Monday, July 2, 2012

The DIfference Between HMO and POS Medical Plans

What Are HMO and POS Medical Plans? 


If you need "Under-Age" (Under 65) or Medicare health insurance, you probably want to be familiar with different health plan types. Understanding these plan types can help you make a good selection when you need to join a plan, and it can keep you happier with the plan you already have.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) plans have been around for a few decades. A lot of people are already familiar with the pros and cons of HMOs. These plans all have an organization (network) of health service providers. In order get your insurer to cover your services, you usually have to use an in-network provider. If you don't, you risk not getting your health needs covered!

Here's the problem. Either by mistake, or sometimes on purpose, some people have gotten health services outside the organization, and they found their insurer would not cover this at all! Point of Sale (POS) plans were introduced in order to provide more choices and flexibility, while still providing members with a way to keep out of pocket costs as low as possible.

Compare POS vs. HMO Health Insurance

A POS works just like an HMO if you get your medical services inside the network! If you choose to get medical services outside of the network, it automatically starts working like an indemnity medical insurance plan. This gives plan members some more freedom of choice. Of course, you should be aware that your costs are likely to be much lower if you seek in-organization services! But you still can choose to find a qualified medical professional, who accepts your plan, and be covered.

How Can You Find Medical Plans? 

If you would like to consider some different options, you may choose to get insurance quotes at a website that allows you to compare multiple companies. You may also speak with one, or more, local agents. Either tactic should help you find the best insurance rates and plans in your area.

Have You Managed To Save Enough Money For Retirement?

Are Boomers Saving Enough For Retirement? 

There seems to be a wide gap between the amount boomers are saving for their comfortable retirement. Some boomers are managing to save a lot of money, while others are really behind. Job stability, a good retirement plan, and other burdens are important factors. Many older people really did start out with good discipline, and a good plan, but economic woes got their retirement plans sidelined.

Can You Still Build Your Retirement Savings? 

Actually, you still do have an opportunity to grow your retirement savings. You may need to take some important steps quickly though.
  • Try to become as frugal as possible now. This does not mean you need to shut off your air conditioning, but it does mean you should try to eliminate as much waste as possible.
  • If frugal measures are not helping, you may just need to figure out how you can earn a bit more money. Changing jobs may not be an option, but you may want to consider some good ways to earn extra money
  • If an early or total retirement is not in the cards, but you really need to leave your job, you may consider some partial retirement options. Starting a part time job or business has worked out well for people who not able to quit working entirely. You get the benefits of earning some extra income, maybe even qualifying for more job related benefits, and staying active. But you may be able to leave the stress and burden of full time work behind you. Here is a good resource on semi retirement jobs.
I found a number of great articles on being more frugal, retirement, and flexible work here as well.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Captain Janeway - A Powerful Female Role Model

OK, I admit it. I am an unrepentant nerd of the middle aged female variety. Yes, we exist, and we may even have something to tell the rest of you mainstream folks.

What Can Science Fiction Tell You? 

Even if you would never admit to watching a Star Trek episode, you may have to admit that Captain Janeway of Voyager does give us all something to look forward too. In Being Captain Janeway, the author presents us with an image of a role model of a strong and able, post-feminist leader.

At its best, science fiction has always contained commentaries on present day society. It may contain fears about the future, or sometimes, it may contain a vision for the future.

Here's to the little bit of Catherine Janeway in all of us. :)

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Tips For Over 50 Home Buyers

Older Home Buyers 

If you are buying a home over age 50, you may be able to do things differently than younger home buyers can. The real estate tips do not just apply to older home purchasers, but may just be things that older people can get done.

Can You Write A Check? 

Older folks may have the cash to pay for a home in cash. This may be particularly true if they can sell their other house before buying the new one. There are a lot of advantages to this strategy, and you do not always have to tie up your money for a long time! Learn more about how this can work out for you: http://www.frugalpig.com/frugallife/frugal-shopper/frugal-home/paying-cash-for-a-home-what-pros-know/

Being able to pay cash can help you speed up the process of purchasing a house. Most sellers and agents are eager to help purchasers who can write a check!

Do You Have Credit Problems? 

If you need a mortgage, but have credit problems, it can be tough to get approved these days. On the other hand, you may be able to work out an actual business deal with friends or family who do have cash. You can make a very business like deal with personal lending websites that help people arrange these types of mortgage deals. 

Good luck with your next home purchase!

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Generate Income From Your House

If you are trying to reduce your expenses as much as possible, but still stay in your house, one solution may be to find good ways to generate income from your house. Yes, you can still live in your house, but you can find ways to leverage unused areas to help increase your income. This may be good news for people who are trying to retire or just deal with a lower income.

How Can Your House Make You Money? 

If you have a fairly large home that you purchased when kids lived at home, you probably have some unused space. Instead of paying to simply heat and cool unused rooms, why not make them useful for other folks. House sharing has become more popular with retired people lately. In return for the use of an extra bedroom, and some kitchen privileges, you can collect some rent.

If you do not want to give up your privacy, you may simply open your house to part-time renters who need temporary lodging or to people who simply need to store things. Storage space is expensive in some areas, and you may as well profit.

Finding some reasonable ways to get your home to work for you may mean you do not have to downsize to an apartment just yet.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Are You Online Over 50?

The Internet provides a plethora of wonderful opportunities for you to express yourself on the web. It is not just a place for mommy and daddy bloggers though. It is a place to grow your group of friends, get events planned, and even connect for jobs and business.

Have you visited an online over fifty portal like over50web.net? If not, it is a great place to begin.
  1. Read articles by experts and regular baby boomers with something to talk about.
  2. Comment on the articles, and maybe come up with more ideas to help inform, educate, and and inspired the community. 
  3. Hook up on Facebook and Twitter too!
  4. Contribute your own article ideas for online publication.
Some baby boomers haven't learned how social networking can benefit them. Sure, you can find your old classmates, share recipes, and see pictures of your cousin's puppies. But you can also build new relationships, look for new job opportunities, and grow a business.