National Insurance Store Blog

Continuing-Care Communities, Once Revolutionary, Change With Times

November 29th, 2007

But now, residents from a new generation — healthier and intent on maintaining their lifestyles — are pushing for change. They are demanding spacious rooms, first-class health clubs, choices of restaurants, even wine at dinner — not permitted at some communities founded by religious organizations.

from: Philadelphia Enquirer

The Old Switcheroo

November 13th, 2007

Out of 8 million enrollees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, only about 5 percent typically switch plans during the annual open season, according to Walton Francis of the Consumer’s Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees and Annuitants.

from: GovExec.com

New Health Plans Are Worth A Look

November 12th, 2007

The “consumer-driven” and “high-deductible” plans offer many employees substantial savings over the traditional insurance plans, said policy analyst Walton Francis, who tracks premium and benefit changes in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

from: Washington Post

Facing up to the costs of long-term care

October 31st, 2007

No matter how well you plan your retirement, the catastrophic expense of long-term care could ruin it all. Insurance looks like the obvious solution. Turns out it’s anything but.

from: CNNMoney

Looking at Dutch and Swiss Health Systems

October 31st, 2007

The Swiss and Dutch health care systems are suddenly all the rage. They have features similar to proposals by at least two presidential hopefuls, and next month the United States’ top health official will visit Switzerland and the Netherlands to kick the tires.

from: New York Times

Seven Things to Know About Health Savings Accounts

October 31st, 2007

Whether you’re an employee being faced with new health insurance options through your company plan, run your own company like me, or purchase individual health insurance, the choices you make regarding your health insurance are an important part of your 2008 financial strategy.

from: Yahoo Finance

Avoiding The Flu Is In Your Hands

October 31st, 2007

As flu season approaches, experts recommend a simple method for staying disease-free.

from: Chattanooga Times/Free Press

A New Direction for Retirement Savings

May 6th, 2007

Looking for another way to benefit from tax breaks on saving for retirement? Then take a gander at the new, improved health savings account.

from: Kiplinger:

The Massachusetts Health Plan: An Update and Lessons for Other States

May 4th, 2007

The average Massachusetts resident without health insurance will soon be able to obtain coverage for $175 per month through the state’s Connector, a health insurance exchange for individuals and small businesses.[1] Because the Connector can accept pre-tax defined contributions, many will secure even lower premiums. A middle-class individual, for example, whose employer designates the Connector as its employer plan, could purchase that same health coverage for just $109 per month.

from: Heritage.org

Veterinary care insurance can save lives and money

May 4th, 2007

Veterinary Pet Insurance, or VPI, the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. VPI writes an estimated 80 percent of the pet health insurance policies in this country.

from: Post Gazette