Toys for Tots through our Marines and volunteers are determined to spread some fun and joy throughout the holiday season
Fun activities for kids “from one to 92” and beyond!
We hope that in this challenging year in which we’ve ALL had to do a lot of adapting — and so many children and families’ lives have been turned upside down — that these fun activities will bring you joy and some much-needed cheer! Please help yourself to any of these fun Christmas holiday activities. And feel free to share them freely with friends and family!
Click here to visit their page filled with Letters to Santa options, fun coloring pages, and lots of mazes and activities to keep you and the children busy!
Whether you’re reviewing your Medicare coverage during open enrollment through Dec. 7 or are signing up for the first time, there are some key considerations to factor into your decision-making, advisors say.
Although Advantage Plans often come with low or no premiums, the out-of-pocket maximums for in-network coverage can be as much as $7,550 in 2021.
So-called Medigap plans, whose monthly premiums can be pricey, provide more flexibility.
For the nation’s older residents, the stakes can’t be higher when it comes to choosing health-care coverage.
That’s partly because under Medicare — you’re eligible at age 65 — changing plans can be challenging in some circumstances and costly if you get your choices wrong. So whether you’re giving your coverage an annual checkup during open enrollment (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) or signing up for the first time, financial advisors say there are some key considerations to factor into your decision-making.
“I encourage people to get the best plan they can because you don’t know what will happen with your health,” said certified financial planner Carolyn McClanahan, a physician and founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida.
“The most important thing when it comes to health-care costs is to be adequately insured,” McClanahan said.
Roughly 62.8 million individuals are enrolled in Medicare, the majority of whom are age 65 or older (the remainder are younger with disabilities or individuals with end-stage renal disease).
About a third choose to get their benefits delivered through Advantage Plans, which are offered by private insurers and typically include Part D prescription drug coverage. The remainder sticks with original Medicare: Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (outpatient care). Those beneficiaries often pair that with a stand-alone Part D plan and a Medicare supplemental plan (aka Medigap), both of which also are offered by private insurance companies.
The most important thing when it comes to healthcare costs is to be adequately insured. Dr. Carolyn McClanahan
The current open enrollment period is for making changes related to those stand-alone drug plans and Advantage Plans: You can switch, drop or add them.
This window is different from your initial sign-up for Medicare when you get a seven-month period that starts three months before the month in which you turn 65 and ends three months after it. During that time, unless you meet an exception — i.e., you have acceptable coverage elsewhere — you generally must sign up for Parts A and B.
When deciding on your coverage, it’s important to consider all associated costs. In addition to things like premiums, copays or coinsurance through Medicare, be sure to consider aspects of your care that may not be covered. For example, dental, vision, and hearing generally are not covered under original Medicare, which also comes with no out-of-pocket maximums.
Additionally, higher-income beneficiaries pay extra each month for their Part B and Part D premiums through so-called income-related monthly adjustment amounts or IRMAAs. Your tax return from two years before the coverage year is generally relied on to determine whether you’re subject to the extra charges. However, if your financial situation has changed, you can appeal the decision. The charts further below show the 2020 amounts to give you a sense of how the IRMAAs are applied (income thresholds and monthly charges for 2021 have not been released yet).
Here are some tips from financial advisors when it comes to determining which type of coverage is most suitable for you.
Advantage Plan considerations
Enrollment in Advantage Plans has more than doubled over the last decade, to 24.1 million beneficiaries in 2020 from 11.1 million in 2010, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
These plans often come with low or no monthly premiums (although you usually still pay your Part B premium). As mentioned, they also typically include prescription drug coverage, as well as extras such as dental or vision.
However, “just know that it might look good on the surface at first, but it can be very limiting,” McClanahan said.
For example, you may have to see a doctor or other provider in the plan’s network. This means if you have a health crisis, you might be unable to see the specialist you want. And while Advantage Plans also come with out-of-pocket maximums, they can be as high as $7,550 (in 2021) for in-network coverage before the plan pays 100% of covered services.
Nevertheless, one of these plans may be suitable, depending on how much you use the health-care system. Keep in mind that generally speaking, the lower the premium, the more you’ll pay in copays or other cost-sharing.
If you’re already enrolled in an Advantage Plan, you can switch to another during this open enrollment if you find one that’s more suitable. If you take no action, your current coverage will continue next year.
“Just make sure your prescriptions and doctors are still being covered under your current plan,” said CFP Joe Boden, senior wealth advisor, and partnerat EP Wealth Advisors in Seattle.
If you want to drop your Advantage Plan during this enrollment period and are planning to pair original Medicare with a Part D plan and Medigap, be aware that getting the latter may involve medical underwriting. And if you have underlying health issues, you may be charged more or denied coverage altogether (more on that below).
Also, if you discover after open enrollment ends that you aren’t happy with the Advantage Plan you chose, you can switch to another, or drop it and return to original Medicare, during a separate window that runs from Jan. 1 to March 31.
Medigap considerations
So-called Medigap policies either fully or partially cover some cost-sharing aspects of Parts A and B, including copays and coinsurance and, perhaps, deductibles.
Each is simply assigned a letter: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. Some states also offer high-deductible versions of Plan F and G. While they are standardized from state to state, coverage between each plan varies. And the premiums can vary widely among locations and insurers.
For instance, the difference among the highest- and lowest-cost Plan G policies in various markets can be stark, according to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance. In one Dallas ZIP code, the lowest cost is $99 per month for a 65-year-old female and the highest was $381 monthly for that same consumer. So yearly, that would be $1,188 vs. $4,572.
Nevertheless, many Medicare beneficiaries like the lower out-of-pocket predictability that can come with a Medigap plan. For example, if you get Plan D, you know that all of your Part B copays (usually 20% of covered services) would be picked up by Medigap. The same goes for the Part A deductible charged per benefit period (in 2020, that amount is $1,408).
Sticking with original Medicare also comes with flexibility in choosing where to get care. For example, if you’re vacationing far from your home state, most providers accept original Medicare. Some Medigap plans will even partially cover care if you’re traveling overseas.
“If you want to make sure you’re covered no matter where you are, a Medigap plan may be more advantageous than an Advantage Plan,” Boden said. Joe Boden SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR AND PARTNER AT EP WEALTH ADVISORS
It’s important to know that if you don’t get a Medigap plan during your six-month “guaranteed issue” period — which starts when you sign up for Part B — it could be hard to get one down the road.
After that window, unless you live in a state with different rules, you would have to undergo medical underwriting, which could result in a higher premium or being denied coverage altogether if you have underlying health issues.
One exception: If you try out an Advantage Plan for the first time and decide within the first 12 months that it’s not for you, you generally would get a special enrollment period to purchase a Medigap policy without any underwriting.
Additionally, be sure that if you definitely want Medigap, pick the one that would be suitable long term, McClanahan said.
“Once you pick a Medigap plan, it can be really difficult to change because there might be underwriting,” she said.
Prescription drug Medicare coverage
If you’re first signing up for Medicare and wonder why you’d need prescription drug coverage when you are healthy and take no medications, be aware that you may face a life-lasting late-enrollment penalty if you change your mind down the road. And, you could find yourself shelling out full price for medicines if you have a health event and no coverage.
“People hate paying for Part D if they don’t have health issues, but the problem is that you don’t know when something could happen,” McClanahan said.
If you already have a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan alongside original Medicare (and, perhaps, a Medigap policy), you can change it during this open enrollment if you find one that better suits you. If you take no action, you generally will remain with the same plan — which could have changed its formulary and how it covers (or doesn’t cover) certain medicines.
Be sure that any medications you take are on your plan’s formulary and that you’re at peace with any additional requirements for the plan, such as step therapy (trying a lower-cost drug before a more expensive one). Also, know your deductible. While not all Part D plans have one, it could be up to $435 (for 2020).
The bottom line is that regardless of the Medicare coverage you choose, it’s important to consider the “what ifs” in addition to the cost.
“Insurance is always one of those things where you might be glad you paid an extra amount upfront,” Boden said. “Sometimes it’s about peace of mind, even if you’re paying a little more each month.”
Contact Shield Agency owner, Andy Simmons, to answer your questions on Medicare.
The pandemic has made everyone acutely aware of the need for healthcare Insurance coverage. Small businesses struggling to survive are challenged to find ways to offer health coverage as a fringe benefit to employees. Premium costs are high.
Nonetheless, there are several ways in which small employers can help employees get coverage for the upcoming year.
5 Things to Know About Healthcare Insurance Coverage in 2021
Don’t wait until the last minute to explore your options. Here are 5 things to keep in mind.
1. Coverage Requirements for ALEs
If you have at least 50 full-time and full-time equivalent employees, you are an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) subject to the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act. This means you must offer minimum essential health coverage that’s affordable to your full-time employees or pay a penalty. What’s affordable Healthcare Insurance? The IRS has released this information for 2021. The cost to employees can’t be more than 9.83% of household income in 2021.
2. HSAs
Health savings accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to cover their out-of-pocket costs. But to make contributions—whether by employers or employees—to such accounts, individuals must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2021, this means insurance with a minimum deductible of $1,400 for self-only coverage or $2,800 for family coverage and a cap on out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts other than premiums) not exceeding $7,000 for self-only coverage or $14,000 for family coverage.
If you have group insurance that is an HDHP, then you can decide whether to contribute to employees’ HSAs. If not, then employees can choose to make deductible contributions to their accounts for 2021. More information about HSAs is in IRS Publication 969.
3. HRA Options
Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) facilitate tax-free reimbursements to employees. While the business can deduct these reimbursements, they aren’t subject to employment taxes. For 2021, consider these HRA options:
Qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (QSEHRAs). These plans reimburse employees for premiums on their individually-obtained coverage up to a set dollar limit ($5,250 for self-only coverage or $10,600 for family coverage in 2020).
Individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRAs). These plans also reimburse employees for their premiums on individually-obtained health coverage. The law doesn’t cap the reimbursement; it’s up to the employer to fix this amount (on a nondiscriminatory basis).
Excepted benefit health reimbursement arrangements (EBHRAs). These plans help pay for certain benefits, such as dental or vision care, not otherwise covered by a general insurance policy. Reimbursement is capped up to a set dollar amount. The cap for 2021 has not yet been announced (it was $1,800 for 2020).
If you don’t provide a Healthcare Insurance plan or do have a plan (including an HRA) but you don’t pay all of the cost, you can enable employees to pay all or the balance of premiums on a pre-tax basis. The plan must offer employees a choice between cash or reimbursement for health insurance coverage. If they choose the coverage, the amount of what they’d pay for premiums that are withheld from their paycheck is not treated as taxable compensation to them. There are no employment taxes on this benefit. If, however, they choose the cash option, it’s taxable compensation.
5. Notice Requirements
Employers offering a Healthcare Insurance plan are required to give notice to employees about their participation and what’s involved. Depending on the plan, notice may include providing a summary plan document.
Generally, notice is required to be given 90 days before the start of the plan year. So, if the plan year starts on January 1, 2021, notice must be given by October 3, 2020.
Conclusion
Start shopping now for Healthcare Insurance. Contact the Shield Agency expert Carlos Garcia or another tax advisor to find ways to make this benefit available to employees without busting your budget. And be sure that whichever option you use that you do so in compliance with the law.
As a business owner, it can be challenging to keep up with changing rules and regulations, especially those related to health insurance.
What are the essential insurance requirements you need to know for this year? And what are the advantages of offering small business health insurance? Keep reading to learn what your employer obligations are for group health insurance requirements in 2020.
Are employers required to offer small business health insurance in 2020?
Even with the now-repealed Individual Mandate from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), employers were never required to provide small business health insurance. According to the insurance requirements of the ACA, employers with less than 50 full-time employees are considered to be small businesses and are still not required to provide group health insurance coverage to their employees in 2020. However, businesses with 50 or more full-time employees (applicable large employers, or ALEs) are still required to provide health insurance to their workers or face penalties in 2020.
How can employers qualify for the small business health insurance tax credit?
Although it is optional for small businesses to offer group health insurance, employers may be able to benefit from the health care tax credit. A small business can usually qualify for the tax credit if it meets the following insurance requirements:
The small business has 25 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Employees are paid an average salary of no greater than $54,200 (in 2019).
The small business pays at least 50 percent of employee premiums.
The small business buys a SHOP Marketplace Plan on the Marketplace, or from a partner such as Ehealth.
Smaller businesses can generally be eligible for a higher health care tax credit. For instance, a business with less than 10 employees and an average salary of less than $25,000 would qualify for the highest tax credit. Overall, the health care tax credit may help make the purchase of group health insurance more affordable for small businesses while ensuring that their coverage meets ACA insurance requirements.
How can employees save money?
Small businesses can still purchase group health insurance even if they do not qualify for a health care tax credit. For instance, small employers may still be able to deduct the cost of contributing to monthly employee premiums from their federal taxes as a business expense.
Since group health insurance is employer-sponsored coverage, small businesses can also ask employees to pay for a portion of monthly premiums (typically 50 percent or less) from out of their paychecks while still fulfilling employer cost-sharing requirements and ACA health insurance requirements. Browse affordable small business health insurance plans with eHealth to find the best options for your business.
What are small business requirements related to tax reporting in 2020?
There are certain tax reporting requirements for small businesses to keep in mind for 2020.
If your company decides to offer group health coverage after meeting insurance requirements, you must report the value of the insurance provided to each employee. This information goes on the employee’s Form W-2 using the code DD, as per IRS requirements.
According to the IRS, your business is required to withhold and report an additional 0.9 percent on employee compensation that is greater than $200,000, as per the ACA.
Why should employers offer small business health insurance?
Although in some cases, offering health insurance is beyond typical employer requirements, there are several advantages to offering a group health insurance plan to your employees.
Retaining and attracting employees – Providing group health insurance coverage may help your small business recruit better employees while also helping keep your best current employees. In a competitive talent market, offering health insurance as part of a compensation package may be an appealing incentive for people to join your company.
Helping your business stand out – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 55 percent of companies with less than 100 workers offered medical benefits through small business health insurance. Employees frequently sign up for group plans, even when they have to pay for part of the premiums.
Building a healthier workforce – When employees have health insurance, they may take less sick days and could help your small business be more productive. By having access to many health care resources, your employees can proactively attend to their medical needs with fewer disruptions to their work schedule.
Overall, offering group health coverage may be a worthwhile investment for your small business, regardless of your employer’s requirements.
Where can employers find small business health insurance?
As a small business employer, you quickly can find group health insurance coverage through eHealth. With eHealth’s online marketplace, you can easily compare group medical plans from multiple health insurance companies, including plans which may not be offered on the exchange. By quickly entering your number of employees and the company’s ZIP code, you can instantly get quotes for small business health insurance.
This article is for general information and may not be updated after publication. Consult your own tax, accounting, or legal advisor instead of relying on this article as tax, accounting, or legal advice.
For assistance with your small business health insurance, contact our specialist, Carlos Martinez Garcia | P: 616-777-3017 | Fax: 616-896-4601
Medicare’s Open Enrollment ends December 7. Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, it’s important to know your Medicare coverage options for 2021. Here are a few reasons why:
Your needs may change. You may find you’re going to the doctor more or less often, the prescription drugs you take may be different, or you may need better access to health care services.
Benefits can vary. Not all Medicare coverage options offer the same benefits. Plan benefits can change from year-to-year.
New, more affordable Medicare plans may be available. The total cost, provider network, and services offered are different between plans. Review plans to see if other plan options could better meet your news or lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Review your current Medicare plan & check for changes
Does your current Medicare plan offer the benefits you need? Review your health or drug plan’s information and note any changes in costs or benefits that will happen in 2021. If you have other types of health or prescription drug coverage, make sure you understand how that coverage works with Medicare.
Compare Medicare health & drug plans
Each year, plans can make changes to the items and services they cover and what you pay. Decide if your current Medicare plan will meet your health care needs for the year ahead. If you like your current Medicare coverage and it’s still available for 2021, you don’t need to do anything.
New plan options may be available to you. If you take insulin, this Open Enrollment you may be able to get a Medicare plan that offers broad access to many types of insulin for no more than $35 for a 30-day supply. You can get savings on insulin if you join a Medicare drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage that participates in the insulin savings model. You can choose among plans that offer insulin at a predictable and affordable cost. Select the “insulin savings” filter in Medicare Plan Finder to find plans that participate in this new model that can help you save on your insulin costs.
Choosing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and getting special treats brings joy to many children at Halloween. Some Halloween traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.
Most importantly, keep doing what you have been doing: avoiding large gatherings, keeping a distance of six feet from others, wearing cloth face coverings, and washing hands often. Some ideas for ways to keep safety steps in place while celebrating Halloween:
Virtual Halloween costume parties & parades
Use video chats for an online party with friends and family and show off costumes and play games. Have fun with it! In cold climates, this may be the first time your child can wear a costume that isn’t buried under a parka! Outdoor costume parades are another option, if it is possible for everyone to stay at least 6 feet apart and wear cloth face coverings.
Making masks part of the Halloweencostume Encourage children to use their cloth face coverings as part of their costume (think surgeon or superhero!). However, be wary of painting the masks, since some paints contain toxins. Also keep in mind that a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face covering unless it has multiple layers of breathable fabric and covers the mouth and nose snugly. Also, do not wear a costume mask over a cloth face covering, because it can make breathing more difficult.
Spooky Halloween movie night
Celebrate with a movie night and dress as your favorite characters. Do this as a family at home or consider letting your child watch with their friends while video chatting, with everyone starting the movie at the same time. For tips on finding age-appropriate movies for your child, read more here.
Decorating pumpkins
This is one Halloween tradition that’s as safe and fun as ever. As always, just be careful to avoid pumpkin carving injuries. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting. When the carving is done, consider putting a battery-operated light rather than an open-flame candle inside. Roast the seeds from the pumpkin for a healthy snack!
Halloween-themed treats
Make some fun Halloween treats as a family. Decorate a pizza with toppings in the shape of a jack-o’-lantern, for example, or make tangerine pumpkins (peel the tangerine and stick a thin slice of celery on top to look like a stem). Make sure the treats are not choking hazards if you have children under age 3.
Outdoor community events
Look for community events focused on safe ways to have fun. These may include programs offered by a park district, arboretum, zoo or other outdoor venues in your area. Stay away from crowds and clustering, and follow safe distance rules even when outdoors.
Avoid indoor events such as haunted houses. A local haunted forest or corn maze may be a better option, as long as cloth face covering use, physical distancing and one-way walk through is enforced. If you think there may be screaming, leave extra distance to lower the risk of spreading respiratory virus. If you go to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard, also use hand sanitizer before and after touching what you pick.
If your children will be outside, mark their costumes with reflective tape. Remind them to be careful around cars, as drivers may not see them. Make sure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or contact with flames.
If there is trick-or-treating in your community…
Trick-or-treating may be discouraged or cancelled in some areas this year. A family scavenger “haunt” (hunt) for Halloween treats in your home or yard can be a fun alternative. If trick-or-treating is still on in your neighborhood, avoid large groups or clustering at doorsteps or anywhere else.
If you give out treats, consider sitting outside and lining up individually prepackaged goodies on a table for children to take (don’t forget to wear your own mask!). Or, think about other ways you can safely avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters. Some families are decorating old shipping or wrapping paper tubes to make chutes that deliver treats, for example. Non-edible treats are a good option, especially for children who suffer from food allergies.
How much touching objects spreads the COVID-19 virus isn’t clear. But if your child collects treats from a few, socially distanced neighbors, you may want to wipe the packages or let them sit for a couple days before giving them to your child. And, of course, good hand hygiene like washing hands or using hand sanitizer before and after trick-or-treating is always a good idea!
Remember
Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic is a chance for you and your children to get creative, and maybe even invent some new traditions for your family! It’s also a great opportunity to model flexibility and a positive spirit. If you’re excited and make it fun, your kids will have fun, too.
More importantly, this is a good time to teach children the importance of protecting not just themselves but others, as well. The decisions we make on this one day can have a ripple effect beyond our own families. Finding safe ways to celebrate can create magical memories.
The National Do Not Call Registry was created to stop unwanted sales calls.
How do I add my number to the Do Not Call Registry?
Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you want to register. It’s free.
If you register your number at donotcall.gov, you’ll get an email with a link you need to click on within 72 hours to complete your registration.
How long will it take for sales calls to stop?
Your phone number should show up on the Registry the next day, but it can take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop. You can check whether your number is on the Registry at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to verify.
Will my registration expire?
No, your registration will never expire. The FTC will only remove your number from the Registry if it’s disconnected and reassigned, or if you ask to remove it.
Can I add my mobile phone to the Do Not Call Registry?
Yes.
What the Registry Doesn’t Do
Will the Registry stop all unwanted calls?
No. The Do Not Call Registry stops sales calls from real companies. The Registry is a list that tells telemarketers what numbers not to call. The FTC does not and cannot block calls. The Registry can’t stop calls from scammers who ignore the Registry.
One reason people get a lot of unwanted calls is because it’s easy and cheap for scammers to call people anywhere in the world. To get fewer unwanted calls, look into blocking unwanted calls. There are different call-blocking options for mobile phones, traditional landlines, and landlines that use the internet (VoIP).
You can find a list of some call-blocking apps for mobile phones at ctia.org, a website for the U.S. wireless communications industry. For company-specific information about blocking calls on landlines and phones that use the internet, go to the FCC’s Call Blocking Resources.
Can a company still call me with a sales pitch?
Companies can call you if you’ve recently done business with them, or if you’ve given them written permission to call. But if you ask them not to call you, they have to stop. Be sure to write down the date you asked them to stop.
Are any other types of calls still allowed under FTC rules if I’m on the Do Not Call Registry?
If a robocall — a call that plays a recorded message — is selling something, it’s illegal unless you’ve given a company written permission to call you that way.
So if you haven’t given the company permission, and the robocall isn’t purely informational — like your cable company confirming a service appointment — there’s a good chance it’s a scam. At the very least, it’s from a company you don’t want to do business with.
If you get an illegal robocall, hang up. Don’t press buttons to be taken off a call list or to talk to a live person. It might lead to more unwanted calls. Instead, report it to the FTC.
Report unwanted calls at donotcall.gov. Report the number that appears on your caller ID — even if you think it might be spoofed or faked — and any number you’re told to call back.
Should I expect to hear back from the FTC?
The FTC gets millions of reports each year, so we can’t respond to each one. But your report matters. The FTC and other law enforcement agencies analyze reports to identify and take action against the people responsible for illegal calls and scams.
The FTC also takes the phone numbers you report and releases them each business day to help telecommunications carriers and other industry partners that are working on call-blocking solutions.
What’s the penalty for companies that illegally call numbers on the Registry?
Companies that illegally call numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry or place an illegal robocall can currently be fined up to $42,530 per call.
The number from my caller ID was faked. Why should I report it?
Technology has made it easy for scammers to fake or “spoof” caller ID information, so the number you’re reporting might not be the caller’s real number. But in some instances, the FTC and other law enforcement agencies can still trace the call based on the information you provide. The complaint also helps because the FTC analyzes complaint data and trends to identify illegal callers based on calling patterns. We also use additional information you report, like any number you’re told to call back, to track down scammers. Learn more about common phone scams.
The FTC has sued hundreds of companies and people responsible for unwanted calls, and has forced telemarketers making illegal calls to pay more than $100 million dollars in judgments. The FTC also brings enforcement actions against robocallers and has already stopped people responsible for billions of robocalls. You can read about recent FTC cases and other robocall-related actions in our press releases.
The FTC continues to work with other law enforcement agencies and encourages industry efforts to combat robocalls and caller ID spoofing. The FTC has led initiatives to develop technology-based solutions, including a series of robocall contests that challenged tech experts to design tools that block robocalls and help investigators track down and stop robocallers.
What do businesses and sellers need to know?
Generally speaking, telemarketers who sell goods and services must download the Registry and remove from their calling lists numbers listed on the Registry. Businesses and organizations must register with the FTC before they are allowed to access the Registry. It’s illegal for anyone to use the Registry for any purpose other than preventing telemarketing calls to the telephone numbers on the Registry. Read the FTC’s Q&A for telemarketers and sellers.
Registration Questions
Are mobile phones, or cell phones, treated differently than home phones on the Do Not Call Registry?
No. You register a mobile phone number the same way you do any other personal number. There’s no separate list or database for mobile phones. There’s no deadline for registering mobile phone numbers, mobile phone registrations don’t expire, and the government is not releasing mobile phone numbers to telemarketers.
In fact, mobile phones have an extra protection. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call mobile phones without your permission. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers can’t call your mobile phone without permission.
Someone called and offered to put my name on the Registry. Should I let them?
No. It’s free and easy to register yourself at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).
What happens if I register more than one number online?
You will get an email for each number you register online. You must open each email and click on the link in it within 72 hours to register each number.
You can register up to three numbers at a time online. To register more personal phone numbers, just go through the registration process again. If you want to register your number by phone, you will have to call from each phone number you want to register.
Can I register my business phone number or a fax number?
The Registry is for personal phone numbers. Business-to-business calls and faxes are not covered.
Can I take my number off the Registry?
Yes. You can remove your number by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to remove. Your number will be off the Registry the next day. Companies have to update their telemarketing lists within 31 days.
If I register, how will the FTC use my information?
The FTC stores your phone number so telemarketers can remove it from their call lists. If you register at donotcall.gov, we also collect your email address to confirm your registration. We store your email address securely, separate from your phone number, and never share it with telemarketers.
For more information about the privacy of your information, please see the FTC privacy policy.
When I called to register, a message said my number could not be verified. What should I do?
If the automated phone system can’t verify your number, you’ll need to register at donotcall.gov.
When I called to register, a message said the number I was calling from did not match the number I entered. What should I do?
To register, you must call from the phone you want to register. People in certain communities — such as senior living centers or university residences — have phone numbers that are hidden and can’t be verified by the FTC’s automated system. If that’s the case, you’ll need to register at donotcall.gov.
I moved and got a new phone number. Do I need to register the new number?
Yes.
Do I need to take my old phone number off the list when I get a new number?
No. The system removes numbers automatically when they’re disconnected and reassigned.
What happens if my phone number is disconnected but then reconnected?
If your number is disconnected and then reconnected, you might need to register your number again. You can verify that your number is on the Registry at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
If my area code changes or splits, do I need to register my number again?
If phone companies change your three-digit area code, you don’t have to register your number again. Your new number will be registered for you during the 90-day period when both the old and new area codes work.
Where can I get more information?
If you have questions or complaints about the Do Not Call Registry, please contact the FTC by email at crcforward@donotcall.gov.
Other Telemarketing Rules
Are there other rules telemarketers have to follow?
Yes, telemarketers have other rules they must follow under the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Telemarketers can’t:
call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
be deceptive or abusive or lie about any terms of their offer
Parents encouraged to talk to teen drivers about the importance of driving safely
How Parents Can Help Teen Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 15-18 years of age in the United States, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, and violence. Inexperience and risk-taking behavior are factors that increase the crash risk for teens.
“Parents can help protect their teens by talking with them about how to avoid risky driving behaviors,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. “Because of their lack of experience, teen drivers are at a greater risk of being killed or injured in a crash. That is why it is so important to start a conversation with teens and encourage safe driving practices.”
In Michigan, teens and young adults age 15-20 years old, accounted for 7.6 percent of all traffic deaths in 2018, with 55.4 percent of those deaths being the driver. In addition, 9,637 teenagers and young adults were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2018, representing 12.7 percent of all people injured in a crash.
Michigan, and other states, have adopted Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws for teen drivers as a way to promote safety behind the wheel and reduce serious injury and death in a crash. Teens face the greatest risk of a crash during their first year of driving. GDL programs limit high-risk driving among teens and can reduce teen crash risk by as much as 50 percent. For more information on the GDL program in Michigan, visit: www.michigan.gov/teendriver.
Opportunity
A unique opportunity for teens to teach other teens about safe driving, is the Strive for a Safer Drive (S4SD) program. Students at every Michigan high school can participate in S4SD, with cash prizes awarded to the top five winning entries. Parents and teachers are urged to discuss the opportunity with teens and encourage participation in the program. Applications are due Nov. 14. Application information, including examples of winning campaigns, can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also provides information parents can use to help keep teens safe including tips on seat belt safety, distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. For more details on Teen Driver Safety Week, including safe driving tips for parents and teens, visit: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.
Be sure to visit our informative insurance Blog for more great articles!
“If you’re looking to save hundreds, even thousands, on your insurance costs, consider Dave’s number-one tip: Purchase your coverage through an independent insurance agent, which is an agent who represents several insurance companies instead of working for just one carrier.” – Dave Ramsey
Shield Insurance Agency is a 3rd Generation Agency providing all Independent Agents
In today’s economy we cut coupons, look for BOGO’s, and try to find the best insurance coverage for our buck. With insurance agents, there are two types – Captive and Independent.
A captive agent is one who works for one specific company and is able to provide one companies products.
From Dave
An independent agent is one who sells insurance products for several different companies but does not work for a specific company. So as we spend our time looking for ways to trim costs, one easy way to do that is to contact your local independent insurance agency and see how they can help.
The most important job of life insurance is to take care of those who count on you if something were to happen to you. While all life insurance provides a death benefit to fill this role, some types also build cash value.
What is cash value?
When you make a premium payment into a cash value life insurance policy, part of that money stays with the policy, earns a return, and accumulates over time. This is the cash value. It’s what you’d get if you surrendered the policy (less any surrender fees).
Some policies have a provision to pay out the cash value as part of the death benefit while others do not. Check your policy or check with your insurance agent to confirm which type you have.
Types of cash value life insurance
Permanent policies, including whole and universal life, offer lifelong coverage and have cash value. This cash value accumulates differently based on the type of policy.
Whole life cash values are pre-defined and guaranteed. In exchange for guarantees, the cash value grows at a conservative rate.
A fixed universal life (UL) credits the cash value with a rate determined by the insurance company based on market conditions. This rate can vary over time but won’t be less than a guaranteed minimum.
Indexed UL earns a rate tied to a market index, like the S&P 500®, which offers greater upside potential than the above types. When the market performs poorly, the rate may be lower, but there’s no risk of market loss since you’re not actually invested in the market.
Variable UL cash value accumulates based on the market performance of the mix of available investment options chosen by the policy owner. These policies can lose money.
6 ways to use your cash value
The cash value can be a useful financial tool and can be accessed in several ways — but make sure to ask your insurance agent for details to avoid any unintended consequences.
1. Pay policy premiums. Another option to use cash value is to pay some or possibly all the premiums for your life insurance policy.
2. Take out a loan. You can also take out a loan from your policy. The rate is usually lower than a bank loan — and you don’t have to qualify for the loan since it’s your money (good news for those with a weak credit history).
You don’t have to repay these loans, but interest will continue to accumulate. If the total outstanding loan balance including interest ever exceeds the cash value, the policy will lapse, ending your coverage. To avoid this situation, either pay the interest each year or keep an eye on the situation and take action when needed.
Any unpaid loan balances will reduce the death benefit when the insured person dies.
3. Make a withdrawal. You can also withdraw some or all of your cash value — may be for an emergency expense or to get you through a tough time. Withdrawals can reduce the death benefit, though, so consult your agent before you pull the trigger. There are no taxes on a withdrawal as long as the amount is withdrawn is less than what you’ve paid in.
4. Supplement your retirement. Cash-value life insurance can add to your retirement portfolio. Since it grows tax-deferred, it can accumulate faster, but it still may take a number of years, maybe 10 to 15, to become a significant asset.
Some policies also allow you to receive part or all of the death benefit early for terminal illness, long-term care, or chronic conditions, which can help protect your nest egg.
5. Surrender your policy completely. If you no longer need the coverage, you can completely cancel or surrender your life insurance policy and receive the accumulated cash value, less any fees and outstanding loan balances.
Any money you receive that’s above what you paid into the policy will be taxed as ordinary income. So, if you paid in a total of $10,000 and you receive $12,500 after your surrender, you’ll be taxed on $2,500.
6. Sell your policy. As an alternative to surrendering your life insurance policy, you may be able to sell it to a life insurance settlement company. The company will take over the payments and become the policy’s beneficiary.
Like a surrender, you’ll be taxed on amounts in excess of what you paid in premiums. You should still end up with more money than a surrender. However, the process can be time-consuming, and it may be hard to find an interested buyer.
With these many options, life insurance can not only protect your family, but it can also provide a flexible financial resource over the years.
