Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has gone through many changes since it was first introduced in 2010. As we head into 2023, many are wondering if health insurance plans on the ACA Marketplace will become more expensive next year. Premium Trends on the ACA Marketplace The ACA Marketplace offers health insurance … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic caused enormous financial hardship for many Americans. In response, the government provided several rounds of stimulus checks to help offset the economic impacts. Now in 2024, some are wondering if seniors will receive another stimulus payment this year. Background on Prior COVID Stimulus Checks for Seniors The U.S. government initiated several stimulus … Read more
Insurance companies and banks are both financial institutions, but they serve different primary purposes. Insurance companies provide risk protection by insuring individuals and businesses against potential losses. Banks act as financial intermediaries that accept deposits and make loans. While distinct in function, insurance companies and banks do share some common traits as financial institutions. Let’s … Read more
When you receive medical care covered under Medicare Part B, there is often a difference between the amount Medicare approves for payment and the amount your provider charges for their services. This discrepancy between the Medicare-approved amount and a provider’s charges can impact your out-of-pocket costs. Let’s take a closer look at how Medicare payment … Read more
Your marital status can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Insurance companies often charge higher premiums for single drivers compared to married ones. However, there are some exceptions and variables to consider. This article will explain how marital status affects car insurance and provide tips for getting the best rates. How Marital … Read more
When you lose employer-sponsored health insurance, continuing coverage through COBRA can be very expensive. COBRA allows you to keep your same plan for 18-36 months, but you pay 100% of the premium plus a 2% administrative fee. This can cost $500-$2000 per month for family coverage. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to COBRA you can … Read more
Fronting is an arrangement between a licensed insurance company and a self-insured organization or captive insurer. It allows the self-insured or captive to issue policies while avoiding certain regulations and requirements. What is Fronting? Fronting refers to when a licensed, admitted insurance company issues policies on behalf of an unlicensed insurer. The fronting company provides … Read more
Giving out your Medicare number over the phone can open you up to fraud, waste, and abuse. Medicare and other government agencies advise extreme caution before sharing this sensitive information. What is the Medicare Number? The Medicare Number is the unique identification number assigned to each Medicare beneficiary. It consists of 11 characters – letters … Read more
The income thresholds that trigger IRMAA surcharges for Medicare Part B and Part D premiums increased significantly for 2023. This means more Medicare beneficiaries will pay extra premiums based on their income. What is IRMAA? IRMAA stands for Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. It is an extra premium charged to Medicare Part B and Part … Read more
Owning a home free and clear without a mortgage is a major financial accomplishment. But just because you don’t have a monthly mortgage payment doesn’t mean you can skip homeowners insurance. Here’s what to know about insuring a home when you have no mortgage. Overview of Homeowners Insurance First, a quick refresher on what homeowners … Read more