Happy Labor Day!

 

“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”  Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Day is a special occasion to honor the American workers who make our country great. Your contributions and achievements benefit the prosperity and well-being of our nation.  Before the summer comes to an end, take some time to enjoy the long weekend and celebrate all of your hard work. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or hosting a backyard barbecue, we hope you can spend these last few days of summer with your loved ones. There is a lot to be thankful for on Labor Day, including the opportunities we have been given in life to follow our chosen professions. I’d like to express my gratitude and appreciation for everything you do, and for supporting me in my career as an insurance agent.  Happy Labor Day Weekend

Pros & Cons of Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare Part C, are popular private insurance alternatives to traditional Medicare. In fact, about one-third of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan — a number that has nearly doubled in the last decade. While these plans often cover stuff that Medicare does not, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses can be higher. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. 

Understanding Traditional Medicare

Medicare can be confusing, so it’s important to first understand what the various parts cover and how they fit together. Traditional Medicare has two parts: 

• Medicare Part A. Part A is hospital insurance. It covers some inpatient hospital care, limited skilled nursing care, hospice care and other specified services. Part A is typically premium-free.
• Medicare Part B. Part B is outpatient insurance. It covers some doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits and other specified medical services and supplies not covered by Part A. Part B has a standard monthly premium based on income.

Traditional Medicare has deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses that can add up quickly. To cover this, private insurers also offer supplemental plans known as Medigap. Medigap premiums depend on the insurer, where you live and the exact plan. If you sign up for a Medigap policy when you first enroll for Medicare, you can’t be denied and the insurance provider can’t charge you more for pre-existing conditions. Lastly, Medicare Part D is also offered by private insurance companies and covers prescription drugs. 

So, What Exactly Is Medicare Advantage?

Rather than a supplemental plan and traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans combine Part A, Part B and usually Part D into one, convenient plan. They cover all Medicare services and many also offer extra coverage for dental, hearing and vision. 

Most Medicare Advantage enrollees pay no additional premiums (other than Part B premiums). However, most Medicare Advantage plans come with unexpected expenses when you get sick, since copays and other expenses can be higher. What these plans pay may also differ depending on your overall health. This makes it harder to budget for healthcare. 

In general, most Medicare Advantage plans offer fewer choices when it comes to healthcare providers, as these plans work similarly to employer-provided group health insurance. With traditional Medicare, you can choose any doctor who accepts Medicare (most do), but with Medicare Advantage, you are required to visit in-network providers on HMO plans and may pay higher copays or coinsurance if you go out-of-network with a PPO plan. Medicare Advantage plans are also regional, so if you move or travel, you may not be covered. 

Medicare Advantage Details

When it comes to Medicare Advantage plans, there are many details and a lot of fineprint. Overall, Medicare Advantage plans have fewer upfront costs, but the potential for high out-of-pocket expenses is greater. Contrarily, Medicare + Medigap has higher upfront costs but covers a vast majority of expenses if you get sick. You can switch Medicare Advantage plans during annual enrollment periods, but if you want to switch to traditional Medicare, you may find you no longer qualify for Medigap policies or may be charged at a higher rate. 

In Summary

Medicare Advantage Pros

• Extra benefits (ex. dental, vision, hearing, etc.)
• Many different plan options
• Cost-effective, if you remain healthy

Medicare Advantage Cons

• Network of providers
• Lack of out-of-region coverage
• If you get sick, more potential out-of-pocket expenses

While Medicare in general can be confusing, Medicare Advantage plans add another layer of complication. That’s why it’s important to speak to a qualified Medicare agent to help you make informed decisions that are right for you and your family. Contact Insurance Policy Centres today! 

Preparing your office for the in-office meeting

 

Preparing The Conference Room or Meeting Room

• Make sure the room is free of clutter and the tables are wiped down.
• Have wipes available in the conference room to assure visitors of a clean environment.
• Make sure any whiteboard has been wiped clean from prior meetings. (This is not just a good idea, it protects client privacy).
• Lock away client folders or private information.
• Have note pads and nice pens for clients to take notes easily.
• Have a pair or two of reading glasses for those who forget theirs.
• Have phone charging cords for different types of phones for client use.
• Have mints available – for all.
• Have spare umbrellas available if it starts to rain when they are ready to leave.
• Have Wi-Fi guest passwords printed and available.
• Pretest any video being used.

Being prepared beats “oh, our apology.”

Enjoy seeing people again IN PERSON.

Stay safe,

~ DOUG

A Little Mistake with Your Dog That Can Make You Poor

In today's modern world as a pet owner, there is one expense that is becoming increasingly necessary: Pet insurance. Insurance isn't something that you would consider an optional item for yourself, and you shouldn't for your dog either. It helps make veterinary care more affordable

Puppy Insurance

The best time to purchase insurance is when you get a brand new puppy. Puppies are expensive and require several vet visits right away. You'll need to take your puppy in for an initial wellness exam as well as vaccinations (8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks). That's assuming you don't have to treat for anything else (worms, parasites, etc.) and what about when it's time for spaying and neutering?

Plus, insurance covers the accidents that might come with puppyhood such as eating things they shouldn't and protects young puppies against things that are unexpected. Imagine if your small puppy falls and accidentally breaks a leg or if your new Golden puppy thinks the hand towel looks like an edible treat. These are more expensive accidents than you realize!

Older Dog Insurance

Even if you have an older dog, you can still obtain dog insurance. Most companies will insure dogs up until they reach old age, often around 14 years old. If they have been ill or had a disease (like cancer), the coverage will likely not cover future charges related to a pre-existing condition.

The truth is that at some point about 50% of dogs will have a major emergency or illness in its lifetime. The veterinary world can now offer us top-notch care, but it does come at an expense that many an average pet owner can't afford. Pet insurance allows you do not have to consider euthanasia as a treatment choice!

Dog Health Insurance

Dog health insurance works very similarly to human insurance. You must be able to afford monthly premium payments. You can select plans based on what you want to have covered, the deductible you want to pay, etc.

It is important when selecting a dog health insurance plan that you compare the various options among companies. Not all plans are created equal. Some offer higher deductibles and have more exclusions and restrictions. Make sure everything is covered! It does you no good to not have routine wellness items covered or to not cover for major emergencies.

Dog Medical Insurance

Other considerations when purchasing an insurance plan:

 Is your vet an approved vet? Just like with human health insurance plans, not all vets are included in the network of an insurer, so if you like your personal vet, try to find coverage that will include him.

 What about emergency vets? People don't often think about the emergency vet until that person is needed, but make sure that your coverage will pay for a trip to an emergency vet.

 Are you covered when you travel? If you are someone that travels with your dog you need to make sure that an expense in another state on vacation will be covered.

 Are the plans standard or do you have to pay for a lot of add ons? For example, traveling coverage might be an add on, but what about more routine items.

 Know how claims are processed. Many pet insurance companies have you pay the upfront fee and then submit receipts. If so, can you afford the upfront fee and wait to be reimbursed?

 Will the premiums increase just because of your pet ages?

 Do you have what many companies consider a high-risk breed? These dogs might not be covered at all or only at a higher expense.

Lifelong Pet Insurance

Lifelong pet insurance is a type of insurance plan that is meant to cover your pet for the duration of its natural life. Of course, you need to read the fine print to be sure, but as a general rule, it means the insurance company can't remove your pet from the plan suddenly.

Lifelong pet insurance plans help limit the restrictions that can often be placed on a plan. For example, many companies will only cover treatment for a specific incidence for a limited time.

Additionally, a dog's veterinary expenses often increase as the dog ages. Lifelong plans ensure that your dog is covered when it likely needs it most and isn't dropped from a plan.

Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary pet insurance, which also happens to be the name of one leading company, is easy to obtain. This can often lead to mistakes in selecting the right company and plan because it is so easy to get. Make sure to compare first!

While selecting an insurance plan, it's advisable to put together a medical record for your dog, if you haven't yet. Any company will want to know:

 Your dog's breed (or close as you can get if a mixed breed)

 Age

 Gender

 Medical History: This will include all visits to the vet and what happened there. If you don't have this on-file yourself, your vet can provide you with a printout history for an application. Keep in mind that many companies will not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Dog Insurance Comparison

It is vital to do a thorough comparison of dog insurance policies. In the last few years, many, many companies have begun offering dog insurance. They are not created equal! It is imperative that you take the time to really evaluate the various plans and the companies. Check out the company's history and wellbeing.

Just like with human insurance, every policy is different and covers (or doesn't cover) a wide variety of things. Additionally, some companies have better track records than others and pay their claims better. Talk to your vet and get a feel for what your vet thinks about the available options. They are at the forefront to really have a better understanding.

Additionally, the internet can be an excellent resource for research and comparisons.

Have a happy doggy time

Doug Myrick

Happy Fourth of July!

 

Looking for the best spots to catch fireworks this Fourth of July? Check out the following links for some of the professional shows being done in our communities.   NBP Fireworks on the Lake: Nathen Benderson Park, Sarasota, July 3 2021, Gates Open 5:00 pm, Fireworks after 9:00 pm. More details here: https://www.visitsarasota.com/nbp-fireworks-lake-driven-sunset-automotive-group   Suncoast Summer Fest July 4th Parade and Bayfront Fireworks: July 4 2021, With a parade in downtown Sarasota at 8:00 PM and bayfront fireworks after 9:00 pm More details here: https://www.suncoastsummerfest.org/events/celebrate-sarasota-july-4-parade-bayfront-fireworks   Venice Florida Fourth of July Fireworks Show: July 4, 2021. The annual Venice fireworks display will be shot from the South Jetty shortly after 9:00 pm and last until around 9:30 pm. More details here: https://www.visitsarasota.com/4th-july-fireworks-display   North Port Freedom Fest Fireworks : July 4, 2021. Mobile food vendors will be available, and parking opens at 6:00 pm. Watch from your car or parking spot, or bring a chair or blanket to claim physically distanced spots on the grass at Butler Park Fields. Fireworks display starts at 9:00 pm For those wishing to watch from home, a link for online viewing provided in details here: https://www.cityofnorthport.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/51250/1712   Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda Fishermen's Village Independence Weekend Celebration: July 3, 2021. From 12:00 - 9:00 pm. A family friendly celebration in Punta Gorda, featuring music, kids activities, vendors, shopping, dining and a gigantic fireworks display on July 3rd, at 9:00 pm. More details here: https://www.fishville.com/event/fishermens-village-4th-of-july-celebration/   Note: Please, please, please be considerate of your neighbors and community if you decide to discharge fireworks from your home. For many of our veterans and seniors, along with most pets and wildlife, the loud bangs from fireworks can cause tremendous stress and anxiety. Have fun, but please also follow all local and state laws, use common sense, and be safe.

May 20th - Happy National Streaming Day!

Happy National Streaming Day, streamers! It’s a fact – all of us here at QSTVPlus LOVE to stream. With more than 13,000+ channels and 20,000+ movies and 5,000+ TV episodes available on our platforms, there are so many amazing things to watch. Even as avid streamers, streaming "FOMO," or fear of missing out, is a reality for many subscribers. In honor of National Streaming Day, we wanted to know what you were watching on this special day…and also pay tribute to some of our favorite TV shows of all time.

Thank you to everyone who is streaming today and every day! We are so proud of (QSTV) Quality Stream TV and AliCat as our go to streaming brands. So, what are you watching on National Streaming Day? Whatever it is, remember to stream proudly.

#StreamingDay #LiveWiFi #QualityStreamTV #QSTVPlus #MovieEntertainment #TVseries

A guide to unoccupied home insurance

If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time – to go travelling, say, or while you wait for it to sell – you will want the peace of mind of knowing it’s protected.

But while you may have home insurance in place, policies typically won’t cover you if your property is going to be vacant for a lengthy stint.

With this in mind, you may want to consider ‘unoccupied home insurance’ instead. This covers your property against damage and burglary when there’s nobody living there.

Why do I need unoccupied home insurance?

With standard home policies, insurers will usually provide cover only if the policyholder can guarantee that a property will not remain empty for more than 30 or 60 days.

If you do leave the property vacant for longer than the stipulated number of days, this will void your cover. So if anything happens, this means you won’t be covered. (Similarly, if you have home emergency cover, this is also likely to become void if you leave your home unoccupied for a long period of time.)

Scenarios where you may need cover

There are a number of reasons why your home may be temporarily unoccupied. These include:

• Travelling for a lengthy period of time – for work or pleasure
• Visiting family abroad
• Having to move out of your home while you have building work carried out
• Not being able to live in your home because you’ve been taken into hospital or long-term care
• You are selling the property but have already moved into a new home 
• You’ve just bought the property but don’t plan on moving in just yet
• You’ve recently inherited the home
• Waiting for a new tenant to move in

Why is an unoccupied property an issue?

Insurers view premises which are left empty for lengthy periods of time as being at a greater risk of structural damage caused by events such as burst pipes. With no-one there to spot issues and get them sorted, minor issues can quickly escalate.

Vacant premises are also more attractive to burglars, and more likely to get broken into.

Given that a standard home policy won’t offer the cover you need, this is where unoccupied home insurance comes into play. This type of policy is likely to be more pricey than regular home insurance (given the increased risks involved with a property being vacant), but it will give the cover – and peace of mind – you need.

What features are included in unoccupied home insurance? 

Typically it provides high levels of cover for a range of events, including:

• Storm damage
• Flood damage
• Fire damage
• Escape of oil
• Escape of water
• Burst pipes
• Theft – or attempted theft
• Vandalism
• Legal expenses – if, say, you need to deal with trespassers or get squatters removed
• Public liability insurance – if, say, a roof tile comes loose from your property and shatters a neighbor’s car window, or a tree from your garden falls and damage a neighbor’s property

Where can I buy unoccupied home insurance?

If you plan on being away from your home for a while and are looking to buy unoccupied home cover, the best way to see how different deals stack up is by going online and using a price comparison service. So what should you expect?

Generally speaking, policies last for three, six, nine or 12 months. You will need to provide information, such as the value of the property, where it is located, how well-maintained it is, what security measures in place, why it’s going to be empty – and how long for.

Having done this, you will be presented with a list of quotes from different insurers. The various factors listed above could all impact on the price you get quoted.  Equally, the higher the level of cover you opt for, the more pricey the policy is likely to be.

Read policy documents carefully

Before signing up to a policy, make sure you read the Terms and Conditions. Understand exactly what level of cover you are getting, and which features are – and aren’t – included.

Remember to check the level of the excess. This is the amount you have to pay if you want to make a claim.  Also try and check out customer reviews to ensure the firm offers a decent level of customer service.

Tempting as it may be, don’t automatically opt for the cheapest policy. Go for the policy that offers the right features and level of cover for your needs – at the right price.

Watch out for exclusions

When comparing policies, be aware of exclusions. With unoccupied home insurance, certain situations may not be covered.

For example, burglary through unforced entry is unlikely to be covered. This is where a burglar is able to get access to your home because you left a door or window unlocked.

Policies are also unlikely to cover damage that occurs during major renovations, such as structural work on the property.

The same applies to damage caused by contractors – though contractors should have their own cover in place.

To find out about exclusions, be sure to read the small print. If in doubt, check with the insurer.

Review your coverage

When your unoccupied home insurance policy has expired, don’t automatically renew with the same insurer. You may be able to find a better deal elsewhere – so be prepared to shop around again.

The same applies to your standard home and contents policies too. In order to keep costs down, it’s important to shop around at renewal time.

Tips when leaving your home empty

A large proportion of insurance claims on unoccupied homes come from burst pipes, so it’s worth taking a few precautions when leaving your house vacant. Drain the system completely before you go away for example or, winter, leave the heating on a low setting.

As empty homes are more vulnerable to theft, take steps to make your property more secure:

• Get a burglar alarm fitted
• Make sure all doors and windows are fitted with approved high-quality locks

• Install a timer so the lights come on and go off
• Get a neighbor to open and close the curtains
• Remove tell-tale signs that the property isn’t lived in by asking a neighbor to collect mail. Alternatively, get post redirected

Can I get unoccupied home cover as a landlord?

If you’re a landlord, you might want to consider unoccupied home insurance, but you could also look into getting dedicated landlord insurance instead. This is specifically designed for rental properties, and will usually permit a home to remain empty for a few months between tenants.

Doug Myrick, phone 305.741.3684 or email dougmyrick@gmail.com