Shark Attack App Uses AI to Forecast and Detect Risk for Swimmers at 89% Accuracy

Posted on June 8, 2023May 20, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

A sophisticated app generates shark attack “forecasts” using artificial intelligence.

GoodNewsNetwork.org | By Andy Corbley | May 19, 2023 | Shark Attack | Boat Insurance

The developers are taking advantage of a deep learning algorithm to compartmentalize over a hundred years of shark attack data to create a sort-of weather forecast for beaches around the US with an 89% accuracy.

Called SafeWaters.AI, they hope not only to save lives—their primary objective—but to help reduce the persecution of sharks in response to attacks on humans.

Shark Attack Risks

The risk of shark attack is about 1 in every 3.7 million swimmers, and 60% (28) of all recorded shark attacks in the US have occurred in Florida.

As the developers point out, most consumers of news regarding AI see it employed for aspects that seem frightening or purely futuristic, such as deep fake video creation or self-driving cars.

But the ability of a targeted AI to parse out trends and forces in mountains of data lends it to working with all manner of unique applications. In this case, over a hundred years of shark attack reports are analyzed, with data points being whether it was a swimmer or surfer, where the victim was swimming, what time of day it was, what the marine weather conditions were like, and even whether they were wearing shiny jewelry.

credit SafeWaters AI

In an era where artificial intelligence is progressively transforming our daily lives, a groundbreaking app, SafeWatersAI, has arrived. This innovative application, which has recently launched its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, revolutionizes our interaction with marine environments. SafeWaters forecasts the risk of shark attacks with an impressive 89% accuracy rate. You can say it’s like a weather app, for sharkiness.

All of this contributes to the total percentage risk displayed on the app.

Currently, the project is being crowdfunded, with 5% of all future sales to be donated to ocean cleanup efforts.

Click here to read the full article and see some great photos…

Health Insurance: The Importance of Protection for You and Your Family

Posted on June 1, 2023June 2, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Health Insurance | Contact Bri or Carlos for details

Medical expenses can be a significant financial burden, especially if you or a family member
requires extensive medical treatment. Health insurance is a crucial tool that can help you
manage these costs and ensure that you and your loved ones receive the care you need. In this
blog post, we will explore the different types of health insurance available, the benefits of having
health insurance, and how to find affordable coverage.

Types of Health Insurance

There are two main types of health insurance: private health insurance and public health
insurance. Private health insurance is typically purchased by individuals or provided by
employers as part of a benefits package. Public health insurance is provided by the government
and includes programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Supplemental health insurance is another type of coverage that can be added to your existing
health insurance plan. This type of insurance can help cover costs that are not included in your
primary health insurance plan, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Benefits of Having Health Insurance

The primary benefit of having health insurance is protection. Health insurance can help cover
the costs of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription
medications. Without health insurance, these expenses can quickly add up and become
Unmanageable.

In addition to financial protection, health insurance can also provide peace of mind. Knowing
that you and your family are covered in the event of a medical emergency can alleviate stress
and anxiety.

Finding Affordable Health Insurance

One of the biggest concerns for many people when it comes to health insurance is affordability.
Fortunately, there are several ways to find affordable coverage.

One option is to shop around for health insurance quotes. Shield Insurance Agency represents
over 40 insurance companies and can help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today.

Another option is to consider a high-deductible health plan. These plans typically have lower
monthly premiums but require you to pay a higher deductible before your insurance coverage
kicks in. While this can be a riskier option, it can also be a good choice for those who are
generally healthy and do not anticipate needing extensive medical treatment.

Finally, you may be eligible for public health insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare.
These programs are designed to provide coverage for low-income individuals and seniors,
respectively.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan

When choosing a health insurance plan, it is important to consider your specific needs and
budget. Some factors to consider include:

Monthly premiums: How much can you afford to pay each month for health insurance?
Deductibles: How much will you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in?
Copayments and coinsurance: How much will you be responsible for paying for doctor visits,
prescriptions, and other medical expenses?
Network: Does the plan include the doctors and hospitals you prefer to use?
Coverage: Does the plan cover the medical treatments and services you need?

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a health insurance plan that provides the
protection you need at a price you can afford.

In conclusion, health insurance is a crucial tool for protecting yourself and your family from the
financial burden of medical expenses. Whether you choose private health insurance, public
health insurance, or supplemental health insurance, it is important to find a plan that fits your
needs and budget. By working with Shield Insurance Agency and carefully considering your
options, you can find affordable health insurance coverage that provides the protection you
need.

Contact A Shield Agent today for a review of your current policy and learn about your healthcare options:

Brianna Kornoelje, Health Benefits Advisor, Direct Line: 616.777.3012

Carlos Garcia, Health Benefits AdvisorHabla español, Direct Line: 616-777-3017

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Biker Gang Gives Granny the Ride of Her Life

Posted on June 1, 2023May 20, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Great-Grandma Gets 90th Birthday Wish to Ride a Harley Again, Courtesy of a Biker Gang

Good News Network | Apr 29, 2023 | Biker Gang | Motorcycle Insurance | Start A Quote Here

A great-grandmother who is mad for motorcycles was granted her birthday wish to ride on the back of a Harley-Davidson – a call-back to her youth while celebrating turning 90.

Fearless Brit Barbara Morris said she “felt 21 again” during her spin around town on the powerful American cruising bike.

She mentioned to her family several years ago that if she made it to 90, she’d like to get back in the saddle one last time.

She was left stunned when her sons arrived recently at her nursing home with members of a local biker group. Though wearing a dress, she had no concerns about straddling the bike right there on the spot, before taking a trip with 13 other riders to a pub.

“I just felt the years melt away,” said the great-grandmother of six. “It was just an incredible experience to feel the wind blowing in my face again.”

Barbara got her first motorcycle license as a teen in the 1950s.

Her granddaughter Kirsty Harvey, 34, who helped organize the surprise for Barbara along with the local biker chapter of Widows Sons, said the inspiring senior had a ‘daredevil spirit’ and wasn’t fazed by anything.

“My uncle said to her ‘You always said if you made it to 90, you wanted to go on a Harley,’ and then she said, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you remember that’.”

“She’s got nerves of steel, she’s not really afraid of anything. She’s kind of from that generation that was made of tough stuff. Nothing really fazes them.”

Barbara got her first bike, a Royal Enfield 350, when she was about 19, and used it to get around while in college. She quickly caught the bug for riding, which she then passed on to the rest of her family.

“She always had a little bike that she nipped about on. Her three sons later all had motorbikes and a keen interest in motorbike racing and groups.”

Visit GoodNewsNetwork .org for the rest of the story…

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Medicare is the federal health insurance program

What is Medicare and How Does It Work?

Posted on May 26, 2023May 24, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Medicare.gov | May 2023 | Health Insurance | Contact Briana to get started!

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

People who are 65 or older
Certain younger people with disabilities
People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

What are the parts of Medicare?

The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).

Part A & Part B Premiums

Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A.

You usually don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working for a certain amount of time. This is sometimes called “premium-free Part A.”

Learn more about premium-free Part A.

If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you can buy Part A.

If you aren’t eligible for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A. You’ll pay up to $506 each month in 2023. If you paid Medicare taxes for less than 30 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $506. If you paid Medicare taxes for 30–39 quarters, the standard Part A premium is $278.

Learn more about Part A premiums.

Everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B.

Most people will pay the standard Part B premium amount. The standard Part B premium amount in 2023 is $164.90. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you’ll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium.

Learn more about Part B premiums.

How does Medicare work?

With Medicare, you have options in how you get your coverage. Once you enroll, you’ll need to decide how you’ll get your Medicare coverage.

There are 2 main ways:

Original Medicare

Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). You pay for services as you get them. When you get services, you’ll pay a deductible at the start of each year, and you usually pay 20% of the cost of the Medicare-approved service, called coinsurance. If you want drug coverage, you can add a separate drug plan (Part D).

Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like emergency medical care when you travel outside the U.S.

Learn the general rules for how Original Medicare works.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, and dental services. Medicare Advantage Plans have yearly contracts with Medicare and must follow Medicare’s coverage rules. The plan must notify you about any changes before the start of the next enrollment year.

Learn about the types of Medicare Advantage Plans.

Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs. They can also have different rules for how you get services.

Contact Briana to get started and ask any questions!

Click here for the full explanation of Medicare

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Learn About the Federal No Surprises Act

Posted on May 25, 2023May 23, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Federal No Surprises Act | Health Insurance | No Surprises | Contact Brianna for assistance

Transparency in Health Care

In October 2020, the federal government issued the “transparency in coverage” final rule under the Federal No Surprises Act. The rule provides protection against balance or “surprise” billing under certain circumstances, and phases in new transparency requirements on most group health plans and health insurers. The purpose of the requirements is to enable consumers to make informed healthcare purchasing decisions.

What is “balance billing” (sometimes called “billing surprises”)?

When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a healthcare facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.

Nonparticipating describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Nonparticipating providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called balance billing. This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.

Surprise billing is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care, such as when you have an emergency or schedule a visit at a participating facility but are unexpectedly treated by a nonparticipating provider.

Your rights and protections against Surprises

When you get emergency care or get treated by a nonparticipating provider at a participating hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from balance or surprise billing.
Services you are protected from balance billing for:

Emergency services

If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from a nonparticipating provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network out-of-pocket amount, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.

Michigan law also protects you from balance billing and requires that you pay only your in-network cost-sharing amounts for (i) covered emergency services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility or out-of-network facility; (ii) covered nonemergency services provided by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility if you do not have the ability or opportunity to choose an in-network provider; and (iii) any healthcare services you receive at an in-network facility from an out-of-network provider within 72 hours of receiving services from that facility’s emergency room.

Certain services at a participating hospital or ambulatory surgical center

Learn more on how this works…

Visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more information about your rights under federal law.

Visit http://michigan.gov/difs for more information about your rights under Michigan law.

Medical Insurance Can Provide Financial Protection.

Posted on May 24, 2023May 23, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Agency Blog | Medical Insurance | Contact Brianna for a quote!

Medical Insurance is a crucial aspect of our lives that we often overlook until we need it. It provides us with financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, which can be quite expensive. Health insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription drugs. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of health insurance and why it is essential to have.

One of the most significant benefits of medical health insurance is that it helps you manage your medical expenses. With health insurance, you pay a monthly premium, and in return, your insurance company covers a portion of your medical expenses. This means that you don’t have to worry about paying the full cost of medical services out of your pocket. However, it is important to note that most health insurance plans have a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. Once you reach your deductible, your insurance company will cover a portion of your medical expenses.

Another benefit of medical insurance is that it covers prescription drugs. Prescription drugs can be quite expensive, especially if you need to take them regularly. With health insurance, you can get your prescription drugs at a lower cost, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Some health insurance plans also cover preventive care, such as annual check-ups and screenings, which can help you detect health problems early on.

Health insurance also promotes well-being, both physical and emotional. With health insurance, you have access to medical services that can help you maintain your physical fitness and overall health. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, and access to specialists if needed. Additionally, some health insurance plans offer wellness programs that focus on nutrition and wellness, which can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Emotional Health is part of Medical Insurance

Emotional health is also an important aspect of well-being, and health insurance can help you manage your mental health. Mental health services, such as therapy and counseling, can be quite expensive without insurance. With health insurance, you can get the help you need without worrying about the cost. This can be especially important for those who struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Health insurance also benefits families. With a family health insurance plan, you can cover your entire family under one policy. This means that you don’t have to worry about getting individual policies for each family member. Additionally, family health insurance plans often offer lower premiums than individual plans, which can save you money in the long run.

In conclusion, health insurance is essential for managing medical expenses and promoting well-being. It covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, and prescription drugs. Health insurance also promotes physical and emotional health, as well as nutrition and wellness. Additionally, it benefits families by providing coverage for the entire family under one policy. If you are looking for health insurance, contact Shield Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs at (616) 896-4600.

Learn about the Federal No Surprise Act here

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Benefits of Health Insurance for your family

Posted on May 23, 2023May 23, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | May 23, 2023 | Health Insurance | Contact Bri for a quote today!

Health insurance is a crucial aspect of our lives that we often overlook until we need it. It provides us with financial protection against unexpected medical expenses that can arise from sickness, injury, or any other medical condition. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of health insurance and why it is essential to have it.

Health Insurance Bills

One of the most significant benefits of health insurance is that it helps you manage your medical bills. Medical bills can be expensive, and without insurance, you may find yourself struggling to pay them. Health insurance covers a portion of your medical expenses, which can help you save a significant amount of money. The amount of coverage you receive depends on your policy, but it can cover anything from doctor visits to hospital stays.

Another benefit of health insurance is that it helps you manage your deductibles. A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. With health insurance, you can choose a deductible that fits your budget and needs. This means that you can choose a higher deductible to lower your monthly premiums or a lower deductible to pay less out of pocket when you need medical care.

Prescriptions are another area where health insurance can be beneficial. Prescription drugs can be expensive, and without insurance, you may find yourself struggling to afford them. Health insurance can help cover the cost of prescription drugs, which can make it easier for you to manage your medical condition.

Injury and sickness are two of the most common reasons people need medical care. Health insurance can help cover the cost of medical care for both injuries and sickness. This means that you can get the medical care you need without worrying about the cost.

Medical emergencies can happen at any time, and they can be expensive. Health insurance can help cover the cost of emergency medical care, which can be a lifesaver in a medical emergency. This means that you can get the medical care you need without worrying about the cost.

Finally, health insurance can be beneficial for your family. If you have a family, you want to make sure that they are protected in case of a medical emergency. Health insurance can help cover the cost of medical care for your family, which can give you peace of mind.

In conclusion, health insurance is essential for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their family from unexpected medical expenses. It can help you manage your medical bills, deductibles, prescriptions, and emergency medical care. It can also be beneficial for your family. If you are looking for health insurance, contact Shield Insurance Agency for all of your insurance needs at (616) 896-4600. They can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget.

Learn about the Federal No Surprise Act

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Five Parts of an Insurance Policy

Posted on May 17, 2023May 10, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | May 19, 2023 | Insurance | Start a quote today!

Insurance policies can be complex and confusing, but understanding the different parts of a policy is essential to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the five parts of an insurance policy: premium, deductible, policy limits, exclusions, and riders.

1. Premium: The premium is the amount you pay for your insurance coverage. It is typically paid on a monthly or annual basis and is based on several factors, including your age, location, and the type of coverage you need. The premium is the cost of your insurance policy, and it is important to choose a premium that fits your budget.

2. Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your car is damaged in an accident that costs $1,000 to repair, you will pay $500, and your insurance company will pay the remaining $500. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means you will pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

3. Policy Limits: Policy limits are the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss. For example, if you have a $100,000 policy limit for liability coverage and you are sued for $150,000, you will be responsible for paying the remaining $50,000. It is important to choose policy limits that are high enough to protect your assets in the event of a lawsuit.

4. Exclusions: Exclusions are specific situations or events that are not covered by your insurance policy. For example, if you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that excludes flood damage, you will not be covered if your home is damaged by a flood. It is important to read your policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

5. Riders – Additional coverage and options: Riders are additional coverage options that you can add to your insurance policy. For example, if you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that does not cover earthquake damage, you can add an earthquake rider to your policy for an additional cost. Riders can provide additional protection for specific situations that are not covered by your standard policy.

Does Your Insurance Meet Your Needs?

Understanding the different parts of an insurance policy is essential to ensure that you have the right coverage for your needs. It is important to review your policy regularly and make changes as needed to ensure that your coverage meets your current needs. If you have questions about your insurance policy or need help choosing the right coverage, contact your insurance agent for assistance.

At Shield Insurance Agency, we are committed to helping our clients find the right insurance coverage for their needs. Our experienced agents can help you understand the different parts of your insurance policy and make sure that you have the coverage you need to protect your assets and your family. Contact us today to learn more about our insurance products and services.

A Mom Posted to Find Friends for 24-yo Son with Down Syndrome

Posted on May 16, 2023June 8, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

A Mom Posted to Find Friends for 24-yo Son with Down Syndrome –the Flood of Support Shocked Her

Christian Bowers has Down Syndrome but likes to do normal guy stuff like go bowling and play video games.

Making friends was never hard for the young man, now 24, until he finished school and found, as many people without Down Syndrome do for that matter, it’s not as easy and straightforward to maintain a social life.

Bowers’ mother, Donna Herter, watched her son sink further and further into the dumps because he didn’t have any friends to visit him.

Eventually, Herter put up a post on Facebook asking if any local guys near Rochester, Minnesota, would be interested in coming to hang out with Christian for two hours, a service for which she was willing to offer $80,00 in compensation.

A nurse on the night shift put the post up at 4:00 AM before ending her workday and going to sleep. When she woke up, it had amassed 5,000 comments.

“I was freaking out. My hands were shaking, I was sweating. I was just looking for some local guys, I didn’t want to invite like the entire world into our house,” she told CBS News.

Her friends encouraged her to calm down and take a closer look at the comments, in which she found parents offering suggestions and others volunteering to help.

She eventually found 7 fellows from Wentzville, Minnesota, who visit Christian once a week on a rotating schedule. Herter says her son goes to sleep with a smile on his face now, and is excited about life in general, and of the future as well.

Friendships are important for people born with Down Syndrome, and associations urge parents to plan for the eventuality of their child exiting school and needing to take a more precise attitude towards socializing.

Christian occasionally attends gatherings and groups of other special needs men and women his age, but craves friendship with the rest of the population as well.

“And I’ve never asked him, but I assume because it kind of makes him feel normal, just for an hour or two. ‘Hey, somebody who doesn’t have Down syndrome wants to hang out with me,’” she said.

One of the 7 friends, James Hasting, said he felt terrible that Herter had reached the point where she was trying to pay people to visit her son. Hasting, who volunteers with special needs folks, said hanging out just for a few hours to watch a movie or play video games with Christian has changed the way he looks at the world.

Fancying a snack from the foliage in Anchorage’s Providence Alaska Health Park’s cancer center, it was last Thursday that a moose decided to walk into the building.

Moose Walks in Alaska Hospital For Lunch – Or Maybe to Get a PET Scan

Posted on May 15, 2023May 8, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

In Alaska, amazing animals, even the moose, are simply part of the scenery—even, as it turns out, in the hospital.

Fancying a snack from the foliage in Anchorage’s Providence Alaska Health Park’s cancer center, it was last Thursday that a moose decided to walk into the building.

Its hooves were no impediment to the motion-activated door, and soon, the security staff had to get on the intercom to warn visitors, patients, and staff that a moose was on the loose.

However the announcement served mostly to draw people in to see the moose, which wasn’t the first to ever enter the building, nor has it only been members of the deer family. Providence has also had bears try to enter their facilities.

Security managed to corral the animal before it could damage anything beyond the plants.

“Finally, I think it had enough of everybody watching him, watching him eat,” said Randy Hughes, the hospital’s director of security.

WATCH the final stages of the moose appointment…

Alaska Problems!

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