Terms of Use The definition of disability in the Social Security law is a strict one. To be eligible for benefits, a person must be unable to do any kind of substantial gainful work because of a physical or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments), which is expected either: to last at least 12 months, or to end in death If, because of a medical condition, a person cannot do the work that they performed in the past, then age, education, and past work experience must be considered   More...

Terms of Use To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). Then, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. People who are severely disabled may be eligible for monthly benefits. Both the Social Security program and the Supplemental Security Income program provide a monthly income for people with severe disabilities. However, the non-medical eligibilit  More...

Terms of Use The cost of long term care varies for individuals living in different parts of the country, but the general consensus is that it is expensive, regardless of the level of care you receive. For example, an estimated cost of nursing home care is between $30,000 and $50,000 a year or more, with most individuals staying an average of 2.5 to 3.5 years. Costs of in-home care are harder to estimate and vary widely. So how can you protect your nest egg and that of your loved ones?   More...

Terms of Use While most every state requires that you buy a minimum amount of liability coverage, consider what you are paying for additional collision and comprehensive coverage, especially when you're driving an older vehicle. With most policies, your coverage reflects the market value of your car and the cost of repairing it. You may want to consider a liability-only policy which can reduce your insurance costs by 50 percent or more, according to the National Association of Insurance C  More...

Terms of Use Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals. Part A also helps cover skilled nursing facility, hospice, and home health care if you meet certain conditions. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover medically-ne  More...

Terms of Use Listed below is general information on what is covered under Medicare Parts A and B. We have also included links to publications which contain detailed information on specific types of care (for example, prevention services and hospice care). Medicare Part A Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover your inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and some home health care. You must meet certain conditi  More...

Terms of Use: Try the following steps if you are not satisfied with how your insurance claim is being handled: Let your agent or company representative know that you are unhappy. If this individual is unable to solve your problem, get the name and phone number of the head of the insurer's claims department. Your insurance company may also have a consumer complaint department that may be helpful. Be prepared to support your case. Send documents and a letter explaining why you are not satisfie  More...

Terms of Use We've all heard that filing a car insurance claim can boost your premiums. So what should you do the next time your fender gets bent? Although it hardly seems fair given the out-of-pocket costs you've incurred paying your car insurance premiums, it may just be in your best interest to pay out-of-pocket for any small damages to your vehicle, rather than submitting a claim to your insurance agency. There is no one best answer to the question of whether to file a claim. The  More...

Terms of Use You may not realize it, but the insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the coverages you request and the kind of car you drive. Listed below are a number of things you can do right now to lower your insurance costs. 1. COMPARISON SHOP Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it pays to shop around. Ask your friends, check the yellow pages or call your state insurance de  More...

Terms of Use Medicaid is a jointly-funded, Federal-State health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people. It covers approximately 36 million individuals including children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled, and people who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Most of your health care costs are covered if you have Medicare and you qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid programs vary from state to state. You will need to contact the State medical assist  More...