Category: insurance

Oregon Task Force Aiming to Roll Out Universal Health Care Plan in 2026

Oregon hopes to once again take the lead in implementing progressive policies—this time by being the first state in the nation to roll out a universal, or “single-payer” health care system. For the past two years, the 20-member state-appointed Oregon Joint Task Force on Universal Health Care—comprising four legislators, public officials, tribal members, and health…


The Savings Game: Readers Ask About Insurance, Spousal Benefits and I Bonds

By Elliot Raphaelson Q: I need help with an insurance policy. I no longer have a local agent to answer my questions. I have an endowment policy, and there is a term on my statement I don’t understand. Specifically, it includes the following: “family endowment at age 85.” What does that mean? I am approaching…


15 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Life Insurance

Protecting your dependents’ livelihood with life insurance is always a wise decision. But, at the same time, buying a life insurance policy can seem overwhelming. And, that’s understandable with the number of coverage options available. As a result, you might delay purchasing a policy. In the long run, however, delaying such an important discussion can…


10 Tips For Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Choosing your beneficiaries, who are the people or entities who receive the benefits when you die, is arguably the most important part of owning life insurance. However, picking this recipient may not be as easy as you imagine. After all, state laws and policy rules can limit your options. Additionally, changing or correcting your beneficiary…


The Difference Between Term Life and Permanent Life Insurance

As you recall, there are two primary types of life insurance; term and permanent also called whole, life. Not only are they the most popular options, but they also happen to be the oldest forms of life insurance. Of course, insurance companies have made shopping for a policy just as confusing as the movie Inception as you dig deeper…


15 Facts You Never Knew About Life Insurance

Putting money aside for retirement and building a nest egg is crucial for the financial security of you and your family. After all, if you suddenly were unable to support your family, what would they do? 1. It’s part of a sound financial plan  If anyone financially relies on you, then life insurance should be…


Had Flood Damage? How to File a Flood Insurance Claim

Most everyone has heard of the flooding that recently took place in Kentucky. It occurred suddenly, offering no time to pack and move out in advance. Many people lost everything. If those floods happened in your area, would flood insurance cover your losses? Floods are the costliest natural disasters in America, states FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)….


Insurance Rates Climb From Fires, COVID, Inflation, Worker Shortage

By Ethan Baron From The Mercury News Inflation, a labor shortage, effects from the lingering COVID pandemic, and increasingly devastating fires are boosting the cost of insurance for homes, cars, and businesses. “Everything,” said Sunnyvale, California, insurance agent Steve Nelson, “has gone up.” The pandemic and high costs of living, especially in the Bay Area,…


The Savings Game: Do You Qualify for a Medicare Savings Program?

By Elliot Raphaelson Most individuals, when they reach age 65, sign up for Medicare. For most participants, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free. For other parts that are needed, such as Part B (outpatient medical insurance), Medigap (supplemental insurance), and Part D (prescription coverage), the costs can be high and, for many low-income families, difficult…


What Medicare Part A’s Belly-Up Date Means for You

At its current pace, Medicare’s Hospital Insurance trust fund will run out of money in 2028, according to the June 2022 Medicare trustees report. That’s a two-year extension on the previous estimate, but experts say it’s still not good news, and the government needs to stop twiddling its thumbs. Here’s what you should know. What…