BOAT INSURANCES

Boat insurance programs are normally designed to cover boats up to 26' in overall length. If the size of your vessel is greater than 26 feet, it's generally considered a "yacht", and therefore qualifies for yacht insurance.

Boat insurance provides physical damage coverage to repair your boat if it's accidentally damaged or destroyed by a covered peril such as collision, fire, theft, windstorm, lightning or vandalism. This coverage is broad, and provides coverage for the boat, including its machinery and auxiliary equipment, outboard motors, boat trailer and personal property.

A Boat Insurance policy can provide physical damage coverage on an Actual Cash Value (ACV) or an Agreed Amount Value basis. Both types of boat insurance policies offer important coverages for your boat but there are significant differences.

Actual Cash Value policies pay for Replacement Costs less depreciation at the time of the loss. In the event of a total loss, used boat pricing guides and other resources are used to determine the approximate market value of your vessel. A partial loss is settled by taking the total coast of the repair less a percentage for depreciation.

Agreed Amount Value policies mean you and the insurance company have agreed on the value of your vessel and in the event of a total loss you will be paid that amount. Agreed Amount Value policies also replace old items for new in the event of a partial loss without any deduction for depreciation. Most Agreed Amount Value policies require actual cash value on certain damaged property such as sails, protective covers, batteries, dinghies, trailers and aged outboard motors, lower drive units or outdrives.

Physical Damage coverage is usually subject to a deductible. The boat and motor usually have the same deductible with additional deductibles for the trailer and personal effects. The deductible is the amount you are willing to pay in case of a loss. The higher the deductible, the lower your insurance premium. Boat policy deductibles are usually calculated as a percentage of your coverage (1%, 2%, 3% of the vessel value) or can be on flat amounts of $250 or $500.

A good boat insurance policy should also offer Personal Effects coverage to provide protection for those items not intended for the normal operation of your boat, such as portable TVs, cellular or portable phones, stereos, radios and cameras.



Boat Liability

The Liability section of the policy provides protection if you are legally responsible for damages to property or injury to someone other than yourself or a family member. Boat Insurance liability provides protection if you are sued as a result of hitting another boat, or if someone is hurt onboard your vessel because of your negligence. This coverage is usually offered in increments of $100,000 up to $1 million.

Medical Payments

The Medical Payments section of the policy provides protection for reasonable medical, ambulance and hospital costs should someone be injured while in, upon, boarding or leaving your boat.

Uninsured Boat Owners Coverage

The Uninsured Boat Owners section of the policy provides coverage for injuries caused by an accident that you are entitled to recover from the owner or operator of an uninsured boat or "hit-and-run" boat.

Commercial Towing and Assistance enables you to be reimbursed for the reasonable costs incurred when you break down at sea and need a commercial tow to port.

These are some of the basic coverages you should look for when purchasing boat insurance. As a market leader in the boat insurance industry, United Marine Underwriters offers broad coverages at great rates for virtually any type of vessel.

SMALL BUSINESS INSURANCES

Small Business Insurances
It can be difficult to determine which kind of insurance you need for your small business. Different types of insurance have confusingly similar names; your state, town, or county may have its own insurance requirements; and many industries have coverage specific to them.
Insurance is one of the most neglected small business responsibilities. Not having the appropriate insurance for your small business is a mistake because a disaster can shut down your company permanently, or at least wreak havoc on your assets.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) in New York City estimates that about 40 percent of small business owners have no insurance at all, because many falsely believe they can't afford coverage. The truth is a small business can't afford not to have adequate insurance. Without insurance, you're unnecessarily putting your livelihood at risk. That's also why many landlords, suppliers, and other entities you work with will probably require you to have coverage.

If you're having difficulty determining which kind of insurance your business should have, you might want to check with the following agencies:

• The county or city clerk
• A local chapter of your industry association
• The state insurance office

BUSINESS OWNER'S POLICY A standard business owner's policy (BOP) provides coverage for property (fire, wind, theft, etc.), liability (injury of someone in your business or by your product), business interruption, and, in some cases, workers' compensation. The components of each BOP are different, so be sure that your policy contains all the components your business requires. BOPs were originally designed for small businesses, often retail, such as stationery or hardware stores. Today, BOPs are available for a broad range of businesses covering most major industries and professions. If your business has more than 50 employees, or very high sales volume, you may not be eligible for a BOP and will have to purchase a package with the same elements at higher limits. GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Liability insurance (also known as casualty insurance) refers to coverage for injury to another person or damage to a person's property for which you are legally responsible. General liability is a standard element of most business owner's policies. General liability insurance will cover your business in case of bodily injury to someone or damage to someone's property that occurs on your premises. For example, this type of insurance would cover you should a client trip over a loose phone cord in your conference room and break an arm. Similarly, if you were to accidentally knock over and break an expensive antique at a client's premises, your general liability policy would reimburse the client for the damaged property PROTERTY INSURANCE As the name suggests, property insurance provides coverage to your business for loss or damage (such as fire or vandalism) to your property. Most business owner's policies include property insurance. Business property coverage typically falls into two categories: building and personal property: Building - This coverage is sometimes referred to as "real" property. It protects you should something happen to your building. Be sure to analyze your policy to see exactly what it includes - these policies typically cover damage caused by fire, lightning, wind, vandalism, or the weight of snow on your roof. Some things such as earthquakes, hurricanes and even general wear and tear are often excluded. Personal property - This covers a business for loss of, or damage to, the property inside its building, such as files, office furniture, inventory, materials, etc. Check to see if your policy includes your computers and your phone system; your insurer may consider these to be "special" property and require additional coverage PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Professional liability insurance, also commonly referred to as errors & omissions coverage, is the service equivalent to product liability insurance. It protects you financially in the case of a claim against you for negligence, errors, omissions, or wrongful acts in the performance of your duties. It includes coverage for malpractice, errors, and omissions. Some states and professions require this coverage by law; for example, doctors are required to carry malpractice insurance, which is a form of professional liability coverage. In other cases, companies you do business with will require you to have it. For instance, computer consultants bidding for corporate contracts often must prove they have errors and omissions coverage, since errors in their work can put a corporation's computer system out of commission. It is also a common requirement in government services contracts. Even if you are not mandated to have it, it is wise to carry a policy if the service you provide could inadvertently harm another person. The professions for which it is recommended or required include, but are not limited to, computer technicians, systems analysts, accountants, hairdressers, lawyers, and consultants. A good place to start your search for professional liability coverage is your trade association, since it will be familiar with the requirements for your profession. Often, these industry groups offer specialized liability coverage, or if they don't, can point you in the direction of a carrier that does. When you are shopping for professional liability insurance, be sure to ask if the coverage includes the cost of legal fees. Some policies are now being written with exclusions and limits on coverage for legal fees and court costs. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Professional liability insurance, also commonly referred to as errors & omissions coverage, is the service equivalent to product liability insurance. It protects you financially in the case of a claim against you for negligence, errors, omissions, or wrongful acts in the performance of your duties. It includes coverage for malpractice, errors, and omissions. Some states and professions require this coverage by law; for example, doctors are required to carry malpractice insurance, which is a form of professional liability coverage. In other cases, companies you do business with will require you to have it. For instance, computer consultants bidding for corporate contracts often must prove they have errors and omissions coverage, since errors in their work can put a corporation's computer system out of commission. It is also a common requirement in government services contracts. Even if you are not mandated to have it, it is wise to carry a policy if the service you provide could inadvertently harm another person. The professions for which it is recommended or required include, but are not limited to, computer technicians, systems analysts, accountants, hairdressers, lawyers, and consultants. A good place to start your search for professional liability coverage is your trade association, since it will be familiar with the requirements for your profession. Often, these industry groups offer specialized liability coverage, or if they don't, can point you in the direction of a carrier that does. When you are shopping for professional liability insurance, be sure to ask if the coverage includes the cost of legal fees. Some policies are now being written with exclusions and limits on coverage for legal fees and court costs. UMBRELLA INSURANCE These types of policies offer extra liability coverage that kicks in for losses when the limits of your primary liability policy are reached. Umbrella coverage often applies to either business liability or automobile liability insurance. Using an umbrella policy, you can often purchase several hundred thousand to more than a million dollars worth of extra coverage for as little as a few hundred dollars. BUSINESS INCOME/EXTRA EXPENSE INSURANCE This is an extremely important add-on to property coverage, and is part of most BOPs. Business income coverage reimburses your business for revenues you lost during downtime caused by damage to or loss of your property. Extra expense insurance reimburses you for expenses incurred to avoid or minimize the suspension of business. Say, for example, your building roof collapses after a heavy thunderstorm. The business income policy pays for the income you lost while you could not occupy the building, while the extra expense policy covers rent for a temporary office space while your building is being repaired. PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE Product liability insurance protects you in case a product you produce or provide causes harm to a user or a user's property. A "product" is anything that is tangibly used, touched, or consumed. This type of insurance is recommended for every business that manufactures a product, but is especially important for companies that produce food, clothing, toys or anything else that could conceivably cause harm to someone. Most business owner's policies include limited product liability coverage. If, for some reason, you do not have this coverage through a business owner's policy and your product runs the risk of inflicting harm on other people, you may need to buy product liability separately. Similarly, if your product presents a higher risk of injury (for example, it contains a hazardous material), you may need to purchase additional coverage. EXTRA EQUIPMENT INSURANCE If your computer equipment is not adequately covered by your other insurance, you can buy a rider or separate policy to cover it. Look for insurance that not only covers the physical computer equipment, but also damage to or loss of data. Some companies will write policies that pay for time spent on data restoration. Since some high-tech equipment is also prone to failure due to things like power surges, electrical arcing, or other forces, you may need a policy that covers types of equipment breakdowns that are not part of your regular property policy SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT INSURANCE Special coverage may be available for equipment that doesn't fit easily into standard coverage or is used in unusual ways. For example, "off-premises" coverage can be applied to expensive equipment such as professional cameras, computers, analysis gear, or other items that are used by your company away from your premises. They would be covered in case of off-site theft, loss, or destruction.

Other Insurances

OTHERS INSURANCES

Small Business Insurance

It can be difficult to determine which kind of insurance you need for your small business. Different types of insurance have confusingly similar names.

Boat Insurance

Travel insurance provides international health / medical coverage, should something happen to you abroad.

This site will help to to learn everything you need to know about insurances and financing.All you need to do is to lay back and browse the categories and tipes of insurances you need....Hope my blog can help you understand the true meaning of insurance and financig..
Best Regards.....Alexandar

YOUR HEALTH AT WORK

Physical Health at Work
You don't have to work on a building site for your job to affect your health; even the more sedentary occupations can be a risk. RSI, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back and eye problems can all be avoided if you're aware of the causes and do your best to minimise them.
Are you sitting comfortably?

A properly adjusted chair will reduce the strain that you put on your back. You should be able to alter the height, back position and tilt of your chair. Try and ensure that your knees are level with your hips.

In order to prevent back injury, you should be sitting up straight while at your desk. If your chair isn't providing enough back support, try using a rolled up towel or cushion until you find a position that's comfortable for you - then adjust the chair accordingly.

Now that you've got your chair correctly positioned, take a look at your feet. Are they flat on the floor? If not, you may want to consider getting a footrest. This will relieve any pressure on your joints and muscles. It's important that you avoid crossing your legs or sitting with one (or both) legs twisted beneath you.

Check the position of your monitor

Now that you're sitting comfortably you need to take a look at the positioning of your pc. Guidelines suggest that the monitor should be positioned approximately 12-30 inches away from your eyes.

A good guide to positioning is to place the monitor about an arm's length away. The top of the screen should be roughly at eye level. In order to achieve this position you may need to get a stand for your monitor. This doesn't need to be anything fancy - a pile of books will help to elevate the screen to the required position.

Screen reflection and glare

Ideally your pc screen should be as glare-free as possible. This may mean positioning the monitor so that overhead lighting and sunlight are not reflecting on your screen. Try positioning the monitor so that it is at right-angles to the window.

Experiment with your monitor until you find the best position. You may need to move your desk slightly or close the blinds. If glare continues to be a problem, try using an anti-glare screen. You should also experiment with the screen settings on your monitor. Adjusting the brightness or contrast could make a big difference.
Are key objects are within reach?

Position frequently used objects - such as your telephone or stapler - within reachable distance from your body. It's important to avoid repeatedly stretching or twisting to reach things. Positioning items within easy reach will help to avoid overusing your arm, shoulder and back muscles.

If you spend a lot of time on the telephone, you may want to consider exchanging your handset for a headset. Repeatedly cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder can strain the muscles in your neck.

Sitting at the keyboard

Keep your wrists in a straight position when using a keyboard - they shouldn't be bent up, down or to either side. Your elbows should be positioned vertically under your shoulders. Using a wrist rest may help you to avoid awkward bending in your wrists.

Position and use the mouse as close to you as you can. Aim to have your elbow vertically under your shoulder and right by your side. A mouse mat with a wrist pad will help to keep your wrist straight and avoid awkward bending. Try learning some keyboard short cuts to cut down on the amount of time you spend using a mouse.

Take a break

Try to alter your working day so that you don't spend all your time at your pc. If your job is mainly pc based ensure that you take regular breaks. For every hour at your keyboard, take at least five to ten minutes rest. Rest your eyes - look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance for a few seconds.

Try doing some gentle exercises to help relax the muscles and clear your mind. Download our deskercise screensaver and try the simple exercises that you can do whilst sitting at your desk.

Tips:

• If you experience any pain of discomfort at your desk - stop what you're doing and take a break.
• If you are regularly experiencing aches and pains at work, discuss them with someone who is in a position to help you resolve them.
• If symptoms persist speak to your occupational health department or GP.

Back pain

Back pain is a fairly universal experience. Some see it as an inevitable legacy of our evolution, the result of turning a body designed to hang from a horizontal spine into a vertical spire, where a carefully balanced mechanism of muscles and joints must support organs and tissues pulling the column of vertebral bones downwards.

What happens at work?

Back problems often start at work. Take an office worker who typically spends up to 40 hours a week hunched solid over their desk, nurses who need to frequently lift patients, a taxi driver bent into the driving seat for more than 25,000 miles a year, a farmer constantly lifting sacks, seeds and machinery, or a checkout assistant sat on a poorly designed chair at her till all day (57 per cent experience lower back pain each year).

Our backs may be put under prolonged strain by our jobs and its hardly surprising that something within the delicate balance of bones and muscles so often fails.

What injuries do we suffer?

The result is traumatised, bruised or inflamed muscles (which may go into spasm), damaged ligaments, misalignment of tiny vertebral joints or damage to the discs between the vertebrae.

Sometimes a back problem directly follows an injury but often it appears quite unrelated to any specific event. It can be difficult to establish clearly what damage has been done to the back (back pain is too common to routinely use expensive MRI scans to investigate the problem) but there is no denying the misery of back pain.

Abnormal strains on the back at work are more likely if:

• you're generally unfit: this makes all injuries more likely
• you're overweight: this puts extra stress on the back
• your job involves lifting, bending or moving heavy objects: lifting badly is a common cause of back problems at work
• your job involves being seated in one place for long periods of time. An unchanging posture can put prolonged abnormal tension on the back
• your work involves frequent use of a telephone without a headset – 31% of office workers who use a telephone for at least two hours a day and also use a computer have lower back pain
• there's a high level of stress, anxiety and tension in your job, or at home. This can generally increase muscle tension throughout the body and increase the chances of a sudden sprain

Reducing your risk

There is a lot you can do to reduce the risk to your back from your job. Your employer should help you – they may be legally obliged to provide training and appropriate equipment for you or give you regular breaks. But it is also in their interests to keep their workforce healthy – it's estimated that each year in the UK 180 million working days are lost due to back problems, costing UK business millions of pounds.

One way to tackle the problem is to apply ergonomic principles to adapt the workplace to suit each specific worker, depending on what their job involves and what their physical make up is. Computer ergonomics, for example, will minimize the risk of repetitive injury, neck strain, lower back pain and leg pain.

Should you stop work? There's been a huge change in thinking in recent years about treating back pain. Bed rest, once widely recommended, is now to be avoided. It may be useful in certain cases for 24-48 hours but it can do more harm than good and most people are much better off carrying on with activities as far as possible, although avoiding anything too strenuous. The box below suggests what you should do when you first develop back pain. The aim is to avoid it becoming a chronic problem. The sooner you're active, the better you will feel and the less likely that you will need to keep taking painkillers. It may seem like an impossible struggle to get back to work but the longer you are off work the lower your chances of ever returning. Treating an acute back problem Take things easy but avoid bed rest if at all possible If the pain gets worse or you have unusual symptoms such as numbness, pins and needles, problems passing urine or pain down the leg, talk to your GP immediately Keep as mobile as possible, with gentle exercise (a stroll in the garden, a gentle swim) Take regular simple pain killers (paracetamol, ibuprofen etc). Use alternating hot and cold packs on your pack for 15 minutes each, several times a day Consider manipulation or other treatments from a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor Try to stay working or return to work as soon as possible, even if you still have some pain. If necessary talk to your employer about making temporary changes to your duties to help your recovery Keeping your back healthy Improve your general fitness and lose weight if you're overweight. Take regular exercise, especially to keep the muscles around the spine and abdomen strong and toned so that they act like a corset helping support the back while it does its work. Back Care has some suggestions. Wear comfortable clothes, with shoes that cushion your spine especially if you have to stand for long periods. Avoid high heels. Think about your working environment – is your desk layout or comfortable for your back, and does your chair support the natural S shape of your spine? Avoid getting locked into one prolonged static position. There's detailed advice to help get your workstation right at www.spine-health.com. Make sure you have regular breaks. You shouldn't stay seated in one position for too long and should get up and move around for at least 5-10 minutes every hour. Work on your posture: you might try the Alexander technique, a set of exercises which can be particularly helpful in reducing the risk of back problems. If your job involves lifting or moving heavy weights, your employer should teach you how to lift safely and provide lifting equipment where appropriate. TopTips Learn about your spine and how to look after it Check your working environment - could it be kinder to your back? If you develop a back problem, try to get back to work as soon as poss What is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)? Occupational overuse syndrome, work-related upper limb injury, and isometric contraction myopathy, are all phrases used to describe what is more commonly known as RSI. Overuse of the muscles of the hands, wrists, arms or shoulders on a repeated, and usually, daily basis, causes injury to these muscles. This results in inflammation that's never really given a chance to recover, since these everyday activities invariably continue. The computer keyboard and mouse are often blamed for RSI, but shouldn't be charged with sole responsibility. For a start, the body was never designed to sit hunched over a desk. Poorly positioned and organised workstations add to the problem. Let's not forget, the longer someone puts a strain on muscles by sitting incorrectly for far too long without taking a break, the more likely the body is to suffer the consequences. The change in our home life and activities also contributes. Computers are ever present, and young children and teenagers are at risk of developing RSI by repeated use of computer games, whether they are hand-held or played on the TV or computer. Tense muscles do not function correctly, which means that someone under stress is also much more likely to suffer muscle damage and subsequent RSI. Reducing your risk But RSI is not a new phenomenon. Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two common examples of other overuse syndromes. They have been around for a long time and you don't have to play tennis or golf either. Anyone who overuses their muscles in their arms and hands repeatedly may develop RSI. These can range from workers on factory assembly lines to musicians to dressmakers and cleaners. It's only since office work has become such a prominent part of everyday life that office work has fallen under the spotlight. Protect yourself Assess workstation and seating position Try a foam wrist support Stretch to warm up and warm down muscles Take a short break every 20 minutes Practise relaxation Identifying RSI It may be months, even years, before someone starts to experience the discomfort and pain of RSI. This is because it takes time for the repetitive damage to reach a level where it causes problems. It often starts with a slight ache every now, which people often ignore. As time passes and the damage continues, individuals may experience symptoms while performing the repeated activity, when typing for example. As the situation becomes more severe, pain may be felt most of the time, even with the slightest movement. One or both upper limbs may be affected. Many people also experience numbness and tingling. Sometimes, this and the pain mean that they find it difficult to hold objects, and often drop them. Treating RSI Someone is at risk of suffering with RSI if their job involves performing repetitive movements. This risk is increased if a person spends long periods of time, sitting on an uncomfortable seat or at a poorly arranged workstation without taking a break. Prevention is always better than cure, which is why it's important to ask your employer to assess and make sure your workstation and seating position are correct. It's amazing how a simple adaptation, such as using a foam support to rest the wrists on when typing, can make all the difference. These movements are similar to giving the muscles a workout. This means that just like with any exercise or sport, they need warming up beforehand, and to go through a warm down period afterwards. Try not to sit for longer than 20 minutes without taking a short break to stretch and relax. Stress makes matters worse, so relaxation techniques or yoga can be a good help. Gentle stretching exercises are all that's needed. Heat or cold packs; the natural anti-inflammatory arnica, which comes as a capsule or cream form; painkillers such as paracetamol; and anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen that comes in tablets, gels, and creams; can all relieve pain and discomfort. They are available from the pharmacist, as are elastic wrist support bandages that help too. When the situation deteriorates, stronger medicines may be needed from the doctor, who may also recommend acupuncture or firm wrist splints to help relieve the pain. Physiotherapy, osteopathy, or the Alexander technique, are also good for pain relief, and also encourage good posture. Possible treatments Heat or cold packs Arnica Painkillers Anti-inflammatory medicines Elastic wrist supports Acupuncture Firm wrist splints Physiotherapy Osteopathy Alexander technique What is Carpal Tunnel? In the wrist, there's a tunnel formed by the strong tissue through which the tendons of the hand and the median nerve pass. It's a tight squeeze, so anything that reduces the space in the tunnel, such as fluid or inflammation of the tendon coatings, exerts pressure on this nerve. When the nerve is compressed, people suffer discomfort, numbness, pins and needles, and sometimes, pain in the thumb, index, middle, and side of the ring finger, next to the middle finger. This is where the median nerve endings are distributed. Tingling often wakes sufferers up at night; when vigorously shaking the hands and arms is what brings relief. Men will also describe dropping things, or being clumsy with simple, but fiddly tasks, such as fitting a plug, for example. Reducing your risk Prevention is better than a cure, so avoidance of repetitive actions, and taking regular breaks from the activity is essential. If at a computer keyboard, use a suitable wrist support, and make sure the workstation is correctly positioned. Also, check the chair is at the right height. Anti-inflammatory medicines will relieve the symptoms, and often, experts will recommend the use of wrist splints. If this isn't improving the situation, then steroid injections, or a minor operation to release the nerve compression, is performed. Headaches at work Headaches are such a common problem that it's not surprising they often occur while people are at work. But there may be specific environmental reasons why some people suffer on the job. The scale of the problem Headaches can be hugely disruptive. More than 18 million working days are lost each year because of migraines, for example. This particularly debilitating type of headache can cause intense symptoms lasting up to three days and which are often so severe that concentration and co-ordination becomes difficult and it is simply impossible to carry on working. In severe cases, headaches can interfere with promotion and career prospects. Employers may worry the person simply isn't up to the stresses of the job while people who experience frequent headaches fear that they're letting their colleagues down by insisting on regular breaks or other conditions to avoid triggering a headache. What triggers headaches at work? All types of headaches, especially tension or stress-related headaches and migraine, are common in the workplace, probably because many similar trigger factors may be involved (see box below). In some types of headache, especially migraine, several trigger factors may add up until a threshold is passed and a headache results. Triggers of a headache at work Stress, worry, tension, anxiety etc about workload, deadlines, demands of job (or worrying about family at home) Disputes with colleagues or clients Uncomfortable working environment - heat, noise, dry or smoky atmosphere, poor lighting or uncomfortable desk/seating putting tension on spine and neck Prolonged use of VDU or computer (headaches are a feature of computer vision syndrome) Persisting at one task for hours or not taking a frequent break Not having had a proper breakfast, or missing lunch Not having had a good night's rest (this may be important in people doing shift work) Alcohol (a drink at lunchtime or a party the night before) Eye problems Most people hardly give a thought to the amazing work our eyes do to enable us to see, until things start to go wrong. It's often at work (or school) that people begin to realise they have a problem. Why do we get eye strain? That doesn't mean that work is harmful to your eyes (although it can be) but that work or school is where we most need to see well. One in three working people have visual defects that have never even been diagnosed We may be stressed, tired, trying to read tiny print or study tiny diagrams, and using our brains to think out problems fast, relying on all our senses. And so often these days, work also means sitting staring at a computer screen or VDU which puts extra demands on our eyes. Regular eye checks So looking after your eyes at work is vital. But many people don't even have regular sight tests. It's estimated that as many as one in three working people have visual defects (such as short or long sightedness) which have never even been diagnosed or have not been properly corrected. These problems may come to light when you do visually demanding work. Make sure you have your eyes tested at least once a year or more often if you have symptoms. You may be able to demand that your employer provides regular eye tests especially if you work at a VDU. Symptoms suggesting eye problems are: Problems seeing or reading Blurred vision Headaches Dizziness Pain in the eyes Watery or dry eyes Eye strain Even if your eyes are healthy, your job can put extra strain on your eyes or cause other eye-health problems. Eye strain means a sensation of tired eyes, which may be accompanied by increasing difficulty focussing or seeing, dryness, headache and general discomfort. Working at a computer screen or VDU greatly increases the risk of eye strain and may lead to computer vision syndrome. Tips to reduce eye strain Make sure that the environment that you work in is eye-friendly: Arrange your desk so that you are a comfortable distance from the screen with a good posture and hand control at the keyboard. Your eyes should be about level with the top of the screen Work from documents at an equal distance to your eyes as the screen so that you don't have to keep readjusting your focus. Use a vertical document holder attached to the side of your screen if it helps Adjust the monitor controls until the brightness of the screen feels comfortable Select a style and size of font (typeface) for your work which is most comfortable for your eyes to read - small fonts can actually causes rises in blood pressure and stress levels Make sure the contrast between light from the monitor and the room behind it is not too great, so that your eyes don't continually have to adjust between the two. Don't, for example, place your screen in front of a window or a very dark wall Light the screen from above or behind you with a table lamp. It's generally recommended that the background lighting level is about 300-500 lux Cover the monitor with an anti-glare device Control levels of humidity in the air (dry air attracts dust and irritates the eyes) by placing vases of flowers or damp plants, or misting the air (but not too near the computer!) Take frequent short breaks (5-10 min per hour) allowing your eyes to refocus on something distant While working swap frequently to tasks that don't involve the keyboard Risks of long-term harm Some studies suggest that working at a VDU may increase health risks. For example, there may be: An increased risk of seizure in those with photosensitive epilepsy An increased risk of developing cataracts Worsening of short-sightedness and less specific deterioration of eyesight However, the majority of the research doesn't show any permanent health effects so it is likely that if there are health risks from a VDU, the risks are very small.In some jobs there are clear risks to the eyes from injury by particles or chemicals in the environment. If you work, for example, at machinery or where chemicals are released into the environment (for example, in mining, petroleum & oil refineries, chemical manufacturing & handling or laboratories). Check with your health and safety officer about protecting your eyes. You can find out how much you know by taking a workplace eye safety quiz. Follow Prevent Blindness America's 10 top tips to prevent injury. Always wear safety goggles when these are recommended, or face shields. Goggles form a seal around the eyes and stop objects, shards or particles getting into the eye. If ventilation holes are partially covered, goggles will also stop chemicals from splashing into the eye. Prescription glasses are not a substitute for safety glasses unless they meet the appropriate safety standards, usually shown on the frames with a safety eye wear logo. Contact lenses offer no protection Always work with machine guards in place and following rules about working with chemicals Know where the eye-bath station is in your workplace and what should be done is someone has an eye injury or contamination. In some places there are specially designed eye-wash sinks. Alternatively there should be portable squeezy bottles containing eyewashes. Its important to wash the eyes for a prolonged period, at least 15 minutes when there has been contact with caustic chemicals First aid for eyes First assess the situation quickly and get someone to close down all risks such as machinery, or move others from a contaminated area. Cuts to the eye Don't wash the eye or try to remove anything stuck in the eye Shield the eye with a plastic cup Get urgent medical advice Dirt or tiny particles in the eye: Use an eye bath to wash the eye copiously and flush out the particles Don't rub the eye Get medical advice if pain or particles persist Chemical contamination Flush the eye with an eye bath solution (or water if eye solution is not to hand) for at least 15 minutes and at least until you have had medical advice about the particular chemical Get urgent medical advice Trauma to the eye: Gently apply a cold pack to the area around the eye but don't put pressure on the eye itself Get urgent medical advice, especially if there is pain, visual problems or blood or pus in the eye Insomnia and shift work Sick building syndrome (SBS) describes a situation whereby people experience symptoms of ill health that seem to be linked to spending time in a building - but where no specific cause can be identified. What are the symptoms? Some of the symptoms associated with SBS include: headaches, eye, nose or throat irritation, skin irritation, coughs, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. The symptoms rapidly improve after leaving the building. Although the cause is unknown, there are several common theories surrounding the syndrome. These include: What can be done? The predominant culprit in most buildings is thought to be the flow of air. If this can be improved then SBS symptoms may disappear. Specific pollutants should be identified and then removed or altered to minimize the effect. If you suspect your place of work is making you ill try and keep a diary of your symptoms. Do you feel better when you leave the building? Are there any changes you can make to your work environment? These might include:

DISABILITY INCOME PLAN

Could you continue to pay your bills if you were unable to work for any length of time because of illness or injury? If you were to become disabled, do you know how much money would be coming in each month and from what sources?

Some people can rely on disability benefits from their employers and/or the government. But, for a great many people, income stops when work stops. Individual disability income insurance is designed to replace income when illness or injury stands in the way of earning a living.

This booklet explains the various sources of disability income, what disability income insurance is, and what it covers. It includes a work sheet you can use to evaluate personal sources of disability income, as well as a checklist of policy features you can use to compare disability income insurance policies. With this information, you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether you need individual disability income insurance and, if so, what features are most important to you.
What Is Disability Insurance?

Disability income insurance provides you with an income should you become sick or injured and unable to work. It helps protect against family financial catastrophe by giving you an income to meet daily expenses.

Disability income insurance comes in two major forms:

• A variety of employer-paid and government sponsored programs, generally cost-free to the recipient, covering certain categories of workers.
• Private policies (paid for by individuals) that protect income when there are no applicable employer or government programs or when those programs do not adequately meet income needs.

As with all insurance, disability income insurance operates on the principle that many people pool small sums of money to benefit those who need help. The beneficiaries are people who need adequate income should they become disabled.
What About Social Security Disability Benefits?

Most salaried workers in the United States participate in the federal government's Social Security program. Social Security is best known for its retirement benefits. But the Social Security Administration also administers disability benefits. In 1992, 2.4 billion dollars in Social Security disability payments were sent to 4.8 million Americans.

Your salary and the number of years you have been covered under Social Security determine how much you can receive. In 1992, the average monthly payment for a disabled worker was $642; the average monthly payment for a family consisting of a disabled worker, spouse, and one or more children was $1093.

Here are some important points to remember:

• Eligibility is based on being unable to perform any gainful employment, not just the job you were performing at the time the disability began.
• You are eligible for benefits after you have been disabled for 5 months and if the disability is expected to last 12 months. Claim processing may take up to 3 months, so file as soon as possible.
• Social Security payments may be reduced by disability entitlements under other government programs. Why? Because total combined payments under Social Security, workers' compensation, civil service, and military programs generally cannot exceed 80 percent of average predisability earnings. A government pension also may reduce Social Security disability payments.
• After 24 months of benefits, recipients qualify for Medicare. If you want the medical insurance portion of Medicare, in addition to hospital coverage, you must enroll and pay a monthly premium.
• Social Security disability payments are subject to federal income tax if your adjusted gross income plus any nontaxable interest income and half of you Social Security benefits exceed a total of $25,000 (if you file tax returns individually) or $32,000 (if you file jointly). For taxable years 1994 on, up to 85 percent of Social Security disability payments are subject to federal income tax if the total--as calculated above--exceeds $34,000 (individually) or $44,000 (jointly).
• Social Security disability payments can be an important part of you income should you suffer a disabling illness or injury. Contact your local Social Security office for an estimate of the disability benefits to which you would be entitled.

Are You Eligible For Other Disability Income?

There are many other potential sources of income if you become disabled:

• Workers' compensation benefits, if you suffer an accident at work or an illness that results from your employment.
• Veterans Administration pension disability benefits, for eligible veterans.
• Civil service disability pay, for federal or state government workers.
• Black lung program for miners.
• State vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Group union disability coverage.
• Automobile insurance, if disability results from an auto accident.
• Private insurance, such as credit disability insurance, that makes monthly loan payments when you are disabled.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for persons with low income and limited assets.
• Medicaid, also for persons with low income and limited assets.

The availability and extent of these and other programs vary widely in different locations. But, because one or more may be an important source of income should you become disabled, it's important to determine whether you are eligible. If you are, you should also find out how long benefits will be paid. And, of course, your own resources--the savings you've put aside over the years--are another valuable source of income.
How Much Disability Income Will You Need?

Add up all the benefits you are entitled to under the public and private programs mentioned, along with the monthly income you could count on from other sources such as your savings. If the total approaches your required income after taxes, you can assume that, should total disability strike, you would be able to pay your day-to-day bills while recuperating. You must remember that eligibility for Social Security disability benefits are contingent upon your disability being expected to last for at least 12 months. If the total from employer benefits, Social Security, and other programs along with your own resources will not be close to your pre-disability, after-tax income and will not be adequate to support your family, you will want to consider buying additional disability insurance to make up the difference.

The amount of long-term disability you may receive through your employer's group plan or your personal insurance benefits may be reduced by the amount of Social Security or other government benefits that may be paid.

A special note for employers

If you are your own employer, consider a group policy for you and your employees. If you are a sole practitioner, or if you work for a business that does not provide benefits under a group policy, an individual policy is a good idea. After all, if you do not receive benefits, your entire business may suffer.

An agent can be helpful
Whether you are an employee or an employer, your insurance agent can help analyze your sources of disability income, determine waiting periods for various benefits, and determine whether additional coverage would be wise.

What Should You Look For In A Disability Policy?

If you find that you need an individual disability policy over and above any other income protection you may have, here's what you need to know:

Definition of disability
Policies vary. Some pay benefits if you are unable to perform the duties of your customary occupation, others only if you can engage in no gainful employment at all. Be sure to ask your insurance agent how various policies define disability.

Extent of disability
Some older policies require that you be totally disabled before payments begin. Partial disability sometimes is covered for a limited time but most often only if the partial disability follows a period of total disability for the same cause. Some policies may not require total disability before partial disability payment.

"Residual" benefits
If you are able to work but your income is reduced because you cannot fulfill all of your job responsibilities, residual benefits can help to make up the difference in your income. A standard feature in some policies (added with a rider to others), a residual benefit allows partial payment based on your loss of income without prior total disability.

Presumptive disability
Even if you can still perform some or all of your regular job, you are presumed fully disabled and are entitled to full benefits under specified conditions. Those conditions typically include loss of sight, speech, hearing, or use of limbs.

Size of benefits
Monthly benefits are calculated in terms of stable, earned income at the time of purchase. Most insurers, not wanting to provide benefits so sizable that they would encourage workers to remain at home, limit benefits from all sources to no more than 70 to 80 percent of monthly income. Lower-paid workers can expect to receive more of their predisability incomes while higher-paid workers generally receive less.

When the payments begin
Today's policies allow you to decide when benefit payments begin. You can choose a waiting period at the time of application; these range anywhere from the 31st day to six months or more after the onset of the disability. Depending on how much money you have saved, and your other resources, you can reduce your premiums by electing to wait 60 days, 90 days, or even six months before you start to receive benefit payments. Remember, though, that the first check is usually not paid until 30 days after the waiting period.

Length of coverage
By choosing a benefit term, you will elect benefits that are payable for one year, two years, five years, to age 65, or for a lifetime. Since disability benefits are designed to replace earned income, most people do not need benefits extending beyond the working years. Electing shorter benefit periods can save premium dollars, but bear in mind that if you need this insurance at all, you probably need it most to cover a disability that permanently removes you from the work force. A lengthy disability threatens your financial security much more than a short term disability.

Keeping pace with inflation
For an additional premium, you can add a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to basic disability income coverage. This provision increases benefit payouts by a specified percentage, generally 4 to 10 percent, after each year of disability and can be important particularly during a lengthy period of total disability. While this is a relatively expensive option, it could be vital to maintaining your standard of living.

Most policies include a waiver of premium provision, so that you don't have to pay any more premiums after you're disabled for 90 days. Some policies offer the opportunity to buy additional disability coverage to keep pace with a rising income, without having to pass a medical examination or to submit further medical evidence of insurability.

What Kind Of Business Protection Is Available In The Event Of Disability?

Income replacement insurance is particularly important if you own a small business. In addition to standard disability policies, some polices have such special features as:

• Recovery benefits that pay after you return to work full time, during the period in which you are reestablishing a customer or client base.
• Overhead expense coverage that pays for certain office expenses, over and above the disability benefits that replace personal income.
• For jointly owned businesses, a disability buy-out policy disburses funds for one partner, or the business entity, to buy a disabled partner's share of the business.
• Key-person insurance, which protects a firm against the loss of income resulting from the disability of a key employee.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Many people who thoughtfully protect their families against the loss of income from a breadwinner's death fail to think about what would happen if that breadwinner were unable to earn a living because of a disability. In fact, long-term disability may worsen a family's financial situation more than a wage earner's death because income stops, but expenses continue.

Consider Bob and Ann Jackson. Bob and Ann, who live in a Midwestern city, are parents of a 6-year-old girl. Bob, 31, earns $32,000 selling computers. His monthly take-home pay is $1,994. After staying home several years to care for their daughter, Ann is now a part-time saleswoman in a local boutique. She brings home $338 a month.

Life is uneventful for the Jacksons, until Bob becomes so ill that he can no longer work. Suddenly there is a dramatic reduction inn the Jacksons' income. Because they live in a rental apartment, they have no mortgage disability insurance to cover basic housing costs. Bob isn't eligible for Social Security disability. (To be eligible, Bob would have to demonstrate that he is unable to engage in any gainful work that exists in the national economy, regardless of whether such a job exists in the area in which he and Ann live.) Bob has no prior military or civil service that might qualify him for other government disability programs. He does not qualify for workers' compensation benefits because his illness is not job-related.

The specifics of what happens next depend greatly on whether or not Bob's employer offers group disability benefits, whether these benefits are short term (STD) or long-term (LTD), whether the policy includes a cost-of-living adjustment, and how the group policy defines disability.

If Bob's employer does provide Group LTD, Bob would be entitled to benefits under his employer's policy--probably 60 percent of his gross salary, or $1,600 a month. Of this amount, he would have to pay $193 in federal income taxes and $100 in state income taxes. To continue his family's group medical policy, he will have to pay the portion of his health insurance premium that was previously paid by his employer. Under this scenario, the Jacksons' monthly income (including Ann's current salary) would be almost 30 percent less than their former income. Will this be adequate or not? The Jacksons may save money with Bob staying at home (he is no longer commuting to work, for example), and Ann may adjust to the situation by becoming the principal wage earner. Thus, the employer-provided group disability policy may well be enough.

However, not all employers provide disability benefits. What if Bob is employed by a small firm that has no group disability benefits at all? Or what if the Jackson's situation is such that they need more than they would get under the group policy? Under such circumstances, an individual disability income insurance policy might be just the right answer.
How Do You Find Out If You Have Enough Protection?

First, find out exactly what benefits your employer offers in the event of a disabling illness or injury. Most employers allow some short-term sick leave, which might last from a few days to as much as six months, depending both on employer policy and on duration of employment. In some states (for example, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island), state law requires most employers to provide disability benefits for up to 26 weeks. In California, most employers must provide coverage for up to 52 weeks.

No laws require employers to offer long-term disability (LTD) insurance but it is estimated that almost half of mid-size to large employers provide long-term benefits for at least five years. Typical group long-term disability benefits replace about 60 percent of salary, start when short-term benefits are exhausted, and continue anywhere from five years to life. Often, group long-term insurance is fully paid for by employers without contributions by employees. (That's why employer-paid disability income benefits are subject to income tax.)

Check with your employer's benefits office to see if you are covered and, if so, what is available to you. Find out how long you must wait before benefits begin and how long payments will continue during your disability. Find out, too, whether your employer's plan takes other disability coverage (such as government programs) into account when calculating your long-term disability pay. Ask for a booklet describing the disability coverage your company offers.

CHOOSING A HEALTH PLAN

Health care in America is changing rapidly. Twenty–five years ago, most people in the United States had indemnity insurance coverage. A person with indemnity insurance could go to any doctor, hospital, or other provider (which would bill for each service given), and the insurance and the patient would each pay part of the bill.
What Are My Health Plan Choices?

Choosing between health plans is not as easy as it once was. Although there is no one "best" plan, there are some plans that will be better than others for you and your family's health needs. Plans differ, both in how much you have to pay and how easy it is to get the services you need. Although no plan will pay for all the costs associated with your medical care, some plans will cover more than others. Almost all plans today have ways to reduce unnecessary use of health care–and keep down the costs of health care, too. This may affect how easily you get the care you want, but should not affect how easily you get the care you need.

Plans change from year to year, so you should carefully consider each plan, using the questions outlined in this booklet. If you get health insurance where you work, you should start with your employee benefits office. Its staff should be able to tell you what is covered under the plans available. You can also call plans directly to ask questions.

Health insurance plans are usually described as either indemnity (fee–for–service) or managed care. These types of plans differ in important ways that are described below. With any health plan, however, there is a basic premium, which is how much you or your employer pay, usually monthly, to buy health insurance coverage. In addition, there are often other payments you must make, which will vary by plan. In considering any plan, you should try to figure out its total cost to you and your family, especially if someone in the family has a chronic or serious health condition.

Indemnity and managed care plans differ in their basic approach. Put broadly, the major differences concern choice of providers, out–of–pocket costs for covered services, and how bills are paid. Usually, indemnity plans offer more choice of doctors (including specialists, such as cardiologists and surgeons), hospitals, and other health care providers than managed care plans. Indemnity plans pay their share of the costs of a service only after they receive a bill.

Managed care plans have agreements with certain doctors, hospitals, and health care providers to give a range of services to plan members at reduced cost. In general, you will have less paperwork and lower out–of–pocket costs if you select a managed care type plan and a broader choice of health care providers if you select an indemnity–type plan.

Over time, the distinctions between these kinds of plans have begun to blur as health plans compete for your business. Some indemnity plans offer managed care–type options, and some managed care plans offer members the opportunity to use providers who are "outside" the plan. This makes it even more important for you to understand how your health plan works.

Besides indemnity plans, there are basically three types of managed care plans: PPOs, HMOs, and POS plans.
Where Do I Get These Health Plans?

Group Policies

You may be able to get group health coverage–either indemnity or managed care–through your job or the job of a family member.

Many employers allow you to join or change health plans once a year during open enrollment. But once you choose a plan, you must keep it for a year. Discuss choices and limits with your employee benefits office.

Individual Policies

If you are self–employed or if your company does not offer group policies, you may need to buy individual health insurance. Individual policies cost more than group policies.

Some organizations–such as unions, professional associations, or social or civic groups–offer health plans for members. You may want to talk to an insurance broker, who can tell you more about the indemnity and managed care plans that are available for individuals. Some States also provide insurance for very small groups or the self–employed.

Medicare

Americans age 65 or older and people with certain disabilities can be covered under Medicare, a Federal health insurance program.

In many parts of the country, people covered under Medicare now have a choice between managed care and indemnity plans. They also can switch their plans for any reason. However, they must officially tell the plan or the local Social Security Office, and the change may not take effect for up to 30 days. Call your local Social Security office or the State office on aging to find out what is available in your area.

Medicaid

Medicaid covers some low–income people (especially children and pregnant women), and disabled people. Medicaid is a joint Federal–State health insurance program that is run by the States.

In some cases, States require people covered under Medicaid to join managed care plans. Insurance plans and State regulations differ, so check with your State Medicaid office to learn more.

Pre–Existing Conditions

A pre–existing condition is a medical condition diagnosed or treated before joining a new plan. In the past, health care given for a pre–existing condition often has not been covered for someone who joins a new plan until after a waiting period. However, a new law–called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–changes the rules.

Under the law, most of which goes into effect on July 1, 1997, a pre–existing condition will be covered without a waiting period when you join a new group plan if you have been insured the previous 12 months. This means that if you remain insured for 12 months or more, you will be able to go from one job to another, and your pre–existing condition will be covered–without additional waiting periods–even if you have a chronic illness.

If you have a pre–existing condition and have not been insured the previous 12 months before joining a new plan, the longest you will have to wait before you are covered for that condition is 12 months.

To find out how this new law affects you, check with either your employer benefits office or your health plan.

What Plan Benefits Are Offered?

Most plans provide basic medical coverage, but the details are what counts. The best plan for someone else may not be the best plan for you. For each plan you are considering, find out how it handles:

• Physical exams and health screenings.
• Care by specialists.
• Hospitalization and emergency care.
• Prescription drugs.
• Vision care.
• Dental services.

Also ask about:

• Care and counseling for mental health.
• Services for drug and alcohol abuse.
• Obstetrical-gynecological care and family planning services.
• Ongoing care for chronic (long-term) diseases, conditions, or disabilities.
• Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care.
• Home health, nursing home, and hospice care.
• Chiropractic or alternative health care, such as acupuncture.
• Experimental treatments.

Some plans offer members health education and preventive care, but services differ. Ask questions such as:

• What preventive care is offered, such as shots for children?
• What health screenings are given, such as breast exams and Pap smears for women?
• Does the plan help people who want to quit smoking?

What Is Most Important to Me in a Plan?

In choosing a plan, you have to decide what is most important to you. All plans have tradeoffs. Ask yourself these questions:

• How comprehensive do I want coverage of health care services to be?
• How do I feel about limits on my choice of doctors or hospitals?
• How do I feel about a primary care doctor referring me to specialists for additional care?
• How convenient does my care need to be?
• How important is the cost of services?
• How much am I willing to spend on premiums and other health care costs?
• How do I feel about keeping receipts and filing claims?

You might also want to think about whether the services a plan offers meet your needs. Call the plan for details about coverage if you have questions. Consider:

• Life changes you may be thinking about, such as starting a family or retiring.
• Chronic health conditions or disabilities that you or family members have.
• If you or anyone in your family will need care for the elderly.
• Care for family members who travel a lot, attend college, or spend time at two homes.

How Do I Compare Health Plans?

After you review what benefits are available and decide what is important to you, you can compare plans. Many things should be considered. These include services offered, choice of providers, location, and costs. The quality of care is also a factor to think about.

Services

Look at the services offered by each plan. What services are limited or not covered? Is there a good match between what is provided and what you think you will need? For example, if you have a chronic disease, is there a special program for that illness? Will the plan provide the medicines and equipment you may need?

Find out what types of care or services the plan won't pay for. These usually are called exclusions.

Few indemnity and managed care plans cover treatments that are experimental. Ask how the plan decides what is or is not experimental. Find out what you can do if you disagree with a plan's decision on medical care or coverage.

Choice

What doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers are part of the plan? Are there enough of the kinds of doctors you want to see? Do you need to choose a primary care doctor? If you want to see a specialist, can you refer yourself or must your primary care doctor refer you? Do you need approval from the plan before going into the hospital or getting specialty care?

Location

Where will you go for care? Are these places near where you work or live? How does the plan handle care when you are away from home?

Costs

No health insurance plan will cover every expense. To get a true idea of what your costs will be under each plan, you need to look at how much you will pay for your premium and other costs.

• Are there deductibles you must pay before the insurance begins to help cover your costs?
• After you have met your deductible, what part of your costs are paid by the plan?
• Does this amount vary by the type of service, doctor, or health facility used?
• Are there copayments you must pay for certain services, such as doctor visits?
• If you use doctors outside a plan's network, how much more will you pay to get care?
• If a plan does not cover certain services or care that you think you will need, how much will you have to pay?
• Are there any limits to how much you must pay in case of major illness?
• Is there a limit on how much the plan will pay for your care in a year or over a lifetime? A single hospital stay for a serious condition could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You can't know in advance what your health care needs for the coming year will be. But you can guess what services you and your family might need. Figure out what the total costs to your family would be for these services under each plan


But today, more than half of all Americans who have health insurance are enrolled in some kind of managed care plan, an organized way of both providing services and paying for them. Different types of managed care plans work differently and include preferred provider organizations (PPOs), health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and point–of–service (POS) plans.

You've probably heard these terms before. But what do they mean, and what are the differences between them? And what do these differences mean to you?
How Do I Find Out About Quality?

Quality is hard to measure, but more and more information is becoming available. There are certain things you can look for and questions you can ask. Whatever kind of plan you are considering, you can check out individual doctors and hospitals.

Many managed care plans are regulated by Federal and State agencies. Indemnity plans are regulated by State insurance commissions. Your State Department of Health or insurance commission can tell you about any plan you are interested in.

You can also find out if the managed care plan you are interested in has been "accredited," meaning that it meets certain standards of independent organizations. Some States require accreditation if plans serve special groups, such as people in Medicaid. Some employers will only contract with plans that are accredited.

Several national organizations review and accredit plans and institutions. You can contact these organizations to see if a plan you are considering, or an institution in the plan, is accredited.

Another approach is to ask the plan how it ensures good medical care. Does the plan review the qualifications of doctors before they are added to the plan? Plans are supposed to review the care that is given by their doctors and hospitals. How does the plan review its own services, and has it made changes to correct problems? How does the plan resolve member complaints?

Some managed care plans survey members about their health care experiences. Ask the plan for a report of the survey results.

Some plans and independent organizations are also beginning to produce "report cards." These reports often include satisfaction survey results and other information on quality, such as if a plan provides preventive care (for example, shots for children and Pap smears for women) or if the plan follows up on test results. Report cards may also include information on how many members stay in or leave the plan, how many of the plan's doctors are board certified, or how long you may have to wait for an appointment.

Report cards can only give you an idea of how a plan works and may not give a full picture of a plan's quality. Ask plans if their activities have been reported in report cards developed by outside groups (business or consumer organizations).

Also keep any eye out for magazine articles that rate health plans.

Finally, you can talk to current members of the plan. Ask how they feel about their experiences, such as waiting times for appointments, the helpfulness of medical staff, the services offered, and the care received. If there are programs for your particular condition, how are the patients in it doing?

This site will help to to learn everything you need to know about insurances and financing.All you need to do is to lay back and browse the categories and tipes of insurances you need....Hope my blog can help you understand the true meaning of insurance and financig..
Best Regards.....Alexandar

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Retirement Planning
Deciding how much money you need for retirement is a highly personal calculation. It depends on any number of factors, from your current lifestyle to your general state of health to whether you plan to retire early. That's why we've designed this set of five interactive worksheets to let you tailor your estimate to your own circumstances. Be forewarned: These worksheets will take some time to complete. But when you're done, you'll have a dependable estimate of

• How much annual retirement income you'll need.
• How much you can count on from your pension and Social Security benefits.
• What your total nest egg must be, and
• How much you need to put away this year to begin to reach that goal.

Seven Savings Strategies
Need help getting started saving for retirement or other goals?

• Don’t splurge with your tax refund. About 40 million American taxpayers receive a federal tax refund, with the average around $2,400. The temptation is everywhere -- witness the instant loans being advertised by tax preparers -- to grab the money now and spend it. Instead, take it as an opportunity to use it wisely -- to save it or pay down debt.
  
  
• Take full advantage of your employer’s retirement contributions. Many of us work for companies that offer a free match to our contributions -- in most cases about 50 cents to every dollar we put in, up to a certain percentage. This is free money. That’s worth repeating. It’s free money. It’s a good idea to take it.
  
  
• Start small and stay steady. The most important word there is "start" -- as young as you can, with whatever you can. Simply starting a savings plan enables time to work for you rather than against you. Many of our customers’ success stories began their first chapters just by turning spending into saving -- setting aside the coins that used to buy that daily jelly doughnut.
  
  
• Pay yourself first. Few among us have the sustained determination to month-in, month-out choose the important over the urgent. That’s why the best plans start with "taking money off the table" -- that is, automatically depositing funds into our savings accounts right from our paychecks, before we can touch it.
  
  
• Create separate pots of savings for upcoming life-stages. For all the people who jeopardize their retirement by focusing only on the next big financial challenge, there are more who put too much emphasis on retirement at the expense of other needs that require just as much preparation, if not more. Don’t forget to set aside savings for other big expenses, like buying a home, paying for college, unexpected emergencies, your daughter’s wedding, etc.
  
  
• Find the right education plan, for those with children. There are lots of different savings options and college savings plans differ, depending on which state you live in. None of them are "one size fits all." You need to determine what makes sense for you and your situation. Which brings us to the seventh, final, and in our view most important point…
  
  
• ...Work with someone you know and trust. Successful savings plans can’t be mass-produced, and they can’t be put on autopilot. Financial issues are complicated and risky -- It pays to work with a professional who knows what they’re talking about, and who also knows you and will stay with you over the long haul and through the ups and downs of your household.

What is a Rollover?
A rollover occurs when you move your money from a qualified retirement plan, such as an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, into a Traditional IRA or another qualified retirement plan. Typically, you are eligible for a rollover only under the following circumstances:

• Retiring. You’ve been saving for years and years...and now it’s finally time to enjoy your hard-earned savings. Many people find that consolidating their retirement assets into a Traditional IRA makes it easier to manage and monitor their money.
• Changing jobs. When people change jobs, they often have money in a qualified retirement plan sponsored by their employer. A rollover lets them move this money into a Traditional IRA of their own choosing.
• Between jobs or switching careers. Perhaps you’re taking advantage of opportunities to explore a new profession. Or maybe you’re simply spending time away from the work force to raise a family or go back to school. Whatever your situation, you may wish to simplify your finances by transferring the money from a previous employer’s plan to a Traditional IRA.

Why should you consider a Rollover?

• Compare your options
• Expand your investment selection. The wide range of choices for a Traditional IRA, for example, provides investment flexibility to diversify your financial approach.
• Adapt to new circumstances. A rollover is one way to adjust your investment mix to reflect changes in your investment goals, time frame, or performance expectations. And there is no limit to the amount of money that may be rolled into a qualified retirement account.
• Stay open to future possibilities. With a rollover, you may retain the option of moving your money into a future employer’s qualified retirement plan.
• One provider for multiple financial solutions. A rollover lets you consolidate your savings with your agent, so you can continue working with someone who’s already familiar with your needs.
• Consolidate and manage your retirement assets. The more accounts you have, the more difficult it is to keep track of your money. Consolidating your assets into a single traditional IRA can make it simpler to track balances and monitor your withdrawals.

Potential Tax Benefits

• No current income tax. With a rollover, you don't have to immediately pay federal income tax on the amount you've rolled over.
• No tax on earnings. Your money can potentially grow tax-deferred until you begin to make withdrawals from your account. No tax withholding. You'll avoid the 20% federal withholding for federal income taxes, so the entire balance of your account continues to work for you.*
• No penalty tax. Your rollover isn't considered a taxable distribution, so it doesn't trigger the 10% penalty tax for early withdrawals made prior to age 59 1/2.

Estate planning
Concepts included on this site dealing with federal estate tax issues may not be the most acceptable or best solutions to your situation. You should consult your attorney for advice on your particular situation.

On June 7, 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act was signed by President Bush, bringing many changes over the next decade. Effective January 1, 2002, federal estate taxes will be steadily reduced and eventually abolished in 2010. Without further congressional action, however, the law as it existed in 2001 comes back into effect for 2011 and thereafter.

Estate Planning involves developing a "plan" that will accomplish the goals and objectives of an estate owner while living and at death. These goals and objectives could include:

• Providing cash payment of estate expenses including federal estate tax.
• Providing income to family members after the estate owner's death.
• Providing for the disposition of a business at death.
• Distributing assets to family members and other heirs with the least amount of shrinkage possible.

It is an ongoing process that involves the creation, conservation, and distribution of property. The "plan" could be as simple as having a will or could require the use of life insurance, trusts, business continuation plans, or charitable arrangements.

The components of an individual retirement plan
You will have three potential income sources in retirement.

• Social Security
• Employer-sponsored retirement plans
• Personal savings

Which of these sources of income will you count on during your retirement?

How much money you will have at retirement is determined by how much you save, how long you save it and the rate of return you receive.

It's a good idea to start thinking now about where your retirement income might come from. Knowing where you are will help you plan accordingly for a comfortable retirement. Contact your financial representative to help you develop your personal retirement plan.
Finding solutions for your retirement gap
To get a more accurate idea of what your gap in retirement funds may be, talk with your financial representative as soon as possible. They will help you:

• Verify your actual Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration.
• Estimate what your present retirement funding vehicles will be worth at retirement, assuming various rates of interest.
• Develop a computerized retirement analysis, employing inflation factors and other sophisticated calculations to help forecast your estimated retirement income needs.
• Set up a plan designed to achieve your retirement goals within your current means.
• Update your retirement plan annually to reflect any changes in your objectives or present situation.

Remember: The quality of your retirement tomorrow will depend on the quality of your planning today.