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robintek

Apr 01
Love0

What To Do If Your Child’s Special Needs Health Care Claim Is Denied

By Life and Health

Caring for a child with special needs is expensive. From doctor visits to therapy appointments, you rely on your health insurance to cover life-saving and life changing treatments. What do you do, though, if the insurance company denies a claim?

 

Call the Insurance Company

 

Maybe someone accidentally typed in a wrong code or the doctor’s office didn’t submit the claim in a timely manner. A simple phone call to the insurance company could set the record straight.

 

Follow the Appeals Procedure

 

Your insurance company has an appeals procedure that might help you. Be sure to document every phone call including the names and phone numbers of the customer service reps to whom you speak, the calls’ dates and times and what you discuss.

 

Submit Written Treatment Notes and Invoices

 

Written words hold more weight than verbal words. Ask the doctor or therapist to focus on how the procedure, treatment or equipment is medically necessary.

 

Document Your Child’s Needs

 

You don’t want to spend time educating the insurance company, but that’s sometimes exactly what needs to happen, especially if your child has a rare disability. Track your child’s daily activities, needs and limitations as you detail your child’s specific condition and influence the insurance company to pay the claim.

 

Consider Paying Out-of-Pocket

 

Rather than fight a denied claim that’s for a service your child needs, pay for it yourself. You won’t want to take this measure, though, if an ongoing service continues to get denied. In that case, contact a lawyer.

 

Contact a Lawyer

 

When all else fails and your child needs ongoing services or the denial of a claim threatens your child’s life, contact a lawyer. He or she can take action that protects your child’s health and quality of life. Choose a lawyer with specialized knowledge of special needs to maximize your chances of winning the case.

 

Your precious child with special needs can receive the medical treatment, therapy, medication and equipment he or she needs. When claims are denied, follow these steps. Ask your insurance agent for additional tips, too, as you fight for your child.

Apr 01
Love0

Does Life Insurance Cover Funeral Expenses?

By Life and Health

Planning for the future is a smart financial move. As you prepare for retirement, remember to make funeral preparations. Since the average funeral costs over $7,000, you’ll want to save enough cash or pre-pay this inevitable expense. You could also purchase life insurance that covers your funeral costs.

 

Term Life Policies

 

Is a term life insurance policy part of your employee benefits or did you purchase a policy on your own? It only covers you for a set number of years. If you die before the term ends, the policy could be used to pay for your funeral. However, that’s not the case if the policy expires before you die. Relying on a term life policy to pay for your funeral is a risky move.

 

Whole Life Policies

 

A whole life insurance policy remains in effect for the duration of your life. As long as you pay the premiums, this type of life insurance doesn’t expire, end or mature until your death. Your beneficiary can use a whole life insurance policy to pay for your funeral. Also, if you purchase a whole life policy as a young person, it grows in cash value. Use that cash to pre-pay for your funeral today rather than wait until inflation raises the costs.

 

Talk to Your Beneficiary

 

Since the life insurance beneficiary decides how to spend the policy’s proceeds, talk with him or her before your death. Discuss your funeral wishes to ensure your life insurance funds are used for the funeral you want.

 

Pre-Plan Your Funeral

 

Despite your best intentions, your life insurance policy could be held in limbo for weeks, months or years. Consider pre-planning your funeral. Figure out if you can assign a portion of your life insurance policy to the funeral home to cover final expenses. Then discuss specific details about the service and interment and lock in today’s rates as you save money and relieve the burden on your survivors.

 

Life insurance certainly can pay for your funeral expenses. Just make sure you purchase an adequate policy today before you need it.

Apr 01
Love0

Are You Ever Too Old For Life Insurance?

By Life and Health

Most people agree that young parents need life insurance as they provide financially for their family. What about older adults and grandparents? In certain cases, life insurance is a good investment for you at any age.

 

Do you Have Dependents?

 

Did you wait until your 40s to have kids? Are you raising grandchildren? Do you care for aging parents? Your dependents need your income, and that fact makes life insurance a wise investment. The policy will provide your dependents with cash to pay bills, cover living expenses and receive the care they need.

 

Can you Afford a Funeral?

 

The National Funeral Directors Association reports that the average funeral cost $7,045 in 2012. You might have enough money saved to cover that cost, but consider purchasing life insurance. It pays for your funeral expenses, leaving your assets to provide for your survivors.

 

How Many Assets do you Own?

 

Your home, vehicle and investments count as assets. If you own them outright and they add up to a significant value, your estate executor can use those assets to cover taxes, medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses you may incur at the end of your life. However, if you don’t own adequate assets, life insurance covers the gap and ensures your final expenses are paid, which lessens the financial burden for your survivors.

 

Can you Afford to Pay Higher Premiums?

 

Life insurance premium costs typically depend on the amount of coverage, type of policy and age or health of the insured. That means you will probably pay more for a policy if you’re over 50. Numerous options are available for every budget, though, so talk to your insurance agent and choose a policy with affordable premiums.

 

Life insurance policies do cover dependent care and funeral costs, but they’re also useful for other purposes. They can pay for your grandchild’s education, support a charity or help your children retire early. Consider these factors as you talk with an insurance agent about purchasing life insurance as an older adult.

Apr 01
Love0

Umbrella Insurance Covers Invasion of Privacy

By Personal Perspective

Invasion of privacy covers everything from pictures you post on your blog to cameras in fitting rooms. If you’re a victim, you can file a lawsuit against the person responsible and recover damages. However, what if you or someone in your home is the perpetrator? Umbrella insurance provides the peace of mind you need as you protect yourself against lawsuits that result after an invasion of privacy.

What is Invasion of Privacy?

When you intrude into someone’s life without a reasonable and just cause, you’ve invaded their privacy, even if you committed the crime accidentally. Invasion of privacy includes:
*Meddling in private affairs

*Intruding on someone’s solitude

*Disclosing a embarrassing and private information

*Sharing things that are false and demeaning

*Using someone’s picture or name for your personal advantage.
Where do you Have a Right to Privacy?

Everyone expects to have privacy in their own home. People also expect privacy in places where they believe they can undress without being filmed or photographed and places where they believe they’re safe from hostile surveillance or intrusion.

Who Has to Worry About Invasion of Privacy?

Public figures, including celebrities, volunteer for the spotlight, and they typically do not receive invasion of privacy protection. Normal people like you, though, don’t expect people to be in their business. That’s why you need to be careful about your actions and those of your family members. Whether you’re a landlord, on a civic organization board or a normal person who enjoys using the Internet, you could perform an invasive act of someone’s privacy.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Protect Your Privacy?

Say you post on your blog a private fact about a neighbor or use someone’s name to promote your business even though that person did not give you permission. In both cases, you could be sued for invasion of privacy. We all know that lawsuits are highly expensive. Your umbrella insurance policy could cover incurred expenses and protect your assets.

Discuss umbrella insurance with your agent today. Invasion of privacy can occur at any time, and you want to have protection in place.

Apr 01
Love0

Avoid Five Common Mistakes During Your Springtime Move

By Personal Perspective

Is moving on your agenda this month or in the near future? Spring is one of the most popular times of the year to move. Avoid five common mistakes, though, as you relocate to your new rented apartment or house.

1. Poor Scheduling
Because spring is a busy moving season, don’t expect to call a moving or van rental company today for your move tomorrow. Schedule these details at least two months in advance. Start collecting boxes and packing supplies in advance, too, so you have everything you need before the big day.

  1. Winging It

Do you think you’ll just toss stuff into boxes, pile the boxes into the back of your vehicle and drive to your new home where you’ll unpack? Moving is never that easy. From choosing a moving company to finding a new doctor, plan ahead to ease stress and make your move smooth.

week day moves more inexpensive

  1. Choosing a Poor Moving Company

The wrong company could damage your valuables, overcharge you or not show up. The right moving company can make your experience pleasant and professional. Spend time researching moving companies and checking references so you choose one that’s reputable, reliable and trustworthy.

  1. Overpacking

Do you really need to move your entire paperback book collection or clothes you haven’t worn in years? Use your move as an opportunity to cull your possessions. Save money since most moving companies charge by weight, and spend less time packing and unpacking when you only pack what you absolutely need.

  1. Insufficient Insurance

From your valuable jewelry to priceless heirlooms, you want adequate insurance for all your possessions. The moving company might cover some liability, but talk to your insurance agent to beef up your renters insurance policy. Make sure it covers your valuables before you move.
Moving causes enough stress. Avoid these five mistakes to make the experience more pleasant and less chaotic. You’ll be glad you did.

Apr 01
Love0

Six Topics Status Is Your Vehicle Ready for Spring Break Travel?

By Personal Perspective

Now that winters’ over, you’re ready to take a break and hit the open road. Is your vehicle ready for spring break travel? It will be when you follow this checklist of six helpful tips.
1. Fill the Fluids

Windshield wiper fluid, coolant, oil and transmission fluid deplete quickly over winter. Fill them to the recommended level for your vehicle as you prepare the engine to operate properly in warmer weather.

2. Check the Tires

After carrying your vehicle over rough winter roads, your tires need some tender loving care. Check the tread and make sure it’s sufficient to handle the wet roads you’ll encounter this spring. Then inflate the tires to the proper pressure as recommended for your specific vehicle. Consider a wheel alignment, too, as you ensure your tires are ready to work hard all season.

3. Replace the Wiper Blades

The wiper blades work extra hard all winter as they remove ice and snow from your windshield. Protect your view and safety when you replace the wiper blades.

4. Wash the Exterior

Salt and grime build up on your vehicle’s exterior and can cause corrosion, rust and damage. Wash off winter dirt with a high-powered hose at home or at the car wash. Reach the underbody, lower doors, roof and all exterior surfaces.

5. Clean Out the Interior

Food wrappers, mud and a dirty windshield create an untidy interior. Plus, salt residue can destroy the fabric on your vehicle’s floors and seats. Grab a trash can, steam cleaner and wash cloth as you clean out the inside of your vehicle this season.

6. Update Your Auto Insurance

Insurance requirements don’t change with the seasons, but double check your coverage as part of your prep for spring break travel. Make sure your coverage meets your needs and renew your policy if necessary. With the right insurance coverage, you have peace of mind wherever the road takes you.
Where are you traveling this spring? Make sure your vehicle is ready when you follow these six tips.

Apr 01
Love0

Be Prepared For Volatile Spring Weather With a Home Emergency Kit

By Personal Perspective

Heavy rains, floods, hurricanes and tornados can all threaten your home and family this spring. While no amount of preparation prevents volatile spring weather, a home emergency kit helps you prepare to be safe and survive.

Survival Essentials
A warm blanket, spare set of clothes and matches could make the difference in your survival. Pack these and all other essential supplies you might need in an airtight container that’s easily accessible.
Food and Water
The Red Cross suggests families store two weeks’ worth of food and water, which means you’ll need one gallon of water per person per day and a variety of easily prepared, non-perishable foods. Don’t forget to stock baby and pet food if necessary, too.
First Aid
Minor bumps and bruises can occur as your family rushes to safety. Your first aid kit should include basic first aid supplies like bandages, antibacterial cream, burn cream and pain reliever. Pack prescription medications, hearing aid batteries and other specialized medications if needed.
Hygiene Items
Toilet paper, toothbrushes and diapers are essential. Hand sanitizer and bleach should also be included in your emergency kit.
Stay Connected
You’ll want to stay connected to the outside world and signal for help, so include a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, your cell phone and chargers in your emergency kit. A flashlight and whistle for each person is also a good idea.
Tools
Whether you have to dig out of the basement or open a soup can, tools come in handy. Stock a multipurpose tool, work gloves, scissors, shovel, screwdriver set, hammer and manual can opener in your kit.
Important Papers
In the rush of an evacuation, you may forget to grab your purse or wallet. Copy important papers like your driver’s license, birth certificate, insurance policies and medical information. Store them, extra cash and your family’s emergency contact information in a waterproof bag to keep them safe.
This home emergency kit will play a big role in keeping you safe when volatile spring weather strikes. Update your insurance policies, too, as you stay protected and prepared.

Apr 01
Love0

7 Questions to Ask When Selecting an LMS

By Risk Management Bulletin
If you read our other learning management systems article in this newsletter, you know how popular the systems are becoming, especially among SMBs who are beginning to recognize the benefits an LMS can provide.
Today, there are dozens of LMS platforms on the market, and choosing the one that’s best for your needs takes a little time and effort. To help you narrow down your selection, here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular and beneficial features to look for:
* What costs are associated with the system? Both one-time setup costs and ongoing costs need to be accounted for. After all, if a system is too expensive, you might as well cross it off your list right from the start.
* Does the system support standards used by your business? If an LMS doesn’t offer learning modules and content for the subjects you need to cover, it’s another easy elimination.
* Is it mobile or must it be used on site? Not critical if you intend to have your employees learn during working hours, but what if they want to learn on their own time or access modules at home?
* How often is the library updated? Standards change fairly often, so rolling updates guarantee you’ll have access to the most recent guidelines and training materials for your industry.
* What types of reporting capabilities does it offer? Be sure to ask about formats as well.
* Can the platform be hosted by the SMB or will it be hosted by the LMS provider?
* What skills will your personnel need to have to successfully implement the system and help employees learn to use it? Most systems are relatively simple to use, but you do need to have at least a couple tech-savvy employees who won’t be daunted by the thought of managing an LMS.
These are just a few questions to get you started. Any selection should begin with a thorough evaluation of your needs and your expectations to avoid disappointment as well as wasted time and money.

 

Apr 01
Love0

Understanding Insurance Options Is the Key to Adequate Loss Protection

By Risk Management Bulletin
Having adequate insurance is the best way to protect your business and your assets from most risk-related losses. But deciding how much coverage you need isn’t always easy. If you’re reviewing your insurance needs, here are a few tips to help make sure you get the right level of coverage:
* Ask your agent if they perform risk assessments as part of their duties. Many insurance companies provide no-cost risk assessments, and these tend to be a better option that doing it on your own. Why? Because experienced insurance brokers and agents work with lots of businesses just like yours, and they know the specific types of risks your business faces and the types of coverage you need to be protected. Keep a copy of the assessment in your records for future reference.
* Know the basic types of insurance. Important types of insurance to ask your agent about about include general liability, business auto, equipment breakdown, commercial liability, employment practices liability and worker’s compensation. Be sure to ask how much of each type is required by law, but don’t be bound by the minimum amounts; most businesses need far more than the recommended minimums.
* Understand the “extra” types of insurance that are available. While not necessarily required, additional insurance can provide you with greater peace of mind. Some types to consider include business interruption insurance, key person insurance, rental insurance, boiler and machinery insurance and cybercrime insurance.
* Don’t forget your employees. You can build employee loyalty by offering health insurance and retirement options. Group pricing combined with partial premium contributions from employees can help keep your costs low.
One last piece of advice: Be sure to review your insurance needs regularly at least once a year, and more often if your business needs change due to growth and expansion, new product rollout, changes in office space or facilities, an upgrade in equipment, marketing changes or other needs. Talking to your insurance agent is the best way to learn if you have enough coverage and to find out what you can do to help keep your premiums as low as possible.

 

Apr 01
Love0

5 Leadership Skills You Need to Develop NOW

By Risk Management Bulletin

Risk management can be a complicated and complex process: From identifying risks to posing and testing potential solutions to finally implementing them and tracking their effectiveness, a lot of leadership skills come into play. If you play any role in managing risk, here are five critical skills you should be working on to ensure a smooth risk management process:
* Vision: Vision enables you to see the big picture and the small details, understanding the implications of risk and the benefits of rewards. Vision is essential in understanding how specific risk management processes will help the entire business thrive, and it also enables you to home in on novel approaches that may not have been tried before.

* Communication: Good communication skills means you’re able to take an idea and present it clearly to multiple audiences, not only so they understand an idea but so they become inspired by it. Clear communication can also ensure a risk management initiative stays on track and eliminate errors that occur when directives are unclear. And don’t forget: Being a good communicator also means you’re a good listener.

* Conflict resolution: Every team will have some conflict at some point in time, especially when risk is involved. Being able to see both sides of an argument and provide balanced insight that values all input is essential in implementing risk management strategies that work.

* Collaboration: Leaders can take input and advice from other team members without feeling threatened, even when that means letting go of some of their own ideas, and incorporate the best ideas into a cohesive and comprehensive approach to managing risk. They also know when it’s time to look outside the team for additional help.

* Delegation: Likewise, a leader can identify team members and those outside of the team who have specific strengths that can help identify solutions and implement them. Learning to delegate effectively is one of the most difficult leadership skills to acquire, partly because it’s difficult to give up responsibility for a project you’re spearheading. This is one skill where practice will help you to become more adept over time.
Spend some time evaluating your own leadership skills to identify ways you can help manage risk more effectively at your company.

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