Monday, May 4, 2009

Healthy News from Alta Vista Benefits, April 2009

Back Issues

Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit: http://www.altavistaben.com

Issue #15

The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.

Health Care
Consumers Can Help Control Costs


The purpose of health insurance is to help you pay for health care and it protects you and your family financially when you have an unexpected illness or injury. Since you cannot predict what your medical bills will be, your health insurance helps cover those unexpected costs.

As the cost of health care has risen, so has the cost of health insurance. Some of the rise cost is due to overuse of the services available to us. Whether intentional or not, overuse contributes to the rising cost of care.

As consumers, we can all help drive down the cost of health care by asking some questions of our providers. Here are some suggestions for all health care consumers:

1) Choose health care the way other goods and services are selected -- based on the best quality for the best price. A higher prices does not necessarily mean that the quality of the care is better. Find out before a service is provided about the cost involved versus the quality.

2) Obtain care only when medically necessary and use the emergency room for real emergencies.

3) Ask your medical providers about the care they are prescribing and find out what other treatment options are available.

4) Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about using less costly generic drugs.

5) Make sure you get regular checkups to stay in good health. Prevention is the most powerful medicine.

6) Take care of yourself and your family by eating a balanced diet, getting enough exercise and making healthy lifestyle choices.




Did You Know?

Strawberries are one of nature's most nutritious foods. One cup of raw strawberries contains 3 grams of fiber, 49 calories, 1.02 grams of protein and has more Vitamin C than orange juice. Strawberries also contain phytochemicals that help prevent certain cancers.


Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.

Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com




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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Alta Vista Benefits Feb 2009 Newsletter

Community News

Many of us are facing the realities of having a friend, parent or loved one in a non-medical care giving situation. We are forced to have difficult conversations with them about staying in their home and about how to fund the cost of care giving.

If you are interested in finding out more, please attend the free
"Love Your Parents + Live Your Life" seminar on March 12, 2009 at Trillium Place, 3500 Trillium Crossing, Columbus, OH 43235. Registration begins at 5:45 PM and the program begins promptly at 6 PM. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions of the Moving Forward Senior Solutions panel.

Please RSVP by Friday, March 6th to Lucy Grosz at 624-889-0934 or lucy@altavistaben.com

Back Issues

Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit:
http://www.altavistaben.com








Issue #14

The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.

Stimulus Package
New COBRA legislation

As you are aware, President Obama recently signed into law a $790 billion economic stimulus package – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This plan combines $281 billion in tax cuts, $311 billion in programs funded by appropriation committees and $193 billion for benefits programs.

Here are the major COBRA provisions:

1. The act provides a subsidy of 65% of the COBRA premiums for individuals who were involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. This is not available for people who voluntarily resigned. Eligibility for this program ends when the individual becomes eligible for Medicare or a new employer-sponsored health plan.
2. This assistance will be available beginning March 1, 2009 and will last a maximum of nine (9) months. It is not a retroactive benefit.
3. Participants in this plan will also have to attest that their individual income is less than $125,000 and family income is less than $250,000.
4. Individuals who were involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and February 17, 2009 who failed to elect COBRA because it was unaffordable, have an additional 60 days to make the election and receive the subsidy.

An individual's former employer will be responsible for paying the 65% COBRA assistance. In return, the employer will receive a credit against payroll taxes. My understanding is that payment by the employer will be triggered when the individual pays the remaining 35% of the premium.

Many of my clients are taking advantage of this subsidy while they are in a job search. Please keep in mind that the COBRA premiums return to the full amount after nine months. If you and your family want to shop for individual coverage at the end of the subsidy period, you must prove that you are insurable with any of the carriers.

If you have further questions about this legislation, please contact us. We will be happy to help you.




Did You Know?

A total of 15% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is used on health care spending. You have undoubtedly heard about the efforts on a national level to address health care issues.

The State of Ohio is also examining ways to make access to health care more affordable. If you would like more information about what Ohio is doing, please consult the frequently asked questions (FAQ) area on http://www.recovery.ohio.gov.




Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.

Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Alta Vista Benefits Jan 2009 Newsletter

Community News

Many of us are facing the realities of having a friend, parent or loved one in a non-medical care giving situation. We are forced to have difficult conversations with them about staying in their home and about how to fund the cost of care giving.

If you are interested in finding out more, please attend the free
"Love Your Parents + Live Your Life" seminar on March 12, 2009 at Trillium Place, 3500 Trillium Crossing, Columbus, OH 43235. Registration begins at 5:45 PM and the program begins promptly at 6 PM. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions of the Moving Forward Senior Solutions panel.

Please RSVP by Friday, March 6th to Lucy Grosz at 624-889-0934 or lucy@altavistaben.com

Back Issues

Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit:
http://www.altavistaben.com








Happy New Year from Alta Vista Benefits!!
Issue #12

The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.

Are You Protected?
Losing your income

Your income could possibly be the most important asset you have. Your lifestyle, standard of living and financial goals are all tied directly to your income. Since you have worked hard to get to your current earnings, keeping your income flowing is a critical part of protecting your family and you. There are many options to do this with disability income protection.

It may surprise you to know that most disabilities are caused by illness, and less than 14% are caused by injuries. If you are disabled, it can be as financially devastating to your family as a death. Not only do you lose your income, your expenses can increase as a result of caring for you.

If you have not reviewed your disability policy lately, you only have coverage through your employer, or have no coverage at all, please contact us. We can help you find affordable coverage to protect the valuable asset of your income.




Did You Know?

It is important to know the definition of a disability that is stated in any policy you have. A disability can be a full or partial disability and the interpretation of that varies by carrier.

The definition of occupation (your "own" occupation or "any occupation) also has a bearing on the type of policy you choose. Definitions of "own" occupation can also vary by carrier.

We can help you make the right choice for your situation. We work with a team of people that can help you ensure that you choose a financially sound company and the right policy for the right price. To learn more, contact us today.


Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.

Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com




This message was sent from Lucy Grosz to email@example.com. It was sent from: Alta Vista Benefits, 6775 McVey Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing Software

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Monday, December 8, 2008

Alta Vista Benefits November 2008 Newsletter

Happy Thanksgiving from Alta Vista Benefits

Back Issues

Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit:
http://www.altavistaben.com


Wishing You a Bountiful Holiday...
Issue #11


Best wishes for you and your family as we all celebrate Thanksgiving! Thank you for your business this year.

The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.

Life Insurance can be a living benefit
Planning for your future


Many of us think about life insurance as coverage which protects our loved ones in the event of an untimely death. Traditionally, this has been the role of term insurance. Term insurance is for a specified period of time and does not accumulate cash value.

There is another option which enables us to have both a living and a death benefit. It is whole life insurance. What whole life insurance does is provide a savings plan with guaranteed returns and protection from the downside of the stock market. A well structured whole life policy can provide retirement income, finance a college education, build a family legacy, or pay for a child's wedding -- all while continuing to provide a death benefit.

Life insurance is part of a sound financial plan and can be designed for your own needs. To have the peace of mind good planning creates, please contact us.



Did you know?
HSA Limits Change in 2009


Contribution limits for HSA's are changing in 2009. The individual limit is $3000 and the family limit is $5950. Individuals over 55 can contribute an additional $1000, while couples over 55 can contribute an additional $2000.


Home, Liability and Auto Coverage

When did you last review and shop for auto insurance, liability coverage and homeowner's insurance? It is important to review your coverage periodically to make sure that you have the right coverage at the right price.

We have an excellent professional we work with to help you with this insurance. If you would like to know more, please contact us.




Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.

Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com




This message was sent from Lucy Grosz to email@example.com. It was sent from: Alta Vista Benefits, 6775 McVey Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing Software

Manage your subscription

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Alta Vista Benefits October Newsletter

Community News

As the economy shifts, there are many people who find themselves in a job transition. There are several groups in town that specialize in helping job seekers through this transition:

* Scioto Ridge Job Networking Group
* Forty Plus
* Execunet
* Jewish Family Services

If you are interested in finding out more about these, click on the links above or contact Lucy Grosz to find out how they can help you.

If you need to make a decision about COBRA benefits, we can help you save money and still get great health coverage. To find out more, contact us today.


Back Issues

Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit:
http://www.altavistaben.com



Happy Halloween from Alta Vista Benefits
Issue #10


The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.

What is Universal Health Care?
News You Can Use

You may have seen Michael Moore's movie "Sicko" that brought the concept of Universal Health Care to the public. Univeral Health Care is also known as a single payer system or socialized medicine. It is a health care system sponsored and administered by a single entity, usually the government of a state or country.

Single payer systems control health care costs by controlling the type and frequency of access that people have to services. Countries that use this type of health care include Canada and England. Medicare and Medicaid are single payer systems in the United States.

There have been recent news reports about how this concept really works. You can hear the "Beth Ashmore Chronicle" that demonstrates her experience and the experience of her mother in England's health care system. To hear her compelling story, watch for more information in the news and visit this site.


Insights for a Volatile Market
Invitation to get some answers

You are cordially invited to attend a timely discussion focusing on understanding today's economy, given by highly regarded financial professionals. This is being hosted by the Columbus Financial Group and it is free to you with a confirmed reservation.

The program includes information from:

* Paul Vineis, President and CEO of the Columbus Financial Group
* Chris Northup, Home Mortgage Consultat, Wells Fargo
* Ken Silva, Senior Regional Vice President, Guardian Insurance and Annuity Company

Location: 8425 Pulsar Place, Suite 450
Date: November 6, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Light hors d'oevres will be served.

Please call 614-889-0934 to reserve your spot to get your questions answered by the experts.

Did You Know?

If you have a small business, either as a sole proprietor or with partners, it is important to have a properly structured and funded succession plan for your company. This is important for the continued viability of the business in the event of your disability or death.

Alta Vista Benefits works with a team of people that can help you ensure that your business can continue successfully. To learn how, contact us today.


Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.

Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com




This message was sent from Lucy Grosz to email@example.com. It was sent from: Alta Vista Benefits, 6775 McVey Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing Software

Manage your subscription

Monday, October 6, 2008

Alta Vista Benefits September Newsletter

Alta Vista News Flash

Wade Grosz has joined Alta Vista Benefits as the new Marketing Manager. Wade passed the test to receive his insurance license on September 18th.

Lucy Grosz was awarded the Certificate of Long Term Care (CLTC) designation this month. This program is independent of the insurance industry and ensures that insurance professionals have the tools they need to meet their clients long term care needs.


Back Issues

Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit:
http://www.altavistaben.com








Welcome
Issue #9

The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.

What if we lose power?
Safety considerations

Last week's power outage was grim reminder of the awesome power on nature. Hopefully, you and your family have had power restored and did not suffer terribly due to the storm.

If you are one of the many people who have considered buying a whole house generator, play it safe. It is very important to have this equipment installed by qualified electrician. If the equipment is not installed properly, it can be very dangerous, particularly when the electric comes back on. There has to be a shut off on the outside of the house to make this as safe as possible.

So, do your homework and shop for a reputable dealer and installer. Then, make sure you understand how your unit works.

Market Volatility
Staying the course

Many of us are concerned about the recent events affecting our economy. Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that each of us do as much as we can to stabilize our own financial situation. If friends and family can offer support, take it and give them support as well. Minimizing the impact this situation has on you and your family will enable you to make better, more rational financial decisions.

Your elected officials are there to serve you, so express yourself to them.
This is a time when they need to put the welfare of their constituents first. Let your voice be heard in many ways and demand that any solution chosen includes accountability. Lack of accountability will leave us in the same position we have had before.

The coming days may bring even more turmoil to the market. As a result, people may be losing their jobs. Plan proactively for the consequences of this. If you do lose your job, contact your creditors immediately. Most creditors will work with you. However, if you end up in collections, you have no room to negotiate.

Things are difficult now, but the problems won't last. The best defense against market declines is to stay diversified, stay the course and maintain a long term perspective.




Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.

Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com

Monday, September 8, 2008

Alta Vista Benefits August Newsletter

Agent Requirements
Effective September 1, 2008, any agent or broker who sells long term care coverage must be certified according to terms of Ohio's Partnership program. If you work with any agent or broker, it is important to ask them if they are certified.
Back Issues
Previous versions of newsletters are posted on the Alta Vista web site. If you missed an issue or there is a previous issue you would like to reference, please visit:




Welcome
Issue #8

The monthly Alta Vista Benefits newsletter is provided as a service to help with issues in your every day life. Your suggestions and feedback can be e-mailed to lucy@altavistaben.com.


What if I live a long life?
Planning for your future

Do you think that you might live a long life? If so, is there a possibility that you could become sick or frail and need non-medical care just to get through the day? Do you think your need for care could cause serious consequences to the physical, mental and financial well being of your friends and family?
There is a solution that may be right for you. Alta Vista Benefits is helping clients with Long Term Care planning, which protects your family income and helps your family maintain their lifestyle. Proper planning enables you to get the care that helps you get through the day. It also helps your spouse and friends be supervisors for care instead of caregivers.
We provide free consultations on all of the aspects of Long Term Care planning. Even if you don't think you can qualify medically or you think that coverage is too expensive, there are alternatives that may work for you. To schedule your appointment, please contact us.



Did you know?
Uninsured numbers decline
On August 26th, ABC News reported that for the first time in 20 years, the number of uninsured people in the United States has declined. About 60% of the insured population is receiving group health benefits from their employer.
******
Creditable coverage
There is a term in health insurance called "creditable coverage". This is an important concept to know when changing health insurance carriers.
It has to do with getting credit for prior coverage so that the carrier does not invoke a pre-existing condition clause. When you have health insurance, you get credit for having the coverage -- whether it is group coverage or individual.This is called "creditable coverage".
Carriers usually send you a "Certificate of Creditable Coverage" when you change insurance. If you do not receive this, you should ask the carrier for it and file it with other important papers. This is particularly important if you have had several different carriers over the last 3 to 4 years. You may be asked to provide this documentation to be accepted by a new carrier -- either for group or individual coverage.




Lucy Grosz is the CEO of Alta Vista Benefits and can be reached at lucy@altavistaben.com or by phone at 614-889-0934.


Need a better web site? Can't be found in Google? Call Tom Anderson at 614-679-0912 or visit www.excelleweb.com






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