Did you know there are an estimated 42 million Americans making up the self- employed segment of today's workforce. This group is independent and confident; however many of them also lack health insurance and can be under-insured in other areas.
According to a release, Cigna Individual and Family Plans surveyed 250 self-employed Americans and found that nearly 25 percent of respondents do not have health insurance. Given this finding, Cigna's My Business, My Health study took a closer look at this uninsured population to better understand its views on personal health and wellness, business priorities and perceptions and misconceptions about health insurance.
According to My Business, My Health, 60 percent of uninsured respondents place business priorities ahead of personal health and overall wellness. Yet, more than one-third of respondents said that one month away from work due to personal illness would result in either a loss of customers or worse -- going out of business.
According to the survey, while most uninsured respondents (60 percent) worry about not having health insurance and what impact it could have on their business, the majority (also 60 percent) categorize themselves as "reactive" or "inactive" when it comes to their own health, meaning the reactive only go to the doctor when they feel sick or believe something might be wrong and the inactive very rarely go to the doctor even when they feel sick. And, a small percentage of business owners feel that they don't need health insurance because they are "healthy and maintain an active lifestyle." Among those respondents,15 percent aged 41 to 60 adhere to this belief despite the greater frequency of health issues among this demographic in the general population.
Based on the My Business, My Health study findings, Cigna has created the My Business, My Health web page (mybizmyhealth.com) to continue this important conversation with sole proprietors and provide clear information on health care reform and other helpful resources. My Business, My Health provides a glimpse into the mindsets of uninsured business owners featuring real entrepreneurs telling their personal stories about life, health and wellness and owning a business today.
If you fall into this category please give us a call and let us help you. When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140
Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
No matter what they type of business you have insurance will be part of your overhead. Some of the insurance you need is mandated by different levels of government regulations. Other types of insurance needs are to protect your assets from lawsuits that could be related to the type of business you do.
You must be ready to change your business and your businesses’ insurance as the market and regulations change.
A recent example happened in the city of Scottsdale, Arizona to the cities’ pedicab operators.
Until now operating a pedicab in Scottsdale was relatively inexpensive. A person could operate a pedicab with little or no overhead and without restrictive, burdensome regulations.
On May 9, 2013 new regulations went into affect. To continue doing business in Scottsdale, pedicab operators must have a valid Arizona driver’s license, maintain insurance and adhere to regulations pertaining to the safety and visibility of the pedicab. The ordinance, which became law includes penalties for non-compliance but does not specify any equipment inspections. Other than the Arizona drivers license there is no other testing for operation in Scottsdale.
In Scottsdale, operators now must maintain at all times a commercial general-liability insurance policy of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate.
Scottsdale’s ordinance was prompted by a Jan. 4 crash involving a suspected drunken driver and a pedicab trailer on Scottsdale Road near Rose Lane. The two pedicab passengers suffered serious head and spine injuries.
When considering the changing needs for insurance products for your business or home remember contacting Bennett Insurance Group is the right move. Give us a call at 623-979-4140
Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
Do you have a contingency plan to take care of unplanned events or emergencies. Is your business risk-proof?
No matter how big or small your business is, it faces risks that could lower profit margins and eventually force you to close your doors - often without much notice.
Being true business professionals, we understand how serious these risks can be. We also realize that every dollar spent counts in business. That's why we have created customized business insurance plans to protect your business from unforeseen and unexpected events.
As your Insurance agent, I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy.
Bennett Insurance Group, Inc. has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years and takes tremendous pride in serving you to the very best of his abilities.
Ask our sales team and you will get to know why it's pure fun to work with us.
We are a diversified group of people, past pioneers, and present day visionaries, all moving towards our goal of providing peace of mind through insurance solutions. With a relaxed workplace culture, flexible benefit programs tailored to individual employees, ongoing training and professional development and a keen focus on internal communications, we expect to grow together with our trusted partner - you.
Our Corporate Culture
• Be accessible, professional and friendly as we strive for service excellence.
• Promote a culture with a broad range of products to meet member needs.
• Offer innovative products and be responsive to the marketplace with superior product delivery.
• Offer technology to meet member needs.
• Build member loyalty, advocacy and insistence.
• Be community-involved and recognized as a good corporate citizen.
When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140
Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
When shopping around for a new homeowners insurance package, your first step should be to check with your existing insurance company. Subscribing to multiple policies will save you money. Companies want to have as much business as possible and will reward you covering many areas of your life style. Think auto, home, life and more.
When shopping for insurance, it can be beneficial to try to obtain all of your insurance needs, such as auto and home, as one package. You can save more money on your premiums by having a single agent for every policy. A number of large insurance carriers give out discounted rates due to bundling.
Long gone are the days when a color TV was the cutting edge of technology, so you need to make sure the insurance coverage you carry on all your electronics is completely up to date.
While your homeowners insurance policy should cover electronics, it might have a set limit for your electronics or they can be lumped in with your appliances, which wouldn't come close to covering your audio devices, computers, smartphones and HDTVs.
You can purchase extra coverage with an endorsement on your homeowners insurance policy that is based on the electronic items' appraised value. Or you can buy separate insurance through a company that specializes in covering electronics.
Consider the coverage of hobby and craft items that you have acquired over the years. How much is in your garage or craft room. Make sure those items are fully covered. In some communities the second car in the garage is a golf-cart and it may be more than the garden variety. It isn’t on your auto policy, so is it covered by your homeowners insurance policy?
Look over your coverage on a yearly basis and ensure that it is still the best suitable option for your current situation. Perhaps you might want to drop collision insurance on an older vehicle, or save money by increasing the deductible on your homeowners insurance. You may also need to adjust your policy if there has been a change in financial needs or family size.
Always try to take advantage of any discounts your company may offer.
When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140
Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
On January 14, 1978, at a membership banquet for the newly formed Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, Colonel Mike Clarke announced the donation of a B-17G aircraft to the CAF for assignment to the Arizona Wing. A contest was initiated by the local media to name the aircraft, which resulted in more than 800 entries, with the ultimate selection of the name Sentimental Journey. The decision was made to use the most famous pinup picture of World War II for the nose art. Permission was secured from widower Harry James to add Betty Grable in her most tantalizing pose to complete the newly acquired bomber.
In 1985 ground was broken for the wing's first permanent hangar facility. With the new facility, repairs to Sentimental Journey could now be performed inside. The new hangar also started the annual fundraiser "A Night in the 40's Big Band Dance" event and is held each March. Sentimental Journey is on display at the front of hangar for photo opportunities along with other Warbirds. Many of the dance attendees come dressed in the styles of the 40's for the costume and dance contests. The annual dance draws over 1,400 guests.
As the museum grew, so did the number of aircraft the wing was restoring. By 1986, Sentimental Journey was making an average of 60 appearances annually throughout the United States and Canada. More aircraft and musuem exhibits were being added to the Arizona Wing, and room for everything was getting sparse. In 2003 the Arizona Wing completed construction on the second building that consists of over 30,000 square feet of Museum and Event Facility space. Restored aircraft and museum exhibits are on display to give you event a unique atmosphere. The Arizona Wing's Event Facility is available for all types of events - "Black Tie," weddings, a casual B-B-Q, or a trade show.
Today the Arizona Wing maintains and fly's as its premier aircraft the B-17 Sentimental Journey and the B-25 Maid in the Shade, along with an SNJ/T-6 Texan, C-47 Skytrain/Dakota, C-45 Expeditor, PT-17 Stearman, and an L-16 Grasshopper. Rides in these planes can be requested by visiting here. Restoration projects have recently included a MiG-15, Grumman Guardian, and a Skiorsky helicopter. The Arizona Wing has on display a F4 Phantom, A 26 Invader, P 47 1/2 scale, SE5a, Schweizer TG-3A Glider and Mig 21, plus numerous visiting aircraft. The PX/Gift Shop in the museum has many unique aviation gifts.
Location: 2017 N. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, AZ 85215 - 480-924-1940
Hours: Wed to Sun from 9AM-3PM
Website: http://www.azcaf.org/
When considering your need for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140
Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
What is health insurance and how does it work?
Health insurance markets work best when a large group of relatively healthy people buy insurance and pay their premiums year after year. Insurance markets do not work well when healthy people do not participate in great numbers and the primary purchasers of health insurance are those who will require expensive care. Indeed, insurers prefer to sell coverage to groups formed for reasons other than to purchase insurance, such as employer groups.
In addition to spreading financial risk, health insurance has another important function - guaranteeing access to health care services. Doctors and hospitals are more likely to care for people when they are assured they will be paid. Numerous studies have shown that people without health insurance receive far fewer health services (or delay needed health care) compared to the insured. Thus health insurance not only protects us from catastrophic expenses, it also secures access to important routine, preventive, and primary care services.
It is important to note that having insurance doesn't necessarily mean people have health security. In addition to the uninsured, an estimated 25 million Americans are under-insured; that is, they have insurance, but it is not adequate to protect them from catastrophic medical expenses or to secure access to needed care. The leading cause (approximately 50 percent) of personal bankruptcy in the U.S. is high medical expenses. The majority who cite this reason for their bankruptcy had health insurance. Thus, not only the presence of insurance, but the adequacy of insurance, is critical for health insurance to provide the protection consumers expect and need.
The most common way of getting health insurance is through an employer. Most employers offer their workers the opportunity to join a group health plan, and approximately 92 percent of private health insurance is provided through employer-sponsored group health plans. Depending on the number of employees, an employer might buy insurance in the small group market (usually between 2 and 50 employees) or the large group market. Employers tend to pay most of their employees' premiums, but often contribute less toward insurance for employees' family members. The employer contribution to employees' premiums is often made in lieu higher wages. Health insurance benefits provided by employers are not taxed as income to employees by either the federal government or states.
Approximately 14 million Americans (or roughly 6 percent of the non-elderly) buy their own insurance in the individual insurance market. They must pay the entire premium. Plans purchased in the individual market may cover an individual, a couple, or a family. Do you need to provide your own insurance?
When considering your needs for insurance products for your health or life please contact Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140
Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group, Inc.
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
After years of shifting rates and exemptions, the estate tax is now permanent. Not only does it ensure stability, the new law also preserves opportunities for estate-planning using whole life insurance.
One of the big surprises from the last-moment deal that pulled the nation back from the fiscal cliff was the permanent estate tax law, which should make estate-planning go much more smoothly for advisors and their wealthy customers.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 sets the top estate tax rate at 40 percent -- permanently, after years of shifting rates and exemptions, and annual surprises. That rate is up from the previous 35 percent, but much lower than the 55 percent maximum that would have occurred had the new law not been enacted.
In addition, the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amounts — of $5 million for individuals and $10 million for couples, indexed for inflation — remain unified. These amounts are extended permanently, for estates and gifts made after Dec. 31, 2012, according to an analysis from the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting.
Absent the new law, the exemption amounts would have dropped to $1 million and $2 million, respectively, as of January 1st, 2013.
The new legislation also keeps portability provisions in place. These govern unused credits for surviving spouses.
The fact that Congress made the changes permanent is key. It means people no longer have to do estate planning in an environment that is up and down and where the exemption amounts and tax rates can snap back to previous levels or change frequently. You can do long-term planning, knowing that these levels are fixed, permanently, and that the estate and gift tax exemption is unified.
The unified credits will help with the transfer of assets while clients are alive. Unification will also help with business succession planning.
Congress can always revisit the law in the future and make changes then, but the permanent nature of the change suggests that this is unlikely to occur in the near future.
Let Bennett Insurance Group help when you are considering your needs for financial planning or insurance products for your home or business. Contact us at 623-979-4140
Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com
