Back to School Insurance Tips
Students preparing to head back to college should add insurance coverage to their list of things to do. It’s a good idea to review your coverage and make sure your possessions are properly insured.
Homeowners insurance. If you’re moving into a dorm, your parents’ homeowners policy will likely cover your belongings in case of a loss. Students planning to live off campus should consider renters insurance. The premiums for renters insurance average between $15 and $30 per month, depending on the location and size of the rental unit and the value of your possessions.
Auto insurance. Most states require that you carry at least a minimum amount of liability coverage, which pays damages and injuries to someone else if you are found responsible for an accident you did not intentionally cause. If you want coverage for damages to your car, you will need comprehensive and collision coverage. You will need to purchase your own policy if your name is on the title for your vehicle. But you may be able to stay on your parents’ policy if they own the vehicle.
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Medicare Coverage Options
The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff are committed to helping you determine if Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Supplement Policies are right for you.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are offered by private companies who Medicare pays to cover hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) benefits. Some MA Plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and some provide vision and dental services.
A Medicare Supplement Policy (Medigap) is private insurance that helps pay for health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Click here for more information.
Also, Medicare recipients are reminded to keep an eye out for new Medicare cards. Medicare is mailing new cards with new numbers. Once you receive your new Medicare card, destroy your old card. Click here for frequently asked questions about your new Medicare card.
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Insurance Tips for Job Seekers
Are you considering a new job? Before you accept a new job offer, consider insurance implications. There may be changes in insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs. Here are a few tips to help you avoid costly surprises:
- If your job change includes a move, check your homeowners' policy to make sure personal possessions are covered in-transit. If not, consider a trip transit or floater policy.
- Before accepting a new job, compare your current health plan with plans offered to assure the available mix of deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance will cost-effectively meet your needs.
- Find out if your new employer has a mandatory waiting period before health insurance coverage takes effect.
Our insurance checkup tool can help you determine the proper insurance products for your lifestyle and financial habits.
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