Having health insurance protects you and your family by providing coverage for medical expenses. But what if you are in a committed relationship without being legally married? Does your partner still qualify for insurance benefits? The answer depends on your state’s laws and your employer’s policies on domestic partner coverage. Here’s what you need to … Read more
Seeing your auto insurance premium increase at renewal time is annoying but often expected. More confusing is when your bill seems to fluctuate up and down slightly each month. Why does your car insurance payment jump around when coverage remains the same? As it turns out, many factors can cause your monthly car insurance rate … Read more
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for people aged 65 and older as well as some younger individuals with disabilities. The various parts of Medicare help cover specific healthcare costs and services. Two components that often cause confusion are Medicare Part C and Part G. This guide will explain: What Part … Read more
Having multiple health insurance plans can get confusing when it comes to who pays what. Specifically, many wonder if they can use their secondary insurance to cover copays required by their primary insurer. Unfortunately, the coordination of benefits rules do not allow billing a secondary plan for the primary’s copay. This article provides an overview … Read more
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues an Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule to update Medicare payment policies, rates, and quality programs for acute care hospitals. This comprehensive rulemaking process allows CMS to adapt hospital payments to changing costs, technologies, regulations, legislation, and quality improvement priorities. On August 1, … Read more
Dealing with damage or loss of property due to a casualty event like a natural disaster, accident, or theft can be extremely difficult. Not only do you have the burden of repairing or replacing your property, but you also have to navigate the complex tax rules around insurance proceeds and casualty losses. One common question … Read more
Social Security benefits are an important source of income for many retirees. But how much you receive each month depends on your lifetime earnings and when you start taking benefits. For those earning around $25,000 annually, your Social Security checks may be reduced based on your income. Here’s what to know about how much Social … Read more
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace where residents can shop for affordable health and dental coverage and enroll in financial assistance programs. This article provides an overview of what Pennie is, how it works, who is eligible, and what health insurance options are available. What is Pennie? Pennie stands for “Pennsylvania Heath Insurance Exchange.” It … Read more
Medicare eligibility isn’t based on income levels or assets. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents 65 or older can enroll in Medicare. However, higher-income seniors may pay more for Medicare coverage. Those with limited means can qualify for financial assistance. Understanding how income affects Medicare costs helps you budget appropriately. Continue reading to learn more … Read more
Life insurance provides financial protection for your loved ones in the event of your death. When you purchase a policy, you expect that the death benefit will be paid to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the coverage period. But life insurance claims can sometimes be denied. So do policies always pay out when … Read more