Welcome to.... NC Affordable Health Insurance

(Carolina Residents Only)

Providing Carolinians with affordable Health & Life Insurance

Insurance for Individuals, Families, and Self-Employed

Flexibility:  Customize your own plan to fit your individual and family needs.

Affordability:  Power of a large national group.

Portability:  Coverage continues even if you sell your business, relocate or change jobs.

Security:  Never be singled out for rate increases nor be cancelled due to filing claims.

Accessibility:   24-hour, on or off the job, worldwide coverage with access to any doctor and any hospital.

· PLUS MANY OTHER VALUABLE OPTIONAL BENEFITS

             

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Looking for affordable health insurance?  Health, health insurance, health insurance quote, health insurance free quote, health insurance affordable, affordable health insurance, affordable insurance, health quote, health free quote insurance, health plan, health coverage, healthcare, health Cobra Medical Insurance Term Quote Life Dental Vision Disability Hospital Deductible Association, Alliance Affordable North Carolina, Cheap Inexpensive Doctors, Private healthcare systems, Med-cost, medical cost, looking for inexpensive health care in North Carolina, Freedom Personal choice Safety net life plan, cancer, wise policy, UICI mid west, UICI mid-west, UICI Midwest national life insurance company of Tennessee, Low Rates for group, low rates for individual, low rates for self-employed, NC affordable health insurance offers low pricing, high quality medical coverage, Medical coverage, Carolina Rate increases, Non-cancelable, Co-pay, co-pay health insurance, co-pay low cost health insurance, co-pay health insurance quote on line, emergency room, Prescription card program, prescription card benefit plan, Outpatient Surgery, Medical coverage, Group and basic hospital coverage, Rated excellent, Endorsed Value Strength Savings, Frank Efird, Frank Efird jr, Frank Efird Licensed agent with Cornerstone America, Alliance health care, Claim Heart disease, Accidents, Diabetes, Suicied Lifetime, max Return of premium Surgery benefit, Accident expense, low cost accident expense, Continued care, Long term care, Marital discount for health care, pay Annual, pay annually, pay monthly or semi-annually, health care options include paying by month, quarter or year, quarterly or monthly bank draft, membership Rx card, maternity coverage, same day surgery, vision benefit, great vision benefits, application enrollment, smoker, smoking, non-smoker, non smoker, Doctor office visit, Ambulatory coverage, Physical therapy, occupational therapy, X rays, Insured Pregnant, insurance pregnant reasonable cost, hospitalization Certificate Policy, Medications, Lifeplan Beneficiary, health Symptoms, Illness and Diagnosis, Operations covered, Treatment. Included, Hippa and Cobra, Guaranteed issue Carrier Monthly premium. Premium Worldwide 24-hour emergency coverage Rate, has your insurance increase? Increases, Americans Portable Controlled costs, Choices, customized Options, Group bargaining power Association-endorsed health insurance plans Lowest possible costs Underwriting Benefits Individually Covered expenses include Mammograms, Pap smears, Injuries, Sicknesses, low Family deductible, Common accident coverage, Customer service Prompt claims Leader Protecting Excellent Am best company Hospital room and board Anesthesia Radiology, Casts, Splints, Drugs, medicines, Blood, plasma, choose your own Primary surgeon, Inpatient, Assistant surgeons Anesthesiologist Diagnostic test Second surgical opinion Ambulance service Medivac Emergency transportation Organ transplants, MRI, CAT scans, Magnetic resonance imaging, Sonogram, Radiation, Electrocardiogram, Ekg, Chemotherapy, Vision care, Vision, one Eye examinations, Death benefit, death benefits based my needs, Merck-medco Medcohealth.  embroidered baby bib handbag embroidered baby burp cloth web site design increasing prospect sales with quotes on line American National Insurance Company, American Republic Insurance Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Celtic Insurance Company, Continental General Insurance Company,  Continental General Insurance Company,  Fortis Insurance Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company, Mid South Insurance Company, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Mid West Life Insurance Company of TN, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company,  National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National Health Insurance Company, Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company, United American Insurance Company, United Wisconsin Insurance Company, World Insurance Company. Accidental Death Benefits, Your Alliance Membership provides you and your family members with FREE Accidental Death Benefits (ADB). The Common Carrier benefit will be paid in lieu of any other benefits for Accidental Death. Underwritten by The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK,$5,000 Accident Disability Benefit, This benefit is available to our Members to provide assistance in their time of need. You can use the funds for any purpose. Underwritten by The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK, Discount Dental Program, The Discount Dental Program is a fee-for-service discount dental program FREE to Alliance Members. Choose from over 18,000 participating dental providers who follow a discount schedule for preventive and diagnostic services, Endorsed Health & Life Insurance, Affordable Health Insurance is a primary concern of business owners and individuals across the country. To address this need on behalf of its members, the Alliance for Affordable Services has endorsed Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK, Administrative Office: N. Richland Hills, TX. Alliance Members are able to tailor a plan, which provides flexible benefits at affordable group rates. These plans, negotiated on behalf of Alliance Members are designed to provide much needed protection for families and individuals who otherwise could not afford to buy quality health insurance. Alliance Members have a wide array of plans available to fit their own individual needs. These Mid-West plans include Life, Health, Disability and Hospital Confinement policies. Whichever plan you choose, you can be sure that you are purchasing a quality plan endorsed by the Alliance. Underwritten by Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK, Administrative Office: N. Richland Hills, TX, Emergency Room Benefit, Does thinking about a visit to the emergency room make you feel uneasy? What would you do if you or one of your family members where injured in an accident? With this benefit, there is less to worry about. You will receive an immediate CASH settlement when you need it most! Underwritten by The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK,$5,000 Heart Attack Benefit, If you or your spouse suffers a Heart Attack as defined, you will receive the Heart Attack Benefit of $5,000.** Such payment will be made only after all the requirements outlined under the definition of Heart Attack have been met. You can use the funds in any way you wish to best meet your needs. Underwritten by The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK, Helicopter Transportation, In the event a participant suffers from a Certified Injury that requires Emergency Medical Transportation by helicopter in accordance with local EMS protocols, this program will reimburse the participant up to a maximum of $4,000 per occurrence per person. Reimbursement includes expenses incurred from the cost of Medically Necessary or Life Threatening Helicopter Transportation from the scene of an accident to the nearest medical facility capable of treating the injuries or from one medical facility to another medical facility. Claims for Medically Necessary transports from one medical facility to another medical facility are subject to review by Lifeguard's Medical Officer. Hospital Confinement-Accident, What would happen to your business if you were confined to a hospital? Can you afford to find out? Even if you have a disability policy in effect, most likely you will have a waiting period of 30-90 days. Could you financially survive that long?, If you cannot afford to be disabled, hurt, or hospitalized for any length of time as a result of accidental injury, this benefit will automatically provide you and your family with a very valuable benefit in the event you are hospitalized, Underwritten by The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK, Hospital Confinement-Illness, Just about everyone who earns a living needs to protect it. If you become confined to a hospital because of an illness, you could temporarily lose your ability to earn a living. Meanwhile, your living expenses continue and may increase. This benefit provides an immediate CASH settlement, to help you keep up with those normal living expenses during the time you need it most. Underwritten by The Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Home Office: Oklahoma City, OK, Medical Travel Assistance, When away from home, most of us travel without knowledge of, or access to, qualified physicians and medical facilities. That's what makes the Medical Travel Assistance services so important. The following benefits provided by LIFEGUARD Travel Assistance are available to Alliance Members when traveling 100 or more miles from home: Medical Consultation, Hospital Admission Guarantee, Emergency Evacuation, Medically Supervised Repatriation, Dispatch of Prescription Medication, Transportation to Join a Patient, Care for Minor Children, Prescription Drug Mail Discounts, Imagine the convenience and safety of having prescription medications delivered right to your door! Order up to a 90-day supply and save on maintenance prescription drugs (like those for high blood pressure, allergies, etc.). Just send in your completed Mail Service Order Form, your prescription and payment. For your convenience, you may also pay by credit card. New prescriptions will be filled and shipped to you usually, within ten (10) business days (excluding weekends) from the date of mailing. AdvancePCS has an easy Refill-by-Phone, toll-free number, or Web site for ordering refill prescriptions. Prescription refills are generally filled and shipped within five business days. Vision One Save on all of your eye care needs for you and your family including eye exams, frames, lenses and contacts. The C.A.R.D., Now you can help offset the high cost of health care while keeping your family on the road to good health. Sign up today for The C.A.R.D. (Consumer Awareness Retail Discount) to receive significant savings for you and your legal dependents on health care services. 24-Hour Health Hotline, through a contract with an established health hotline organization, members can access sound medical information and advice anytime 24 hours a day. Talk confidently with a registered nurse Listen to over 400 health topics in the Audio Library Catalog, Stay informed with the latest health care information Air Ambulance, Members have added peace of mind while traveling for business or pleasure with access to the Key Kard air ambulance service provider. Services include: Emergency Medical evacuation, Medically Necessary Repatriation Transportation of Escort, Family Visitation, Minor Children Return / Escort 24-Hour Service Access Chiropractic & Alternative Care, As a Key Kard holder, your health care savings are not limited to traditional medical practices but also provides you with the unique option to explore chiropractic and alternative care. Save 20% - 30% through the Key Kard alternative network on: Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Counseling, And many other disciplines, Credit Restoration, System Bridge the gap between major medical savings and the need for good credit to satisfy hospital administration requirements. Key Kard holders have access to services that include legal removal of the following from your credit report: Late Payments and Charge-Offs Foreclosures, Bankruptcies and Judgments Student Loans, Tax Liens and possessions, Money-Back-Guarantee Dental Care Now dental care is available to you and your family members at reduced rates. Save up to 50% through the Key Kard network of dental providers on most major dental work such as: Crowns Root Canals Periodontal Work Orthodontia Hearing Aids Members and their legal dependents receive significant savings of up to 60% on hearing aids through a convenient mail-order service program. Choose from some of the latest technology Enjoy a 30-day, 100% no-risk guarantee, Hospitals Your Key Kard gives you and your family access to the same low rates that insurance companies have been enjoying for years. Save 15% to 50% and sometimes even more for medical information at over 3,000 hospitals** nationwide***. Save on: Emergency Medical Care? Scheduled Hospital Procedures Services at MRI Clinics Durable Medical Equipment Providers And many other ancillary services **Hospital discounts not available in Maryland ***30 day waiting period for scheduled hospital access and $1,000/day advance payment (deposit) is required for hospitalization? For emergency care a Pre-Certification Number must be obtained the first business day following admission Instacare Emergency Card This card gives emergency health care professionals access to you and your family's essential medical information. Provides 24-hour, quick, easy and confidential access to medical information, history, emergency contact information and much more Information is accessible via a portable smart card reader or toll-free member service number on your Instacare Emergency Card Lasik Laser Surgery Members and dependents now have access to the lifelong benefits of the LASIK Vision Correction Savings Program. Save up to 50% on the usual and customary charge depending on the location Laser surgery performed by highly trained and specialized independent ophthalmologists Legal Services Key Kard holders are eligible for one free legal consultation on up to three separate legal matters a year through a legal referral network. Save up to 25% on a variety of legal consultation services that include: Civil and Consumer Issues Business and Legal Services Real Estate Traffic Violation And much more, Long Term Care, The Key Kard can help your family with the commitment of long term care by providing you and your legal dependents with savings up to 30% on: Assisted Living Home Health Care Nursing Homes Physicians Your family can now access the Key Kard list of more than 300,000 health care providers nationwide. Members and dependents save up to 50% on visits to the doctor and hospital for the entire family. Specialized Physicians include: Internal Medicine Oncology Family Practice Pediatrics OB/GYN Radiology Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Surgery, Prescription Drugs, You and your family will save up to 40% on prescription medications, including many drugs excluded from existing insurance programs, such as: Smoking Cessation Drugs Weight-loss Medications Anti-anxiety Agents Insulin Syringes Veterinary Care You and your pets save up to 25% on a variety of products and services with an exclusive contracted network of private practice veterinarians and animal hospitals. Medication and Routine Dental Care Surgery and Hospitalization Check Ups and Vaccinations Boarding and Grooming Pet Food and Supplies Training and Day Care And much more Vision Care Your family can now take advantage of up to 70% savings on prescription eyeglasses, mail-order contact lenses, eye exams and nonprescription sunglasses through the Key Kard vision care network. Participating locations include: LensCrafters Pearle Vision, Eye Masters, JCPenney Optical, Sears Optical, National Vision Centers in Wal-Mart locations, As well as numerous regional and local vision centers nationwide to the Alliance for Affordable Services, a not for profit Association, where true buying power means great benefits for our Members. Membership in the Alliance provides you with valuable money-saving benefits and services that will help you drive down the cost of running a business, raising a family and increasing sales. Take a moment to review the numerous Member benefits available - many of them free - and you will soon see that the cost of a Membership will quickly pay for itself! Alliance Membership provides you with deep discounts on products and services you need to run a successful business. You could save thousands of dollars each year using the benefits offered by the Alliance and our carefully selected vendors. This is your chance to give your family the kind of lifestyle you've always wanted for them. From vacation packages to college scholarship funding, the Alliance will help you save money and provide your family with access to top quality products and services your health is your most valuable asset. To help you and your family stay fit and well while saving valuable dollars, the Alliance has assembled these essential benefits such as dental care, vision care, prescription discounts and endorsed health and life insurance. Save money on your personal expenses and reduce the cost of running your business with this wide range of discounted products and services available to Alliance Members. The Alliance Key Benefits Membership includes the Key Kard reduced rate program, which can help you save on a variety of everyday health care and consumer related services.24-Hour Health Hotline, Through a contract with an established health hotline organization, members can access sound medical information and advice anytime 24 hours a day.Talk confidently with a registered nurse Listen to over 400 health topics in the Audio Library Catalog,Stay informed with the latest health care information Air Ambulance, Members have added peace of mind while traveling for business or pleasure with access to the Key Kard air ambulance service provider. Services include:Emergency Medical evacuation,Medically Necessary Repatriation Transportation of Escort, Family Visitation, Minor Children Return / Escort 24-Hour Service Access Chiropractic & Alternative Care, As a Key Kard holder, your health care savings are not limited to traditional medical practices but also provides you with the unique option to explore chiropractic and alternative care. Save 20% - 30% through the Key Kard alternative network on:Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Nutrition ,Counseling ,And many other disciplines,Credit Restoration, System Bridge the gap between major medical savings and the need for good credit to satisfy hospital administration requirements. Key Kard holders have access to services that include legal removal of the following from your credit report:Late Payments and Charge-Offs Foreclosures, Bankruptcies and Judgments Student Loans, Tax Liens and possessions, Money-Back-Guarantee Dental Care Now dental care is available to you and your family members at reduced rates. Save up to 50% through the Key Kard network of dental providers on most major dental work such as:Crowns Root Canals Periodontal Work Orthodontia Hearing Aids Members and their legal dependents receive significant savings of up to 60% on hearing aids through a convenient mail-order service program.Choose from some of the latest technology Enjoy a 30-day, 100% no-risk guarantee, Hospitals Your Key Kard gives you and your family access to the same low rates that insurance companies have been enjoying for years. Save 15% to 50% and sometimes even more for medical information at over 3,000 hospitals** nationwide***.Save on:Emergency Medical Care? Scheduled Hospital Procedures Services at MRI Clinics Durable Medical Equipment Providers And many other ancillary services **Hospital discounts not available in Maryland ***30 day waiting period for scheduled hospital access and $1,000/day advance payment (deposit) is required for hospitalization? For emergency care a Pre-Certification Number must be obtained the first business day following admission Instacare Emergency Card This card gives emergency health care professionals access to you and your family's essential medical information.Provides 24-hour, quick, easy and confidential access to medical information, history, emergency contact information and much more Information is accessible via a portable smart card reader or toll-free member service number on your Instacare Emergency Card Lasik Laser Surgery Members and dependents now have access to the lifelong benefits of the LASIK Vision Correction Savings Program.Save up to 50% on the usual and customary charge depending on the location Laser surgery performed by highly trained and specialized independent ophthalmologists Legal Services Key Kard holders are eligible for one free legal consultation on up to three separate legal matters a year through a legal referral network. Save up to 25% on a variety of legal consultation services that include:Civil and Consumer Issues Business and Legal Services Real Estate Traffic Violation And much more, Long Term Care, The Key Kard can help your family with the commitment of long term care by providing you and your legal dependents with savings up to 30% on:Assisted Living Home Health Care Nursing Homes Physicians Your family can now access the Key Kard list of more than 300,000 health care providers nationwide. Members and dependents save up to 50% on visits to the doctor and hospital for the entire family.Specialized Physicians include:Internal Medicine Oncology Family Practice Pediatrics OB/GYN Radiology Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Surgery ,Prescription Drugs, You and your family will save up to 40% on prescription medications, including many drugs excluded from existing insurance programs, such as: Smoking Cessation Drugs Weight-loss Medications Anti-anxiety Agents Insulin Syringes Veterinary Care You and your pets save up to 25% on a variety of products and services with an exclusive contracted network of private practice veterinarians and animal hospitals.Medication and Routine Dental Care Surgery and Hospitalization Check Ups and Vaccinations Boarding and Grooming Pet Food and Supplies Training and Day Care And much more Vision Care Your family can now take advantage of up to 70% savings on prescription eyeglasses, mail-order contact lenses, eye exams and nonprescription sunglasses through the Key Kard vision care network.Participating locations include:LensCrafters Pearle Vision ,EyeMasters ,JCPenney Optical, Sears Optical ,National Vision Centers in Wal-Mart locations, As well as numerous regional and local vision centers nationwide to the Alliance for Affordable Services, a not for profit Association, where true buying power means great benefits for our Members. Membership in the Alliance provides you with valuable money-saving benefits and services that will help you drive down the cost of running a business, raising a family and increasing sales. Take a moment to review the numerous Member benefits available - many of them free - and you will soon see that the cost of a Membership will quickly pay for itself!Alliance Membership provides you with deep discounts on products and services you need to run a successful business. You could save thousands of dollars each year using the benefits offered by the Alliance and our carefully selected vendors.This is your chance to give your family the kind of lifestyle you've always wanted for them. From vacation packages to college scholarship funding, the Alliance will help you save money and provide your family with access to top quality products and services Your health is your most valuable asset. To help you and your family stay fit and well while saving valuable dollars, the Alliance has assembled these essential benefits such as dental care, vision care, prescription discounts and endorsed health and life insurance.Save money on your personal expenses and reduce the cost of running your business with this wide range of discounted products and services available to Alliance Members.The Alliance Key Benefits Membership includes the Key Kard reduced rate program, which can help you save on a variety of everyday health care and consumer related services. North Carolina health insurance websites for insurance agents AAA Life Insurance Company,america Life,CNA,GE Term Life Insurance Program, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, John Hancock, Liberty Life Insurance Company, Northwestern Mutual Life, Physicians Life, Sun Life Financial, Western and Southern Life Zurich Life, Life insurance comes in two basic flavors: Term Insurance and Permanent Insurance. There are several "hybrid" products that combine elements of both but the discussion of life insurance starts here. Term insurance is temporary insurance. It is very similar to auto insurance in that, as long as you pay the premium usually to a maximum age of 70) you have the coverage. The day you miss a premium, you no longer have your term insurance. It is cheaper than permanent insurance and does not contain any cash value. Premiums increase as you get older and normally are prohibitively expensive when you get into you 50's and 60's. An added benefit to term insurance can be the ability to "convert" to whole life insurance at a later date.Permanent insurance is life insurance you have for your "whole life." Variations of permanent insurance include whole life, ordinary life, universal life, adjustable life, and variable life insurance. Premiums are generally fixed, although can rise if the insurance company does not meet their projected rates of return, have a cash value, and may "buy more insurance over time. The cash value and increasing death benefit can offer the ability to stop making payments on your policy after a period of time. You can withdraw money form a permanent life insurance policy in the form of a policy loan. Accelerated Death Benefit Coverage that allows the insured to receive a specified portion of the death benefit due to specified life-threatening or catastrophic conditions if certain conditions are met (also known as Living Benefit) Accidental Death Insurance providing payment if the insured's death results from an accident. Accidental Death Benefit Rider life insurance policy rider providing for payment of an additional benefit related to the face amount of the base policy when death occurs by accidental means. Annuitant The person during whose life a deferred annuity is based, and who will receive the annuity payments after the annuity starting date. Annuity An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company which guarantees that in exchange for a premium, the insurance company will pay a lifetime income to an individual called the annuitant. Automated Payment Transfer method of paying premiums under which the contract owner permits the insurance company to generate checks against the contract owner's bank account. The insurer then sends these checks directly to the contract owner's bank for payment when premiums are due. Beneficiary Person to whom the proceeds of a life policy are payable when the insured dies. The various types of beneficiaries are: primary beneficiaries (those first entitled to proceeds); secondary beneficiaries (those entitled to proceeds if no primary beneficiary is living when the insured dies); and tertiary beneficiaries (those entitled to proceeds if no primary or secondary beneficiaries are alive when the insured dies). Best's Insurance Report guide, published by A.M. Best, Inc., that rates insurers' financial integrity and managerial and operational strengths. Billing Method The method's) of payment that has been offered to you, such as Credit card, Pre-Authorized Checking or billing you directly. Cancer Insurance living benefit insurance that pays a lump sum to the insured when first diagnosed with cancer, in addition to paying a daily benefit while in treatment. Claim request for payment under the terms of an insurance policy. Contingent Beneficiary Person or persons named to receive proceeds in case the original beneficiary is not alive. Also referred to as secondary or tertiary beneficiary. Contestability Period The period of time (generally two years) during which the life insurance company may challenge the validity of a life insurance contract. One area that may be contested is whether the applicant represented truthfully his or her health condition and history at the time of application. Conversion Privilege Allows the policy-owner, before an original insurance policy expires, to elect to have a new policy issued that will continue the insurance coverage. Conversion may be effected at attained age (premiums based on the age attained at time of conversion) or at original age (premiums based on age at time of original issue). Declined decision by the life insurance company based upon the results of their underwriting on the case. Cases that are declined usually involve health problems that exceed the company's willingness to accept the risk. Those who have serious health problems, including those who may have been declined, should consider applying for the almost guaranteed issue term insurance or the fully guaranteed issue term insurance available from your insurance agent or broker. Decreasing Term Insurance Term life insurance on which the face value slowly decreases in scheduled steps from the date the policy comes into force to the date the policy expires, while the premium remains level. The intervals between decreases are usually monthly or annually. deductible/Elimination Period The period of time of hospital confinement which is excluded from benefit coverage. Double Indemnity provision in a life insurance policy, subject to specified conditions and exclusions, under the terms of which double the face amount of the policy is payable if the death of the insured is the result of an accident. In general, the conditions are that the insured's death occurs prior to a specified age and results from bodily injury effected solely through external, violent and accidental means independently and exclusively of all other cause, within 60 or 90 days after such injury. Specified hazards listed in a policy for which benefits will not be paid. Face Amount Commonly used to refer to the principal sum involved in the contract. The actual death benefit may be decreased by loans or increased by additional benefits payable under specified conditions or stated in a rider. Grace Period of time after the due date of a premium during which the policy remains in force without penalty. This period is usually 30-60 days depending on the plan and state you live in. Guaranteed Insurability (Guaranteed Issue) Hospital Accident Plan Guaranteed supplemental protection to help pay out-of-pocket expenses for a covered accident. Hospital Indemnity Plan Supplemental protection to help pay out-of-pocket hospital expenses. Pays for each day of confinement, starting the very first day for accidents and a specified day for illness. Insurance Representative Once you have purchased a policy, you are assigned a person who is responsible for your policies and making sure your needs are addressed. Insured The person whose life or health is insured under an insurance policy. Insurer Party that provides insurance coverage, typically through a contract of insurance. For example, in this case, life and health insurance plans are provided by Peoples Benefit Life Insurance Company. Issue age The age of the insured at the time the contract was issued. Lapse Termination of a policy upon the policy owner's failure to pay the premium within the grace period. Level Premium Term policies frequently come in versions of 5-year level term, 10-year level term, 15-year level term, 20-year level term, 25-year level term, and 30-year level term. The premium charged in each of these configurations remains the same, or "level," throughout the specified term. In each configuration, at the time when the policy is purchased, the insurance company sets the maximum charge for the coverage provided for the period selected. The death benefit provided also remains the same throughout the selected period. Level Term Insurance Term coverage on which the face value and premiums remain unchanged from the date the policy comes into force to the date the policy expires. Medical Examination Usually conducted by a licensed physician; the medical report is part of the application, becomes part of the policy contract and is attached to the policy. A "non-medical": is a short-form medical report filled out by an applicant. Various company rules, such as amount of insurance applied for or already in force; applicant's age, past physical history; etc., may be determined whether the examination will be "medical" or "non-medical." Medical Information Bureau (Mabank organization that serves as a clearinghouse of medical information for the life insurance industry. When a person applies for life insurance, the life insurance company generally sends out the applicant's medical test results and any other collected medical information that suggests health impairment to the MIB. Access to MIB information is restricted to authorized medical, underwriting and claims personnel in life insurance companies who participate in MIB services. No member insurance company can request MIB information on a life insurance applicant without the applicant's permission. An insurance company cannot base its underwriting decision solely upon MIB supplied information. Mortgage Insurance basic use for life insurance, so-called because many family heads purchase insurance specifically for paying off any mortgage balance outstanding at the time of their death. The insurance generally is made payable to the insured's beneficiary of choice. premium The periodic payment required to keep an insurance policy in force. Proceeds Net amount of money payable by the company at the insured's death or at policy maturity. Re-entry Optional option in a renewable term life policy under which the policy-owner is guaranteed, at the end of the term, to be able to renew his or her coverage without evidence of insurability, at a premium rate specified in the policy. strictly speaking, a rider adds something to a policy. However, the term is used loosely to refer to any supplemental agreement attached to and made a part of the policy, whether the policy's conditions are expanded and additional coverage's added, or a coverage or condition is waived. Right to ReviewPolicyowners have a specified amount of days to examine their new policies at no obligations. Standard Rating The premium rates established for the applicant who fits the life insurance company's underwriting department's definition of normal mortality risk. Most applicants who have not had a personal or family history of serious disease or health-related problems are generally rated standard. Suicide Clause Policy language that says if the insured commits suicide within a specified period, usually two years after the issue date, the company's liability will be limited to a return of premiums paid. Term Insurance Life insurance designed to cover the insured for a specified period of time (or term). Term policies provide life insurance protection without any investment or "cash value" features which can increase the cost of the coverage -- and as such, generally offer the most protection for your premium dollars. Underwriter Company receiving premiums and accepting responsibility for fulfilling the policy contract. Waiver of Premium Rider or provision included in most life insurance policies exempting the insured from paying premiums after he or she has been disabled for a specified period of time, usually six months. Whole Life policy that builds a cash value and gives protection through the policyholder's lifetime as long as premiums are paid. Yearly Renewable Term (YRT)A term policy that gives the policyholder the right to continue the coverage at the end of each policy year without providing evidence of insurability. The renewal right continues for a specified number of years or until the insured reaches an age specified in the policy. The premium charged each year generally increased to the annual premium charged for the insured's now-attained age. Most plans provide basic medical coverage, but the details are what counts. The best plan for someone else may not be the best plan for you. For each plan you are considering, find out how it handles: Physical exams and health screenings. Care by specialists. Hospitalization and emergency care. Prescription drugs. Vision care. Dental services. Also ask about: Care and counseling for mental health. Services for drug and alcohol abuse. Obstetrical-gynecological care and family planning services. Ongoing care for chronic (long-term) diseases, conditions, or disabilities. Physical therapy and other rehabilitative care. Home health, nursing home, and hospice care. Chiropractic or alternative health care, such as acupuncture. Experimental treatments. Some plans offer members health education and preventive care, but services differ. Ask questions such as: What preventive care is offered, such as shots for children? What health screenings are given, such as breast exams and Pap smears for women? How comprehensive do I want coverage of health care services to be? How do I feel about limits on my choice of doctors or hospitals? How do I feel about a primary care doctor referring me to specialists for additional care? How convenient does my care need to be? How important is the cost of services? How much am I willing to spend on premiums and other health care costs? how do I feel about keeping receipts and filing claims? You might also want to think about whether the services a plan offers meet your needs. Call the plan for details about coverage if you have questions. Consider: Life changes you may be thinking about, such as starting a family or retiring. Chronic health conditions or disabilities that you or family members have. If you or anyone in your family will need care for the elderly. Care for family members who travel a lot, attend college, or spend time at two homes. s there a good match between what is provided and what you think you will need? For example, if you have a chronic disease, is there a special program for that illness? What doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers are part of the plan? Are there enough of the kinds of doctors you want to see? Do you need to choose a primary care doctor? If you want to see a specialist, can you refer yourself or must your primary care doctor refer you? Do you need approval from the plan before going into the hospital or getting specialty care? No health insurance plan will cover every expense. To get a true idea of what your costs will be under each plan, you need to look at how much you will pay for your premium and other costs. Are there deductibles you must pay before the insurance begins to help cover your costs? After you have met your deductible, what part of your costs are paid by the plan? Does this amount vary by the type of service, doctor, or health facility used? Are there co-payments you must pay for certain services, such as doctor visits? If you use doctors outside a plan's network, how much more will you pay to get care? If a plan does not cover certain services or care that you think you will need, how much will you have to pay? Are there any limits to how much you must pay in case of major illness? Is there a limit on how much the plan will pay for your care in a year or over a lifetime? A single hospital stay for a serious condition could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. You can't know in advance what your health care needs for the coming year will be. But you can guess what services you and your family might need. Figure out what the total costs to your family would be for these services under each plan. Many managed care plans are regulated by Federal and State agencies. Indemnity plans are regulated by State insurance commissions. Your State Department of Health or insurance commission can tell you about any plan you are interested in.You can also find out if the managed care plan you are interested in has been "accredited," meaning that it meets certain standards of independent organizations. Some States require accreditation if plans serve special groups, such as people in Medicaid. Your doctor will be your partner in care, so it is important to choose carefully from the doctors available to you. In some managed care plans, you will generally be limited to choosing from only certain doctors; in other plans, some doctors may be "preferred," which means they are part of a network and you will pay less if you use them. Ask your plan for a list or directory of providers. Look up basic information about doctors in the Directory of Medical Specialists, available at your local library. This reference has up-to-date professional and biographic information on about 400,000 practicing physicians. Use "AMA Physician Select," which is the American Medical Association's free service on the Internet for information about physicians (http://www.alma-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm). Is the doctor board certified? Although all doctors must be licensed to practice medicine, some also are board certified. This means the doctor has completed several years of training in a specialty and passed an exam. Have complaints been registered or disciplinary actions taken against the doctor? To find out, call your State Medical Licensing Board. Ask Directory Assistance for the phone number. Have complaints been registered with your State department of insurance? (Not all departments of insurance accept complaints.) Ask Directory Assistance for the phone number. At eHealthInsurance we feature the largest selection of health insurance plans from leading companies across the United States. Below are some of the health insurance companies that currently feature medical or dental plans on our web site. federal law known as COBRA (short for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) provides a vital bridge between health plans for qualified workers, their spouses and their dependent children when their health insurance otherwise might be cut off. Because of that security, COBRA has been hailed as a much-needed safety net for families in the midst of crisis, such as unemployment, divorce or death. Under COBRA, if you voluntarily resign from a job or are terminated for any reason other than "gross misconduct" you are guaranteed the right to continue your former employer's group plan as individual or family health care coverage for up to 18 months, at your own expense. In many cases, your spouse and dependent children also are eligible for COBRA coverage, sometimes for as long as three years. However, individual plans -- that is, plans you buy on your own, rather than through work or an association -- are not subject to COBRA law, and once you lose that coverage, you won't be able to get an extension under COBRA. Are you eligible for COBRA? In general, three groups of people, known as beneficiaries, are eligible for COBRA coverage: employees or former employees in private business, their spouses and their dependent children. One of several types of "qualifying events" must occur in order to trigger COBRA, as outlined in the chart below. You then are eligible to buy COBRA for the maximum coverage period as determined by your beneficiary status and the qualifying event. Remember: You don't have to stay on COBRA the whole time -- nor will you always be able to -- if different coverage comes along. A eligibility also extends to workers in state and local government, as well as to workers classified as independent contractors. However, the law grants an exemption to the District of Columbia, federal employees, certain church-related organizations and firms employing fewer than 20 people. The IRS has said that employers must figure part-time workers into their employee total to determine if they can claim exemption. Even if you work at a small company that is exempt from federal law, you might not be completely out of luck. Many states have adopted their own laws, sometimes known as "mini-COBRA," that often grant broader rights in determining eligibility for coverage. Check with your state insurance department to find out if you are entitled to continued health-care coverage under a state COBRA plan. Employers with self-funded health plans (generally large corporations) are exempt from state regulation of their plans, but employers who buy coverage through outside insurers (generally smaller businesses) are subject to such laws. Keep in mind, too, that you must actually be covered under an employer health plan to be eligible for COBRA. If your employer has more than 20 workers but doesn't offer health coverage, or offers coverage to only certain groups of employees and you're not one of them, you won't be eligible for COBRA even if one of the qualifying events occurs -- nor will your spouse or children be eligible. Your COBRA coverage ends when:You reach the last day of maximum coverage. Premiums are not paid on a timely basis. The employer ceases to maintain any group health plan. You obtain coverage through another employer group health plan that does not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any pre-existing condition of a beneficiary. A beneficiary is entitled to Medicare benefits. Paying for COBRA Eligibility isn't the only issue you should consider when it comes to COBRA. Cost is another major factor. When you're on COBRA, no longer will your employer be picking up a big chunk of the monthly premiums. You'll be responsible for paying the full amount, plus an administrative fee of up to 2%. You'll have to weigh your ability -- and desire -- to pay the extra expenses against your and your family's need for health coverage and the financial dangers of going without it. The fact is, though, that if you have children, you should have health insurance to help pay for all those routine check-ups and immunizations they need, plus the unexpected emergencies. One broken wrist could set you back thousands of dollars. And how are you feeling? If you have ongoing medical problems or need prescriptions frequently, you probably should opt for COBRA not only because the insurance coverage will help defray your out-of-pocket costs, but also because it will ensure that you don't inadvertently lock yourself out of the health-insurance market. People who have "pre-existing conditions" -- meaning medical problems that exist before you buy a policy -- find it much more difficult to buy individual health coverage because their policies can often be "medically underwritten." That is, insurers can consider the health of the applicants when deciding whether to insure someone. They could reject you for coverage completely or exclude coverage of your existing condition -- which goes against the very reason you need health insurance (some states, though, like Washington, ban that practice, and federal law forbids all group health plans from medically underwriting you). However, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guarantees that people who have continuous health coverage -- and meet certain other qualifications -- can't be denied insurance even if they have pre-existing conditions. So if you forgo COBRA and thus create a gap in your coverage, you would lose your HIPAA protection when you later decide to buy insurance. Two other factors to review when considering COBRA: the extent of your health-plan benefits and your network of doctors and other health-care providers. If your plan has extensive benefits, you might want to stay on COBRA even if you're eligible for coverage under your spouse's health-care plan. The IRS says you have that right. And you might not want to risk losing a favorite doctor if you have to switch plans. If you decide against COBRA, you still can consider buying individual insurance or even a short-term policy to tide you over until you land a new job with health benefits. Your coverage offered under COBRA must be identical to the coverage you had before. "An employer can't allow employees to choose a less-expensive plan," notes Paul Fronting, a senior research associate with the Employee Benefits Research Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts research about employee benefits. However, employers can -- but are not required to -- give you the option of dropping such "no core" benefits as dental and vision care. On the other hand, if you were covered by, say, three different health plans at the same time (for hospitalization, prescriptions, medical, etc.), you have the right to elect to continue coverage in any or all of them. The rules for beginning COBRA Both you and your employer must follow proper procedure to initiate COBRA, or else you could forfeit your rights to coverage. The employer must notify the health plan administrator within 30 days after an employee's death, job termination, reduced hours of employment or eligibility for Medicare. In cases of divorce, legal marital separation, or a child's loss of dependent status, it is your or your family's responsibility to notify the health plan administrator within 60 days of the event. Once notified, the plan administrator then has 14 days to alert you and your family members -- in person or by first-class mail -- about your right to elect COBRA. The IRS gets tough here: If the plan administrator fails to act, he or she can be held personally liable for breaching their duties. There are two exceptions to the notification rule, if the plan allows them: First, the time limit for both notification periods can be extended; and second, employers may be relieved of the obligation to notify plan administrators that the employees quit or reduced their work hours. It is then up to the plan administrator to determine if a qualifying event has occurred. You should find out in advance what your health plan allows. You, your spouse and your children have 60 days to decide whether to buy COBRA. This election period is counted from the date your eligibility notification is sent to you or the date that you lost your health coverage, whichever is later. Your COBRA coverage will be retroactive to the date that you lost your benefits (as long as you pay the premium). During the election period when you have to choose whether to buy COBRA, you might initially decide not to, which means you waive your right to coverage. However, as long as the election period hasn't expired, you can change your mind and revoke your waiver, and COBRA coverage would then start on the day the waiver was revoked. Bear in mind that if you visit a doctor during the period you initially waived COBRA, you will not be reimbursed for that claim even if you later decide to buy COBRA. In this case, COBRA is not retroactive to the date you lost your employer-sponsored plan. Other COBRA tidbits Here are a few other things you should keep in mind. After you elect COBRA, you have to pay the first premium within 45 days. And that first premium is likely to be high because it covers the period retroactive to the date coverage ended through your employer. Successive payments are due according to health-plan requirements, but COBRA rules allow for a 30-day grace period after each due date for payment. Extensions. Although COBRA sets specific time limits on coverage, there is nothing stopping the health plan from extending your benefits beyond the coverage period. Notification rights. The U.S. Department of Labor has jurisdiction over issues involving notification of private-sector employees about COBRA coverage. Employers who fail to comply with the notification rules face fines of up to $110 for every day that no notice is sent after the deadline. In addition, the IRS can assess an excise tax against any company that does not comply with COBRA regulations. Life insurance. COBRA makes no provisions for life insurance. New workers. Newly hired employees must be given an initial general notice about their COBRA rights. Plan description. COBRA information must be contained in the summary of the health-plan description employees must receive when they are new to the plan. Switching plans. If your employer offers an open enrollment period to active employees and you're on COBRA, you must also be given the option to switch plans during that time. Conversion plans. If the health plan offers the option of converting from a group plan to an individual policy under COBRA, you must be given that option and allowed to convert within 180 days before COBRA ends. But you'll pay individual, not group, rates, and switching to individual coverage could weaken any HIPAA protections you have. Moving. If you relocate out of your COBRA health plan's coverage area, you will lose your COBRA benefits; the employer is not required to offer you a plan in your new area. Premium costs. Your premiums can be increased if the costs of the health plan increase for everyone at the workplace, but generally they must be fixed in advance of each 12-month cycle. The plan must also allow you to pay premiums on a monthly basis if you want. Premium notices. Neither the health plan nor the employer is required to send you monthly premium notices, so make sure you pay attention to due dates. Disability. People eligible for Social Security disability benefits may receive COBRA coverage for 29 months Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Allstate Life Insurance Company, American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, American General Life and Accident Insurance Company, American Heritage Life Insurance Company, American Income Life Insurance Company, American National Insurance Company, American National Life Insurance Company of Texas, American Pioneer Life Insurance Company, american Republic Insurance Company, Auto-Owners Life Insurance Company, Baltimore Life Insurance Company, Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company, Bankers Life & Casualty Company, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina, Celtic Insurance Company, Central States Health & Life Company of Omaha, Central United Life Insurance Company, Citizens Security Life Insurance Company, Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, Combined Insurance Company of America, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Conseco Annuity Assurance Company, Conseco Health Insurance Company, Conseco Life Insurance Company, Conseco Medical Insurance Company, Conseco Senior Health Insurance Company, Continental General Insurance Company, Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood, Tennessee, Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S., Fortis Benefits Insurance Company, Fortis Insurance Company, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, GE Life and Annuity Assurance Company, Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company, Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Hartford Life Insurance Company, Humana Insurance Company, Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company, Investors Consolidated Insurance Company, Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance Company, Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company, John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Kanawha Insurance Company, Liberty Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of Georgia, Life Investors Insurance Company of America, Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Loyal American Life Insurance Company, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Medico Life Insurance Company, Mega Life and Health Insurance Company, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Mid-South Insurance Company, Minnesota Life Insurance Company, Monumental Life Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, National Financial Insurance Company, National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National Health Insurance Company, Nationwide Life Insurance Company, New England Life Insurance Company, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Occidental Life Insurance Company of North Carolina, Oxford Life Insurance Company, Paul Revere Life Insurance Company, Penn Treaty Network America Insurance Company, Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company, Peoples Benefit Life Insurance Company, Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, Pioneer Life Insurance Company, Principal Life Insurance Company, Professional Insurance Company, Protective Life Insurance Company, Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company, Prudential Insurance Company of America, Pyramid Life Insurance Company, Reserve National Insurance Company, Shenandoah Life Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Stonebridge Life Insurance Company, Transamerica Life Insurance Company, Trustmark Insurance Company, UNUM Life Insurance Company of America, Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company, United American Insurance Company, United Family Life Insurance Company, United Insurance Company of America, United States Life Insurance Co. in the City of New York, United Teacher Associates Insurance Company, Washington National Insurance Company, Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, World Insurance Company