Having a trust can provide many benefits, such as avoiding probate and protecting assets. However, a common question that comes up is whether you still need umbrella insurance if you have a trust set up. The short answer is yes, umbrella insurance is still recommended even if you have a trust. What is Umbrella Insurance? … Read more
When you purchase an insurance policy and pay your premiums each month, you know that part of that money goes to compensate the agent who sold you the policy. But what happens when you actually file a claim – does your agent also earn commission when they process your claim? This is a common question … Read more
Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP) is a type of preferred provider organization (PPO) health insurance plan offered by Cigna. As a PPO, the OAP plan provides more flexibility in choosing doctors compared to health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. But you may be wondering, what exactly is a PPO and how does the Cigna OAP plan … Read more
Trying to navigate the Obamacare health insurance marketplace on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. You may wonder if working with an insurance broker could make the process easier. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain: What an insurance broker is How brokers can assist with ACA enrollment Key benefits of using a broker for … Read more
When applying for insurance, you will often see a field on the application asking for your “relationship to policyholder”. This simply refers to your connection to the person purchasing and owning the policy. Understanding how to properly fill in this relationship information is key to ensuring you get the appropriate coverage. Who is the Policyholder? … Read more
Health savings accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax funds to pay for qualified medical expenses. Many people utilize HSAs to help cover the costs of medications, doctor visits, and other common healthcare needs. However, when it comes to less traditional expenses like protein bars and powders, the rules become more nuanced. Understanding what … Read more
Fronting and reinsurance are two common arrangements in the insurance industry. While they share some similarities, there are important differences between these structures. Understanding fronting vs. reinsurance helps explain the purpose and mechanics of each. What is Fronting? Fronting refers to when one insurance company (the fronting company) issues an insurance policy, then transfers all … Read more
When choosing a health plan, you’ll often see references to HMOs and PPOs. Kaiser HMO plans are a type of health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage offered by Kaiser Permanente. HMOs like Kaiser provide coordinated care through a network of contracted providers. But what exactly does Kaiser HMO coverage include? This article will explain key features … Read more
When you buy insurance, how is your premium or rate determined? Insurance companies use different methods of rating to calculate policy rates based on risk factors. The three primary methods of insurance rating are: Judgment rating Class rating Merit rating Understanding how these methods work can provide insight into why your insurance costs what it … Read more
For many Americans age 65 and over, Medicare plays a crucial role in providing health coverage and reducing the cost of care. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of medical expenses. There are still often significant out-of-pocket costs that Medicare beneficiaries must pay. Let’s take a closer look at what costs Medicare covers, what gaps … Read more