total picture when they are doing their underwriting. In other words, they look at the total health and lifestyle of the applicant.

Here are other factors they will look at when deciding whether to offer a life insurance policy to a high risk individual:

Tobacco Use
Height and Weight Build Charts
Family History
Other medical conditions related to High Blood Pressure such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, poor eyesight, etc.
Level of exercise or physical activity
Diabetes
Occupation

The life insurance premiums you are eligible for may be limited when you have been diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure. However it is possible to get a favorable policy for a low rate if you have a steady history of keeping your blood pressure under control. Your overall health will also be a factor. If you don’t smoke and have no other health problems, you will likely have a variety of life insurance offers.

Keep in mind that almost all Life insurance companies have varying degrees of underwriting, and are lenient on some factors and are stringent on others. For example, Banner Life, Mutual of Omaha, Genworth, Provident all have different requirements and rates for individuals with high blood pressure.

If you are trying to find the best rate on your own, it would be almost impossible to do it without spending a lot of time and a lot of multiple applications.

We can help submit your information to the insurance companies that we already know are more lenient with high blood pressure readings, smoking (if applicable), overweight, etc. This can save you time and money by calling us or completing our Compare Rates form.

Tips for better Life Insurance Rates

So if you need life insurance with high blood pressure, what are you to do? Here are some common sense important steps that can help. You probably know these, but it is a matter of doing them, not just knowing to do them. So do it – start now:

Increase physical activity: Multiple studies show that moderate exercise can reduce high blood pressure for both men and women. This could be something as simple as walking briskly. Easy to do and costs very little.
Eat a healthy diet: WebMD recommends the DASH diet
- ADD: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, nuts & low fat dairy foods
- SUBTRACT: foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fats, sodium, sweets, sugary drinks and red meat
Reduce your bad habits such as using tobacco products and overindulging in alcoholic beverages.
Keep your blood pressure under control with medications if necessary. It is better to have controlled HBP with medication than to have it uncontrolled just to say you don’t take any prescriptions.

Applying for Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure

So you’ve been told by your banker, your spouse, your attorney or CPA, your Financial Planner, or you have realized on your own that you need to apply for life insurance. Here are best practices for getting the best rate with high blood pressure.

Go back and read the previous section and follow the tips
Have a list of all your medications and the last 5 or so Blood Pressure Readings
Try to know about how much you can afford to add life insurance premiums to your monthly budget
Call us at or complete our Compare Quotes form on the right side of this page
Begin to gather your list of all your medical providers and dates of services for the times you have been to see them in the past 2 years
Be prepared to answer questions about your family history and your history of High Blood Pressure (when you were first diagnosed), and any other related health conditions

One of the final decisions you will need to make is to know the difference between term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Many times if you have a health condition that causes your life insurance premiums to be surcharged, or “rated up”, then you want to find the cheapest life insurance premiums you can.

Another option for those applicants in the high-risk life insurance category is to consider going the route of applying for a no exam life insurance policy. These are guaranteed acceptance plans– they can cost a little more but are generally available even to individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure.

We can help you do this because we represent many different life insurance companies that are lenient on high blood pressure applicants. We can save your time by doing the shopping for you.

Even though there may not be immediate pressure to buy life insurance today, keep in mind that having life insurance for high risk individuals is even more important than for someone in excellent health.

Life insurance death benefits can be used for final expense needs, college funding for children, salary continuation for the surviving spouse, philanthropic donations to a favorite charity, and obviously to pay off any personal or business debts.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 18, 2023 by Brett Tams

Pet insurance is a recommended protection to anticipate your pet’s health expenses and veterinary costs. But, choosing the right insurance policy for your pet is not an easy thing.

There are different formulas and contractual terms. With the price and the guarantees, deductibles constitute one of the main criteria of choice when comparing the offers of several insurers.

But how do deductibles for pet insurance plans work?

A deductible is an amount that remains payable by the insured when a claim occurs. It is provided for in the insurance contract and varies according to the insurance chosen.

Here’s our explanation of the pet insurance deductible and how it works. But first, let’s discuss why you should take out a pet insurance policy!

What’s Ahead:

Why take out pet insurance?

During its life, your pet needs to visit veterinarians for routine checks (vaccination, antiparasitic treatments, etc.) and specific care if it is sick or injured, and the bill can be high. All these little injuries rhyme with expenses, so it is important to take out a pet insurance plan to take good care of your pets.

Pet insurance covers all unforeseen veterinary costs depending on the protection plan chosen for your dog or cat.

Thanks to the subscription to a pet insurance policy, you do not have to be afraid of spending at the veterinarian. The pet insurance plan takes care of it!

Indeed, a pet insurance policy covers health costs and strives to reduce your expenses to facilitate access to veterinary care for your pets.

Because it is vital to protect them, most pet insurance companies, such as Lemonade Pet Insurance, offer different protection formulas that cover vaccination and sterilization costs too.

Most insurers start coverage from 6 to 8 weeks of the animal’s life. Some companies have age limits, and others don’t. And when there is more than one pet, they can receive a discount once the first animal is already insured.

Below are some of the pet health care coverages offered by traditional pet insurance policies. These traditional plans are a lot like personal health insurance policies. The companies that offer them are licensed and registered with the state where they provide services and are regulated and must abide by the rules and regulations of that state. They usually offer three levels of coverage:

Basic coverage

It is usually the cheapest and provides low compensation for certain procedures. They typically pay for accidental injuries, poisoning, and illnesses (including cancer). A typical policy includes a maximum reimbursement amount for each policy period (for example, each year). The annual premium for insurance on a healthy three-year-old mixed breed dog can cost around $140. Deductibles for this coverage can range from $75 to $100 per year.

Extended coverage (Comprehensive coverage)

It is a little more expensive, but the compensation is more generous. It provides reimbursement for accidental injuries, emergency or sick visits, vet visits, medications, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays and labs. This type of plan also includes a maximum amount of reimbursement per accident and illness and a total amount of reimbursements under each policy period (for example, each year).

The annual premium for insurance on the same healthy three-year-old mixed-breed dog can cost around $250. Deductibles for this coverage can range from $75 to $100 per year.

Preventive pet health care

These types of plans reimburse the costs of preventive health services such as physical exams, treatments against parasites and fleas, and vaccinations. The annual premium for the insurance can cost around $144. Although there are usually no deductibles in this type of plan, a deductible payment does apply for other medical services, typically around $50.

What is a pet insurance deductible?

The principle of deductible is applicable for any insurance, such as car, house, or health of people and pets. This amount is then equivalent to the remainder payable or the uncompensated part of the expenses incurred.

It corresponds to your pet’s health costs that remain your responsibility after the reimbursement made by the pet insurance company. The deductible amount depends on the insurance policy chosen. For example, if a deductible of 20% per act is applied, your reimbursement will be 80% in an illness or accident.

As part of a mutual for your pet, it can be presented in a lump sum. If not, it is a percentage of the fee amounts. The sum that the insured must pay is proportional to their contributions. In other words, the deductible decreases if the cost of insurance for your pet is high. Otherwise, the remaining charge is higher.

It is even possible to have a pet insurance plan without a deductible in specific situations. Everything depends on the offer subscribed according to an economic, intermediate or optimum formula and on the contractual conditions presented by your insurance organization.

How Do Pet Insurance Deductibles Work?

The deductible is the sum remaining payable by the insured after the reimbursement of the care by the insurer. The higher the amount of the deductible, the lower the monthly contributions. Indeed, the insurer takes less risk in covering your pet since part of the costs remains your responsibility.

To better understand, the deductible is calculated by subtracting the reimbursement rate of your formula from the percentage of the total sum, which is 100%. Taking the above example again: on an expenditure of $100, the sum of $20 is retained ($100– 20%).

For the insured, the main advantage of the deductible on pet insurance is to reduce the amount of contributions. Before committing, it is essential to check the specifics of the policy.

Different Types of Pet Insurance Deductibles

There are several types of deductibles for pet health insurance. They can be fixed or changed with time. The type of deductible varies from one insurer to another, depending on the nature of the care to be covered. The changing deductible amount often increases over the years as the dog or cat gets older. Indeed, health costs are more frequent in our senior animals.

You can opt for paying a deductible at the end of each act of care or when requesting the guarantees associated with your contract. Reimbursement and the rest are made on an ad hoc basis, as are the services of your veterinarian.

Considered a lump sum, the amount advanced occurs from the first reimbursement and anticipates future acts of support during the year. Therefore, there is no longer any remaining charge for any subsequent intervention, and the care is reimbursed in full. It can also be an annual deductible for your pet health insurance. Again, the application conditions vary from one service provider to another.

Acts of care concerned and excluded from pet insurance deductible

In general, the deductible applies for acts deemed common for your pet:

Examinations and analyses, such as x-rays
Surgical operations
The need to hospitalize your cat or dog
Care due to an accident
Drug treatments for diseases

On the other hand, acts of health prevention are not necessarily the subject of a deductible. For example, dog insurance without deductibles excludes sterilization operations, vaccination, descaling, and health checks.

Which deductible is favorable for pet insurance?

Good insurance for your pet partly depends on the conditions for applying the deductible. For frequent acts or a disease that requires treatment, choosing an “optimum” offer with a higher contribution or even pet insurance without deductibles is recommended.

This applies to different pets, such as cats, dogs, and rabbits. For young animals or those in good health, it is advisable to opt for mutual insurance with a fixed deductible.

The benefits of pet insurance without deductibles

Pet insurance without deductibles is the most expensive because the insurer takes more risks to cover your animal. However, it is also more reassuring for the insured person who has better control of the expenses related to the health costs of their pet.

You benefit from a full refund for each visit to the veterinarian (for the risks covered by the contract). If your dog needs to see a veterinarian regularly, this option is worthwhile. In addition, you do not have to calculate the amount of refunds. You know what will be supported.

If the contributions are higher, the assumption of responsibility is better, even total. This is the case for monthly premium packages and certain insurance policies with extended coverage.

A pathology specific to a breed or a disease with drug treatment often generates substantial veterinary expenses.

Some examples of reimbursement with and without deductibles for pet insurance

To illustrate the interest in pet insurance without deductibles, here are some examples of practice:

A surgical operation estimated at $600: without deductible coverage is total. A deductible of $150 implies a reimbursement of $450. If it is a deductible of 20%, its amount is $120. Your refund is, therefore, $480.
A simple veterinary consultation at $20: Again, without a deductible, reimbursement is $20. A fare deductible of $5 indicates compensation of up to $15. For a deductible of 20%, the remainder payable is $4, i.e., a reimbursement of $16.
An X-ray examination at $50: Pet insurance without deductible can reimburse the entire act of care. A deductible of $15 leads to coverage of $35. A deductible of 20% is estimated at $10, i.e., a reimbursement of $40.

I hope the information above has answered how pet insurance deductibles work. So, do not hesitate to take out pet insurance without deductibles for your pet. It simplifies managing your budget, as repayment terms are clear and easier to anticipate.

Source: moneyunder30.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 17, 2023 by Brett Tams

A common question people ask when buying pet insurance is what is a pre-existing condition for pet insurance. Buying pet insurance is a lot like buying life, health, or car insurance for yourself. There are a number of considerations that insurance providers make to determine how much your insurance premiums will be. The more pre-existing conditions your car or you have, the higher premiums will be.

The same is true for pre-existing conditions for pet insurance. It isn’t uncommon for pet insurance providers to decline coverage for specific pre-existing conditions to a pet owner. The policy for pet health insurance usually varies between providers and explains what diagnoses, treatments, and conditions it covers – and which it doesn’t.

This article will take a closer look at what pre-existing conditions are for pet insurance, why they are important, and what your options are to keep your pet safe.

What’s Ahead:

What are pre-existing conditions for pet insurance?

According to insurance providers, the pre-existing condition includes any kind of health issues, major injuries, or adverse medical history reviews that your pet developed before you’re in the waiting period. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to obtain a pet insurance policy.

Instead, it may either mean higher premiums or that your plan won’t cover the costs of these pre-existing conditions. If there are incurable pre-existing conditions, the plan will take the costs that could directly relate to recovery because of said diseases when deciding on the premiums.

Since the idea of pet insurance is to reduce vet care costs, you should carefully consider how much insurance premiums you are willing to pay before the venture doesn’t remain cost-effective anymore. Some of the best pet insurance providers don’t take pets with pre-existing conditions for this very reason.

Common pre-existing conditions

Generally, if you look at what are pre-existing conditions for pet insurance for different providers, you may find at least the following conditions:

Diabetes
Cancer
Heart disease
Urinary tract infections
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Respiratory infections
Arthritis
Epilepsies
Severe allergies
Major injuries
Other incurable pre-existing medical conditions

There are two types of pre-existing conditions that a pet owner has to report.

Temporary pre-existing conditions

As per pet insurance companies, if your pet has a pre-existing condition that used to be present but has no impact on its activities or health in the present, it is considered a temporary pre-existing condition. These are pre-existing conditions that are not present anymore, such as a past respiratory infection or a broken bone.

Permanent pre-existing conditions

Pet owners need to report any condition that the pet may be facing at the time of starting the policy – and the waiting period. These could be life-long issues that may return at any time because of the changes in environmental conditions, diet, or more. A prime example of this include lung issues, diabetes, and more.

What happens if my pet has a pre-existing condition?

Generally, pet insurance plans cover almost every condition, provided it occurs after activating the policy. For example, if your pet develops cancer, diabetes, or a respiratory condition after you have acquired the policy, it will be covered.

If, however, there are pre-existing conditions when you are looking to obtain pet insurance, most pet insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. However, it will not prevent you from getting an insurance policy. Insurance companies will either give you a plan with heightened premiums, or they may not cover costs associated with pre-existing conditions.

Determining pet’s pre-existing conditions

Almost every insurance company first looks at your pet’s medical record before accepting any case. The pet health insurance company first considers if there are any signs of any illnesses at the time of policy waiting periods. These illnesses would be considered pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance providers also consider the past vet bills to determine the type of care you choose, the pet’s condition in general, and any medical history reviews.

Determining factors

Your pet’s breed, gender, age, and pet parents’ health also play a crucial role in determining the premiums and identifying what the pet develops in the future. For example, pugs are known to develop hernias and cancers, while Siamese cats may often develop asthma. These aren’t classified as pre-existing conditions and will therefore be covered if the illness does not exist at the time of the policy.

It is important to note that you can plead your case with a different pet insurance plan. In many cases, even if they decline coverage for pre-existing conditions, pet insurance companies often have good relations with veterinary care providers. They can help you get on a veterinary discount plan if needed. These plans are particularly helpful if you have multiple pets with different medical conditions.

Pet insurance policies for pre-existing conditions

Recently, the question of what pre-existing conditions are for pet insurance has increased considerably. This is because most veterinarians are offering more technologically advanced techniques and medicine. As a result, the cost of surgery, hip dysplasia recovery, chemotherapy, and other services are getting more expensive – albeit more effective.

A review in numbers

Almost 69 million households (over 90.6 million families) in the US own at least one pet, with dogs being among the most common types of pets in the suburbs as well as in urban settings. The number of pet parents is also rapidly increasing as a result. Dogs are followed by cats and freshwater fish, with 45.3 million and 11.8 million owners, respectively.

According to surveys conducted by pet insurance providers, roughly 14.75% of households have more than one dog, and 13.01% are looking to buy in the near or far future. As the number of pets increases, so will the need for pet insurance.

What does this mean?

The increasing costs of veterinary care, more people becoming pet owners, the prevalence of curable pre-existing conditions, and the overall increase in the number of visits to pet care facilities mean a higher demand for pet insurance policies.

According to NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), the average annual insurance premium is increasing every year. In 2018, it was roughly $556 for dogs, which increased to $600 by 2020. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the vet bills coverage and premiums vary with respect to the provider and how they cover pre-existing conditions.

Most common pre-existing condition claims

According to NAPHIA and AVMA, the most common disease in dogs, cats, goats, cows, birds, and hamsters include:

Urinary tract infections
Ear infections
Gastroenteritis
Diarrhea or constipation (associated with pain)
Skin conditions
Arthritis
Allergies
Heart disease
Constant vomiting
Eye infections and other conditions
Cancers
Geriatric conditions

Many of these conditions may qualify as pre-existing conditions, depending on the timing of when you choose to get your pet’s pet insurance coverage started.

Dealing with a pet’s pre-existing conditions

As mentioned above, the frequency of health problems in pets seems to be actively increasing. It is imperative that you find an insurance policy that meets your needs as quickly as possible. Many pet owners aren’t sure of when the best time is to get in touch with insurance companies to avoid declaring a pre-existing condition.

Remember, not only is waiting for an expensive and risky venture, but there is also a chance that you may have to pay fines if it was later revealed that you hid something from the providers. Many insurance companies don’t insure a pet’s pre-existing condition. As a pet owner, you have several options once rejected by one pet insurance company.

Try out other insurance providers.
Ask a veterinary care provider for discount plans.
Ask a veterinarian to request an insurance company because of your unique circumstances. This may include suggesting that the present issue is a temporary condition and that it shall not have such a major impact in the future.

It is important to note that human insurance companies such as car insurance providers or human medical or life insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate between clients based on their pre-existing conditions. As far as pets are concerned, though, there are no regulations suggesting that pet insurance companies can or cannot adopt such practices.

This means that insurance companies are at full liberty to discriminate between pets (and their owners) who have a pre-existing condition when it comes to offering them a piece of the pie.

Is the higher pet insurance policy premium worth it?

chance that if you plead your case, some organizations may be willing to give you a pet insurance policy. Pet Assure, for instance, offers pet insurance plans even if there are pre-existing conditions.

But is the higher cost worth it?

Generally, it is never a good idea to wait when it comes to health insurance plans – for yourself or your pet. You never know when you may need it. However, even if you are currently focused on treating disease(s) that may be considered pre-existing conditions (which won’t be covered by the pet insurance policy), coverage could still be worth the cost.

For example, a pug who has hip dysplasia (a pre-existing condition) can still develop respiratory infections, urinary infections, heart disease, or cancer. Getting your pug insured now would have been much more beneficial in this case than waiting for the pre-existing condition to go away.

Furthermore, routine care visits may also end up costing quite a lot. From antibiotics to vaccinations, antifungal medications, hospitalization, diagnostic checks, and more could be quite taxing and can add up fairly quickly.

There is no doubt that pet insurance can be the saving grace you need when unexpected costs start adding up. Even if there are pre-existing conditions that won’t be covered or a rise in premiums because of the condition, going for pet health insurance policies may help you tackle the future much more confidently. You always have the option to from different pet insurance companies to find one that is best suited to your needs and your pet’s medical conditions!

Source: moneyunder30.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 15, 2023 by Brett Tams

Embarking on a downsizing journey as a senior can be exciting and overwhelming. It’s a time filled with anticipation for a new chapter in life, but it also involves making tough decisions about belongings accumulated over the years. A comprehensive checklist can be an invaluable resource to ensure a smooth and successful downsizing process. Whether you’re considering downsizing for retirement, transitioning to a smaller home or exploring senior living options, this checklist will help simplify the process and pave the way for a stress-free transition. You can also work with a financial advisor to help you with a retirement budget, which can often help you decide what and when to downsize.

Downsizing Checklist for Seniors

When creating a downsizing checklist for seniors, it’s essential to consider specific needs and goals, efficiently declutter and organize belongings and effectively plan for the move. Here are key items to include in the checklist.

1. Gather Important Paperwork

To get started, the first thing you should do is organize your essential documents in a neat and organized way. It’s a good idea to keep important information safe by storing it in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your documents are well-protected.

Next, consider making digital copies of all your vital documents. This will provide an extra layer of security in case anything happens to the physical copies. Store these digital copies securely online using a reliable and encrypted storage service. This way, even if something happens to the originals, you’ll still have access to them whenever you need them.

Lastly, remember to let your loved ones know about the whereabouts of these crucial documents. It’s important to share the location with them and provide clear instructions on accessing them. This ensures that your loved ones can easily find and retrieve the necessary information in case of an emergency or when important decisions need to be made.

Remember, taking these steps will give you peace of mind and make it easier for you and your loved ones to access important documents when needed.

Documents to Include

Here are some documents you’ll want to save and organize:

Contact information for professionals like your attorney, doctors, financial advisor and insurance agent
A list of personal assets like property and investments
A list of liabilities and debts like auto loans, mortgages and credit cards
Social Security and Medicare cards
Copies of your federal and state income tax returns for the last five years
List your checking account, savings account and credit card numbers and accounts
Legal documents, including trusts, wills or amendments and necessary directives like the durable power of attorney and advance directives
A letter addressing any personal matters or issues you want to communicate or document

2. Pack and Organize Your Belongings

You can greatly simplify the packing and moving process by organizing and planning ahead. Here are some key tips to make your packing more efficient:

Enlist the help of family members, friends or the moving company to assist with packing tasks. The moving process will be much more straightforward, with everything labeled adequately in advance.
Ensure you have markers and labels available for labeling boxes.
Label each box with its intended destination room or area in the new residence. This will make unpacking and organizing much more efficient.
Consider utilizing specialized containers the moving company provides, such as wardrobe boxes for keeping clothes on hangers or protective boxes for flat-screen TVs.
Prepare an “open first” box or boxes. These should contain essential items for setting up sleeping accommodations and the bathroom. Include fresh bedding, toiletries, nightclothes, towels, utensils, a change of clothes, a flashlight, tape, scissors and cash for ordering dinner since moving often takes longer than expected.
Pack essential items that you’ll need to keep during the move separately. These may include the new lease or residence contract, keys, medications, legal documents, checkbook, cell phone, address book and a first-aid kit. Remember to label this container. Valuables like jewelry should be kept in a safe-deposit box unless regularly worn.

3. Prepare for Moving Day

Preparing for moving day is crucial to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Some important tasks to complete include:

Organize a moving binder that includes important information like critical contacts, estimates, receipts and an inventory of the items you’ll take.
Confirm the final details with your mover or moving coordinator.
Arrange utility disconnects according to your moving schedule.
Schedule post-move-out cleaning services to ensure a smooth transition.
Ensure you have a written contract from the moving company that clearly outlines coverage for lost or damaged possessions.
Obtain a specific arrival time from the moving company for your old and new residences.
Verify the available payment options for the moving company, such as credit card or check.

4. Wrap Up the Remaining Moving Day Tasks

When the moving day finally arrives, there are a few last-minute details that can assist you in completing the downsizing process smoothly.

Assign someone to meet the movers at your new residence, ensuring they have a key and that the community manager is aware of your arrival.
Begin by cleaning out the pantry and deep freeze, remembering to reduce your cleaning supplies.
Double-check inventory lists to ensure everything is accounted for.
Properly label all boxes to facilitate organized unpacking.
Ask a neighbor for any mail that might arrive after your move.
If you bring a pet, pack their food and medications to ensure a smooth journey and safe arrival.
Pack a suitcase with your clothes and medicines, so you’re ready for the first day after your first night in the new home.
Personally pack valuables and belongings that you don’t frequently use.
Use the “open first” boxes to set up the bedroom and bathroom immediately.
Be prepared to spend a few days unpacking and organizing. Enlist someone to help you. Work efficiently to make your new home feel comfortable quickly.

Tips for Downsizing Seniors

It’s not always easy to know when or how you should be downsizing. You need to first understand your budget before moving forward with the whole process so you know how much money you want or need to save. Here are six recommendations to make downsizing a smooth transition.

Start Early

Downsizing can be daunting, especially for seniors who have resided in their homes for an extended period. The mere thought of downsizing can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed, causing individuals to become paralyzed and delay the process. Unfortunately, this only adds to the difficulty of the task.

You gain the advantage of time by starting early, even before embarking on the search for a senior living community. This approach reduces stress for everyone involved and provides an opportunity to cherish memories while sorting through old family photographs and keepsakes throughout the house. Taking it slowly ensures a smoother downsizing experience.

Prioritize the Essentials

Take an inventory of the possessions you hold dear and cannot let go of. Consider the limited space you will have in your new home. Additionally, create a separate inventory for belongings that hold significance but may need to be relocated to a friend or family member’s home.

Safeguard Your Valuables

The process of downsizing and relocating can often be chaotic, especially when you’re preparing to sell your home. To simplify matters and mitigate risks, consider renting a storage space or utilizing a family member’s garage or basement to temporarily store your cherished possessions. This precautionary step not only safeguards these items but also creates a more spacious and appealing environment for potential buyers.

Design a Layout

If you have decided on a senior living community or a condominium, obtain the measurements of each room. Next, measure the furniture you intend to bring along. Utilize these dimensions to develop a comprehensive floor plan for your new home. You can use either graph paper or user-friendly online tools like RoomStyler or Homebyme.

This process will visually represent how many of your belongings can be accommodated in the new space. Therefore, helping you determine what will fit and what may need to be left behind.

Develop a Strategy for Discarding Unwanted Stuff

Determining the best action for disposing of unneeded items requires careful consideration. Although your community may have several nonprofit organizations that accept donations, it may take some effort to determine which items they are willing to receive. Disposing of older electronics can also pose additional challenges.

Fortunately, specific charities provide pick-up services, which can be particularly helpful if you have larger furniture pieces or multiple boxes of smaller items to donate. Lastly, remember to request a receipt from each charity, enabling you to claim tax deductions for your donations.

The Bottom Line

Downsizing offers seniors a transformative experience. It enables you to embrace new opportunities and discover a more manageable lifestyle. With a comprehensive checklist, seniors can confidently navigate the process, from assessing needs to organizing belongings. By planning ahead and making informed decisions, you can ensure your new living space is filled with cherished possessions.

Retirement Tips

Retirement brings its own set of challenges, but financial worries shouldn’t be one of them. If you aspire to have a substantial nest egg when you retire, consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When planning for retirement, it is crucial to accumulate a solid savings portfolio. However, it’s equally important to factor in your Social Security benefits. Utilize SmartAsset’s Social Security calculator to estimate the potential benefits you may receive.

Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Chorpenning is an experienced financial writer currently serving as an investment and insurance expert at SmartAsset. In addition to being a contributing writer at SmartAsset, she writes for solo entrepreneurs as well as for Fortune 500 companies. Ashley is a finance graduate of the University of Cincinnati. When she isn’t helping people understand their finances, you may find Ashley cage diving with great whites or on safari in South Africa.

Source: smartasset.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 15, 2023 by Brett Tams

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how hot it was in the Lone Star State. The update is that we’re literally on fire.

Wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes in central Texas, and they’re breaking out all over the state (more than 60 fires so far). We were at dinner last night when my mom received four phone calls in quick succession — all family members and friends checking to see if we were okay. In the few hours since we left the house, another wildfire was reported north of Austin and less than 10 miles from our home. That fire evacuated 500 people, burned 300 acres, and destroyed at least 13 homes, but it’s not nearly as big as the one 25 miles east of Austin, which has destroyed 34,000 acres and nearly 550 homes.

This led to a conversation about how prepared we were if we had to evacuate at some point, whether in the near future or even years from now. Would any of us be prepared for such an emergency? Mom said she wanted to make a plan, and Dad agreed that it’s not a bad idea. “People have done crazy things during emergency evacuations,” he said. “I’ve heard of people having minutes to leave and taking out the trash.” And minutes is about how long people in our area have had to evacuate, as a combination of drought and wind created the perfect storm for deadly and fast-moving wildfires.

The go bag
Vali Hawkins Mitchell, Ph.D., the leading authority on emotional continuity management and author of “Emotional Terrors in the Workplace: Protecting Your Business’ Bottom Line,” wrote about human behavior during an emergency in the article Creating a Go Bag [PDF]:

During a voluntary or mandatory evacuation there just won’t be time to think through your choices calmly. You may not be interested in the complex workings of neurology and brain perception that are triggered during crisis. But if you are interested in emotional continuity management you know that people in crisis do really predictably crazy things…When something unexpected happens, people naturally try to grab and protect belongings. This is normal behavior. Unfortunately, normal doesn’t cut it during a disaster! It is heart wrenching to see people run back into burning homes desperately trying to retrieve pets or valuables and come out with a phone book, an old pillow, a teaspoon, and a broken heart. Trust me on this. You don’t want to be one of those people.

As I sit in my home office, sipping coffee and typing on a laptop, I think to myself, “Surely I’d know to grab the cat, computer, safe box, and camera and make sure my wedding rings were on my finger before running out the door.” But that’s not necessarily the person I’ll be if I get a call or that knock on the door telling me that I have 5 minutes to get out of my house. That’s a scary and highly emotional situation. It’s easy to understand why a person wouldn’t be able to think clearly.

Create your own emergency bag
Mitchell’s idea of creating a “go bag” is a practical solution that won’t take much prep time. You’ll need a backpack, preferably made from water-resistant material. You probably have one already, but if not, check around at discount and thrift stores. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be prepared for an emergency. You’ll also need a notebook and pen. Here’s the plan:

Put some basic survival items in your go bag, such as an old pair of glasses, medications for at least three days, a portable self-charging radio, granola bars, a flashlight and extra batteries, etc. Mitchell also recommends one change of clothes and some cash in small bills.
Go into each room of your house and list everything you’d want to take with you in an emergency. All of these items must fit in the backpack together. Record each item in your notebook.
List one or two items that you would hand-carry out (If you can fit them in the bag, that’s even better, but if not, they go on a separate list.). For me, that would be the cat in her pet carrier and the safe box. Record those items in your notebook.
Create a “go list” to keep inside your bag. This is a list of tasks to complete as you head out the door. Make sure you can complete the list alone, Mitchell advises. If there happen to be others with you during the evacuation, you can assign them tasks. Your list might have the following tasks: turn off gas, pack prescription medication, put dog in pet carrier, pack cell phones, lock doors.
Create another list with phone numbers, passwords, and e-mail addresses. Gather any originals or copies of valuable documents, which might include credit card numbers, Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, bank account information, discs of photos for insurance purposes, and a utility bill to provide proof of where your home is (or was) located. Need help getting started? GRS-reader Erik Dewey created a life-affairs organizer you can download free of charge.
Store your go bag in a secure, easy-to-reach place.

After you’ve finished creating your own go bag and emergency plan, you can create a bag for each member of your family. Mitchell then recommends creating a 15-minute plan, 30-minute plan, and 60-minute plan, in case you have more time to evacuate.

It doesn’t sound like much of a time investment to make a go bag, but the payoffs could be huge if you’re ever in the unfortunate position to have only 5 minutes to leave your home.

What else would you include on the list of must-brings and to-dos? If you’ve had to evacuate your home or cope with a disaster, tell us about your experience in the comments.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 12, 2023 by Brett Tams

Just because you have Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance.

While MS, an unpredictable autoimmune disease, will make it more difficult to get insured, many people with this condition have bought life insurance.

Whether you can qualify is based on the severity, how long you’ve been sick, and your overall health. Even if you don’t qualify for standard life insurance, there are other options such as guaranteed graded benefit life insurance policies that you can be approved for even if you have Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis or Secondary Progressive MS.

We’ve put together an explanation of the underwriting standards for MS. With this information, you can see what to expect when you apply for insurance as well as learn how to increase your chances of getting a fair rating.

You can also get the easy quoting process started by completing our Compare Quotes form on this web page, and let us help you find the best company for MS patients.

Life Insurance Underwriting for Multiple Sclerosis

When you talk with a life insurance adviser on the phone to apply for insurance, he or she should ask you about your MS. You should expect to answer:

How old were you when you were diagnosed with MS?
How many attacks like seizures have you had in total?
When was the most recent attack?
What treatments have you undergone for your condition?
How did you respond to past treatments? Has your condition gotten better or worse over time?
Do you currently smoke cigarettes?
What medications are you taking for your disease?

Standard prescriptions for Multiple Sclerosis include: Corticosteroids, Beta interferons, Copaxone, Gilenya, and muscle relaxants. These prescriptions won’t automatically get you declined depending on your MS. Some of these prescriptions are daily tablets, while some are either injections or infusions. It is important to constantly meet with your medical provider, and to try to keep your MS under control and hopefully in a state of remission.

If you have other medical conditions, also continue to keep those conditions under control with medications if necessary.

Be sure to provide all information you have about your condition. Insurance underwriters get nervous when they are missing information about a disease.

If you don’t clearly describe the state of your MS, you increase the chance that your application will be rejected or will result in a bad rating. With MS you do fall into an Impaired Risk Category to life insurance companies. Typically the four courses of Multiple Sclerosis are as follows:

CIS – Clinically Isolated Syndrome – this occurs during the first time of neurologic symptoms that last 24 hours and is caused by inflammation in the central nervous system, and can be either monofocal or multifocal. There is usually almost always some type of recovery -either partial or complete.
RRMS – Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis – this is the most common course – and has specifically defined attacks of new or increasing neurologic symptoms. Someone during this course can also be classified as active or not active, and worsening or not worsening depending on the degree of disability.
SPMS – Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis – SPMS is normally the second course, or phase, of MS. Generally people diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to SPMS, and further be classified as active or not active, and with or without progression.
PPMS – Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis – this course is generally more difficult to diagnose and treat than RRMS and SPMS. There are more lesions on the spinal cord than in the brain, and makes it more difficult to walk and keep down a job. This course affects women and men the same.

Life insurance companies look at various aspects of MS differently from each other, and their underwriting guidelines will also be different. That is why it is important to let a life insurance adviser with experience with MS to help you get the lowest life insurance premiums for your condition. We have companies such as Protective, MetLife, Banner Life, Transamerica, Prudential and other life insurance companies who are willing to underwrite applicants with MS.

As independent brokers, we represent multiple insurance companies to get you the best quote. Just complete the brief Compare Quotes form on this page.

#ap5056-wwfont-family:Archivo,sans-serif#ap5056-wwpadding-top:20px;position:relative;text-align:center;font-size:12px#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-indicatortext-align:right;color:#4a4a4a#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-indicator-wrapperdisplay:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-end;margin-bottom:8px#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap5056-ww-textdisplay:block#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap5056-ww-labeldisplay:none#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-textmargin:auto 3px auto auto#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-labelmargin-left:4px;margin-right:3px#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-iconmargin:auto;display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px;cursor:pointer#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-icon imgvertical-align:middle;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-text-bottommargin:5px#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-textdisplay:none#ap5056-ww #ap5056-ww-icon imgtext-indent:-9999px;color:transparent

Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad

Life Insurance Quotes with MS

When you’re shopping around for life insurance as an applicant with MS, insurers will rate the severity of your condition as mild, moderate or severe. A mild case has infrequent, rare attacks and caused no disability. A moderate case causes attacks that happen more frequently but has not caused disability. A severe case causes someone to be in a wheelchair or bedridden.

In addition, insurers will look at the time since your diagnosis. More time is better because it makes it more clear how severe your condition is. While each insurance company uses a different rating system, here are some general underwriting rules for MS so you know what to expect before applying.

Preferred Plus: Impossible for MS. There are no insurance companies who offer these rates to people with MS.
Preferred: Nearly impossible, happens in very rare cases. To qualify, you must have been diagnosed when you were younger than 35, your MS must be mild, it must have been at least five years since your last attack, and you must be in perfect health otherwise. Even in this ideal scenario, the odds of getting a preferred policy are still low.
Standard: Probably your best possible rating. To qualify, your MS must be mild, it must have been a few years since your last attack, and you are in good health otherwise.
Table Rating (substandard): This is where a lot of MS applicants end up. Depending on the severity of your MS, the length of time since your diagnosis, the length of time since your last attack, your age when you were diagnosed, whether you are showing any improvement due to treatments, and your overall health. Also it doesn’t help if you smoke cigarettes or have other serious medical conditions like diabetes, or heart problems.
Declines: Most applications within a year of an MS diagnosis. Insurers need more medical history to make a decision. Also applicants with severe MS have a high chance of a decline. If you are not seeing a doctor regularly and are not treating your condition, you could also get declined.

Keep in mind that if your MS has progressed to the most serious stage, and you are declined by life insurance, then you do have the option of looking at the Guaranteed Issue life insurance. Even though the premiums are high and the death benefit may be low, it is still an option if you are looking at coverage to help pay funeral costs or to pay off medical bills. Mutual of Omaha life insurance company is one of the companies we sometimes use in a situation like this.

One of the reasons life insurance companies are concerned about issuing life insurance to consumers with MS is that one of the most commons symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis patients is clinical depression. Studies have shown that this type of depression is one of the most serious forms, and can lead to an increased percentage of suicide. Life insurance policies typically do have a 2 year contestability clause that has a suicide exclusion.

Multiple Sclerosis Insurance Case Studies

With MS, a little planning ahead of time makes a big difference for your life insurance application. Here a couple real life situations that show how important it is to be prepared. Also consider who would be your best beneficiary before applying.

Case Study #1: Male, 42 y/o, non-smoker, diagnosed with MS at 34, mild case, last attack was at age 36, not taking any medications, no other health issues.

Besides his MS attacks several years ago, he didn’t have any serious health problems. He went through all the treatments his doctor recommended and lived a very healthy lifestyle. This helped keep his condition under control so he hadn’t had an attack in over six years. When he went through the application process, he got rated policies at higher rates.

This is because insurers didn’t get enough information about his condition. We recommended he ask his doctor to write a letter describing how his MS was under control and that the applicant was in great health. He did this and he was able to get a preferred policy.

Case Study #2: Female, 57 y/o, non-smoker, diagnosed with MS at 51, moderate case, missed scheduled treatments for a few years, started seeing her doctor regularly recently and getting proper treatment

When this applicant first was diagnosed with MS, she did not do a good job managing the disease. She missed treatments and didn’t see her doctor as often as was recommended. Two years ago, she started following her doctor’s orders and followed the proper treatment for her condition. She applied, and then she was denied.

This was because insurers saw her poor treatment history on her medical records. We suggested she ask her doctor if he had fully updated her medical records. He hadn’t. When he entered in the updated information, the applicant reapplied. After she did this, she got a rated policy.

While your MS will make it more difficult to get life insurance, it is still definitely possible. You just need to be smart about your application. One way to increase your chances of getting insured is to partner with an insurance agent who is an expert on life insurance with MS.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

This is a guest post by Carol Parker, content manager at Drugsdb.com. Carol holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy.

These days, getting sick can be a costly business, especially for those who can’t afford medical insurance. Not only does a person have to worry about paying the consultation bill from the doctor, but the cost of prescriptions seems to skyrocket each time you need to have them filled.

The good news is that there are many ways to save money on your prescriptions. Although they may require some effort on your part, the savings will be well worth it.

Why you should try to save money on your prescriptions
There is no doubt that the economy is in a very tight spot at this time. Because of this, it is important for a person to try and save as much money as possible on disposable purchases, especially where prescription medications are concerned. Money saved on prescriptions can definitely be put to better use elsewhere in our already overstretched budgets. By researching and finding ways to cut down on prescription expenses, it is possible to reduce their cost substantially. The good news is that there are many ways in which a patient can reduce the cost of their prescriptions.

The following are my top 10 tips to save money on prescription drugs:

Always inquire about generic options which may be available. Many brand-name medications have generic substitutes which are required by law to contain exactly the same ingredients as the brand name medicines. Whenever you receive a prescription from your doctor for medication,make sure to ask about the possibility of generic alternatives available. The end result could be as much as an 80% savings on the cost of your prescription.
Find out if you qualify for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). Certain pharmaceutical companies have put PAPs in place for those who earn below a certain wage or who simply can’t afford any form of medical insurance. PAPs may include assistance in the form of savings cards, assistance with co-pays or levies, and coupons which can be redeemed against the price of certain medications.
When possible, fill all of your prescriptions at one pharmacy. By having all of your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy, you will not only save time (and gas), but your pharmacist will get to know your particular prescriptions. This will come in very handy should you develop any allergies or unpleasant side effects from any of your medication.
Consider the possibility of splitting higher-dose pills. It is a known fact that there is often very little difference in price when it comes to different dosages of pills. A 50mg pill will often cost almost the same price as the same pill in a 25mg dosage. Find out from your pharmacist if the medication you are using comes in different doses and if it is safe to split the larger-dose pills or not. It is important to note that some pills are not safe to split, but your pharmacist will be able to give you reliable advice in this regard.
Communicate with your doctor. When you receive a prescription from your doctor, it’s always important to speak up if you can’t afford any of the medications that have been prescribed. Often your doctor will be able to prescribe alternative medications which may be more affordable for you.
Help reduce co-payments by checking your formulary. Many medical insurance companies will only cover the cost of specific medications for some conditions, as stipulated in their formulary. If your doctor prescribes medication which is not listed on this formulary, it can result in you having to pay a higher co-payment. Check your prescription against the formulary, and if it’s not listed, ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative medication that is on the list.
Shop around. These days it is possible to purchase medication from some supermarkets, via mail order, and at various retail pharmacies. By shopping around, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that prices differ from one source to another. If you find that a particular source has all but one of your listed medications at a cheaper price, ask them if it’s possible to get a discount on that particular item.
Ask your doctor for samples. Thousands of people have allergic reactions to medications every year. Before paying for a full month’s supply or course of a particular medicine, ask your doctor if there are any free samples available. This will enable you to try it before buying a full course of it. If possible, find out if your doctor is able to give you a 7- to 10-day supply of the drug so that you can assess it thoroughly.
Search for coupons. Magazines, newspapers, and certain websites offer prescription-related coupons on various medicines and treatments. Two websites that are known for offering medicine coupons are InternetDrugCoupons.com and NeedyMeds.org. You also can ask your doctor’s office if they know of any available coupons for your particular prescription drugs. Certain manufacturers even offer free, 30-day trial packs of their medicines.
Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. By keeping fit and healthy, you will be able to minimize your risk of getting sick and requiring medication. Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important, because there are many diseases which can be linked to obesity, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Once diagnosed, both of these diseases often require a lifelong commitment to using prescription medication to manage them.

There are many ways for a patient to save money on prescription medications. In most cases though, prevention is definitely better than cure, so it is always important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional as soon as you realize that there is something wrong. That step alone will save a lot of time, effort, and money where prescription medications are concerned.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

Have you been diagnosed with congestive heart failure? It can make applying for life insurance coverage becomes a bit difficult.

You may be able to get it approved, however insurance companies will be concerned about offering you coverage because of your potentially serious medical condition.

However, it is still very possible to get insured with congestive heart failure. Obviously it doesn’t mean your heart has actually failed and stopped working, or you wouldn’t be reading this information. It simply means it isn’t working as efficiently as it once did.

That being said, CHF, along with other heart diseases like heart attacks, congenital heart disease, and coronary heart disease, are the Number One cause of death of adults in the country. This includes both men and women.

Since this is the case, trying to get life insurance approved can be a longer process than it would normally take. This is because of additional underwriting requirements such as medical records having to be ordered. If the doctor’s office is slow in getting medical records to the insurance company, it will just take longer to get approved.

This means the SOONER you APPLY for coverage, the sooner the process will get started. You can complete our brief form on this page to get the ball rolling.

If the condition is severe then your type of coverage will be impacted. First off let’s look at some underwriting guidelines for life insurance on how they relate to congestive heat failure. Hopefully this gives you a idea on what is ahead on your application.

#ap33565-wwfont-family:Archivo,sans-serif#ap33565-wwpadding-top:20px;position:relative;text-align:center;font-size:12px#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-indicatortext-align:right;color:#4a4a4a#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-indicator-wrapperdisplay:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-end;margin-bottom:8px#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap33565-ww-textdisplay:block#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-indicator-wrapper:hover #ap33565-ww-labeldisplay:none#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-textmargin:auto 3px auto auto#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-labelmargin-left:4px;margin-right:3px#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-iconmargin:auto;display:inline-block;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px;cursor:pointer#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-icon imgvertical-align:middle;width:16px;height:16px;min-width:16px;min-height:16px#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-text-bottommargin:5px#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-textdisplay:none#ap33565-ww #ap33565-ww-icon imgtext-indent:-9999px;color:transparent

Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad

Life Insurance Underwriting for Congestive Heart Failure

Your agent, knowing you have CHF, will ask you some pre qualifying questions when you first talk with them. Listed below are a few of them:

When was your congestive heart failure diagnosed?
Did any health issues contribute to your diagnosis of congestive heart failure?
Do you have high blood pressure or hypertension?
What tests have you had done to evaluate your condition?
Do you have high cholesterol?
Is there any history in your family with heart disease or death in the family due to heart conditions?
Tobacco user?
Are you prescribed any medicine to help with your issues?

Even though you might take some medications, beta blockers, inhibitors, or nitrates, for your condition, you still might be insurable as long as you don’t take multiples of each and have other issues that coincide with CHF.

When it comes to life insurance underwriting, the more information you can give the better. If your application doesn’t clearly describe your condition, your chances of a bad rating or rejection go way up. Make sure to fully answer all the application questions plus give any other details you think are important.

Life Insurance Quotes with Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure has a wide range of different severity levels. Your life insurance quote will depend on how serious your health issues are because of your condition. Insurance companies also do not accept applicants that have recently been diagnosed with congestive heart failure because they want some time to see how the condition develops.

To avoid rejections and get the best rate, its best putting off an application for twelve months after diagnosis.. From there, your rate will depend on your condition plus your overall health.

It is even possible that you may have CHF and not even realize it because the symptoms usually don’t show up initially. The reason they don’t is because your body and your heart can mask it at first, which is called compensation. The symptoms will start showing up when the heart just can’t pump enough blood to the rest of your body.

These are some standard rating classes that most life insurance companies use, though every carrier determines how you’d fall into each category, I’ll explain your chances with each class.

Preferred Plus: Generally impossible. Congestive heart failure is too serious a condition and carries too many health risks for applicants to receive the best possible insurance rating.
Preferred: Very difficult but not impossible. If your congestive heart failure has only mild health symptoms and you are in great health otherwise, you could get a preferred rating.
Standard: The likely best rating for most applicants. Applicants that only started having heart failure at 60 or older, are in good health, and have waited at least a year after being diagnosed to apply can get a standard rating.
Table Rating (substandard): Many of you will end up in this class due to the health issue.
Declines: Most applications within 3 to 6 months of a diagnosis for congestive heart failure. And other persons who deal with many health issues combined with history of health

If there is a situation where you do find that due to your medical condition you are declined for traditional life insurance, then our next recommendation is to look at a guaranteed issue life insurance policy. This type life insurance application only asks a few health questions, but not to decline your application but only to determine how much and when the death benefit would be paid out.

As you are thinking about applying for life insurance, you may also try to improve your chances of getting the best rate by doing some of the following:

Lower your sodium intake
Lower your cholesterol
Stop smoking
Exercise more often
Eat a healthier diet
Keep all other medical conditions under control with responsibly taking medications
Continue with proper medical care by your medical professionals

These recommendations are common sense, and your doctor may have other activities and guidelines. Even though there really isn’t a cure for congestive heart failure, the above lifestyle choices can minimize the degree of your heart deterioration, and allow you to get a lower life insurance rate.

Other Considerations as You are Applying for Life Insurance

This is common sense, but if you haven’t thought about it, now is the time to be thinking about how much death benefit you are looking to buy. Since you have a serious medical condition, you might not be able to afford what you would want, so be realistic in also considering how much money you have to budget for a monthly life insurance payment.

Also, how long a period will you need life insurance? Although typically no one knows for sure when their beneficiary might be filing a claim on the policy, you will need to consider whether to buy a term life insurance plan or a permanent life insurance plan. We can help you with making this decision.

Lastly, it would be a good idea not to drop or cancel any life insurance policy you presently own. As you get older, the premiums increase. So if you are comparing an old policy vs a new policy, the rates on the new policy will probably be higher than what you are paying now.

Congestive Heart Failure Life Insurance Case Studies

Its important to understand how filling out the application can hinder or help your approval percentage. Below are instances on how to and how not to go through the process.

Case Study: Female, 63 year old, non-smoker, diagnosed with congestive heart failure at age 61, taking Beta Blockers and Ace Inhibitors, no other health issues.

This applicant was only showing mild signs of congestive heart failure and was otherwise in very good health. She had no other health issues and no family history of heart disease. However, because of her condition, she was only receiving expensive, rated life insurance offers. We advised her to request an EKG to prove that her condition was under control. With this extra information, an insurance company gave her a much less expensive standard policy.

Case Study #2: Male, 54 year old, diagnosed with congestive heart failure at 51, father died young from heart disease, former smoker, improved health and weight since the diagnosis

This applicant had a very poor lifestyle prior to his heart failure diagnosis. He was smoking, overweight, and had high blood pressure. This combined with his family history of heart disease led to him being rejected from all his life insurance applications. However, since his diagnosis, this applicant dramatically improved his lifestyle. He lost a good deal of weight and quit smoking which made his condition much less severe. Since his health had improved we let him know it would be smart to get a written referral from his doctor stating how much healthier he is now. By reapplying with this extra certification, this applicant was able to receive a rated policy despite his relatively risky profile.

While congestive heart failure is quite serious, it is not enough to prevent you from taking out life insurance. You just need to handle your application well. To make sure the process goes smoothly, it helps to work with expert brokers that understand this condition.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com