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May 22, 2014September 8, 2016

Understanding Your Disability Insurance Options

The majority of people in the workforce never even consider the fact that they may become temporarily or permanently disabled. As a matter of fact, it should be something that people give some thought to. People think about life insurance and how their family will survive financially if they were to die unexpectedly. People are diagnosed with illnesses and are injured every day; if you read a newspaper or turn on the TV you already know this. So, maybe it is time to think about what would happen to you and your family, if you were injured or became ill.

According to the Council for Disability Awareness (CDA), the majority of the workforce has to depend on using their vacation and sick time they have accrued. Eventually, and in some cases quickly, you will be out of paid time off. What are you going to do when the money runs out?

That’s were disability insurance comes in, let’s take a closer look at the different types of disability insurance.

Workers Compensation

If you are injured on the job, you will qualify for workers compensation. Which will pay you 2/3 of your normal salary every two weeks; it will also cover all of your medical care. Workers compensation is required by law – every employer must have a workers comp policy on every employee. However, 2/3 of your paycheck is not the same as a full paycheck and will most likely cause financial hardship. Therefore, investing in private disability insurance is a good idea.

Private Disability Programs

Often times, an employer will offer short and long term disability insurance for a premium. If they do not, then you must find your own.

Short Term Disability Insurance

Short term disability policies are intended to provide coverage for a limited time period. The waiting period for payment is quick, usually within two weeks. You have to decide the length of time you may need short term disability insurance payments. You can choose between a month and up to a year. For example one month, two months etc… The longer the timeframe of the policy the higher the premiums will be. However, you should not let the amount of the premium discourage you from purchasing a policy because if you ever need it, it will have been worth every dime!

Long Term Disability Insurance

Long term disability policies are intended to provide coverage for a longer period of time (anywhere from one year to the rest of your life.) The waiting period is much longer; the average timeframe is 3 months although it could be up to 2 years. That is why having both a short term disability policy (up to one year) and a long term disability policy is a good idea. In the event it takes a long time for you to start receiving your payments from the long term disability you will have been receiving payments, so a short interruption in payments will not be as hard on your bank account. Long term disability policies pay benefits until the maximum dollar benefit has been reached or the specific timeframe that was chosen is reached.

Public Disability Insurance Programs

In the United States there are two types of public disability programs, Social Security Disability and Veteran’s Disability. Both of these public disability programs are backed by the government. In addition, the Social Security Disability program can be difficult to get approval for and in most cases the person will need an attorney.

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)

According to the Social Security Administration, almost 11 million people receive a SSDI payment every month. This government funded program offers both temporary and permanent benefits.

Veterans Disability Benefits

Disability benefits offered to veterans are easier to get approved for than Social Security benefits. The requirements for a veteran to receive benefits are to have been injured or diagnosed with an illness caused during their active military service. To inquiry about Veterans Disability benefits you can file a claim through your local Veterans Administration.

Understanding disability benefits can be a challenge, for more information on the types of disability insurance in California please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance, located in Redlands.

May 7, 2014September 8, 2016

When Can I Sign Up for Medicare Part A and Part B?

Of all the government assistance programs out there, people tend to have the most questions about Medicare. It’s true that this government-run health insurance plan can be confusing, because it is so detailed. However, if you just know a few basics about it, it will make learning the rest so much easier.

First of all, you become eligible for Medicare at age 65, regardless of whether or not you are still working or have retired. You can use it in conjunction with your employer-sponsored health insurance while you’re still working, or if you’re able to retain that insurance after you retire. Medicare then acts like a backup insurance plan to cover the things your primary insurance doesn’t cover, such as co-pays. You can also get Medicare if you are legally disabled, regardless of your age.

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you are automatically signed up for Part A. Part A covers hospitalization and all the expenses involved with a hospital trip or stay. Part A is free. You have the option of signing up for Part B when you enroll in Part A, though it’s not required. Part B covers doctor visits, lab work, and any medical work outside of a hospital, except prescriptions. You have to pay a small monthly premium for Part B.

If you don’t sign up for Part B when you first get Medicare, you have the option of signing up for it during the open enrollment period each year. However, the longer you wait, the higher your premium will be, so it’s best to get it right away. Another important thing to remember is that if you’re legally disabled and getting disability payments from the government, you must wait two years after becoming legally disabled before you become eligible for Medicare.

For more information about Medicare in California, please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services in Redlands!

May 2, 2014September 8, 2016

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

With the arrival of spring, almost everyone wants to head outside for fun. However, most people do not protect themselves from the sun and thus get skin cancer. The bad news is that 3.5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. The good news is that skin cancer prevention is easy. Here are tips from the Skin Cancer foundation.

Cover Up Before Going Out

Wear wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves in light fabrics when spending long times in the sun. If it’s impractical to wear long sleeves, then use sunscreen. Remember to use 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to help protect your entire body.

Check Your Skin Every Month

Take a few minutes every month to check your skin for strange colorations, new moles or red patches that will not go away. Remember to check in between fingers and toes, behind the ears and under your armpits. Women should lift their breasts to see under them for any strange lumps or bumps.

You can help to prevent skin cancer but you can’t protect yourself from everything. If you live in California and want to know how insurance can help protect you and your family, please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services located in Redlands.

April 28, 2014September 8, 2016

Medicare Part C: Five Facts You Should Know

Considering Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans? Here are few factors that could help you make a sound decision:

1. Medicare Supplement plans do not replace the government Medicare programs. Supplement plans, also known as Part C plans, cover additional benefits not covered by Medicare Parts A & B.

2. Part C plans do not cover prescription drugs. You need a Medicare Part D plan, usually sold separately, to gain prescription benefits.

3. Although you may have heard otherwise, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has not eliminated Part C plans. The new health law does affect how insurers are reimbursed, which could lead some plans to change or eliminate some services.

4. Every Medicare Supplement insurer offers the same standard benefits. You should choose a plan based on its reputation, customer service and cost.

5. Medicare Supplement Insurance has an Open Enrollment window. The first takes place within three months before or after you turn 65. If you change your mind about having Medicare Supplement Insurance after that, you can add coverage or go back to standard Medicare during an annual Open Enrollment window.

Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services can help you review your options and decide what kind of Medicare coverage works for you. To learn more or make an appointment, contact us.

April 23, 2014September 8, 2016

Are You Eligible for Medicare?

Medicare offers older Americans many health benefits to offset the high cost of medical care. The following guidelines can help you determine if you qualify for what Medicare has to offer.

Individuals age 65 or over qualify for Medicare if:

They are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents and
They or their spouse are eligible for Social Security benefits, even if they’re not receiving them yet. (Applicants must have earned at least 40 credits for approximately 10 years of employment)
They are government employees or retirees who have paid Medicare taxes during employment
Applicants can qualify on their spouse’s employment record if their spouse is 62 and they are 65 or older. This includes a divorced spouse or one who is deceased. Individuals qualifying for Medicare through same sex marriages must live in a state that recognizes this status.

Individuals under 65 qualify for Medicare if:

They have been receiving SS disability benefits for 2 years or receive disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board
They have Lou Gehrig’s disease
They suffer from kidney failure and have paid SS taxes for a specific time period.

For more information on Medicare eligibility as a health insurance option in California, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services located in Redlands, CA.

April 18, 2014September 8, 2016

Qualify for Special Enrollment Periods

If you missed the health insurance deadline on March 31, you may still qualify for one of the Special Enrollment Periods to access the Healthcare Marketplace. These are 60-day windows to enroll after certain “life events” that change your individual or family status from the open enrollment time frames.

Special Enrollment Periods

Along with some specified life events, should you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you are able to apply for coverage at any time. Otherwise, you need to meet guidelines for special enrollment periods with “qualifying life events.” Examples of these events include the following items.

Marriage,
Divorce,
Birth of a child,
Loss of employment, and
Moving to a new state.

All of these events change your status, qualifying you for special enrollment periods that allow you to access the Healthcare Marketplace after open enrollment dates. Additional qualification limitations apply, including —

The state in which you live or to which you move,
Your household size, and
Evidence of new disability.

You should check with your state to learn how it interprets qualification rules for special enrollment periods. State requirements can also differ for application to Medicaid or CHIP, so investigate or get expert advice.

If you want some valuable advice, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services. The professionals at Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services can answer your questions about special enrollment periods, details of different health insurance coverage, give you quotes and advise you on how to protect yourself, your family and/or your business.

April 14, 2014September 8, 2016

Take Advantage Of California’s Enrollment Extension If You Still Want Health Insurance

Many people tried and failed to complete their enrollment in Covered California to get health insurance by March 31, 2014. Yet they still have an opportunity to get health insurance through Covered California by signing up before the new deadline of April 15, 2014.

Officials aren’t claiming this deadline as any type of extensions to the federal Marketplace enrollment signup. Instead, this is a grace period for people who tried to sign up through the Covered California marketplace exchange website on or before the mandated March 31st deadline yet were unsuccessful.

For people who can’t obtain insurance through their work, they will need to find a certified insurance agent, a certified enrollment counselor or an eligibility worker to complete the application in person.

The April 15 deadline will be the last open enrollment chance a person will have this spring. If you are still interested in getting health insurance for yourself or your family, take advantage of this grace period, call Bernardini & Donovan Insurance today to enroll in Covered California!

For more information about individual and family insurance in California, please contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance located in Redlands at 877-251-2447.

April 11, 2014September 8, 2016

Open Enrollment: The Next Round

The open enrollment period for 2014 is almost over; after March 31st, any new policy (or additions to your present coverage) will have to wait for the next open enrollment period. But when, precisely, will that be?

For the general public, coverage starting in 2015 can be shopped for on the marketplace starting in late autumn. Though an exact date has yet to be officially determined, at present the proposed window is November 15th 2014 through January 15th 2015.

There are a few notable exceptions; certain life events (such as a change in your family size, losing your job, moving to a new state, or large changes to your income) can qualify you for a special enrollment period. Usually this period is within sixty days of your qualifying life event.

Of course, the best way to determine your eligibility (and the best policy for you) is to discuss your situation with an insurance professional. For more information about the Affordable Care Act or health insurance in California, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance.

April 7, 2014September 8, 2016

Qualifying Events: How Can I Obtain Health Insurance after March 31st?

While Open Enrollment for 2014 is nearly over, certain qualifying life events will entitle you a Special Enrollment Period in which to adjust your coverage in accordance with this life event.

A few notable instances which will entitle you to this Special Enrollment Period are: changes to your family size (this may be caused by marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death in the family, etc.), a large change in your income, the loss of a job, the loss of alternate health coverage, a move to a new state, change of citizen status, or change of eligibility for subsidy.

Generally, the Special Enrollment Period will open in a sixty-day window after the event that triggered your eligibility. The best way to determine said eligibility (and the best policy for you) is to discuss your situation with an insurance professional. For more information about the Affordable Care Act or health insurance in California, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance.

April 2, 2014September 8, 2016

ACA Extension to Individual Health Insurance “Keep Your Plan” Rules

Responding to intense consumer (and voter) allegations of promises not kept, the Obama administration announced another extension for those wanting to keep current individual and small group health insurance plans. People can keep current, non-compliant coverage plans for the next two years. During Congressional debate about adopting the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the President promised Americans "if you like your current plan, you can keep it."

However, as the implementation date of the ACA approached, the White House changed its position. After many insurance companies issued termination notices, in November 2013, to insured people and groups, the President allowed a one-year extension of non-compliant healthcare plans.

However, consumer and small employer dissatisfaction continued. In March 2014, the White House announced a further extension increase from one to two years. The Department of Health and Human Services, Treasury Department and the IRS have issued "regulatory guidance" to help you understand this latest policy change.

The two-year extension to the Affordable Care Act allows you to keep otherwise non-compliant plans through October 1, 2016. This applies to both individual health insurance and small group health insurance plans already in force.

For more information about changes in the Affordable Care Act, contact Bernardini & Donovan Insurance in the Redlands, California area. Their professionals can explain these confusing changes, in simple English, in small group and individual health insurance plans. Bernardini & Donovan Insurance Services understands these ACA changes and can help you comply with ACA requirements.

let Bernardini & Donovan find the right plan for you

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