Tag Archives: company

Your Questions About Medicare Part A

William asks…


My grandma has medicare part a and b would she be covered for home health care nursing?

3 to 4 times per week. Assistance with getting out of bed and diabeties management. She is bed bound mostly.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Before Medicare made their nation wide cost saving cuts back in the 1990′s, it was common for the elderly to be covered for those services sometimes indefinitely. Now it is much different. If someone on medicare comes out of the hospital they would be covered but not indefinitely. If the Dr. Recommends skilled nursing for diabetes management that may be a real possibility. Check with her Doctor. Personal care, bathing, assistance getting out of bed and meals, and laundry, falls under private duty care and is paid for by the individual through the home health agency. Some states offer help under their programs of medicaid and state assistance programs. Check with your state programs to see if your grandmother qualifies under income guidelines.

Mark asks…

How can a company pay an individual’s Medicare Part B premium?

Hi. I have a very specific and obscure question. I am interested in how a company, a health plan for instance, could go about paying an individual’s Medicare Part B premium. Does anyone know where the rules governing this are housed?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

This is a good question! A local organization was considering implementing a policy whereby it would pay the insurance premiums for Medicare-eligible employees about a year ago and did some checking through attorneys. The rules discovered were that a private employer that offers a health care plan to employees must offer the same plan to all employees– even those eligible for Medicare. There was no way found for the employer to pay the Medicare premiums for the employees eligible to enroll in Medicare.

I understood that the reason this could not be done was due to a state rule–but actually, the barrier is probably a federal rule. Allowing this practice would increase costs to Medicare and probably reduce the costs of employer health insurance plans. Congress probably is concerned enough about soaring Medicare costs. Of course, there is probably a plethora of other political reasons…

Some feel this rule engenders employers’ discrimination against older workers. The fact is, more health problems develop the older we get and the American workforce is aging quickly. Paying for health insurance is a big problem for most employers–and especially small business. Many choose not to provide a health insurance plan at all due to these plans’ costs–which is a major reason why there are so many uninsured Americans today.

Suggestion: check with someone in your State’s Insurance Commissioner’s office. There is someone there who might be very familiar with this question–or would know someone else who would have the information you seek. Or check with an attorney familiar with health insurance and employment law in your state.


Good luck and best wishes!

Ken asks…

Question on Medicare Part B premiums for low income?

My mother just passed away and in her papers I found that she has been paying medicare Part B premiums for years. I think it was something like $92.40. I can’t remember the exact amount.

My question though, is that her monthly income was only $700 a month. Should she have been paying these premiums? She had no dependents in the home with her. Seems like she should have been exempt since she is considered low income.

If she should not have paid these monthly premiums, can her estate been reimbursed for all the years she paid?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

If you want Medicare part B coverage – which covers gaps in Medicare part A – you have to pay for it. The premium is $93.50 per month if your income is under $80,000 a year.

The major benefit under Part B is payment for physicians’ services. In addition, home health care, durable medical equipment, outpatient physical therapy, x-ray and diagnostic tests are also covered.

Donna asks…

I am looking for a Medicare part D plan that offers dental and vision. Can anyone help me?

I have Medicare A and B, but am looking for additional coverage for my prescriptions, and ideally one with Dental and Vision….More so the dental, but vision would be great, too…..

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Dental and Vision aren’t covered – unless you have a medical eye condition. Regular vision issues, exams, glasses, contacts, etc, aren’t covered at all.

Maria asks…

how do I know if I should have medicare part D?

I currently am enrolled in parts A & B, but not D. I am currently spending approx $50.00 mo. for prescriptions, would I benefit from haveing part D? I’m not even sure how part D works, does it pay all of the prescriptions, or a portion and then I pay the rest? I don’t know how much part D costs either. I tried to log onto medicare.gov, but could not figure out how to navigate through all the stuff to get the answers I need. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

It depends on if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO, PPO etc). If you are on plan or program they will cover your medications. If you are on original Medicare (you only use the white card with the red white and blue stripes at the top) then you have no prescription coverage and should look to enroll in one. You only have until friday to enroll otherwise you will have to wait until next year’s open enrollment.

Each part D plan is a different cost. Some cost as low as $14 per month – some cost over $100 per month. If you are having trouble finding a list of plans you can always ask your pharmacy if they know of good plans or just call 1 800 Medicare for help.

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Your Questions About Medicare Private Insurance Coverage

Sandy asks…

Under the Ryan plan, once I retire, how will I get a private company to insure me if I have a medical problem?

in the post-Medicare era…

assuming I’m not in the 55+ age group today…

let’s say I’m 52 today, and have a heart condition 15 years from now and need a transplant…

If I’ve paid into Medicare coverage for 40+ years to guarantee I have some type of Insurance coverage when I retire, how will the GOP/Ryan plan at least guarantee I have access to coverage?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

You probably won’t, but Ryan and the republicans don’t care. By not giving you or anybody else Medicare, rich people get more money in their pockets. That’s all they care about.

Sharon asks…

Why does Obama call Meidcare Advantage wasteful?

Does he still despise and ridicule Seniors?

Seniors defend Medicare plan Obama calls ‘wasteful’
WASHINGTON — One of the largest spending cuts Congress could rely on to pay for an overhaul of the nation’s health care system comes from a Medicare program President Obama has called a “wasteful” subsidy for the health insurance industry.
Don’t tell that to cancer survivor Maurice Engleman, 82, who says the controversial Medicare Advantage program — which allows seniors to buy Medicare coverage through private insurance companies — helped him beat cancer.

“There was a seamless link between the medical support and the emotional support,” said Engleman, who was diagnosed with tongue cancer last year within a week of his wife’s death. “I don’t believe Medicare would have taken care of the kind of services I required.”

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-08-04-healthcare_N.htm

I guess since it’s a private component and not a “social” one Obama fears it. I have to wonder if he would have been glad if this man had died.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Okay, wastefullll

http://cid-17610ad2c13ec04d.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/healthcare-chart-small.jpg

Michael asks…

Can my private university force me to buy its student health insurance?

I am currently covered by a state-enhanced version of Medicare; my family is extremely low-income and this health coverage is far superior to that offered by the private graduate school I will be attending this fall. However, the school is not accepting my waiver form saying that government insurance does not meet the school’s waiver qualifications (only employer insurance programs do). Can they do this to me and make me pay thousands of dollars I don’t have for redundant school health insurance I don’t need? Anyone knowledgeable enough to know whether this is something I can fight legally? The school and my insurance are in NJ.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

A private school can require you to do just about anything as a condition of admittance — because they are a private institution, not a govt agency. It’s all a matter of contract — you can either do what they want, or not accept admission. Your choice.

Racial prejudice is about the only thing prohibited — and that’s only under the 13th Amendment, which affects private groups — the 14th only applies to govt action.

Charles asks…

Did you know that the US already has a mixture of most of the world’s health insurance systems?

When it comes to treating veterans, we’re Britain. Health care is provided and financed by the government through tax payments, just like the police force or the public library.

For Americans over the age of 65 on Medicare, we’re Canada. Insurance coverage comes from a government-run insurance program that every citizen pays into

For Americans whose employers offer insurance, we’re Germany. Private insurers are financed jointly by employers and employees through payroll deduction.

For those Americans whose employers don’t offer health insurance we’re Cambodia – with access to a doctor available if you can pay the bill out-of-pocket at the time of treatment or if you’re sick enough to be admitted to the emergency room.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

BUT US is the ONLY Country’s Heath Care system is making tons of $$$ of the people. Because there is NO CAP on treatment/drugs prices. This is the MAIN problem! It’s driving the country and citizens to go bankrupt because of the health care bills!

George asks…

Support the Affordable Health Care for America Act?

Will Republicans support the Affordable Health Care for America Act if the public option is dropped?

This would include the following:

prohibiting health insurers from charging different rates based on patients’ medical histories or gender
prohibiting health insurers from refusing coverage based on patients’ medical histories
repeal of the exemption for insurance companies from anti-trust laws
requiring most employers to provide coverage for their workers or pay a surtax on the worker’s wages up to 8%
new restrictions on abortion coverage in private insurance plans (note: Medicare is already prohibited from covering abortions by law)
expansion of Medicaid to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
providing a subsidy to low to middle income Americans to help buy insurance
a central health insurance exchange where the public can compare policies and rates
a 5.4% surtax on individuals whose adjusted gross income exceeds $500,000 ($1 million for married couples filing joint returns)
a 2.5% excise tax on medical devices
reductions in projected spending on Medicare by $400 billion per year
inclusion of some language originally proposed in the Tax Equity for Domestic Partner and Health Plan Beneficiaries Act
inclusion of language originally proposed in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2009 (H.R. 2708).

Without the public option, it is just massive healthcare reform overhaul. There would be no government run national program (administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services).

Why wouldn’t anyone with a conscience want to support this?

And why do Republicans keep claiming that taxes will be raised on the middle class? Do the majority of Americans really make $500,000 to 1 million a year?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Considering that they are funded by (un)insurance companies and ignore the facts, then no.

FACT – Insurance companies in the USA admit to pushing up prices, buying politicians and not paying out claims when they should [1]
FACT – PER PERSON the USA spends more on healthcare than any other nation on the planet [2]
FACT – Obama debated his plans before the election for healthcare [3]
FACT – the chance of a child under five of dying in the USA is greater than industrialised nations with universal health coverage [4]
FACT – Obama was elected by the American people to bring in change [5]
FACT – Obama wants to stop insurance companies from screwing American [6]
FACT – The reforms Obama wants work in the Netherlands and Switzerland [7]

Let me know if my facts are wrong, but please provide proof.

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Your Questions About Medicare Part C

Carol asks…

Which was not part of President Johnson’s 1965–1967 “Great Society”?

A) Medicare and Medicaid
B) funds poured into urban development and education
C) the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
D) the overturned Taft-Hartley Act of 1947

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

The answer is B.

Joseph asks…

Schedule SE and that I owe some $3500. They mention the SCH SE, and the 6251 (AMT) but say nothing about SCH C?

IRS says I owe $3500 from miscalcuation on Sch SE, I think they are wrong?
Ok so I have a side business and I collected some $200k from clients, but I paid people to do the work to the tune of $125k. I paid them by check, and issued them 1099′s, and submitted a 1096, and I used my EIN that I’ve been using for 3 years.

I put the $125k as a deduction on my schedule C, just like I always do, but this year I get a letter saying I made a mistake on my calculation of subj:
Schedule SE and that I owe some $3500. They mention the SCH SE, and the 6251 (AMT) but say nothing about SCH C.

I find it suspicious that the $$$ amount of the discrepency is almost exactly 2.9% of the $125k ( I maxed out the other part of Fica taxes with my day job.)

Now the IRS says to challenge this I should fax them my SE, AMT and they will take a look. I don’t think they have enough information, so I also sent them copies of my 1040, 1099′s I mailed out, and the 1096. I stupidly forgot the Schedule C.

My question is did I miss something or am I supposed to pay Medicare (the 2.9%) of the $125k my consultant staff is supposed to pay? Or is there something else going on here?

I might be completely off-base with the 2.9%, I just can’t think of any other reason they think I made a $3500 mistake.

TIA

Additional Details
I originally paper filed. I use a tax excel spreadsheet to do my taxes.

In the old days, the IRS would send a very clear list of forms/line #’s that are being changed and the mistake (either theirs or mine) was very clear. all they told me this time is that they “changed” the schedule se, WTF is with that? why can’t they tell me old vs new value for what they corrected?

It doesn’t make sense that they simply “left out” the 125k on the schedule C, if they did that I would of been hit with a whole lot more than $3500 on Sch SE.

I know there is no limit on the medicare portion of of my income, but the $125k is NOT INCOME is was an EXPENSE of my business. On my schedule C, I take the money I collected, the $200k, and then I get to subtract my expenses of the business, the materials I used, etc, and my biggest expense was the $125k I spent on contractors. That 125k wasn’t my income its theirs.

I had a phone number to call. all I got was the front desk who said to fax in the sheets SCH SE, and AMT 6251. They wouldn’t put me through to anybody who knew about anything. Last time I got a letter like this, I called with the id#, I was put through to a case worker who knew the issue, and we had the solution worked out in 10 minutes.
I believe I did do my SE correctly. So why did they charge me $3500 supposedly for a “mistake” on my SE?

If my SE taxes go up, so should my AGI, (as per my schedule C ) NO? so that means my regular taxes should of changed, but they didn’t.
yup just checked SSI withheld: $7400 (me and spouse) and Sched SE added $950.

yes, I know I asked this question about a week ago. I was hoping for some better insight with the weekend crowd.
katie, there can’t be any penalties, all they did was reduce my tax refund. they have the money. I don’t understand why they didn’t mail me a line for line report of what they adjusted. I used to get that when they made adjustments.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

You need to be patient. Once the IRS finishes processing your tax return, you’ll be able to get a copy of the processed return.

That should be fairly soon since this is the second time you posted your question (and you didn’t add any additional information this time).

“and Sched SE added $950″ somehow, I think your schedule SE has issues. What were your net earnings? You are saying it was less than $33000.

By the way, if the return was pulled for review during the processing step, no one on the phones will be able to see it until it posts.

Thomas asks…

medicare eligibity in south carolina?

A friend of mine husband lost his job so they are having a hard time .she has been told by many why don’t you apply for medicade there are 3 people in the house ,her 20 year daughter works part time to help out they have little money in the bank and a rental they get $500 a month but it still is not enough , her daughter and her need to see the doc but they don’t have insurance, my question is do you think they would have a shot of getting help i know the system can be brutal and don’t want you to have a dime to your name or assets but the family’s funds will dry up if they don’t get help soon they have to go in there saving to pay doctors bills which is so so high so if anyone knows the laws regarding getting some help in s.c. is there a certain amount you can or can’t have any answers or advice much appreciated
sorry medicaid
mom is looking for a job

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

I think that your friend should be proactive and contact Medicaid herself. The only way to find out is to apply.

Good luck

David asks…

Why should homosexuals get Medicare and Medicaid for illnesses they caused themselves?

I’m forever seeing this question bandied about regarding overweight people, smokers, drinkers, and whoever the left decides are evil, evil people today, so I just wondered what the response would be if we took it one step further along the path of their “reasoning”.

Since male homosexuals have a markedly higher incidence of HIV and Hepatitis C infections than do heterosexual men, should they be denied coverage or be forced to pay higher premiums? After all, these are expensive diseases to treat, and they are brought about in large part by people choosing to take part in certain activities…just like smokers, drinkers, and people who overeat.

So how about it, folks? Does this line of reasoning still apply when it is leveled against a group you happen to like, or is it reserved exclusively for us “lesser” types?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

I think this is good reasoning – if you are a smoker you are considered a health risk and thus you encounter conflicts of not receiving coverage or paying higher premiums. Public education teaches that engaging in homosexual sex is considered an extremely high risk practice

John asks…

sole proprietor vs. corp or partnership?

I’ve been consulting for six months now as a sole proprietor, using a 1099 in the State of California. My gross for the year is trending to $200K (USD). From what I’ve gathered incorporating could provide significant tax advantages compared to a sole proprietor. Also, understand there are significant tax advantages as partnership. At this point in time I do not have any partners but can find one for paperwork purposes.

– Is there a recommended threshold of gross revenues where one should seriously consider incorporating vs. self proprietor?
– If Incorporating offers the greatest advantage, then which type S or C? Why?
– State and Medicare Tax – eliminated on company profits?
– I understand the part about paying yourself a small salary, however, how do you transfer company profits to self with least exposure from taxes? Dividend?
– What are the taxes on dividend payouts?
– As a corporation can you defer payment on taxes? What about as a partnership?
I do have more questions..
I understand the definitions of each from speaking with folks and researching online. What I am really interested in seeing is the net impact on the financial numbers of doing one vs. another. Does anyone have a simple Excel spreadsheet or calculator or some wizard, to input figures? In the end it’s about the numbers.

I’d appreciate referrals to CPAs/Tax Accounts in the San Francisco/Bay Area.
I need insights into how the numbers actually breakdown – under one form vs. the other….

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Let’s see

C-corp – You own stock in it, but all profits/losses remain with the company. It is responsible for paying state and federal taxes. You could receive income from it in the form of dividends which are taxed at a favorable rate to you, but are not deductible to the company. As long as the company doesn’t have any employee it would not pay any payroll taxes.

S-corp – You own stock in it, but profits/losses pass through to the owner(s). The profits that pass through to you could be subject to SE (self-employment) tax, if you are directly involved in the S-corp working for it, and are not getting any kind of a reasonable salary.

With both C- & S-corps liability generally stays with the company rather than the owners, unless the owners personally guarantee things.

Partnership – more than one person involved in the business. Profits/losses are passed through to the owners. Profits are subject to SE tax also, if a partner is involved directly in the business. Downside is that liability flows to major partners in the partnership, and that you have to have all the partners agreeing on things, otherwise the discord could tear the partnership apart.

Sole Proprietorship – Generally reported on Form 1040, Schedule C, E, or F. SE tax to be paid on Schedule C or F profit, but not E. Liability rests solely on the owner. Upside and downside is that the owner is responsible for the success or failure of the business, but also reaps the rewards.

I have included links to wikipedia explaining S-, C-, Partnership, and Sole Proprietorship.

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Your Questions About Term Life Insurance Reviews

Lizzie asks…

In 2005 I filed to receive Short Term Disability. In 2010 I find out my employer never signed me up!?

In January of 2005 I filed to receive STD. As well as health/dental insurance & life insurance. I completed all applications for this benefit and was comforted in the fact that my Employer (or the approved representative to HUMANA) would take care of everything. Fast forward to 2009 when I was involved in a motor vehicle accident. I was medically taken off work for 6 months as a result of a spinal injury. At this time I had reviewed my last pay check stub to realized there had been no STD payments withdrawn. I figured I must have been mistaken and never signed up for STD in the first place. In Dec of 2010 I went to my benefits department and signed up for STD via Humana once again. On 1-26-2011 I am having spinal fusion and will be out of work once again for at least 2 months; maybe more. However; I will not be covered as there is a 1 year pre-exisiting clause. I asked my employer if they could pull my original file from 2005 and check to see if I had applied for STD back then. It turns out I DID! But the person never did anything with the application. My question is: Shouldn’t either my employer or HUMANA have to compensate my STD for the 6 months I was out of work as well as the time I will be off of work from 1-26-11? If it werent from the negligance of the clerk I would have been covered. Please keep in mind there was never a payment made; I assumed they combined it in with my medical insurance payments.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Every year, during open enrollment, you subsequently have to “opt in” or “reconfirm” your benefits.

So, if you had discovered that you didn’t have coverage, via paycheck deductions that weren’t happening, or just asking, BEFORE the next open enrollment period, then you’d have a clear-cut “employment benefits liability” issue with your EMPLOYER (it’s not Humana’s fault, they never turned the paperwork in!) However, since you didn’t review or add anything at, what, four additional open enrollment periods afterwards, you really aren’t going to have a leg to stand on, pardon the pun.

It’s not just the HR negligence . . .it’s the “open enrollment” where you have a chance to review your benefits, and either didn’t bother, or accepted them as they were. After the FIRST open enrollment period where you didn’t notice you didn’t have that coverage .. . It becomes your fault.

Daniel asks…

I need help coping with a severe back injury?

For years I have been suffering from a back injury and things have recently come to a point; I have two ruptured discs in my lower back. Due to the limitations that it has imposed on my life, I have been released from my job and have been disabled since Feb. Fortunately for the company, there is a waiver on their policy stating if I was injured at work, I’m not eligible for disability. However, workers compensation (now along with my private insurance) has refused payment as they both think the other is responsible. Conveniently, the deposition keeps getting moved further and further back. Due to the extreme cost of care, all surgical treatments are unavailable right now. Regardless, different neurosurgeons find that 1) yes I need a fusion, 2) I don’t need a fusion, 3) anywhere in between. Through an alternate therapy, my pain got significantly better, plateaued, and then took a significant nose dive.

I feel like I’m falling. I’m running out of money and I feel like I’m running out of life. I’ve always been an extremely results driven person that enjoys completing tasks. I’ve always done well in college taking a full load while working 50+ hours/week. Without work and without school for the summer at least, I don’t know what to do. I’ve been pulling my hair out since this went down in Feb and it has gotten worse.

I feel useless, disposed, and cast aside. I had three exemplary years as a supervisor with yearly reviews stating above standards. I worked hard for that company and I’m their garbage now. On good days I can walk nice distance, but on bad days I can barely get out of bed; I’ve lost my independence. There are seemingly no jobs that I am eligible for as the market is saturated with candidates with graduate degrees which make an Associates look like a GED.

I feel like this pain is destroying my morale and soul. My fiancee, who has been simply amazing throughout the two years of dealing with this pain, is starting to drift, and I don’t know what to do. She always makes comments on how sweet I am to her even when I’m in pain, but seeing me in so much pain hurts her to the point that I don’t think she wants to be with me much longer.

I know counseling is an option, but it takes a lot of money; one must have a job to make money; hard to have a job when you’re disabled in the insurance term of the word.

I’m not sure what to do, I feel like my life is slipping away from me; I’m beginning to hate the things that I do even on a normal basis. I especially hate the way I’m hurting the one I love, but I can’t find anything to do about it. The pain she sees is the pain that makes it through; the rest I hold back.

I’m thoroughly confused and downright scared.

I’m open to anyone’s recommendations and I also feel like I need to sit down and just talk (and/or chat) with someone as the way I feel is extremely embarrassing to me.

Thank you in advance to everyone.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Everybody does have serious concerns about some of the dynamics in your relationship. And our concerns are both about how your girlfriend relates to you, as well as how you are responding to her hurtful behavior. What this shows is that your girlfriend is not truly interested in working on being more loving and respectful to you. In a relationship with real caring and respect, the person would genuinely feel terrible at making you feel so badly and would make real efforts at ensuring that kind of behavior didn’t continue.

I think it is important that you get help from a professional therapist on ways to relate to others that is better for your emotional well being. I also think it is important that you grow to have more love and respect for yourself and to demand it in a way from others where people are crystal clear that you are serious about how you wanted to be treated.

Since you report being very depressed, not having your girlfriend support and are not doing things that you used to enjoy, you probably would benefit from some professional help. Having someone to talk to about your feelings might make you feel better about yourself, and your counselor or therapist can offer you some advice about how to deal with your negative self-image. Even though you have heard the expression “nobody’s perfect” a thousand times, you need to realize that it is really quite true. Sometimes people have an idealized vision of what they want their bodies or personalities to be like, but because so few people actually live up to these unrealistic standards, they are bound to be constantly disappointed with themselves.

Take care as always.

Jenny asks…

Hi, is this a scam email I received?

I’m pretty sure this is a scam since I don’t have any idea how they know I’m a finance and accounting major, and never gave my email address out to anyone, but I’m having a hard time figuring out just exactly what the scam is since they aren’t asking me for any personal information, even in follow up emails. anyway, this is what the email says:

fromJovita Bernat
tog**************@gmail.com (I blocked my email out)
dateWed, Dec 2, 2009 at 4:32 AM
subjectEntry level position at MF GMBH is available now
mailed-byhotmail.com
hide details 4:32 AM (6 hours ago)
MF Group GmBH has a new enty level job opening in the Accounting Department. (No previous accounting experience is required). We are the largest Insurance Company in Europe with a successful long term commitment history.

About the Job:

We are looking for career oriented individual to join our accounting staff. This position is entry level and will be in our financial reporting and operations accounting areas. Candidate will handle various accounting responsibilities, including: perform data entry of journal entries, assist in performing financial transactions, assist with month�end, quarter-end and year-end financial reports, monitor and review transaction details, perform other duties as assigned.

About us:

Ag Int. is an independent, private, owner-managed company since 1993. Our headquarters are in Hamburg, Germany. Founded in 1993, we now have a global network of subsidiaries and offices around the world. Ag Int. has ended the year 2008 with USD3.22 billion in assets under management. The company provides unmatched convenience in Europe and the United States, serving more than 130.000 consumer and business clients. We take a global approach to our core businesses of general and life insurance. The diversity of our portfolio, both geographically and by line of business, is key to our strategy. We offer a comprehensive range of general and life insurance products and services for individuals, small businesses, commercial enterprises, mid-sized and large corporations and multinational companies. Our customers are some of the world’s largest industrial, c ommercial and professional service firms, insurance companies, and financial institutions. They trust us for our superior financial security, risk expertise, and service excellence. They value our fundamental strength � our capital and our people. We aspire to become the leading global insurance group in our chosen markets, and to consistently deliver top-tier results for our shareholders. By so doing, we will create strong relationships with our customers, agents and brokers, and provide rewarding opportunities for our employees.

What we offer:

Full/Part time employment
Compensation 45.000 � 55.000 USD + 13th salary
An excellent growth platform and a great working environment
Zero cost health insurance, matching 401(k)
Annual Partnership Exchange Programs
Free Regular Seminars

What are we looking for:

Must be US citizen or legal alien authorized to work in the US
High School degree (college degree is a plus)
Experience in Accounting/Bookkeeping is a plus
Must be willing to work overtime during certain parts of our month-end process
Ability to handle multiple tasks within a strict timeframe
Must have strong communication skills and customer service background
Should be able to work independently in a team environment
MS Office System Skills

Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
This company will appreciate your contributions and you will be valued for your dedication. AG Int. Is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minority and disabled candidates.

To Learn more about this position please contact Human Resources Department representative by replying to this E-Mail: alex.nuberg@gmail.com . Your request will be forwarded directly to a Recruitment Officer.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes, it’s a scam. I am NOT a finance/accounting major and received the same email. A large company will not recruit employees in this manner and would not use a gmail account. Mine was from piter.herrick@gmail.com. Also, a large company would not state that this position requires a HS diploma, but that a college degree is a plus. Most large companies expect a college degree so unless you are working an internship partnered with your school and are A) excelling in school and B) excelling in your internship, this type of offer would not be common. The other possibility of this type of job offer without a degree is that you are already employed by a company and have demonstrated outstanding performance and capability on the job.

You should cease communication; they are probably looking for your personal information…i.e. Social security number, birth date, name…information to steal your identity. You say they haven’t asked…yet, but that will come when they “determine” you are their ideal candidate and want to “finalize” your application.

Donald asks…

Is Michael Moore a Moron or does that title belong to Roman Polanski?

Friday, October 2, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Capitalism: A Love Story’

Sonny Bunch

Michael Moore’s new film, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” chronicles the galling excesses of our modern economy in brutal detail, jumping from home foreclosures to businesses cashing in on life insurance policies they had taken out on their dead employees to bank bailouts to million-dollar-bonuses paid out to executives of failed banks. As he comes to a crashing, triumphant crescendo, the merry prankster of modern moviemaking says he wants to get rid of capitalism and replace it with a better, fairer, more just system — democracy!

Democracy?

It’s a head scratcher. One doesn’t replace an economic system with a political system. Saying you want to replace “capitalism” with “democracy” is like saying you want to replace “public transit” with “puppy dogs.” It’s not quite right.

It’s obvious why he chose such a malapropism: “Socialism” is what Mr. Moore is really after, but that’s a far more disturbing word to the average American. He wants to replace one sacred-yet-secular American word (capitalism) with another sacred-yet-secular American word (democracy), fully obscuring that neither word means anything close to its dictionary definition in Mr. Moore’s worldview.

To Mr. Moore, capitalism isn’t an economic system that has delivered billions around the globe from poverty and subsistence existences by virtue of the profit motive.

No, to him, capitalism is an exploitative sham, an economic system designed to deliver money from the poor into the hands of the wealthy. If he had stuck to the recent bailouts of the banking industry, he might have had a point. Unfortunately, he spends much of the movie flying far afield of that travesty.

And that’s the main problem with Mr. Moore’s movie: His focus is too diffuse, his aim too scattershot. It’s old hat for the director to argue only one side of the story, but this is the first time he has so blatantly failed to focus on the primary issue at hand, flailing, instead, at all the wrong targets.

Consider Mr. Moore’s take on the foreclosure crisis: He sympathetically portrays two families who have gone through foreclosed after failing to meet their repayment obligations. Foreclosure is a terrible thing, something no family should have to suffer — unless, of course, they fail to repay the money that has been lent to them.

Credit is a bedrock of capitalism, but credit comes with certain responsibilities. Banks are not charitable institutions, and there have to be consequences for failing to pay back the money they advance. The subprime loan crisis was caused only in part by banks lending money to unqualified borrowers: No less complicit were the irresponsible citizens who took out far more money than they could afford on terms they could not possibly understand.

In a way, Mr. Moore and his ilk are the ones ultimately responsible for this crisis. By turning homeownership into a basic societal entitlement — irrespective of credit-worthiness — they encouraged the poor to borrow recklessly and leaned on lenders to give money even more recklessly.

Mr. Moore’s suggested solutions to the crisis of capitalism are almost as absurd as his diagnoses. As the film draws to a close, he asks us to reconsider Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second bill of rights, and one of those rights in particular jumps out: the guarantee of a job with a “living wage.”

This has been a constant bugaboo of Mr. Moore’s. He thinks General Motors Corp. — faced with competition from cheaper, better, more fuel-efficient vehicles from Japan and elsewhere — has shot itself in the foot. Not because it refused to build better cars or agreed to a back-breaking deal with the labor unions that made the cars too expensive, mind you. No, Mr. Moore seems to think GM has come to ruin because it has laid off too many employees, leaving the once thriving cities of the Midwest, including his hometown, Flint, Mich., wastelands with no business prospects.

Let us think about this for a moment, shall we?

GM automobiles are too expensive and too fuel-inefficient. They carry massive legacy costs providing health care benefits and pensions to both current and past employees of now-defunct plants. Increased plant efficiency and decreased need for labor are trumped by union demands to preserve jobs, resulting in excess workers collecting most of their pay for what amounts to make-work.

Yet GM should guarantee these people’s jobs and gold-plated benefits? Or the government should step in and subsidize inefficient companies to pay now-redundant employees?

Mr. Moore has always been long on provocative questions and short on answers. “Capitalism” is no different: He suggests a bright and shiny future without adequately examining the likely consequences of such a future or offering much in the way of proposals for bringing it to life — other than sophomoric pranks like showing up at a bank headquarters to

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Is there some reason that they both can’t be morons?

Mark asks…

Is the search for higher metrics from every working individual in fact diluting productivity?

I’ve worked for years in customer service/product support positions and have at least 1/2 an idea how to do the job. Now employed as an insurance adjuster, I’ve rarely had quite so many individual tasks to accomplish in as short a time as possible. Considering I’m bilingual (English/Spanish), have above average typing speed (70 wpm), and I’ve placed my on-line and desktop tools in the optimum configuration for my needs, I’m getting a bit frustrated with the continued (and now recently increased) expectation of a higher number of calls-per-hour.

Basically, I have to receive a call, review notes, examine holds, determine if they next steps require my intervention or if the customer (or other departments) need to complete further steps, search accounts, perform document reviews, use tools for product confirmation, product use in period of loss, perform identity checks, clarify conditions and terms (especially when a customer is enraged about paying a deductible – you’d be amazed how many people think insurance is a magic ‘premium only’ transaction and no matter what the cost of their insured item/service, we as the insurer are ‘wrong’ to expect them to share a partial burden in replacing items or services, even if their premiums would skyrocket), establish deductible payment parameters, shipping expectations, and answer any remaining questions – in the meantime documenting my activities, decisions, and prepping for the next call so I have NO remaining details to address prior to closing out my activity on an individual claim.

At the beginning of my training, my trainer (and supervisor) were satisfied that I was getting as few as 5 calls per hour completed. I was assured this is a normal speed for a beginning adjuster, and that with time my speed would increase to the (then) department expectation of 8 calls per hour.

Sure enough, I’ve passed the 8 calls per hour threshhold – but now, we’ve had an even higher call per hour expectation set: 10 calls per hour.

I’m not tooting my own horn when I say that I’m professional on the phone – I get above average or outstanding quality checks on performance and other metric ratings. I’m not a control freak (I don’t hang up on a customer when they meltdown – I talk them through it and give them enough information (and explanations) to (in at least 80 % of the cases) continue their claims process to deductible payment and replacement. I deal with people from many different cultures, some who have never had insurance on anything else in their entire life, and some who simply are not the sharpest knives in the drawer and bring out the educator in me (because no one should insure something without knowing exactly what their contract allows and how it applies to their claims). So it is really starting to aggravate me that in order to achieve an incentive (which is also, undoubtedly, part of the reason my supervisors and department managers are so gung-ho about it – they must in some way, receive additional compensation if the team or department achieve a certain performance metric) – I have to do ALL of the things described above in about 6 minutes PER CLAIM.

Such a cookie-cutter approach to claims (not to mention customers) is driving me straight up the wall. I’m not saying it isn’t possible (and certainly some in our department appear to be meeting this goal – but only by cutting corners or engaging in practices that ‘trick’ the metric performance measuring tools used by our employer to think more performance is being accomplished than is actually the case – and I’m not blowing smoke here, I’ve been the one catching the claims falling through the cracks in several of those situations) – but it is neither realistic or acceptable (to my mind) to expect such an ideal in dealing with the public involving something so sensitive as an insurance claim. Can you imagine? 6 minutes to do make a decision as to whether insurance coverage will be provided for a claimed product/service – and for some of these customers, it’s one of the most necessary items/services that they use in their daily lives.

I’m losing sleep now over this – even with increased exercise, better diet, and and attempt at relaxation techniques (including meditation). Part of the problem is my perfectionist nature (if I can be perfect in one way in my job, I would like to be perfect in all ways – another unrealistic (and job-fostered) expectation) – but I also realize that this is a common problem facing an American worker today. We are one of the hardest working societies in the world – yet I (like many working individuals I know) have fewer vacation days, less flexibility with my schedule, and more demands on my time at work than ever before in my life. If I miss ONE day or arrive late or leave early (no matter the reason – illness, car accident, inclimate weather, etc…) I’m no longer eligible for the incentive structure – and it takes me a month just to build 5 hours of personal t
time (which is used for both vacation days/sick time/leave time – no exceptions).

Does anyone else feel like they are losing pride/ownership in their job due to increased metric expectations? In my case, it’s getting to a point where I’m thinking about a career shift or changing departments – if such an option is available to me…

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

I work in a similar type of job, where we claim customer service as the #1 priority, but in fact, cutting company costs clearly comes in first.

Like you, I prefer to actually resolve a request properly, as opposed to simply focusing on quickly, but in the time that is often set there’s little more to do than ensure you rush to make sure you get paid properly.

But when it comes down to it, if a company has 500 employees doing 6 calls an hour, they’d be “better off” having 300 do 10 an hour. And it sucks. But it’s simple math.

The accountant always wins.

Ever considered going into accounting?

Thankful For Fools
http://thankfulforfools.blogspot.com

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Your Questions About Medicare Fraud

Laura asks…

What do you lefties say about Medicare/Medicaid fraud?

Wednesday on the ABC Evening News (a bastion of left wing liberalism) there was a report on Medicare/Medicaid fraud. The report stated that the annual (take note of the word “annual”) fraud losses are over 60 billion dollars.
The government knows about the fraud and continues to waste your money.
What would the fraud be if the government took over all of the health care services in the US?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

They will point to other instances of fraud and profess that fraud is everywhere.

- not a big deal

- to be expected

- it’s okay

- not a problem!

Ruth asks…

Is it true that a Republican spokesman against govt run health care ran a company convicted of medicare fraud?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes.

“Once lauded for building Columbia/HCA into the largest health care company in the world, Mr. [Richard] Scott was ousted by his own board of directors in 1997 amid the nation’s biggest health care fraud scandal. The company‘s guilty plea and payment of $1.7 billion to settle charges including the overbilling of state and federal health programs was taken as a repudiation of Mr. Scott’s relentless bottom-line approach.”

– The New York Times, April 2, 2009

And for all you cons who hate the NYT, understand that it is one of the biggest newspapers in America and has a sterling reputation because they report, you know, facts. Also, if they ever report anything that helps your far right positions politically, you will take it and run with it, like you did with the $70 an hour garbage about the auto workers.

Question for the folks bringing up Tim Geithner, who is totally irrelevant to this question: Has Joe the Plumber paid his taxes yet?

And none of you need to correct me. Everything I said is true.

George asks…

What percentage of the mental health system is medicaid/medicare fraud?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

I imagine it’s around 10%, but that’s a guess. There are a fair number of greedy clinicians who are willing to give out disability or other benefits for a cash price. It’s what kills the system for everyone else.

David asks…

If “Medicare is full of fraud”, that is where we will get part of the $ to pay 4 Health Care Reform, why don’t?

we or the Government, start fixing Medicare now? If everyone seems to agree Medicare Fraud is sucking the money up, is part of the reason Medicare is running in Red Ink, why don’t we put hundreds of people to work and find out where the fraud is? Plug the holes. Wouldn’t that make sense? Why are they waiting?
What are they waiting for?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Because that would postpone what the socialist movement has started to become. The new world order, check out End Game on youtube and you will understand

Jenny asks…

What would be your idea on how to reel in Fraud? I’m talking about medicare fraud, welfare fraud.?

For myself, I would start with drug testing all who apply for any kind of government handouts from food stamps, ssi, welfare, etc. What are your ideas on how to deal with this. Personally, I think the government should have worked to fix this first before implementing any kind of health insurance. BTW, I’m a very passionate & caring person. I just hate fraud and people getting free-bees when they don’t deserve any help.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

We should stop letting the Government oversee it.

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Your Questions About Medicare Part B Premium

Mark asks…

If my mom gets survivor’s benefits will she lose her SSI disability and medicaid?

My mom was receiving SSI for disability. Her husband died and she is now going to get survivor’s benefits. We are assuming she will no longer get SSI, since the survivor’s benefits are more than she was getting for SSI.

Her main concern is that she had medicaid through the SSI and on the summary of survivor’s benefits she just got in the mail they were charging her a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. They included a paper she can sign and send in stating that she does not want the Medicare Part B, but she is afraid that this has already screwed up her medicaid somehow.

Has anyone dealt with this? I have been on hold with social security for a half hour….
Thank you both for your answers. Sorry I was not very clear but I am confused by this all.

Judith, I think your answer is exactly what we need to do. Her monthly payment is still going to be very low and she will still be below the poverty threshold so I think she should qualify for help from medicaid. Thanks again.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes. If someone is entitled to Medicaid and they can become entitled to Medicare, welfare REQUIRES that they sign up for Medicare. Why? Because it lessens the expenses of the welfare program. If she does not sign up for Medicare and welfare finds out that she could have they will not pay ANY of her medical expenses.

Some people can still have Medicaid coverage even if they are no longer entitled to SSI; it just depends upon how low the Social Security survivor’s benefit is. Your mother should see if welfare will pay her Medicare premiums, co-pays and deductibles. They do, also depending upon the amount of the survivor benefit.

She needs to: 1) Sign up for Medicare and 2) Go to welfare office with a copy of her award letter telling what the amount of her Social Security widow’s benefit is. If she doesn’t have the award notice, then she needs a referral from Social Security. Welfare needs proof of her monthly benefit amount. Request welfare to pay her premiums, co-pays and deductibles and find out if she will still have Medicaid coverage.

Carol asks…

What is the insurance company which provides excellent and inexpensive MEDI-GAP policies for people 65…?

I am in Texas. My Mom needs a Medi-Gap policy. She has Medicare hospital part A and Medical part b. She had total knee replacement surgery last year, and has had mildly high blood pressure, which has been successfully controlled by a light medication (ZIAC) since it was detected. (It was detected early due to constant monitoring of blood pressure.)

There are no other medical conditions, not even osteoporosis or osteoperenia. She is quite healthy.

I am looking for cheap but good plans. If you have one or your senior loved ones have them, please tell me the name of the comapny and the monthly premium you pay. Thanks very much to you.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

There are two types of policies available. A Medicare Supplement, or Medi-gap, and a Medicare Advantage.

With the Medicare Supplement all plans are exactly the same, controlled by the government. Most people have plan F. A plan F with one company is exactly the same as a plan F with another. The only difference is price. In my area the average plan F premium for someone age 65 is around $150 and goes up with each year older. Some companies may not accept her because of the surgery. Part D prescription drug coverage is not included so she’ll need a separate Part D plan.

The Medicare Advantage plans can be different between companies. They all have to cover the same but some companies will enhance the plan. There are small co-pays when you use medical services. A supplement doesn’t have co-pays. The Medicare Advantage plans will cover an annual physical while a supplement does not. The average premium in my area is $26 per month no matter what your age and many have a $0 premium. All companies will accept her with the surgery. Some have Part D included.

This is much more complicated so my advise is to visit a local independent agent who deals with senior policies. The plans and premiums are exactly the same whether you use an agent or buy directly from a company.

Susan asks…

What are some insurance companies which provides excellent and inexpensive MEDI-GAP policies for people 65…?

I am in Texas.

My Mom needs a Medi-Gap policy. She has Medicare hospital part A and Medical part b.

She is only 65 years old, but she will be 66 years old in two months.

She had total knee replacement surgery last year, and has had mildly high blood pressure, which has been successfully controlled by a light medication (ZIAC) since it was detected. (It was detected early due to constant monitoring of blood pressure.)

There are no other medical conditions, not even osteoporosis or osteoperenia. She is quite healthy.

I am looking for cheap but good plans. If you have one or your senior loved ones have them, please tell me the name of the comapny and the monthly premium you pay. Thanks very much to you.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Her monthly premium would depend on how much her social security is. Medicare will can give you a list of the ones that cost less. They were very helpful to me when I was looking for a policy.
Since she will soon turn 66, she can choose a plan starting in November of this year. Try and find one that covers prescription drugs and hospitalization. I did not have a Medigap program because it was too expensive. I waited until I turned 65 and was fortunate enough that nothing drastic happened to me during that time.
The newest and best way to go for us seniors now is a Medicare Advantage Plan. The company you choose will file all the premiums for you, Medicare pays them, and you have no bill other than the monthly premium which can be as low as $40 a month. Drugs can be as low as $2.15 to $25. Doctor visits will only be $10 each and a referral doctor will be $25.00.

I cannot pick one for you because they are different in each state. Just begin early by contacting Medicare and asking for a booklet listing the best Medical Advantage Plans.

Best wishes to you. I had to handle this myself and I asked them every question in the book. My plan is state-based. Don’t give up, just keep looking even if you have to go through 10-12 ompanies to get a good result. Also, find one that your mother’s physician is on. She will not need a high paying program that offers little service.

Best wishes.

Joseph asks…

regarding assistance from the state to pay premium for medicare?

there are several programs QMB pays the part A and B insurance another program assists with the Medicare part D benefits

I just moved from Florida where I was getting these benefits to Illnois. I have not been able to learn how to transfer the benefits, advice please.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

The question that needs to be answered is: Have you applied for Medicaid in Illinois?

If you have not, you will need to do this. Medicaid is a State Program and you have to do this in each new State you move into. When you apply they will know, from the questions that you answer, that you are on Medicare. Take your questions to your nearest office and, I’m sure, your benefit will be restored right along with your Medicaid Benefit.

This is the way it was done when I trained as an Eligibility Worker, and I don’t think that part of it has changed.

Good Luck!

Lizzie asks…

O.K…..I have another tax question.?

On the Wages & Income Section where I put i my part time W-2, it also asks for my Social Security Disability Income. Then asks what do I pay for my Medicare part B and Part d. So I put in there.

Then in the Deductions and Credits section where you enter medical expenses, it says Insurance Premiums (including Medicare) So am I suppose to put that in twice? I don’t know why after all these years I have just noticed this. Or maybe it is new. I don’t know but it just has me a bit confused. do you think Turbo Tax just knows what to do? I know…..duh! Anyway if anyone could shed some light.

And thanks sooo much for the HOH answers! ♥

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Post this on the US site.

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Your Questions About Long Term Care Insurance Companies

Carol asks…

Long Term Care Insurance?

Which Company’s are authorized to sell Long Term Care Insurance in MA. My wife and I are both 62 years old and in good health and want to purchase a plan. Any information will be helpful, thank you

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Most life and health insurance brokers will have access to Long Term Care insurance. A broker would be your best bet becuase they will have access to multiple companies, so they can make sure you get the best products. Long Term Care products are very different from company to company…some are strictly re-imbersment plans, some strictly pay if you are in a health care facility, some only pay if you actual receive care from a nurse, and some will just send you a cheque whether you are receiving care or even just supervision from someone.

Linda asks…

i am a 35 year old married male with 2 kids. does long term care insurance make any sense to purchase at my?

age? my company is going to get a group rate for us. i work with older people in their 50′s and they lobbied for this. would it make any sense for me to pick up a policy like this at my age? they did say you can take money out early in the event of a disability.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

By google to collect some related information or you may try using answer engines like yahoo answer or yedda.com to get some related ideas.nonetheless,If you prefer some direct resource,here http://www.insuranceidea.info/free-insurance.htm is a good one from my own experience.

James asks…

Paying back long term disability insurance company?

I have been drawing long term disbality from my previous employer for 2 !/2 yrs and recently had my hearing for government disablility I have read that you have to pay back the long term insurance company, how much do I owe them? Is it a percentage or do I owe all the money they paid me if I win my case? I read not to cash and spend any of my back pay from the government until I get a bill from the long term insurance company. I have alot of bills to take care of since I have been out of work, What would happen if I didnt pay it all back if I do owe them ?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Not really pay back. You are drawing Disability Insurance and that may have saved your butt.
In any event, when you are called up to the Social Security Office, you are to bring with you all your bills and debts and rent…etc
The reason is because if you win your case and your called, they must configure your check for SSI Title VII
If you were drawing money then your check they cut will have the deduction withheld from SSI.
Your Insurance will naturally be over in the event of the win.
If your wage earnings are less than what SSI pays then you will get SSI since it is the larger payment and that ain’t crap, but if your earnings are more than SSI, then you only get one Disability check from Social Security and that ain’t crap either.
You can not live on Disability alone, so if that is the only income for you and your not married, then your in for the best challenge of your life. I would suggest taking all your back pay and buying a house or home and pay it off in full this way you have a home and then have less payments to worry about.

George asks…

Long-Term Insurance Sales – Form an LLC or sell as sole proprietor?

I just received my insurance license and want to be an independent agent specializing in long-term care representing a few high quality carriers.

Am I better off doing this as a sole proprietor or forming a limited liability company (LLC)? What are the pros and cons of each?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

As a sole proprietor you leave yourself open for legal action to be brought against you and put your asset’s in the line of fire.

If you have assets you may want to consider a personal living trust as added protection for you personally.

But the LLC is the way to go for your biz.

David asks…

Was health care being rationed in the United States by health insurance companies?

and according to socio-economic status, long before the term “Obamacare” was a twinkle in a teabagger’s eye?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes. But the right like to forget that happens.

FACT – Insurance companies in the USA before the reforms pushed up prices, did not pay out claims when they should and bought or blackmailed politicians [1]
FACT – PER PERSON the USA spends more on healthcare than any other nation on the planet [2]
FACT – Obama debated his plans before the election for healthcare [3]
FACT – the chance of a child under five of dying in the USA is greater than industrialised nations with universal health coverage [4]
FACT – Obama was elected to bring in change [5]
FACT – Obama wants to stop insurance companies from screwing America [6]
FACT – The reforms Obama wants work in the Netherlands and Switzerland [7]

Let me know if my facts are wrong, but please provide proof.

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Your Questions About Term Life Insurance Quotes

Thomas asks…

Instant Term Life Insurance Quote?

I just got employed as a VA (virtual assistant). Am I qualified for a term life insurance? And how can I an instant term life quote. I need one that is relevant and accurate.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

$5.

Any instant term life insurance quote, not underwritten, is just a number in the air. To get a REAL quote, you have to fill out the application and be underwritten.

Almost anyone can buy term life insurance. To qualify, you have to be in reasonably good health.

But if you’re looking for links, those links are only trying to harvest your personal information. You get a REAL quote, from a REAL agent, licensed to sell insurance in your state.

Paul asks…

What factors help you pick one life insurance company over another, that offer similar quotes on term life.?

I have 2 life insurance companies that are offering me very similar quotes (annual premium) on term life insurance. What factors do I need to keep in mind, when deciding which one of them to go with.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Financial strength rating! Check it out at www.ambest.com. You don’t want to buy insurance from a carrier rated lower than A-.

John asks…

Term Life Insurance Quote?

Hi,

I am paying $97.21/month for a ROP (Return on Premium) term life insurance policy of $750K for 30 years with State Farm. So at the end of my 30 years, I will be getting back $34,995.60 ($97.21 x 360).

Do you think this is a good quote for the term and price?
But I would still have to pay 25% tax rate which comes out to $40,000 which is still greater than $35,000.
Because I was thinking of investing the difference in Mutual Funds. I’m already maxing out my Roth IRA.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Try this site

http://linsurance.notlong.com

here you can get quotes from different companies so you can compare them.

Mandy asks…

Pay the Extra Premiums for Whole Life Insurance Quotes?

I currently have a term life insurance policy and am considering converting it to a whole life policy. I’m married with no kids. My wife has her own life insurance and retirements already in place. We are not going to have children. The main reason I was interested in the Whole Life was the investing portion to supplement my current mutual fund retirement. Should I pay the extra premiums for the Whole life or should I keep the term life and put the extra money into a Roth IRA? Any advice would be great. Thank you

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Whole life insurance is not an investment option. If you examine this logically, why is that only life insurance has a savings program and no other types of insurance has it? The main reason is for insurance company to raise equity so that it can pay future death claims.

This is how a whole life insurance policy works. Your premiums are paid for 2 products: The life insurance portion and the savings portion. During the first 10 years of the policy, the rate on your savings is at a negative. Why? Its because during the first 2 years of the policy, no savings is accumulated.

If you ever wanted to withdraw money from your policy, you have to borrow it and pay loan interest of anywhere between 5-8%. Don’t you find it odd that when you take money out, that you have to pay it back? When you pay it back, the interest portion of your payment does not go back into your savings. It goes directly to the insurance company as profits. If you die while there’s a balance due on the loan, this amount will be deducted from the face amount of the policy. For example, if you have $100,000 in coverage and you have $2000 loan to pay and you die, $98,000 will be paid out to your beneficiary.

If you die without withdrawing any money from the policy, all the savings in the policy goes to the insurance company. Your beneficiary will get the face amount of the policy, but not the savings. You can choose to include the savings as part of the death benefit, but it will cost you more money.

Whole life insurance is very expensive when compare to term insurance. On average, a 30 year old with $100,000 coverage will pay about $1000/year on premiums.

You should only consider getting life insurance if you have a need for it. For example, if you have a mortgage and other debts to pay, then you should get life insurance. But you don’t need life insurance forever as your financial obligations decrease over time. Term insurance is the perfect fit for this situation.

My advice: Stick with term insurance and get another quote for a 20 year term policy. Rates for life insurance has decrease over the years so it might be cheaper to get another term policy. Always keep your savings separate from life insurance. Life insurance purpose is to replace your income in the event of your death, not as a way to build savings.

Charles asks…

I got a quote for term life insurance for 20 years?

…and it cost $5717.28 is that what I’m supposed to pay monthly or yearly or for the whole 20 years?
I have high blood pressure. but it’s controlled since i’m taking medicine and eating healthy.
I have one son from previous marriage. I’m 49 years old.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

That is expensive for a $50,000 policy but cheap for a $50,000,000 policy.

You really need to talk to a financial professional about the amount and TYPE of insurance that will best help you reach your GOALS.

Have you considered DISABILITY insurance if you become unable to work but don’t die? Have you considered how you will pay your future medical bills when you are retired? (Medicare does not cover everything).

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Your Questions About Medicare Part D

Maria asks…

Is it true that Medicare Part D is coming in 40% under budget?

As Rick Santorum said in the Tea Party debate?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

No. According to the CBO, it’s 28% under budget.

But not because it’s such a well-run program, it’s that the spending that they budgeted for was overestimated.

Not as many people signed up for it as they thought: they budgeted for 93% of people, and only 77% signed up.

Drug spending did not increase in the 2000s as fast as it increased in the 1990s. So initial cost projections likely overestimated how fast drug spending would grow during the first 10 years of the program.

George asks…

Why was there no Tea Party when Bush passed Medicare Part D?

Why was there no Tea Party when the deficit was exploding under Bush?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Because he’s white.

The 2007 “Ron Paul Tea Party” was a campaign gimmick for his Presidency.

The REAL Tea Party exploded in 2009, after Obama’s election.

Bush increased the national debt more than any President in history. Yet the Tea Party was silent.

Mary asks…

I accidently signed up for two different Medicare Part D. Now I am being charged for both plans. What do I do?

Do I have any recourse? They are taking $230 out of my social security check next month to pay for 4 months. I was separately billed from the other company for $103. for 4 months. I have dropped the first company.

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

You cannot be enrolled into 2 drug plans at one time. IF you change plans, the new plan is effective the first of the next month (if you enroll in April, your coverage would begin May 1st for example.) If you need meds, your old plan is effective until the last day of that month.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE to check and see which plan they show you are enrolled in. Good luck!

David asks…

How much did (and will) Bush II’s Medicare Part D cost?

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Who really knows. It’s going to be our little surprise. Virtually every major federal government program ever implemented has ended up costing much more than initially thought. When Medicare was passed in the 1960s, it was estimated that it would cost $12 billion per year by 1991. Wrong. By 1991 it had reached $107 billion.

To be fair, these gross cost underestimations infect both sides of the partisan aisle. The Bush Medicare drug plan already has run well beyond its original estimates.

I had read somewhere that, in 2007, estimates over ten years will cost $964 billion. So if you use the past underestimations, well. . . . . . . , you do the math. O_O

Nancy asks…

Shouldn’t we really cancel Medicare Part D? These “donut holers” have cost us billions of dollars, and Ryans?

…”vouchers” are just another trillion giveaway to Wall Street CEOs.
Am I the only one who wants Medicare Part D cancelled?
(That’s where MOST of our problems began).

Medicare Insurance AZ staff answers:

Yes, cancel Medicare Part D.

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