Have you thought about what you would do financially if you were were unable to work? If you were disabled short term or long term, where would the money come from?
Disability insurance is one of the best lifetime investments you can make. Hopefully you will not have to use it, but you may need it. Like health insurance, it protects your most important asset - YOU.
It is important because anyone can have a devastating health challenge that could wipe them out physically and financially. Medical costs are one of the top reasons people end up in the poor house. Disability insurance payments allow you to have money for health insurance. It sounds sensible.
Disability coverage is available as "own occupation" coverage. This type covers you for being unable to work at the occupation for which you have been explicitly educated, trained, and employed like doctor, lawyer, broadcast media, president, etc.
It is usually more expensive than basic generic coverage like Social Security, and pays more. The going rate is two-thirds of your salary.
If you pay for your own policy instead of allowing your employer to do so, your money is tax free. If you withdraw IRA monies early and provide proof of disability you are exempt from the penalty.
Disability insurance is seldom talked about when it comes to insurance you need. Your house is insured. So is your car. So you should be insured, too. Life insurance is good, but pays off after you pass on.
Protect yourself financially from medical disability and potential financial free fall. Disability insurance like health insurance protects your most important asset - YOU.
domingo, 15 de febrero de 2009
viernes, 6 de febrero de 2009
Gardasil Vaccine Update
The Gardasil vaccination (for prevention of cervical cancer from those who are positive for pre-cancerous HPV virus by Merck) approved by FDA last year was reported to have few adverse events. Reports now show that ER visits have tripled after the vaccine has been given. Deaths have been reported.
This blog spot addressed "vaccine validity" in the May 12, 2007 entry. This vaccine was shown to have serious adverse effects in the studies conducted prior to approval. This information was tucked under the cover. Many of these same effects are being reported now.
Initially it was recommended for girls as young as 9 into teens. It was made mandatory in a couple of states. Now it is being recommended for boys that may carry the pre-cancerous HPV virus.
Girls? Boys? HPV? This insinuates sexual activity. So does giving this vaccine at such an early age - as if. Should Children be getting this vaccine? Some have died trying. Others will suffer the poorly publicized adverse effects for who knows how long.
Even sadder is the fact that some girls developed cervical cancer in spite of being vaccinated. Plus it is does not cover all the HPV strains.
This blog spot addressed "vaccine validity" in the May 12, 2007 entry. This vaccine was shown to have serious adverse effects in the studies conducted prior to approval. This information was tucked under the cover. Many of these same effects are being reported now.
Initially it was recommended for girls as young as 9 into teens. It was made mandatory in a couple of states. Now it is being recommended for boys that may carry the pre-cancerous HPV virus.
Girls? Boys? HPV? This insinuates sexual activity. So does giving this vaccine at such an early age - as if. Should Children be getting this vaccine? Some have died trying. Others will suffer the poorly publicized adverse effects for who knows how long.
Even sadder is the fact that some girls developed cervical cancer in spite of being vaccinated. Plus it is does not cover all the HPV strains.
miércoles, 4 de febrero de 2009
Chidren's Healthcare Bill Passed
As soon as the previous post was published there was breaking news on health care!
President Obama spoke live about the new bill he signed for children's health care today!
He talked about rebuilding the nation's health care system and reaffirmed his stand to provide health care for all!
Pen to paper - it's official!
President Obama spoke live about the new bill he signed for children's health care today!
He talked about rebuilding the nation's health care system and reaffirmed his stand to provide health care for all!
Pen to paper - it's official!
Healthcare Swirl
"Health IT". This has been the dominant theme in health care. This is all that I heard in the glimpses of all the president's interviews yesterday with the major news media stars. This was in the midst of answers to other questions not pertaining to health.
If there was a direct question about health, I surely missed it. Too many other issues were much more important. These were issues we have heard the answers to day after day so much so that these were answers to most of the similar questions asked by different reporters. Health care has been lost in the swirl.
In the midst of overt concern about bipartisanship, economic irresponsibility (taxes, junkets, etc.), war issues, middle class (what about the poor?), and more pork, the health issue has been given a low rung on the ladder. There is much more than "health IT" (information technology), and electronic records in the health care mix.
When will we hear more about health coverage per se? When will we hear more about the pre-presidential national health plan with care for all? As we wait for an HHS director in this swirling storm of economic downturn with job losses (and loss of health insurance) reported daily, I guess it will be business as usual for now.
If there was a direct question about health, I surely missed it. Too many other issues were much more important. These were issues we have heard the answers to day after day so much so that these were answers to most of the similar questions asked by different reporters. Health care has been lost in the swirl.
In the midst of overt concern about bipartisanship, economic irresponsibility (taxes, junkets, etc.), war issues, middle class (what about the poor?), and more pork, the health issue has been given a low rung on the ladder. There is much more than "health IT" (information technology), and electronic records in the health care mix.
When will we hear more about health coverage per se? When will we hear more about the pre-presidential national health plan with care for all? As we wait for an HHS director in this swirling storm of economic downturn with job losses (and loss of health insurance) reported daily, I guess it will be business as usual for now.
miércoles, 28 de enero de 2009
10 Money Saving Medical Tips
10 Money Saving Medical Tips
by J.L. Richardson, M.D.
You are your most important asset. Here are some money saving medical tips to help you during these tough financial times.
1) Keep your health insurance coverage. This is as important as your home and food. Cut expenses elsewhere to keep it in your budget. Let your doctor know if you do not have insurance coverage. Many offer discounts to the uninsured as do other health providers like hospitals and diagnostic centers. Pay for what you need instead of relying on insurance.
2) If you lose your job, get COBRA through your employer. You will have at least 18 months of coverage. You will have to pay for it. It is worth it.
3) Be sure you are up to date on your health maintenance. Get in now for your physical and preventive tests (mammogram, blood tests, eye exam, shots, etc.).
4) Check your medication, prescription and non-prescription. Review these with your doctor to discontinue any you really do not need, and/or can't afford. Let your doctor know if you are unable to afford any of your medication, so other options can be discussed such as drug assistance programs. Research them yourself on the Internet, and by calling or writing the drug company that makes your medication. Remember to include your non prescription medicines in your budget (like cough medicine, stool enhancers, pain relievers, etc.). Talk with your pharmacist.
5) Discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These items cost money and your health.
6) If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA without paying the penalty and taxes. You may need this money to pay for present or future health costs. It may benefit you more while you are well enough to enjoy it. By the time retirement rolls around, you may not be around.
7) Eat healthy small servings. Smaller portions of healthy food save your money and your health. Remember this when you eat out.
8) Exercise at home. Save your money and time on that gym membership. You can reap the same and better benefits with a home exercise program with or without expensive exercise equipment. Turn on the TV and participate in the fitness shows that are best for you. Exercise DVDs and tapes are a one time expense that can be used again and again. Ride your bicycle, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. It all counts.
9) Continue your home exams like self breast exams, and self scrotal exams. You may detect something early. There is much controversy about the self breast exam, and it is no longer recommended by some. Common sense tells you that self detection is a smart thing to do.
10) Save money for your health bank. As insurance companies and plans cover less, you will be paying for more for services and premiums. Keep a nest egg for health expenses.
Remember that YOU are your most important asset. Great health is true wealth.
Dr. Richardson is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
by J.L. Richardson, M.D.
You are your most important asset. Here are some money saving medical tips to help you during these tough financial times.
1) Keep your health insurance coverage. This is as important as your home and food. Cut expenses elsewhere to keep it in your budget. Let your doctor know if you do not have insurance coverage. Many offer discounts to the uninsured as do other health providers like hospitals and diagnostic centers. Pay for what you need instead of relying on insurance.
2) If you lose your job, get COBRA through your employer. You will have at least 18 months of coverage. You will have to pay for it. It is worth it.
3) Be sure you are up to date on your health maintenance. Get in now for your physical and preventive tests (mammogram, blood tests, eye exam, shots, etc.).
4) Check your medication, prescription and non-prescription. Review these with your doctor to discontinue any you really do not need, and/or can't afford. Let your doctor know if you are unable to afford any of your medication, so other options can be discussed such as drug assistance programs. Research them yourself on the Internet, and by calling or writing the drug company that makes your medication. Remember to include your non prescription medicines in your budget (like cough medicine, stool enhancers, pain relievers, etc.). Talk with your pharmacist.
5) Discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These items cost money and your health.
6) If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA without paying the penalty and taxes. You may need this money to pay for present or future health costs. It may benefit you more while you are well enough to enjoy it. By the time retirement rolls around, you may not be around.
7) Eat healthy small servings. Smaller portions of healthy food save your money and your health. Remember this when you eat out.
8) Exercise at home. Save your money and time on that gym membership. You can reap the same and better benefits with a home exercise program with or without expensive exercise equipment. Turn on the TV and participate in the fitness shows that are best for you. Exercise DVDs and tapes are a one time expense that can be used again and again. Ride your bicycle, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. It all counts.
9) Continue your home exams like self breast exams, and self scrotal exams. You may detect something early. There is much controversy about the self breast exam, and it is no longer recommended by some. Common sense tells you that self detection is a smart thing to do.
10) Save money for your health bank. As insurance companies and plans cover less, you will be paying for more for services and premiums. Keep a nest egg for health expenses.
Remember that YOU are your most important asset. Great health is true wealth.
Dr. Richardson is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
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