A Personal Success Story

It is with great pleasure that I share a personal success story as it relates to health insurance for my dependent son. He is currently a sophomore attending University of Delaware. Last year, at this time, I was anxiously anticipating the renewal rates for my company’s health insurance. Like most, due to our busy lifestyles, I tend to address situations as they arise; but last year I was a bit more proactive. I decided to shop individual plans for my son knowing that a young, single male is the lowest risk when it comes to underwriters and their pricing of a new plan. At IFS, one of the plan offerings as a full time employee is a high deductible health plan. My company is very generous in their contributions toward premium and deductible costs; however, I still had significant dollars to contribute on my own. My thought: what do I have to lose by shopping around?

My son was approved for an individual PPO plan through Aetna with a monthly premium of $102. As you can imagine, I was ecstatic because my personal health care expenses were drastically reduced without sacrificing benefits. Furthermore, I received news today that his premium is remaining the same for the next plan year. Yes, you read that correctly – NO INCREASE!! One last personal note: my son is considering transferring to an out-of-state school; and I’m very happy to report with this particular Aetna PPO plan, it is portable and coverage issues will not be a problem. Win-Win for all.

Lastly, as consumers, we shop for new cars, clothes, shoes, etc…I urge you to please take time and review your current situation. The IFS Benefits team is always ready to assist; therefore, if it makes sense for you to explore you current health care status, please give us a call – what do you have to lose?

Yours in good health,
Lori DiBattista

Lori DiBattista, Senior Account Manager Lori is licensed in Life and Health in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida. Lori is actively involved in the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and serves on United’s Advisory Council. Lori is also a long-time volunteer with the Special Olympics of Delaware and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Wellness As a Means to the Ends

If you want a raise, then participate in your company Wellness program.

I am sure by now many HR professionals and even employees have heard about corporate wellness programs. In fact, the term "wellness" sometimes means something different to everyone. Our health insurance industry has been promoting wellness for years as a way to change unhealthy behaviors and save on claim dollars down the road.

For some organizations, this may simply mean putting in a fitness center at work or organizing a daily walk for the staff. More sophisticated programs involve handing out pedometers, having guest speakers for lunch and learns and completing Health Risk Assessments. Some companies go as far as hiring a company to do Biometric Screenings - like Blood pressure and cholesterol checks; others may alter your health insurance payroll deduction based on participation in the program or give extra monies to your H S A account.

Now a company called Lincoln Industries is taking wellness a step further - they are incorporating it into employee's annual reviews. Imagine if part of your annual bonus or merit increase were based on following a healthy lifestyle. Come to think of it, maybe that is not such a bad idea. According to Health care statistics at www.preventdisease.com 2006 study estimated that - "70% to 90% of health care costs are due to unhealthy choices and preventable risks"


Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Go Red for Women

The American Heart Association created 'Go Red for Women' to dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer in women.

Friday is National Wear Red Day and I urge everyone to wear something red.

Ladies - pull your red suits, dresses, skirts, and jackets out of your closet. This sends a powerful message to other women to take care of their heart health. Remember, we cannot take care of others, if we don't take care of ourselves.

Men - you may consider a red tie or sweater and support the women in your lives to send the same message.

To learn more about the Go Red for Women program, please visit:

www.goredforwomen.org
or
www.americanheart.org.


Lori DiBattista, Senior Account Manager Lori is licensed in Life and Health in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida. Lori is actively involved in the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and serves on United’s Advisory Council. Lori is also a long-time volunteer with the Special Olympics of Delaware and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.