Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health. But gym memberships can get expensive. So will your health insurance through UMR help pay the costs? UMR, formerly United Medical Resources, is one of the largest third-party administrators of employer-funded health plans. They partner with UnitedHealthcare to provide coverage to over 2.6 million members. Below we’ll … Read more
If you’ve shopped for health insurance or researched plans offered by your employer, you’ve likely come across the terms “rate” and “premium.” At first glance, these two words seem interchangeable. However, rates and premiums refer to distinct aspects of health insurance pricing. Understanding the difference between insurance rates and premiums enables you to make apples-to-apples … Read more
Driving a car that’s insured but as an uninsured driver can lead to complicated legal and financial consequences. Here’s a detailed look at what can happen in this situation. Overview In most states, auto insurance follows the car, not the driver. So if you drive someone else’s insured car, you’re typically covered under their policy. … Read more
For many Americans, employer-sponsored health insurance is a major benefit. But how does paying for this coverage actually work? Is the cost of your health plan premium deducted from each paycheck? The short answer is – usually, yes. Most companies deduct all or a portion of health insurance premiums from employees’ paychecks on a pre-tax … Read more
Filing taxes can be confusing, especially when tax laws change from year to year. One important decision for seniors is whether to take the standard deduction or itemize deductions on their tax return. For 2023, the standard deduction amounts have increased. Additionally, if you are 65 or older, you may qualify for a higher standard … Read more
When buying a life insurance policy, you will come across two important terms – the proposer and the insured. While they may sound similar, there are some key differences between the two. Understanding who is a proposer and who is an insured is important to determine who initiates the policy, pays the premiums, and receives … Read more
For many people in the Philippines, having health insurance is a top priority. Given the often high costs of medical care, coverage helps ensure you can access healthcare without financial hardship. When considering options, you may be wondering – can I use HMO even if I don’t have PhilHealth? The short answer is yes, you … Read more
When selecting health insurance, two common options are HMO and HDHP plans. But what exactly is the difference between a Kaiser HMO and HDHP? Below we’ll explore how these plans compare on costs, provider choice, and other factors. HMO Overview HMO stands for “Health Maintenance Organization”. Kaiser Permanente is well-known for its HMO plans. Here … Read more
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance plans provide coverage worldwide, though benefits vary depending on your specific plan. Most BCBS members have emergency medical coverage while traveling abroad. Some plans offer more comprehensive overseas benefits, including global networks of providers and support services. Domestic BCBS Coverage BCBS is made up of 36 independent and … Read more
The income thresholds that trigger IRMAA surcharges for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums increased significantly for 2023. This means more Medicare beneficiaries will pay extra premiums based on their income. What is IRMAA? IRMAA stands for Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is an extra premium charged to Medicare Part B and Part … Read more