It is less than you think! Costs depend on a number of factors, including your health, age, tobacco use, and gender. As one example, a healthy 35-year-old male can expect to pay about $20 per month for $250,000 on a 30-year term.
Myth #2: I’m single and young, so I don’t need life insurance
Single people often forget that they need at least enough life insurance to cover the costs of debts, medical and funeral bills. If uninsured, you may leave behind unpaid expenses for your family. Don’t forget, the earlier you buy life insurance, the better because the premiums are based on age and your health is on your side!
Myth #3: My Term Life Insurance Coverage at Work Is Sufficient
This one comes up A LOT. You should know in most cases; coverage goes away if or when you leave the employer. This means if you quit, get fired, or RETIRE you will lose the coverage. Put that in perspective with the premium quoted in Myth #1 and you’ve just cost yourself significantly more in premium. Most people retire in their 60’s. That same estimate quoted in Myth #1 will now cost $105 per month for a 20-year term vs the 30-year term.
Also note, the amount of coverage is generally restricted to 1–2 times the salary, which in most cases wouldn’t be sufficient to meet the expenses of dependents in case of the unfortunate incident of death.
Myth #4: Only Breadwinners Need Life Insurance Coverage
The cost of replacing the services formerly provided by a deceased homemaker can be higher than you think. Insuring against the loss of a homemaker may make sense, especially when it comes to cleaning and daycare costs. Put into perspective some of the responsibilities of the homemaker…getting kids dressed, fed, off to school, back from school, off to extra-curricular activities, cleaning, homework, and dinner. Go to www.care.com for an estimate of these services. The average costs range from $15-$20 per hour, costing you $2,400 per month for a typical 8-hour day. Wouldn’t it be easier to buy a life insurance policy for $20 per month??
Myth #5: I Have Existing Health Issues. I Cannot Get Life Insurance.
There’s more to it! There are a number of other variables that insurers look at before offering coverage at certain rates for specific health problems. Although premiums may be slightly higher, most life insurance companies are willing to offer you coverage if you are suffering from conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and arthritis. Past history of cancer; no problem. Depending on the stage and how many years in remission you can qualify for a standard rate! The point is, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Most carriers provide pre-screening which allows an agent to get an idea if the carrier will offer coverage and at what cost before submitting an actual policy.
Myth #6: It’s Only Good for Funerals & Inheritances
That’s just not true! An unfortunate stigma attached to life insurance is that of death. Traditionally, people bought life insurance for its death benefits, and these benefits are why many still do. But, life insurance offers several living benefits
Cash value could be used to supplement retirement income
Help pay for college tuition
Benefits paid from life policies aren’t subject to tax.
Immediate expenses such as medical bills, taxes, loans
Payoff mortgage debt
Payoff student loan debt
With more parents being listed as a co-signor for student loan debt, many people purchase a term life insurance to cover the debt for the length of the loan. This way, should the unexpected happen, the parent is not stuck holding the debt.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was recently passed to reduce health care costs, expand access to coverage, and ensure nearly everyone who buys their own individual or family health insurance through a Marketplace can receive a tax credit to reduce their premiums. The following is a breakdown of what it means to you.
A New Open Enrollment Period Now Through May 15th
*New enrollees can enroll in a plan without providing proof of a special election period
*Current enrollees can make changes to their existing plan
*Coverage will start the first of the month after plan selection
The new law will lower premiums for most people who currently have a Marketplace health plan and expand access to financial assistance for more consumers. This means that if you made too much, you may now actually qualify for assistance.
In order to take advantage of the savings immediately, you must revisit your application via healthcare.gov. If processed this month, premiums will be lowered effective 5.1.
Consumers who enrolled in Marketplace plans prior to April 1 have the choice of waiting until they file their taxes next year in 2022 to receive the additional premium tax credit amount when they file and reconcile their 2021 taxes.
The increased subsidies are retroactive to 1.1.21.
Explanation on How the Premium Tax Credits Work
For consumers who are eligible for premium tax credits, an individual or a family’s tax credit amount is calculated based on the following factors:
Household’s total expected income for the year
Total number of people in the household that file taxes together
The tax credit calculation uses a percentage of the household’s income that they need to contribute (spend) on monthly health insurance premiums.
Prior to the American Rescue Plan, households had to contribute up to 9.83% of their income to pay for health insurance premiums to be eligible for tax credits. Consumers can choose to enroll in plans that cost more or cost less than the benchmark plan. Households with incomes greater than 400% FPL weren’t eligible for tax credits to help reduce the cost of purchasing a Marketplace plan.
Since passing the American Rescue Plan, individuals and families may be eligible for a temporary increase in premium tax credits for this year and next, with no one paying more than 8.5% of their household income towards the cost of the benchmark plan or a less expensive plan. Meaning, many consumers will be eligible for higher tax credit amounts to help cover their health plan premiums.
Additional Changes
People who were involuntarily terminated April 1st-September 30th and offered COBRA will have their premiums covered for FREE until September 30, 2021.
People can not take the COBRA subsidy if they are now eligible for other coverage (including new group plan or Medicare)
Taxpayers who received unemployment compensation during any week beginning in 2021 may be eligible to receive additional premium tax credits to help pay for 2021 Marketplace coverage. -This part of the plan is not available at this time, but is estimated to be available by summer.
People who underestimated their income in 2020 won’t have to pay back the APTC when they file their taxes. No word yet what happens to those that have already filed and paid. I suggest contacting your accountant for more information.
Bright Health is a new provider that will offer plans via the Marketplace. Their network consists of Palos Medical Group and the Adventist network.
NO penalty continues! This means you will not receive a penalty for not having coverage or for obtaining a plan that does not provide the 8 coverages required by the Affordable Care Act.
Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna will continue to offer virtual visits. While Blue Cross Blue Shield only offers this service to their PPO plans, Cigna will offer the same service on all of their plans. Policy holders can call or chat online with a nurse practitioner to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for medication.
Carriers continue to waive cost sharing and co-pays related to COVID 19 testing and treatment. You MUST select an in-network provider/facility.
Northwestern Memorial will now accept plans from Cigna (Connect HMO). They will continue to accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Precision HMO and Blue Care Direct HMO).
Out of pocket maximum will increase to $8,500 per person. You can offset this by purchasing an accident or critical illness rider. The rider starts at $25 per month and provides coverage to you in the event of an accident or diagnosis of a critical illness (heart attack, cancer, or stroke).
Group plans are still an option for small employers. Blue Cross Blue Shield and now Humana offer relaxed guidelines during this time to allow for a 1-person group. The employer must have at least 2 full time employees that are not husband and wife. The employees can be 1099’d.
How to Avoid Rate Increases
Be prepared to discuss your household, estimated adjusted gross income for 2021. This will be used to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Those without pre-existing conditions should consider a short term medical plan. These plans do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, maternity, and limited wellness visits. However, these plans are a fraction of the cost of plans offered through the Marketplace and they all have a PPO network.
If you are going to opt to self-insure, protect yourself with an accident or critical illness plan. The plan works separate from health insurance and pays you based on a diagnosis of a critical illness (cancer, heart attack, or stroke) and in the event of an accident (slip, fall, and break an ankle) the plan will pay you a certain dollar amount. The purpose is to use the funds to pay towards the unexpected hospital or urgent care visit.
Review ALL of your insurance policies. I specialize in personal lines insurance, which includes auto, home, and Medicare. As a broker, I have access to multiple carriers which allows me the opportunity to find the best plan based on your needs. I’ve saved people thousands by reviewing rates with multiple carriers.
So, you have questions about car insurance. Maybe your current policy is too high, you just bought a new car, or your teen just received their license. Perhaps you had damage to your car and you don’t know what is covered. Doing your own research can be a huge headache, let alone having to deal with online sites. Auto Insurance policies are complex, especially if you do not know the basics.
As an Independent Agent I represent many of the best insurance companies available. I can help navigate you and your family through all of the confusing information presented in Auto Insurance plans. Below, I have provided common questions and answers to help you understand auto insurance.
Auto Insurance Q & A
Q: What kinds of questions should I be expected to answer when I’m applying for an insurance policy. Why do insurers need so much information?
A: When you apply for an insurance policy you will be asked a number of questions. For example, your name, age, gender, address, etc. for each driver in the household. You will also be asked a series of other questions which will be used to determine how likely you are to make a claim.
In addition to your age, gender and driving experience, information about the car you drive, and your driving record, is also needed to determine a fair price. For example, a large luxury car costs more to repair or replace than a compact car. Also, someone who commutes 30 miles each way is more likely to be in an accident, than someone who commutes via bus and only drives on weekends. In a nutshell, the more you drive, the higher the rate.
Q: I have an older car whose current market value is very low – do I really need to purchase car insurance?
A: Most states have insurance laws that require drivers to have at least some car liability insurance. These laws were enacted to ensure that victims of car accidents receive compensation, when their losses are caused by the actions of a negligent individual.
Often times the cost of repairing the damages to an older car is greater than it’s value. In these cases, your insurer will usually just “total” the car and give you a check for the car’s market value less the deductible.
Q: What is the difference between collision physical damage coverage and comprehensive physical damage coverage?
A: Collision is defined as losses you incur when your car collides into another car or object. For example, if you hit a car in a parking lot, the damages to your car will be paid under your collision coverage.
Comprehensive provides coverage for mostly other direct physical damage losses you could incur, including theft. For example, damage to your car from a hailstorm will be covered under your comprehensive coverage.
This is also another name for “full coverage”
Q: What factors can affect the cost of my car insurance?
A: The type of car you drive, the purpose the car serves (i.e. business use, pleasure, or driving to work), your driving record, and where the car is garaged can all affect how much your car insurance will cost you.
Even your marital status can affect your cost of insurance. Statistics show that married couples tend to have fewer and less costly accidents than those who are single.
Have questions about Auto Insurance? Contact me at 708-444-0050 or click below
There are many benefits to using an Independent Insurance Agent such as Kelly Burke Insurance to combine your Home and Auto Policies. A customer can save as much as $1,000 by bundling your policies together.
Benefits of Combining Your Home and Auto with an Independent Insurance Agent.
Lower Costs: Often, you pay a lower rate due to the multi-policy discount. This discount ranges from 20-30% depending on the produce type (i.e. home or auto) and carrier.
Renewal Savings: Each renewal, I review your rate to confirm you are still receiving the best possible package. This means I review rates with other carriers to confirm your rate is in line with industry trends.
Best Package: I review the total package. Some carriers will offer a great rate on the auto, but a much higher rate on the home. By reviewing the total package I confirm you are paying the lowest possible premium.
Convenience: It makes it easier for you to call or email one office for all of your insurance servicing needs. There is nothing worse than trying to figure out which person to contact to add a vehicle to your policy, update your mortgage information, etc.
Along with outstanding coverage and savings, you’ll receive dedicated and personalized service you would expect from your insurance agent. Please contact Kelly today at 708-444-0050 or Kelly@kellyburkeinsurance.com to see how much you could save.