#CoverageMatters

[familyraksha]

The Role of Health in Determining Term Life Insurance Premiums

Health plays a crucial role in determining the cost of term life insurance premiums, as insurers assess the risk of policyholders based on various health factors. In this blog, we will explore how your health status influences insurance premiums, the underwriting process insurers use to evaluate risk, strategies for improving your health to secure lower premiums, and the broader benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle beyond reduced insurance costs.

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How Health Affects Term Life Insurance Premiums

Health status significantly impacts term life insurance premiums, with insurers considering several factors when assessing an individual's risk profile:

Age: Younger individuals generally pay lower premiums due to their lower likelihood of developing health issues compared to older policyholders.

Medical History: Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, can result in higher premiums or even coverage denial, depending on the severity of the condition.

Lifestyle Choices: Insurers evaluate lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and participation in high-risk activities when determining premiums, as these behaviors increase the risk of mortality.

The Underwriting Process and Risk Assessment

During the underwriting process, insurers collect information about an applicant's health, lifestyle, and medical history to assess their risk profile accurately:

Medical Questionnaire: Applicants are required to disclose detailed information about their health status, including current and past medical conditions, medications, and family medical history.

Medical Examinations: Some insurers may require applicants to undergo medical exams, including blood tests, urine analysis, and physical examinations, to evaluate their overall health and identify any underlying medical conditions.

Risk Classification: Based on the information provided, insurers classify applicants into risk categories, such as preferred, standard, or substandard, determining the premium rates accordingly.

Tips for Improving Health and Securing Lower Premiums

Improving your health can not only enhance your quality of life but also lead to lower term life insurance premiums:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet reduces the risk of obesity-related health issues and may qualify you for lower premiums.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for various health conditions, including heart disease and lung cancer. Quitting smoking can lead to substantial premium savings.

Regular Health Screenings: Schedule regular health check-ups and screenings to monitor your health status and address any potential issues early, demonstrating proactive health management to insurers.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and prioritizing sleep, can improve overall well-being and potentially lower insurance premiums.

Broader Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

Beyond reduced insurance costs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle offers numerous benefits:

Improved Longevity: A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic diseases and enhances longevity, allowing individuals to enjoy a higher quality of life and more time with loved ones.

Enhanced Well-Being: Regular exercise, nutritious diet, and stress management contribute to improved mental and emotional well-being, leading to greater happiness and life satisfaction.

Reduced Healthcare Costs: Preventive health measures and disease management strategies associated with a healthy lifestyle can lower healthcare expenses over time, saving money and reducing financial strain.

For more detailed guidance on life insurance and estate planning, visit the Family Raksha Blog.

Conclusion

Health status significantly influences term life insurance premiums, with insurers assessing various health factors to determine an individual's risk profile. By understanding how health impacts premiums, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their health, secure lower insurance rates, and enjoy the broader benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including improved well-being and reduced healthcare costs.

FAQs

Can I still qualify for term life insurance if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

While pre-existing conditions may affect premiums, many insurers offer coverage options tailored to individuals with medical histories, with rates based on the severity and management of the condition.

How long does it take for lifestyle changes to impact insurance premiums?

Insurers may require evidence of sustained lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation or weight loss, before adjusting premium rates. However, positive lifestyle changes can lead to premium reductions over time.

Do term life insurance premiums increase with age?

Yes, term life insurance premiums typically increase with age, reflecting the higher mortality risk associated with advancing age. It's advisable to purchase coverage at a younger age to lock in lower rates.

Are there any discounts available for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Some insurers offer wellness programs or discounts for policyholders who demonstrate healthy behaviors, such as participating in fitness activities or completing health screenings.

Can I appeal a decision if my application is declined due to health reasons?

Yes, applicants have the right to appeal insurance decisions and provide additional information or medical evidence to support their case, potentially leading to reconsideration of the application.

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How to Choose the Best Mobile Network Based on Coverage, Data Speeds & Plans

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Insurance - Policy Limits and Optional Coverage Extensions Explained!

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Property and Casualty Insurance. Get It? Don't Forget It!

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The Dangerous Truth Awaiting Artists Who Rely On The ACA

[eyeoninsurance]

Last night’s vote did not repeal the ACA. It did not eliminate protections for people with a pre-existing condition. It did not mean that your 23-year-old is about to be kicked off your health insurance policy.

It did begin the process of repealing the ACA. But it’s a process that will require numerous votes, and there will be opportunities for voters to weigh in at every turn.

[swaybars-blog]

Affordable care act

The affordable care act saved my life and I am 1 of the millions of human beings covered. Please don't be discouraged by news and If anyone still needs coverage through the affordable care act you can call the navigator hotline at 1 (855) 733-3711. You can go to https://www.healthcare.gov You can go to http://fqhc.org #aca #coveragematters #theresistance #obamacare

[familyraksha]

Understanding Term Life Insurance Returns

Term life insurance is a crucial financial tool that provides protection for your loved ones in the event of your untimely death. Unlike permanent life insurance policies, term life insurance policies do not accumulate cash value over time. Therefore, the concept of returns in term life insurance differs from other types of life insurance policies. Let's delve into the details of term life insurance returns to gain a better understanding.

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How Term Life Insurance Works

Term life insurance provides coverage for a predetermined period, known as the term. During this period, policyholders pay regular premiums to maintain their coverage. If the insured individual passes away during the term of the policy, the insurance company pays out a death benefit to the beneficiaries named in the policy. However, if the insured survives the term of the policy, no payout is made, and the coverage expires.

Understanding Returns in Term Life Insurance

Unlike permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life insurance, term life insurance policies do not accumulate cash value over time. Therefore, the concept of returns in term life insurance primarily revolves around the death benefit. The return on investment in term life insurance is realized through the financial protection it provides to beneficiaries in the event of the insured's death during the policy term.

Factors Affecting Term Life Insurance Premiums

Several factors influence the cost of term life insurance premiums, including the age and health of the insured, the coverage amount, and the length of the term. Younger, healthier individuals typically pay lower premiums compared to older or less healthy individuals. Additionally, longer-term lengths and higher coverage amounts may result in higher premiums.

Comparing Term Life Insurance Returns

While term life insurance policies do not offer cash value accumulation or investment components like permanent life insurance policies, they provide cost-effective coverage that meets the essential needs of many individuals and families. Term life insurance offers flexibility and affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking straightforward protection without the complexities of cash value accumulation.

Maximizing Value in Term Life Insurance

To maximize the value of term life insurance, it's essential to evaluate your coverage needs carefully and shop around for competitive rates. Assessing factors such as your financial obligations, income replacement needs, and future expenses can help determine the appropriate coverage amount and term length for your situation. Additionally, comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the most cost-effective policy.

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Conclusion

Term life insurance plays a vital role in financial planning by providing essential protection for your loved ones' financial security. While term life insurance policies do not offer cash value accumulation or investment returns, they offer valuable death benefit protection at an affordable price. By understanding how term life insurance works and evaluating your coverage needs, you can make informed decisions to protect your family's future.

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#thisiswhatdemocracylookslike #iamnotapreexistingcondition "I am very worried about the future of healthcare in our country. As a woman, I worry about being able to afford essential healthcare services. I also fear that my conditions won't be taken seriously or won't be covered under the changing policies. There is still a lot of stigma around mental illness and I don't think a lot people understand the connections it can have to your physical health. I wish I could live in a world where people don't have to fear being labeled a "pre-existing condition" and aren't denied care because of it. As a public health student, I want health to become a right for all people and not a privilege. Unfortunately, I think we are moving away from this idea and I am very scared of what the consequences might be." - Sierra #photography #activism #dumptrump #democracy #LoveTrumpsHate #obamacare #affordablehealthcare #medicine #contraceptives #birthcontrol #luxurytax #mentalhealth #nomorestigmas #coveragematters #healthinsurance #hcsm #healthcare #health #healthy #healthtalk #advocacy #photoadvocacy #stoptrump #humanrights #publichealth #womenshealth #insurance #disabilityinsurance @huffpostwomen @femalecollective (at Portland, Oregon)

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[eckshecks]

Musicians Are Rallying to Save Obamacare

The Breeders’ Kelley Deal appearing in D.C. on January 9 with the Department of Health and Human Services. (Photo by Chris Smith/HHS) THE PITCH

by Marc Hogan Senior Staff Writer ROCK EXPERIMENTAL JANUARY 11 2017 Before 2010’s Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, Kelley Deal didn’t have health insurance. As someone with a pre-existing condition, getting insured was prohibitively expensive for the Breeders guitarist, who has more recently recorded as R. Ring. “This is the first time I ever had insurance, as a self-employed, single woman,” Deal says in a video from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, premiering today on Pitchfork. “And it feels really good.”

So good, in fact, that Deal headed to Washington, D.C., on Monday, January 9, to help fight against GOP efforts to repeal the law. Among other reforms, the ACA bans insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, allows children to stay on a parent’s plan up to age 26, and sets up online exchanges to make it easier for the uninsured to buy coverage. The law also blocks insurers from imposing lifetime and annual coverage limits. Repeal would leave more than 20 million Americans facing the loss of their health-care coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Deal, who joined HHS secretary Sylvia Burwell for the department chief’s final speech, isn’t the only artist sharing her Obamacare story as Republicans work to dismantle a law that House Speaker Paul Ryan last week asserted had “failed.” Tomorrow (January 12), the agency Burwell leads will launch a “day of action” encouraging artists to tell how Obamacare has affected them. Along with Deal, musicians participating include Superchunk, Spoon, the Mountain Goats, Lambchop, and Rebecca Gates, along with the Future of Music Coalition, a nonprofit group focusing on advocacy for musicians. That’s amidst HHS’s #CoverageMatters campaign, through which hundreds of Americans have already shared their health care tales.

Burwell, in her speech, warned of “stark” consequences if Congress repeals Obamacare without enacting a full replacement. Later, she hammers home the particular importance of the ACA to musicians, artists, independent entrepreneurs, and others who making a living off their ideas. “You don’t have to do something you might not want to have to do just to get health coverage,” she tells Pitchfork. As she puts it, Obamacare both lowered the uninsured rate among musicians and cleared the way for aspiring artists to pursue their music in a way they couldn’t before without risking their insurance.

One goal for the health department’s day of action tomorrow is to move the conversation about Obamacare toward the reality of what the law means in actual, everyday lives. “What we’re trying do is have the American people’s voice be heard, and what better way to do that than musicians—who have great voices in lots of different ways,” Burwell says with a chuckle. “Our Thursday’s artists’ day of action is focused on having a place for people to go and having that voice be heard. And right now, I think we are starting to hear that voice.”

Adding to the hue and cry against Obamacare’s repeal is Laura Ballance, bassist in Superchunk and co-founder of Merge Records. She tells me she got involved in the health department’s initiative because before ACA it was tough for artists to find health coverage. “It always concerned me that most of the artists on Merge were not covered,” Ballance says. Now, many of them have insurance through Obamacare, including some who previously could be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. “It has been a relief to know that all these people have had some security and peace of mind,” she adds. “You can play benefit shows all day long, but they are not going to cover the average hospital bill.”

Betsy Wright, bassist in Ex Hex, knows all too well the costs of medical care. She has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since she was about 20, and without the proper medication (which without insurance can cost roughly $2,000 to $4,000 a month) she sometimes isn’t able to walk, let alone play an instrument. Because of that pre-existing condition, before the ACA she had to have a full-time job all the time to get health insurance. Since enrolling through one of Obamacare’s exchanges, she has been playing in bands, teaching music lessons, and making her living doing what she wants to do. “I was able to go on tour!” she tells Pitchfork. “I would never have been able to do that had I not had the Affordable Care Act.” She’s worried that losing the ACA would mean she’d have to give up touring and playing in bands just to be sure she has work with health coverage. “It’s kind of a bummer,” she adds dryly.

Elsewhere in Wright’s Washington hometown, the fate of the Obama administration’s signature health reform isn’t yet sealed. On Tuesday, HHS announced that more than 11.5 million people were enrolled in ACA plans on federal and state insurance exchanges as of December 24, up almost 300,000 from a year earlier. At the same time, the Kaiser Foundation released a report showing that roughly 6.3 million ACA enrollees live in districts with Republican congressional representatives, while 5.2 million live in Democratic districts.

President-elect Donald Trump, as has been widely reported, has called for repealing and replacing Obamacare, though the details are unclear. Also on Tuesday, as The Hill reports, Paul Ryan told fellow Republicans he planned to vote Friday on a Senate-approved budget that would begin ACA repeal. But he has opposition within his own party—on Monday night, five Senate Republicans proposed an amendment that would postpone Obamacare repeal until March.

As for her visit with ACA defender Kelley Deal, Burwell says “she was terrific—and you know what, she wore her father’s tie from West Virginia.” The health department secretary, who like the parents of Deal and her identical twin sister Kim Deal was born and raised in the Mountain State, appreciated that gesture, but admits she hasn’t necessarily delved deeply into the Breeders catalog: “I am very hopeful that in nine days, my ability to reconnect with music, my children, my husband, and about everything else will occur.” In the meantime, there are millions of Americans whose health care coverage depends on what happens to this long-debated piece of legislation.

[beautythroughthebeast-blog]

NORTHJERSEY.COM: N.J.'S VOICES OF OBAMACARE: HOPE, DREAD, UNCERTAINTY

 What will happen to Obamacare?

For hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents, the answer to that question is personal.

Musicians, entrepreneurs, freelance writers, hairstylists, temp workers, the self-employed, the out-of-work – each has a stake in the former president's signature health care law. Some 800,000 in New Jersey buy their own coverage or have gained it through the Medicaid expansion.

Tuesday was the final day to sign up for coverage this year, but President Donald Trump and Congress have already taken preliminary steps to repeal the Affordable Care Act, as the law is officially known. With no plan ready to take its place, it is unclear whether the subsidies and federal funds, which allowed those people and millions more nationwide to enroll, will continue.

Few brag about having Obamacare. It is controversial and hard to understand, almost stigmatized in the national discourse. But now that it is imperiled, it looks a little different to those whose coverage it provides or regulates. Some were saved by coverage; some were stung by costs.

And they are finding their voices.

They are people like Chiara D'Agostino, 45, a former high-school teacher who lives in Montclair and is covered by Medicaid while she undergoes treatment for metastatic breast cancer, and Courtney Duva, a 26-year-old from Midland Park, whose debilitating heart condition is manageable because of Medicaid-covered prescription drugs. They are people like Jorge Rodriguez of Clifton, who shed 90 pounds and turned his life around when he finally could afford health insurance, and Emily Manz, a young entrepreneur who moved to Newark and started two businesses.

But they also are people like Elaine Finn, forced onto the individual market when the small business that employed her husband dropped coverage. Now, insteadof a $350 monthly premium, the Oakland couple pay $1,450 monthly without subsidies – "like a small mortgage," she said.

And they are people like the 61-year-old Garfield woman, whose boss doesn't offer insurance to his few employees. She has simply gone without since her bare-bones policy was canceled when the law took effect. "It's tough to live without health insurance," she said, "but it's insane to be penalized because you cannot afford it."

They all wonder what happens next.

Will Congress repeal and replace the law with something that offers plans most people can afford? Will it continue to fund the subsidies that reduce premiums for 250,000 New Jerseyans, or eliminate some required benefits to reduce the cost of coverage? Will it provide the state with the funds that have allowed more than 500,000 to enroll in Medicaid?

Thousands rallied in Newark last month to try to save the health care law. Hundreds held candlelight vigils outside the offices of Republican congressmen. Their hand-lettered signs proclaimed "This is the Face of a Pre-Existing Condition" and "Don't Make Us Sick Again."

They added their names to petitions. They tweeted, with an easy hashtag: #CoverageMatters.

And they called lawmakers. A "sustained torrent," numbering in the thousands, has deluged Sen. Bob Menendez's offices since Election Day, spokesman Steven Sandberg said. The callers run 20 to 1 against repeal, he said, and they are "terrified that they or their family member is going to lose their coverage."

Republican Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, on the other hand, said thousands in his Morris County district had told him "the ACA is hurting more than helping."

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the Wyckoff Democrat who took office in January, said he had received "more calls and emails from 5th District residents concerned about the impact of repealing the Affordable Care Act without a replacement than I have on any other issue."

In the summer of 2010, the Tea Party movement gained momentum at congressional town-hall-style meetings where opponents assailed the health care law, propelling Republicans into the majority in Congress and eventually into the White House.

Now, in the winter of 2017, those against the law's repeal are hoping for similar momentum. The fight over health care is the first battle in what they hope becomes a national movement to slow the Republican repeal train, protect entitlements and advance other Democratic causes.

Trump's first official action, on Jan. 21, was an order to loosen or waive the health law's "burdensome fees, penalties and regulations," within legal limits. It's not yet clear whether that means an end to the individual mandate and its penalties for going without coverage.

"We are paying through the nose to have coverage that would only prevent us from going bankrupt if something catastrophic were to happen," said one Morris County mother of four, who buys a policy for herself and her children through the law, while her husband is insured through his job.

This issue determined her vote on Election Day, she said. "I sincerely hope the new president can fix this mess."

Lives hang in the balance.

Chiara D'Agostino is waiting.

She waited on a recent Monday for her doctor to call to report on her latest scans and the spread of cancer, which – after two mastectomies and chemotherapy – was detected again in August in her lungs, sternum and liver. She is waiting to learn how effective her recent experimental immunotherapy treatment has been.

And she is waiting to hear whether New Jersey's expansion of Medicaid, which provided the coverage that paid for the disease's detection, staging and treatment, will continue.

Gov. Chris Christie was one of 16 Republican governors to take advantage of full federal funding to enroll low-income adults in Medicaid, beginning in 2014. Half a million signed up, and $3 billion annually now flows into the state's economy. Christie said last week that he's not worried about the repeal of the law, and would welcome a change to federal block grants – as Republicans have proposed – because it would give the state more flexibility.

D'Agostino, 45, left high-school teaching to get a graduate degree. She enrolled in Medicaid via Healthcare.gov as her master's program was ending in the summer of 2014. Now she blogs at "Beauty Through the Beast" about surviving breast cancer.

"Medicaid has saved my life – is saving my life," she said, as her cats played nearby. "I don't know how I would be paying for my cancer treatment if it wasn't for Medicaid."

Yet now she feels powerless, as if her life is not hers to control: "It's in the oncologist's hands, or the researcher's hands, or God's hands, or luck's hands, or whatever clinical trial is open at the time," she said. And also, perhaps, in the hands of the president, Congress and the governor.

D'Agostino pauses, then asks the question that most bothers her: Will there come a day when she can't get care? Could new eligibility rules knock her out of coverage?

"Can my doctor really say, 'You can't come in, you're not covered'? That can't happen, can it? But could it?"

Read the full article at NorthJersey.com

Written by Lindy Washburn

[omcik-blog]

New Post has been published on OmCik

New Post has been published on http://omcik.com/obamacare-sign-ups-sag-in-the-final-days-of-open-enrollment-under-trump-administration/

Obamacare sign ups sag in the final days of open enrollment under Trump administration

The pace of Obamacare sign-ups slowed in the final days of open enrollment last month, as the Trump administration repeatedly blasted the law and pulled ads reminding procrastinators of the January 31 deadline.

Some 9.2 million consumers selected a plan on the federal exchange, healthcare.gov, which handles enrollment for 39 states. That’s down from 9.6 million a year ago.

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Only 376,000 people signed up in the last two weeks of enrollment, compared to nearly 700,000 who picked plans in the final week a year ago.

The final figure, which will include data from the District of Columbia and 11 states that run their own exchanges, won’t be available until March. Some 13.8 million people were expected to sign up during open enrollment, Obama administration officials said in October.

Related: Insurers to Congress: Stabilize Obamacare in next 30 days

Enrollment in Obamacare this year will prove a critical indicator of the program’s value to Americans. Insurers are closely watching the figures, which will play a big role in whether they decide to remain in the market in 2018 and what premiums they will charge. Already, several large insurers, including Aetna (AET), Anthem (ANTX) and Cigna (CI), said they were evaluating their participation for next year amid mounting uncertainty over Congress’ plans to repeal and replace the law. Carriers have signed contracts to provide coverage through this year.

Related: Aetna CEO: We will not expand Obamacare in 2018

The Trump administration pointed to the lackluster finish as a sign of the health reform law’s troubles, noting the steep 22% premium hike for the benchmark silver plan for 2017 and the 28% decline in insurers offering plans — meaning consumers had fewer choices.

“Obamacare has failed the American people, with one broken promise after another,” said Matt Lloyd, spokesman for the Department of Health & Human Services. “We look forward to providing relief to those who are being harmed by the status quo and pursuing patient-centered solutions that will work for the American people.”

Lloyd cited a 25% increase in premiums, which covered only the states on the federal exchange.

Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to emphasize that Obamacare is collapsing, even as their rush to repeal the law has hit resistance from within their own party. Many lawmakers want more details on how their leaders will replace Obamacare, with some on Capitol Hill now calling for repairing and stabilizing the law, at least for the short term.

But former Obama administration officials blamed the weak finale on Trump’s cancellation of about $5 million in advertising in the days before the end of open enrollment. That outreach is critical to spurring people — particularly coveted young and healthy consumers — to sign up.

“Open enrollment was a success, and it would have been even higher without the Trump Administration’s efforts to suppress enrollment,” said Leslie Dach, a former agency official and director of Protect Our Campaign, who called the pulling of the ads “attempted sabotage.” “Despite that, Americans continued to enroll in the final weeks, proving that there is considerable demand for quality and affordable coverage.”

Related: Trump pulls Obamacare ads days ahead of enrollment deadline

Sign-ups had been running ahead of the prior year in the weeks after enrollment opened on Nov. 1, which former Obama officials cited as a sign of its popularity. It’s likely that many who needed insurance jumped to lock in coverage in light of the Trump administration’s vow to repeal the law soon after assuming power. Others, however, may have opted to stay away, thinking that Obamacare will soon be dismantled.

Before they left office, the outgoing administration focused on boosting enrollment with television ads, online outreach, in-person enrollment campaigns and the hashtag #coveragematters.

Related: Republicans add to Obamacare confusion with new ‘repair’ pitch

The states that run their own exchanges continued their advertising campaigns, and several reported a strong finish to the season.

In New York, more than 908,000 people signed up for coverage, up 39% from a year ago. The state’s Essential Plan, which provides low-cost plans to low-income residents who make too much for Medicaid, attracted the most interest.

More than 225,000 Washington residents selected plans, a 13% increase over last year.

“The exchange is doing exactly what it was intended do and helping record numbers of working families who need and deserve health care,” said Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat. “While congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. are trying to take health care away from people in our state, I will do all I can to ensure these families do not see their coverage repealed until a viable replacement is in place.”

Because of a flurry of sign ups at the end of open enrollment, Covered California gave residents who began picking plans through Feb. 4 to finish the process.

And Minnesota extended its enrollment through Feb. 8. MNsure, the state exchange, prolonged enrollment so consumers can take advantage of a new state law that provides an automatic 25% reduction in premiums to those who buy policies on the exchange but aren’t eligible for federal subsidies.

CNNMoney (New York) First published February 3, 2017: 4:42 PM ET

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