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MEDICARE
While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will cover some of your health care expenses, it won’t cover everything. For instance, Medicare Part B covers 80% of your health care costs. You will be responsible for the other 20%. It also won’t pay for any prescription drugs, vision or dental care. You’ll have to cover the cost of those yourself. For many seniors, those items can be some of the most expensive. So, one option is to add supplemental insurance to help with those gaps in coverage. You can add Part D, the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. And you can add a Medicare Supplement to help with your co-pays, deductibles and emergency coverage when you travel outside the country.
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Or, you can choose a better alternative with more coverage: Medicare Supplement. Here are some of the benefits:
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If you want lower premiums: Part C plans often have lower premiums than Medigap supplements.
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If you want to cap your health spending: Medicare Advantage plans have a $6,700 per year maximum. Once you hit that limit, the plan will pick up all expenses. Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum.
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If you want to eliminate the financial uncertainty of 20% co-insurance: Original Medicare Part B only picks up 80% of the cost.
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If you want prescription drug coverage included: No need to buy Part D.
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If you want dental and vision care: Original Medicare won’t cover these.
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If you prefer all-in-one coverage: You’ll get all of your health care needs to be taken care of from one insurance carrier – so there aren’t so many moving “Parts”. That makes your health care much more convenient and easier to manage.
CANCER DETAILS
No one wants to hear, “It’s cancer.” But if it happens to you, this coverage can help.
A cancer diagnosis can lead to financial stress. Having cancer insurance in place ahead of time can give you one less thing to worry about during an already difficult time. You can receive cash benefits for cancer treatments, drugs, therapies and specialists — even travel, food or household expenses — so you can focus on your health and get back to living your life.
Why cancer insurance is important — even if you have other health coverage
Cash benefits for what you may need
Unlike other types of health insurance, you can use this cancer coverage to help pay for things like treatments, hospital stays, travel, lodging, food, pet or child care … expenses you may not have planned for. Plus, you can get cash benefits for important preventive care screenings to help you stay healthy.
Cancer affects millions of Americans each year
In the United States, about 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime.1 And although the disease can affect people of all ages, 80% of all cancers are diagnosed in people over age 55.2 The good news is, the ability to test for the disease and treat it has greatly improved.3 This coverage can help you get the care you need.
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Helps cover Out-of-pocket costs
In the U.S. alone, cancer costs billions of dollars each year. In fact, cancer patients in the U.S. paid $5.6 billion out of pocket for cancer treatments in 2018.4 Since many of the costs associated with the disease aren’t covered by Medicare or major medical insurance, you could be left with thousands in out-of-pocket costs. This cancer insurance can help.
A Will - Don’t Leave Without It
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Six out of 10 people don’t have a will. If you’re reading this, you probably don’t have one either—and you’re probably wondering if that’s the best category to be in.
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Spoiler alert: It isn’t.
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The reality is, 100% of people have a terminal condition. We know that’s not a cheerful way to start off, but it’s true. One hundred percent of people are going to die. I trust that this only happens after a long, fulfilling life surrounded by people they love and care for.
That is why a will really matters—because of the people we love.
We’re going to break down exactly what a will can do to protect you, your family, and your stuff, so you’ll never have to wonder, “Why do I need a will?” again.
The big question is, “Why Don’t I Have a Will?”
Let’s examine why most people don’t have wills. That may seem a little backwards, but if 100% of people need wills and less than 40% of people have them, that means there are some big roadblocks holding most people back.
A survey of over 2,000 people found that 63% of them don’t have a will. When we asked them why not, they gave us three main reasons:
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Don’t have time to make one (48%)
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Don’t need one in this stage of life (20%)
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Can’t afford one (17%)
Add in the fact that making a will is very emotional, and it’s easy to see why a lot of people skip it entirely. (We’d be willing to bet you saw at least one of your own excuses on that list.)
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If you own, or will own, property outright, it is recommended that you have a Will. A properly executed Will allows you to choose those individuals or organizations who will receive your property at death.
It is also a statement of your desires as to who will be the guardian of your minor children and who will be responsible for distributing your assets (i.e., the executor of the Will).
In short, a Will allows you to:
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Speak when you're no longer able to speak
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Provide for the welfare of family and/or friends
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Provide for the welfare of your pets
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Pass along your assets as intended
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Arrange for the efficient management of your property
But, if you die without a Will (i.e., intestate), the state takes your place and directs the disposition of your assets. The state intestacy laws set out highly standardized and rigid rules that control who will succeed to ownership of your property at death. Although these succession statutes attempt to be fair and equitable, they more than likely will not provide for the distribution you prefer. For example, absent a Will:
If you have minor children, your spouse may need to go to court to be appointed guardian of the children's property. This may also require posting bond, annual accountings, and judicial proceedings to act on behalf of the minor.
A simultaneous death of husband and wife could entrust the state with the care and support of minor children.
You pet could be taken to the animal adoption agency.
Generally, except for what statutorily passes to your surviving spouse, your children share equally in your estate. The impersonal nature of state intestacy laws deprives you of the opportunity to provide a greater share, for example, to a disabled daughter than to her healthy brother.
State law may divide your property between your surviving spouse and children contrary to your wishes.
An individual may not leave property to charity.
If there are no heirs, property may pass to the state rather than to friends and relatives.
Intestate Distribution
Intestate is not the way you want to leave things for your family, friends, pets, and charities that you support.
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So to review, here are the top nine reasons why you should make a will today.
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1. Determine who will manage your estate.
As mentioned above, deciding who will handle your estate is a great reason to have a will. When you write a will, you become a “testator” and have the opportunity to nominate an “executor.” This is the person who will oversee wrapping up all your affairs.
Being an executor is an important job. Their responsibilities may include everything from closing bank accounts to liquidating assets. So, you should choose someone who is capable and who you trust to carry out these activities. If you don’t choose an executor in your will, the court will pick one for you — and it may not be the person you’d want.
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2. Decide who gets your assets and property — and who does not.
Most people know that a will lets them decide who will get their property. As the testator, you can name people as beneficiaries for specific assets. You can also name beneficiaries for any property that you don’t list — the “residuary” of your estate. When your executor handles your will, they’ll oversee distributing these assets.
You might not be aware that you can also use a will to help ensure that some people don’t receive anything. For example, you might want to prevent an ex-spouse from receiving an inheritance. Or, if one child received your support through school, you might want to make sure a second child gets their fair share, too.
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3. Decide who gets your assets and property — and who does not.
Most people know that a will lets them decide who will get their property. As the testator, you can name people as beneficiaries for specific assets. You can also name beneficiaries for any property that you don’t list — the “residuary” of your estate. When your executor handles your will, they’ll oversee distributing these assets.
You might not be aware that you can also use a will to help ensure that some people don’t receive anything. For example, you might want to prevent an ex-spouse from receiving an inheritance. Or, if one child received your support through school, you might want to make sure a second child gets their fair share, too.
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4. Provide a home for your pets.
Owning a pet is a great reason to have a will. With a will, you can make sure that someone takes care of your pet after you die. The law considers pets to be property, so you can’t leave any assets to your pet with your will. But you can name a beneficiary for your pet, leaving them to a trusted friend or family member. You can ask that person to act as a caretaker or guardian for your pet, and even leave them funds to provide for your pet’s care.
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5. Leave instructions for your digital assets.
Your digital assets may include online accounts, such as Facebook or email, and digital files or property (photos, videos, domain names, etc.). In your will, you can name a digital executor to manage these assets after you pass. You can leave them to specific people, and include information on how you want them handled (e.g., if you’d like an account closed).
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6. Lower the potential for family disputes.
If you have complicated family dynamics, there’s a good reason to have a will. When you die without a will, your family will have to guess at what your final wishes were. And chances are, they won’t always agree. This ambiguity can create friction, and even fights, which sometimes lasts a lifetime. Creating a will solves the problem by eliminating the guesswork.
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7. Support your favorite causes and leave a legacy.
Many people want to leave a positive impact on the world after they pass. And a great way to do this is to support the charities or causes you love most. When you write a will, you can preserve your legacy by leaving a part of your estate to a charitable organization.
8. Provide funeral instructions.
You may not want to think about your own funeral. But if you do think about it now, and leave instructions with your will, you can lessen the burden on your loved ones after you pass. While these instructions aren’t legally binding, they can give your executors and loved ones some guidance on your wishes.
When you include instructions, you can name a funeral executor to manage the process, give suggestions for the service and location, make requests for your final resting place, and more.
9. It’s easy to make a will and gain peace of mind.
Some folks put off creating or updating their will because they assume their loved ones will automatically get an inheritance. But this isn’t always true. Probate can be a long and expensive process for your heirs. Plus, a will only addresses your current circumstances. You should update it over time as your needs and the people in your life change.
When you create or update your will, you can look after your loved ones and give them an easy map to follow after you pass. This gives many people peace of mind, making it one of the most important reasons to have a will.
And it’s easier than ever to make a will. With Legal Shield you have an attorney that can assist you with the expert details needed.
What about a Living Will and a financial Power of Attorney or Durable Power of Attorney? Who will make decisions for you if you are a live but cannot make your own decisions? Now is the time to make those decisions.
As a Legal Shield member, your attorney will handle all of these items for you.
Starting at $29.95.
Find more details at www.CrownLG.com
Paul Todd
cell/text 205-947-4656
paul@todaysmedicaresolutions.com
WHO IS PAUL TODD?
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I am a stress relief specialist. I take the worry away from seniors like yourself when you wonder if you have the best coverage. I have a free analysis that will show you the areas your current Medicare insurance doesn’t cover you. Would you like to know if you are 100% covered?
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I’m an independent agent. I am not beholden to a single insurance company. My allegiance is to my client and after listening to your needs and goals, I can shop all the top companies for the policy that will best fit your needs.
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I am a husband, father and grandfather. My wife and I have raised our children and now are enjoying our grandchildren.
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I am a community servant with a heart and passion for helping individuals, families, and communities build wealth and leave legacies through the proper insurance and asset protection.
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I am a licensed health agent who specializes in Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare can be very confusing. I’m here to help seniors find the best coverage for their situation.
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I am a man who is committed to helping families protect their assets in times of trouble and build generational wealth.
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I am at my best when spending time with my family and when I’m helping clients just like you!
