Insurance

Monday, March 3, 2008

My claim insurance was denied. What can I do?

If you believe your application was denied inappropriately, there are several things you can do:

* Each insurer has an internal review process. You can find out about the process by calling the number on the explanation of benefits (EOB) document that you received and asking for information on the appeal process for your health plan.
* Many insurers have multiple levels of review. Although it varies by company, most of the time, you can call your request more than once.
* Many health plans are outside independent medical experts who they will ask to review the claims.
* Medicare beneficiaries must follow the procedure described in their manual Medicare. For more information, please visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800 MEDICARE.
* Medicaid beneficiaries should call their state Medicaid office for information about the appeal process Medicaid. A list of contact numbers of the state is available here.
* If you have gone through all the processes of internal review of your health plan and you believe your application was refused by mistake, you may have another chance of appeal. 43 States plus the District of Columbia have external or independent review of the programs. This is a review process overseen by the state, which provides an additional, legally mandated appeal. Click here for more information on the program in your state. For a list of frequently asked questions and answers about the external review procedure here.

Safety belts, make a wink Automotive Safety

What automatic device is simple to use, takes only a few seconds to snap into place, and saves thousands of lives every year? Seatbelts, of course - perhaps the most important tool that you must keep safe while driving.

Seat belt stats at a glance
Accidents happen, and chances are you `ll be associated with one or more in your lifetime. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 15000 passenger vehicle occupants died in the evening traffic accidents in 2005 and 59% of those occupants were not wearing seat belts at the time of the fatal accident. This compares to 44% of the occupants who were not wearing seat belts and were killed during the day in `05.

Sobering statistics, no doubt. The good news is NHTSA reports, 77% of the occupants of passenger vehicles who were in a serious accident and were wearing their seat belts survived. The wearing of seat belts has been shown to reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for the front seat passenger car occupants and 60% for those vans, sport utility vehicles and mini-vans.

Other good news: According to a report by NHTSA `06, seat belt use across the country is strong enough. The average rate was 81%, with seat belt use from 63.5% in New Hampshire and Wyoming to 96.3% in Washington. And 11 states and territories have rates of 90% or more - including Washington, Michigan, Oregon, California, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Nevada, Maryland, Texas, Georgia and New Jersey.

Although these rates are high, the only truly acceptable rate of seat belt use is 100%, 24 / 7, for all drivers.

Seat belts save more lives
Interestingly, there `sa huge economic impact related to wearing seat belts. According to a rapport'02 by NHTSA, between 1976 and 2002, safety belts have prevented 135000 deaths and 3.8 million injuries - saving an incredible $ 585 billion in medical and related costs. Their report indicates if everyone used seat belts during that period, nearly 315000 deaths and 5.2 million injuries could have been prevented, saving approximately 913 billion dollars.

This is an incredible number of potential savings and savings during a time when many costs related to the conduct can be high - from gasoline to insurance premiums.

Click It or Ticket in action
This year, from May 21 to Memorial Day (May 28), NHTSA is encouraging enforcement agencies of the law of the country to take part in the Click It or Ticket campaign to make the wearing of seat belts. Jurisdictions with seatbelts stronger laws generally show higher rates of seat belt use than those with weaker laws. A good example is the Mississippi, seat belts when the law was changed to a "primary" the application of the law in 2006 and seat belt use jumped from 60.8% to 73, 6%.

NHTSA Click He hoped that the tickets or campaign encourages drivers to consider the legal consequences of non-wearing of seat belts, in addition to being aware of the enormous benefits of safety seat belt use brings.

Some tips on the proper use of safety belts and safety
Just a few quick reminders on the proper way to wear your seat belt: First, the belt should be low and snug across the basin or knees, and never across the stomach.

The shoulder belt should be across the chest and collarbone, and to be tightened. It should never be in front of the face or behind their backs. Remember that you should always wear seat belts, even if your car has air bags - indeed, the air bags will not work properly if you are belted in, and they are not intended to replace seat belts .

All children under 12 should be buckled in a seat appropriate, as a child seat in the back. To find the best child seat for your child's weight and age, ask your local hospital for children. Newborns should be placed in rear-facing car seats in the back.

The wearing of seat belts is a breeze, saves lives every day, and saving billions of dollars. So, keep in mind the link between car accidents and the safety belt when you travel. We will all be safer for him.

For more information on seat belts, safety tips, statistics and use, or for more information on tickets or Click It campaign, please visit the website NHTSA

If you are in the market for automobile insurance or if you want to get a quote on car insurance, visit Insurance.com 's application for comparison of auto insurance. Here you can evaluate different rates best-in-class provider of automobile insurance, saving you time and money on your car insurance.

Top 10 things to know about life insurance

We all recognize the importance of life insurance. After all, we want to ensure that our loved ones are taken care of when we die. But before you embark on a policy of buying and, do some research in advance. In this way, you will be sure to get the best possible coverage at the right price. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

1. Shop
2. Never buy more coverage than you need
3. You are healthier, the better the rate
4. Buy sooner rather than later
5. Realizing the importance of periodically reviewing your coverage
6. You do not necessarily have to pay a commission
7. You may be paying more for the payment of the monthly premium
8. Do not rely solely on the life insurance provided by your employer
9. Telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth
10. Buying more is sometimes less

Shop
When it comes to life insurance, it pays to take a walk because the premiums can vary widely. And thanks to the Internet, it is now easier than ever. Try one of the many sites of insurance that can provide instant prizes. Make sure the Web site you shop will consider your medical history that may affect the premiums.

Never buy more coverage than you need
The key to buying the right amount of life insurance is just to have enough coverage to meet your needs. If you have more life insurance you want, you will find it unnecessary to pay higher premiums. On the other hand, it is important not to have too little coverage, where you are under.

You are healthier, the better the rate
It is true - healthy people get better insurance rates life. You will be asked to pay a higher rate for anything that shortens your life expectancy (for example, if you smoke, take regular medication, are overweight, have a bad driving record).

Buy sooner rather than later
If you put off buying life insurance because you do not want to pay the premiums, you can do a disservice in the long run. The younger you are when you buy life insurance, your premium will be less.

Realizing the importance of periodically reviewing your coverage
Any change in the life of the need for a review of your overall financial plan. When it comes to life insurance, you may want to make sure that the life of this great event (for example, birth of a child, children are raised) will not leave you in or overinsured.

You do not necessarily have to pay a commission
One reason for higher premiums is that most life insurance policies to pay commissions to the agent or broker. However, you may be able to buy a policy without charge, through an insurer that sells policies without charge directly to consumers.

You may be paying more for the payment of the monthly premium
You may not realize it, but you may be able to pay more for your life insurance, if you pay your premium in monthly installments. Many insurance companies charge additional fees if you are paying the monthly premium instead of paying the annual premium.

Do not rely solely on the life insurance provided by your employer
Many employers offer their employees some sort of group life insurance. But the amount of coverage is usually not enough to adequately meet your needs in life insurance. In addition, the group life insurance policies are not portable, which means that if you leave your job, you can not take your life insurance policy with you.

Telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Do you want to lie on your application for insurance, think again. If your insurance company discovers that you lied about the health-related condition or your lifestyle (for example, the habit of smoking), they may be able to terminate your coverage.

Buying more is sometimes less
Costs of life insurance in general less per thousand dollars once you are in the coverage of larger amounts (eg, $ 250,000). If the numbers work, you may be able to pay a lower premium, while increasing your coverage.

8 things you should know about auto insurance

Dealing with the ins and outs of auto insurance can be as difficult and confusing as an attempt to untie the Gordian knot. `Although we can help you with the thorny problem Gordian, the following recommendations could help you understand some of the most complex of auto insurance.

1) Determine appropriate coverage.
Assisting in controlling the price you pay, just ask American Insurance Association Executive Dave Snyder. For example, Snyder notes that half of your auto insurance and the bill on responsibility "that has to do with how you will use the vehicle, for example to get to work and your driving record . If you `ve got a clean driving record, it amounts to pay less for insurance than you would if you had a speeding ticket on your record. You can control the other half of your premium which covers damage or loss of your vehicle, collision and comprehensive. "

2) the price of insurance.
"In most states," Snyder, "there are hundreds of insurers competing for business, it` s possible to save hundreds of dollars by obtaining quotes from different suppliers of automobile insurance. " Echoing the theme Snyder `s AIA is his colleague, Nicole Mahrt. Mahrt urge you to work with your insurance company to get more than one bid. "It pays to shop around you, especially if you feel you` ve been paying too much. "

3) Look for insurance discounts.
"Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them, for example auto and home insurance," says Jean Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines Insurance selective in Branchville, NJ More Suggested savings Marchioni: "Find out about discounts for air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices."

4) Consider taking a higher deductible.
"You can reduce your insurance bill by increasing your deductible," says Mahrt. "But just make sure you can pay the higher deductible if you file a claim."

5) Look in "stacking" coverage if you file an insurance claim.
Insurance agent Daniel Kummer trade group explained that the stacking uninsured / under blankets average car "that you can collect from more than one of your auto insurance policies. Most states prohibit this practice, but there are about 19 states that either allow stacking or do not answer the question either through legislation or litigation, "according to Kummer, director of personal insurance for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. "Be sure to check your motor insurance contract to see if it is authorized." Please be advised that you `ll probably pay an insurance premium higher if you have stacked coverage. "It could be 10% to 30% more depending on the litigious nature of the state in which you reside," says Kummer.

6) Check with your insurer before buying a car.
"Your premium is based in part on the car` s sticker price, the cost of repair, its safety record and the risk of theft, "replies John` s selective Marchioni. Remember to avoid purchases by price alone. "You want an agent and a company that answer your questions and process claims fairly and efficiently," said Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines Selective Insurance.

7) Notify your auto insurance company as soon as you change companies.
"Make sure you cancel your old policy," suggests PCI `s Dan Kummer." Do it the same day, but don `t cancel your old policy until you` ai puts a new contract. That `s important because some states like New York will fine you for the number of days that you are going without insurance. "One final thought Kummer on the topic:" Most auto insurers specify in your contract that you can cancel your contract every time you want your business by informing them in writing of the date you want the coverage either terminated or you can do it by telephone.

8) Choose an option payment of insurance that best fits your budget.
"Generally, most companies give you the option to pay in time, but this comes at a price," says Kummer. "Your payment may increase by a few dollars each time you pay by instalments. Insurers can accept payments monthly, quarterly or every six months, which is more convenient for you. Remember, though, that the more you cut down your payments, the higher the cost rises. "

Make your safe driving 2008 New Year's Resolution

Every year, millions of people around the world a series of New Year's resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking and get out of debt. But you have never heard of someone driving course resolve in the new year. Why you might ask? Well, most probably many Americans think they are already good drivers and their driving skills do not need refining. Nice thought, but that is highly unlikely. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2006 Traffic Safety Facts, there were 42642 car accidents in 2006. Although this number has decreased during the past five years, there is still a high number of accidents which occur in a year, which makes you think - the Americans are really up to when it comes to driving?

"Nowadays, drivers are multitasking while they are driving," said David Roush, CEO of Insurance.com, the largest auto insurance agency online. "Drivers talking on their mobile phones, listening to their iPods, talking to passengers, eating or-alas-d'essayer read the newspaper while driving. When you mix with a potential for leadership of this kind, you are not only put you at risk of an accident, you are also to everyone around you at risk. "

Do not think people are really do all these things while they are driving? Think again. According to the Safe Driving Institute, Inc.'s website:

* 77% of drivers said they talk on their cell phones while driving
* 60% said they either frequently or occasionally eat while driving
* 50% admitted to making obscene gestures or rude or comments to the other drivers, especially those who cut in front of them on the road
* 50% said they have almost fallen asleep at the wheel
* And 53% of drivers to pay a surcharge on their auto insurance policy because of their bad driving record

Commit to becoming a better driver than your 2008 New Year's Resolution To help you become a safer driver in 2008, Insurance.com a few tips to improve your skills and make the roads a safer place for everyone.

1. Take a defensive driving course
While many of us would not like to believe we could all use a little refresher course in terms of driving. To help you stay safe on the road and remember how to handle a car in bad weather conditions, many cities offer defensive driving course. To find out if your city or town offers such a class, contact your local police or DMV.

2. Ditch the cell phone
Talking on your cell phone can be as deadly as drinking and driving. Many times drivers are beginning to focus on the conversation and not enough on the state of the roads around them. If you must take a call, pull on the side of the road or wait until you can arrive at a rest stop and call the number back. In this way, you can give the caller your full attention and not having to try to do two things at once.

3. Follow the speed limit
If you usually go the speed limit, you could be putting yourself and others in danger. And even if it does not seem like it when you are in a rush, the speed limits are established to help keep everyone safe. Plus, driving over the limit can cause speeding, you can receive tickets, points on your driving licence and perhaps make your auto insurance premium increases.

4. Say goodbye to snack in the car
Driving and eating at the same time, can create an enormous risk driving on the road, especially if you drop something and try to pick it up. In fact, there is a risk that the State of Michigan has a "no food within reach of the restriction of driving licences for drivers who have been involved in many accidents related to food. So, this year, to make one of your 2008 New Year's Resolutions to stop eating and driving. Not only will you be a safer driver, your waist May thank you too.

5. Use your turn signals
Often, drivers changing lanes or turning their turn without using signals. If you are one of these drivers, consider making an effort in 2008 to use your left and right turn signals while driving. It will help to protect you and to help inform other drivers around you your next move. "

6. Always look before moving
In addition to not using flashing, many drivers do not use their mirrors or look over their shoulder before changing lanes. Insouciance as this often results in costly fender benders and long traffic jams. So, to help keep your car in optimal condition and to help keep everyone safe on the road this year, be sure to use your mirrors and look before you change lanes. Your bumper and other drivers on the road will thank you for it.

7. Update your car insurance
While this may seem silly, many people rarely updated or even review their auto insurance policy. This can lead to pay car insurance premiums higher or inadequate coverage in the event of an accident.

8. Say goodbye to road rage
We have all had the experience or at one time or another - aggressiveness on the road. And if it seems justified that someone cut you off or rides your bumper, it is not. Road rage only adds to the dangerous road conditions. In 2008, try to take a different approach and quietly and safely adapt to the dangerous situation at hand. This will help you stay calm and to help keep everyone around you too, of course.

9. Reading while driving is never a good idea
Because of our busy lives of many Americans are trying to juggle, including reading the newspaper while behind the wheel. If you are looking for something other than listening to the radio while driving to and from work consider collecting books on tape. They can help you catch up on some "reading" while ensuring that your eyes are on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.

10. Wear your seat belt
If you have not already wear your seat belt while driving, promises to be a 2008 New Year's Resolution. Not only is it the law, it can also help save your life.

The 2008 New Year's Resolutions are released by Insurance.com. If you are interested in the passage of your car or insurance are in the market for automobile insurance, visit Insurance.com 's application for comparison of auto insurance. Here, you will be able to assess the rate of several best-in-class insurance providers, in order to help you save time and money on your auto insurance in the new year.
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