When a loved one passes away, dealing with financial matters can be overwhelming. You may receive life insurance proceeds to help cover final expenses and provide financial security. But do you have to pay taxes on this payout? And will you receive a 1099 form for the proceeds? Understanding the tax implications can help you … Read more
Getting into a scrape or fender bender can be upsetting, especially if it’s your fault. You’ll likely need to pay for repairs, but will it also make your car insurance rates go up? Here’s what to expect if you scratched someone else’s car and how it impacts your auto insurance costs. Will Insurance Rates Increase … Read more
Property and casualty insurance provides protection against loss or damage to property as well as legal liability. Homeowners insurance, auto insurance, and business insurance are all common types of property and casualty coverage. The process of evaluating risks and determining appropriate premiums for property and casualty policies is known as underwriting. Below we’ll explain exactly … Read more
If you receive Medicare benefits and suffer injuries in an accident caused by someone else, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. However, if Medicare covered treatment for your accident-related injuries, they may seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive. So how much can Medicare take? Below we’ll … Read more
Insurance company failures can be distressing events for policyholders. However, safeguards exist to protect consumers if their insurer becomes insolvent. This article provides an overview of what happens when an insurance company fails and how states regulate and support policyholders when insolvencies occur. How Insurers Fall Into Financial Trouble Insurance companies can fail for several … Read more
An insurance contract involves a legally binding agreement between an insurance company and a policyholder. For the agreement to be valid and enforceable, it must contain certain essential elements as required by insurance law and regulations. This article provides an overview of the key elements that comprise an insurance contract. Basic Contract Elements Like all … Read more
Dealing with insurance claims can be confusing, especially when you see your claim has a “pending” status. This article explains what a pending claim means and the reasons insurers use this designation before approving or denying a claim. What Does “Pending” Mean for an Insurance Claim? When an insurance claim is marked as “pending”, it … Read more
Using someone else’s medical insurance may seem like an easy way to get healthcare coverage, but it is actually illegal and can have serious consequences. This article will explain why you should never use another person’s insurance, the penalties you may face, and legal options to get your own affordable healthcare coverage. Why You Should … Read more
The Medicare refund rule refers to federal regulations that require healthcare providers to report and return any Medicare overpayments within a specified timeframe. This rule, which was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, is an important mechanism to ensure program integrity and prevent fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare system. … Read more
Purchasing health, auto or life insurance involves deciding who will be the primary holder of the policy. This is an important choice that determines who controls the policy and its benefits. So who should be listed as the primary insurance holder? What is the difference between primary and secondary holders? This comprehensive guide will explain: … Read more