No one alive today will see it again—the convergence of two cicada broods that will practically shake the Midwest with their chirping.

Cicadas Are Coming: Rare ‘Dual Emergence’ Could Awaken a Trillion Bugs of 2 Species – First Time in 221 yrs

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Goodnews Network | By Andy Corbley | Jan 24, 2024 | Cicadas | Shield Insurance Agency

No one alive today will see it again—the convergence of two cicada broods that will practically shake the Midwest with their chirping.

The appearance of cicadas en mass is one of the most amazing natural phenomena of the insect world, and we Americans are uniquely positioned to witness it. But this spring, the synchronized emergence of Brood 13 and Brood 19 will fill the air from Iowa to Virginia with over a trillion bugs, an event not seen since Thomas Jefferson’s day.

1803 was the last time that this convergence occurred, and it involves the periodic cicadas of the 13-year brood and the 17-year brood,

It’s not true that the cicadas are born this way. They actually live their whole lives underground and then burrow up to the surface as part of a mass breeding and egg-laying frenzy.

How Many Cicadas?

Entomologists estimate that the two broods together will number more than 1 trillion bugs, enough to go to the moon and back, head-to-tail, 33 times.

The two broods will overlap in Iowa and Illinois, and the 17-year cicadas, confusingly called Brood 19 (XIX), will extend into Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, with a few also popping up in Louisiana.

The next time that these two will emerge together will be 2245.

OTHER UPCOMING TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES: 100-Year-old Dreams of Airship Travel Through Europe are Revived With This Modern Zero-Emissions Dirigible

“It’s pretty much this big spectacular macabre Mardi Gras,” Jonathan Larson, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky, told NPR. “It’s a lot of singing, lots of paramours pairing up and then lots of dying.”

Smithsonian Magazine provides this interesting tidbit that the decibel level of so many cicadas mating can reach the same as a motorcycle or chainsaw passing by your house.

They will emerge this spring, and shuffle off their mortal coils in July, during which time they will not sting, bite, envenom, or pass disease onto any human. Their emergence will aerate the soils of woodland, and their bodies will provide such a smorgasbord for wildlife, that even herbivorous animals like deer will begin to eagerly throw back the tasty morsels.

Read the full story here…

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Is Your Flood Zone Secretly Inflating Your Insurance Bill? 🏠 Find Out Now!

Is Your Flood Zone Secretly Inflating Your Insurance Bill? 🏠 Find Out Now!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Flood Zone | Home Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Living in a flood-prone area can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you get to enjoy the beauty of nature and the tranquility of waterfront living. On the other hand, you have to deal with the constant threat of flooding and the potential damage it can cause to your property. One way to protect yourself from the financial burden of flood damage is by having flood insurance. However, the cost of flood insurance can vary depending on your flood zone. In this blog post, we will explore how your flood zone can affect your flood insurance premium.

What is a Flood Zone?

First, let’s understand what a flood zone is. A flood zone is an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) based on the likelihood of flooding. These zones are categorized into different risk levels, ranging from high-risk zones to low-risk zones. The higher the risk, the higher the flood insurance premium.

The effect of your flood zone on your flood insurance premium is significant. Insurance companies use flood zone information to assess the risk of insuring a property. If your property is located in a high-risk flood zone, the chances of experiencing a flood are higher, and therefore, the insurance premium will be higher as well. On the other hand, if your property is located in a low-risk flood zone, the chances of flooding are lower, and the insurance premium will be relatively lower.

The flood insurance premium is calculated based on several factors, including the flood zone, the elevation of your property, the age of your property, and the coverage amount you choose. Insurance companies take into account the historical flood data of your area to determine the risk and set the premium accordingly. If your property is located in a nearby flood area, even if it is not directly in the high-risk zone, it can still affect your premium. Insurance companies consider the proximity to a high-risk flood zone as an additional risk factor.

Flood Zone May Dictate the Need for an Additional Policy

It is important to note that flood insurance is not included in standard homeowners’ insurance policies. If you live in a flood-prone area, it is crucial to have a separate flood insurance policy to protect your property and belongings. Without flood insurance, you may have to bear the entire cost of flood damage, which can be financially devastating.

Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can help you find the best flood insurance policy for your needs. Our experienced agents understand the complexities of flood insurance and can guide you through the process of selecting the right coverage. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon.

In conclusion, your flood area has a significant effect on your flood insurance premium. Living in a high-risk flood area or a nearby flood zone can result in higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of flooding. It is essential to have flood insurance to protect your property and belongings from the financial consequences of flood damage. Shield Insurance Agency can help you find the right flood insurance policy for your needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today for a free quote and secure your peace of mind.

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Handwriting Strengthens Brain Connections and Boosts Learning More Than Tapping on a Keyboard

Handwriting Strengthens Brain Connections🧠and Boosts Learning More Than Tapping on a Keyboard

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Goodnews Network | By Andy Corbley | Jan 26, 2024 | Handwriting | Shield Insurance Blog

In an ever more digital world, pen and paper are increasingly getting replaced with screens and keyboards in classrooms. Now, a new study has investigated neural networks in the brain during hand and typewriting and showed that connectivity between different brain regions is more elaborate when letters are formed by hand.

This improved brain connectivity, which is crucial to memory building and information encoding, may indicate that writing by hand supports learning.

Handwriting Strengthens Brain Connections

As digital devices progressively replace pen and paper, taking notes by hand is becoming increasingly uncommon in schools and universities. Using a keyboard is recommended because it’s often faster than writing by hand. However, the latter has been found to improve spelling accuracy and memory recall, if for no other reason than that pen and paper is cut off from the security of autocorrect features.

To find out if the process of forming letters by hand resulted in greater brain connectivity, researchers in Norway investigated the underlying neural networks involved in both modes of writing.

“We show that when writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard,” said Prof Audrey van der Meer, a brain researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and co-author of the study published in Frontiers in Psychology.

“Such widespread brain connectivity is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, is beneficial for learning.”

The researchers collected EEG data from 36 university students who were repeatedly prompted to either write or type a word that appeared on a screen. When writing, they used a digital pen to write in cursive directly on a touchscreen.

Handwriting VS Typing

When typing they used a single finger to press keys on a keyboard. High-density EEGs, which measure electrical activity in the brain using 256 small sensors sewn in a net and placed over the head, were recorded for five seconds for every prompt.

Connectivity of different brain regions increased when participants wrote by hand, but not when they typed.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: People Who Play Music While Studying More Likely to Have Higher GPA, Says New Poll

“Our findings suggest that visual and movement information obtained through precisely controlled hand movements when using a pen contribute extensively to the brain’s connectivity patterns that promote learning,” van der Meer said.

Click here for the full story…

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Flood insurance ☔ the ultimate safeguard for your home - here's why you shouldn't ignore it!

Flood insurance ☔ the ultimate safeguard for your home – here’s why you shouldn’t ignore it!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Agency Blog | Flood Insurance | Contact our office for details!

When it comes to protecting your home and ensuring your financial security, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important aspects of this is having the right insurance coverage in place. While homeowners insurance is a common requirement for most homeowners, there is one type of coverage that often gets overlooked – flood insurance.

Disaster preparedness and emergency planning are crucial for any homeowner. Natural disasters can strike at any time, and being prepared can make all the difference in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of your loved ones. While many people associate natural disasters with events like hurricanes or earthquakes, one of the most common and destructive disasters is flooding.

Flood damage can be devastating, causing extensive property damage and financial loss. Without the proper insurance coverage, homeowners may find themselves facing significant repair costs and the burden of rebuilding their lives. This is where flood insurance comes into play.

Flood insurance is a specialized type of coverage that protects homeowners from the financial impact of flood damage. It provides coverage for both the structure of your home and its contents, ensuring that you are protected in the event of a flood. While homeowners insurance may cover some types of water damage, it typically does not cover flood damage.

Flood prevention and protection are essential, but it is important to understand that no amount of preparation can completely eliminate the risk of flooding. Even if you live in an area with a low flood risk, it is still wise to consider flood insurance. Flooding can occur due to a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, melting snow, or even a burst pipe. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home and your financial security.

Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your property from a wide range of risks, but it does not typically include flood coverage. This means that without flood insurance, you may be left to bear the financial burden of flood damage on your own. This can be a significant blow to your financial security and can leave you struggling to recover from the aftermath of a flood.

Property damage is not the only concern when it comes to flooding. The emotional toll of losing your home and belongings can be overwhelming. Having flood insurance in place can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have the financial resources to rebuild and replace what has been lost.

Risk management is an important aspect of protecting your home and your financial security. By investing in flood insurance, you are taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of flood damage. This can help you avoid the financial devastation that can occur in the aftermath of a flood and ensure that you are able to recover and rebuild.

At Shield Insurance Agency, we understand the importance of having the right insurance coverage in place. That’s why we represent over 40 insurance companies, allowing us to find the best coverage options for our clients. Whether you are in need of flood insurance, homeowners insurance, or any other type of coverage, our experienced agents are here to help.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon. We are committed to helping you protect your home, your belongings, and your financial security. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in flood insurance and ensure that you are prepared for whatever comes your way.

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Discover the Surprising Contrast between Group and Individual Life Insurance

Discover the Surprising Contrast between Group and Individual Life Insurance

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Shield Insurance Blog | Group and Individual Life Insurance | Contact Us

What’s the difference between group and individual life insurance?

When it comes to protecting your loved ones financially, life insurance is an essential tool. It provides a safety net that ensures your family’s financial stability in the event of your untimely death. However, choosing the right type of life insurance can be confusing, especially with the various options available. Two common types of life insurance are group life insurance and individual life insurance. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two types of coverage and help you make an informed decision.

Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance is a type of coverage that is typically offered by employers or organizations to their employees or members. It provides life insurance benefits to a group of individuals under a single policy. Here are some key features and benefits of group life insurance:

1. Group life benefits: Group life insurance offers several benefits to the insured individuals. These benefits may include a death benefit, accidental death, and dismemberment coverage, and sometimes even disability coverage.

2. Group life coverage: Group life insurance coverage is usually provided at a fixed amount or a multiple of the employee’s salary. The coverage amount may vary depending on the employer or organization’s policy.

3. Group life insurance advantages: One of the main advantages of group life insurance is that it is often provided as a part of an employee’s benefits package, which means the premiums are typically lower than individual life insurance policies. Additionally, group life insurance policies often do not require a medical exam, making it easier to obtain coverage.

4. Group life insurance policy: The group life insurance policy is owned by the employer or organization, and the insured individuals are covered under the master policy. The policyholder pays the premiums, and the coverage is typically terminated when the individual leaves the group or organization.

Comparing Group and Individual Life Insurance

Now that we have discussed group life insurance, let’s explore individual life insurance and the key differences between the two:

Individual Life Insurance

Individual life insurance is a type of coverage that is purchased by an individual directly from an insurance company. Here are some key features and benefits of individual life insurance:

1. Individual life insurance advantages: One of the main advantages of individual life insurance is that it provides personalized coverage tailored to the individual’s needs. The coverage amount can be chosen based on the individual’s financial obligations, such as mortgage payments, education expenses, or other debts. Additionally, individual life insurance policies often offer more flexibility and options for customization compared to group life insurance.

2. Individual life insurance policy: The individual life insurance policy is owned by the insured individual, and they have control over the policy. The insured individual pays the premiums, and the coverage remains in effect as long as the premiums are paid.

3. Individual life plan: Individual life insurance plans can be further categorized into term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, while permanent life insurance provides coverage for the insured individual’s entire life.

4. Individual life insurance rates: The premiums for individual life insurance policies are based on various factors, including the insured individual’s age, health, lifestyle, and coverage amount. Generally, individual life insurance premiums are higher than group life insurance premiums.

Choosing the Right Group and Individual Life Insurance

When deciding between group life insurance and individual life insurance, it is important to consider your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Coverage amount: Evaluate your financial obligations and determine the coverage amount you need to protect your loved ones adequately.

2. Flexibility: Consider whether you need the flexibility to customize your coverage or if a standard group life insurance policy would suffice.

3. Cost: Compare the premiums of group life insurance and individual life insurance policies to determine which option fits your budget.

4. Long-term needs: If you anticipate the need for coverage beyond your employment or membership in a group, individual life insurance may be a better option.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency for a Free Quote

Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can help you find the right life insurance coverage for your needs. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK, and an agent will be in touch soon. Don’t wait to protect your loved ones financially – get the right life insurance coverage today!

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Diver Spends 5 Minutes Pulling Fishing Hook From Frightened Stingray’s Mouth

Diver Spends 5 Minutes Pulling Fishing Hook From Frightened Stingray’s Mouth

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By Good News Network | Jan 21, 2024 | Fishing Hook | Shield Insurance Agency Blog |

A diver painstakingly worked to remove a stray fishing hook from the mouth of a frightened stingray.

Good Samaritan Raffa Wake-Valais Sarbach was enjoying the clear waters off the Dominican Republic this month when he and his partner spotted the ghost fishing line.

They saw three fish had already died attached to hooks along the 20-meter line—but, then noticed a juvenile stingray was caught on one end, a hook stuck in its mouth.

After carefully turning over the ray, the 37-year-old divemaster worked for almost five minutes to dislodge the hook in the animal’s mouth without causing injury.

Watching it finally swim away was a great moment.

“Fortunately I think we were lucky and that it wasn’t hooked for too long, likely less than an hour,” said Raffa, from Switzerland.

Removing the Fishing Hook

“It took me a good five minutes to remove the hook. Apart from slight injuries to the mouth, the stingray seemed fine.

“If I hadn’t managed to remove it, the hook could have caused the stingray to die. It could have had trouble eating and been unable to swim away.”

The line had two fishes still alive before we got to the stingray—and we freed them too.”

SEE ALSO: Ocean Lover Saves 1,000 Seals off Britain–And Even Built Them a Hospital

Watch the timely rescue video…

What is a Stingray?

Wikipedia: Stingrays are a group of sea rays, which are cartilaginous fish related to sharks. They are classified in the suborder Myliobatoidei of the order Myliobatiformes and consist of eight families: Hexatrygonidae (sixgill stingray), Plesiobatidae (deepwater stingray), Urolophidae (stingarees), Urotrygonidae (round rays), Dasyatidae (whiptail stingrays), Potamotrygonidae (river stingrays), Gymnuridae (butterfly rays) and Myliobatidae (eagle rays).[2][3] There are about 220 known stingray species organized into 29 genera.

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Unlock Peace of Mind with Long-Term Care Insurance – Here's Why!

Unlock Peace of Mind with Long-Term Care Insurance – Here’s Why!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Long-Term Care Insurance | Contact Us Today!

As the aging population continues to grow, many individuals find themselves faced with the question of whether or not they need long-term care insurance. With the rising costs of healthcare and the increasing need for elderly care, it’s important to understand the benefits and options available when it comes to long-term care planning. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why long-term care insurance may be necessary and how it can provide financial security and peace of mind for both aging parents and their families.

Long-Term Care Insurance

One of the main reasons why long-term care insurance is essential is the high costs associated with long-term care. Whether it’s assisted living, nursing homes, or home healthcare, the expenses can quickly add up, leaving families struggling to cover the costs. According to recent studies, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home is over $100,000 per year, and the cost of home healthcare can range from $20 to $40 per hour. These numbers can be overwhelming for most families, especially when considering the potential need for long-term care for an extended period of time.

This kind of insurance provides a solution to this financial burden by covering a portion of the costs associated with long-term care. By paying a monthly premium, individuals can ensure that they have access to the care they need without depleting their savings or burdening their loved ones. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that there is a safety net in place to protect against the high costs of long-term care.

Caregiving Options without Long-Term Care Insurance

Another important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to invest in long-term care insurance is the availability of caregiving options. While some individuals may have family members or friends who are able to provide care, not everyone has this support system in place. Additionally, the demands of caregiving can be physically and emotionally draining, often requiring individuals to put their own lives on hold. Long-term care insurance can provide access to professional caregivers, allowing individuals to receive the care they need while also relieving the burden on their loved ones.

Furthermore, long-term care insurance can also provide support for financial planning. As individuals age, it becomes increasingly important to have a solid financial plan in place to ensure a comfortable retirement and to protect assets. It can be a crucial component of this plan, as it helps to safeguard against the potential depletion of savings due to long-term care costs. By investing in long-term care insurance, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their financial future is secure, regardless of the need for long-term care.

It’s also important to consider the limitations of other forms of coverage, such as Medicare. While Medicare does provide coverage for certain types of long-term care, it is limited in its scope and duration. Medicare typically only covers short-term care needs, such as rehabilitation after a hospital stay, and does not cover the costs of assisted living or long-term nursing home care. This insurance fills this gap, providing coverage for a wider range of care options and allowing individuals to have more control over their care decisions.

When it comes to choosing a long-term care insurance provider, it’s important to work with a reputable agency that represents multiple insurance companies. Shield Insurance Agency is one such agency, representing over 40 insurance companies and offering a wide range of long-term care insurance options. Their experienced agents can provide personalized guidance and help individuals find the best coverage to meet their specific needs.

If you’re considering long-term care insurance, it’s important to start the quoting process as soon as possible. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK. An agent will be in touch soon to discuss your options and help you make an informed decision about your long-term care insurance needs.

In conclusion, long-term care insurance is a crucial component of financial planning for aging parents and the aging population as a whole. With the high costs of long-term care and the limited coverage provided by other forms of insurance, long-term care insurance provides financial security and peace of mind. By investing in long-term care insurance, individuals can ensure that they have access to the care they need without depleting their savings or burdening their loved ones. Contact Shield Insurance Agency today to start the quoting process and take the first step toward securing your future.

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Passenger crochets beanie for a mesmerized baby on an airplane

Passenger crochets beanie for a mesmerized baby on an airplane

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

GoodnewsNetwork | Andy Corbley | Jan 22, 2024 | crochets beanie | Travel Insurance |

Stranger on Airplane Quickly Crochets Beanie for Baby Mesmerized by the Yarn in Motion Across the Aisle

Kelly and Jake were nervous about taking their 5-month-old daughter on an airplane, as most new parents would be. Flying from New Jersey to Mexico isn’t a short haul, and they weren’t sure what to expect.

But it was on the flight home that the unexpected arose, when little Romey was calmly fascinated by the woman across the aisle who was crocheting—her hands constantly moving was transfixing the tot.

The crocheter, Meegan Rubin, noticed the baby watching her, and also realized the yarn she was using for her project matched the little girl’s outfit. With an hour left on the flight, she decided to make a beanie for Romey, and surprised the family with the hat once they landed.

Captured and summarized by the mom on her TikTok account, it went viral and has racked up almost 8 million views to date.

Passenger Quickly Crochets Beanie

“Never seen someone work so fast in my life. I had no idea it was for us,” the Mom recalled to Good Morning America. “What a cool way to just do something nice for a stranger,’ and in turn, light up everyone else’s day.”

Kelly and Jake were nervous about taking their 5-month-old daughter on an airplane, as most new parents would be. Flying from New Jersey to Mexico isn’t a short haul, and they weren’t sure what to expect.

But it was on the flight home that the unexpected arose, when little Romey was calmly fascinated by the woman across the aisle who was crocheting—her hands constantly moving was transfixing the tot.

The crocheter, Meegan Rubin, noticed the baby watching her, and also realized the yarn she was using for her project matched the little girl’s outfit. With an hour left on the flight, she decided to make a beanie for Romey, and surprised the family with the hat once they landed.

Captured and summarized by the mom on her TikTok account, it went viral and has racked up almost 8 million views to date.

“Never seen someone work so fast in my life. I had no idea it was for us,” the Mom recalled to Good Morning America. “What a cool way to just do something nice for a stranger,’ and in turn, light up everyone else’s day.”

Watch the video here

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Is Your Employer's Group Life Insurance Really Protecting You? Find Out Now!

Is Your Employer’s Group Life Insurance Really Protecting You? Find Out Now!

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Group Life Insurance | Contact Us !

Employee benefits are an essential part of any job. They provide financial security and peace of mind to employees, ensuring that they are protected in case of any unforeseen circumstances. One of the most common employee benefits is employer-provided insurance, which includes health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance.

Life insurance is particularly important as it provides financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your death. It ensures that they are taken care of and can maintain their standard of living even after you are gone. Many employers offer group life insurance plans as part of their employee benefits package. While this may seem like a great perk, it is important to understand the limitations and risks associated with employer-provided life insurance.

What is Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance is a type of life insurance coverage that is provided to a group of people, typically employees of a company or members of an organization. It is usually offered at a lower cost than individual life insurance policies because the risk is spread across a larger pool of people. However, there are certain concerns and risks associated with relying solely on your employer’s group life insurance.

One of the main concerns with employer-provided life insurance is the coverage amount. Group life insurance policies often have a fixed coverage amount, which may not be sufficient to meet the needs of your family in the event of your death. It is important to evaluate your financial obligations and consider whether the coverage amount provided by your employer is enough to cover your family’s expenses, such as mortgage payments, education costs, and daily living expenses.

Another concern is the portability of group life insurance. When you leave your job, you may lose your employer-provided life insurance coverage. This can leave you and your family vulnerable if you do not have an alternative life insurance policy in place. It is important to consider whether you can convert your group life insurance policy to an individual policy or if you need to secure a new policy to ensure continuous coverage.

Group Life Insurance isn’t Convenient

Additionally, group life insurance policies may not offer the same level of customization and flexibility as individual policies. With an individual policy, you have the ability to choose the coverage amount, policy duration, and additional riders to meet your specific needs. Group policies, on the other hand, are often standardized and may not provide the same level of flexibility. This can limit your ability to tailor the policy to your unique circumstances.

Furthermore, relying solely on your employer’s group life insurance can leave you without coverage if you become unemployed or if your employer decides to discontinue the policy. It is important to have a backup plan in place to ensure that you and your family are protected in case of any changes in your employment status.

Should I supplement Group Life Insurance with a Personal Life Policy?

To ensure that you have adequate life insurance coverage and financial security, it is recommended to consider supplementing your employer-provided group life insurance with an individual life insurance policy. An individual policy allows you to customize your coverage to meet your specific needs and provides you with the flexibility and portability that group policies may lack.

When considering individual life insurance, it is important to work with a reputable insurance agency that represents multiple insurance companies. Shield Insurance Agency, for example, represents over 40 insurance companies, giving you access to a wide range of options and competitive rates. They can help you navigate the complexities of life insurance and find the policy that best suits your needs and budget.

To get started, you can contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today. Their experienced agents will guide you through the quoting process and ensure that you have the right coverage in place to protect your loved ones. You can also start the quoting process by visiting this LINK, and an agent will be in touch soon to assist you.

In conclusion, while employer-provided group life insurance is a valuable employee benefit, it is important to evaluate its limitations and risks. Supplementing your coverage with an individual life insurance policy can provide you with the flexibility, customization, and portability that group policies may lack. By working with a reputable insurance agency like Shield Insurance Agency, you can ensure that you have the right coverage in place to protect your financial security and provide for your loved ones in the event of your death. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take control of your life insurance coverage today.

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You are eligible for Cash Back if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, pay your own Part B premium, and don’t receive Medicaid or other forms of assistance to pay your Part B premium.

Health Plan Cash Back Benefit

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Shield Insurance Blog | Cash Back | Contact for more info | Call Bri 616-777-3012

Alleviate premium pressure through Cash Back 

Cash Back is currently available on the following plans

  • Trinity Health Plan of Michigan Cash Back MAPD (HMO)
  • Trinity Health Plan of Michigan Cash Back (HMO)

Access to health insurance supports your commitment to healthy aging, but there are times when the cost of premiums overshadows its benefit. 

Studies have shown that higher out-of-pocket spending may lead older adults to postpone care. Timely care is critical to manage chronic illnesses and detect diseases better treated at an earlier stage. What if you could reduce your yearly premium cost by receiving cash from your plan? 

Our Cash Back benefit reduces the amount of your monthly Medicare Part B premium. You may have also heard of this benefit referred to as the Give Back benefit or Medicare Part B Premium Reduction. 

You are eligible for Cash if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, pay your own Part B premium, and don’t receive Medicaid or other forms of assistance to pay your Part B premium.  

Call to speak with one of our trusted advisors or go online today to enroll and begin enjoying benefits like this. A reduction in premium cost could have you seeing more green. 

Making the most of our Cash Back benefit as a member

How can I learn more about this benefit?

You will receive notification of personalized reward offerings via mail.

Does this benefit come back to me in the form of a check?

There are no direct payments to beneficiaries. This reduces your Part B premium.

How will I receive my Cash?

You will not receive checks directly from our plan. Instead, you will receive your Cash Back benefit in one of two ways. If you pay your Part B premium through Social Security, your money will be credited back to you on your monthly Social Security check. If you do not pay your Part B premium through Social Security, you will pay a reduced monthly amount directly to Medicare.

How long does it take for the benefit to be processed?

It can take Social Security one to three months to process and activate your Cash benefit. You may receive a lump sum amount on your Social Security check to include the months prior to activation for this reason.

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