Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Life Insurance Basics

Helpful Life Insurance information from State Farm

Life Insurance Basics

There's a lot to learn when you're getting started with insurance, and there's still a lot to learn when you've had insurance for years! State Farm® wants you to feel confident that you are making informed choices.

With life insurance from State Farm, you can help your family:

  • Keep paying the home mortgage.
  • Maintain their current standard of living.
  • Pay off debts, estate taxes, and final expenses.
  • Create a fund for college education.
  • Create a fund for a family member with special needs.
  • Protect their dreams for the future.

Getting Started

Click on the links below to find out more about life insurance from State Farm.

Beyond The Basics

Want to explore the possibilities of your life insurance policy? Select from the list below to get the most from your policy and benefits.

Converting Term Insurance To Permanent

Switch from a term life policy to a whole life policy without a new health screening.

How Universal Life Works

Learn how universal life policies provide flexibility for premium, account value, and death benefit.

Return of Premium Term

Find out about the term policy that pays you back..

Options and Riders

State Farm offers a number of ways to extend and enhance your life insurance coverage.

Family Insurance

Life insurance protection for your whole family with one policy.

Estate Planning

Learn about life insurance and estate planning.

Servicing Your Policy

State Farm life insurance policy owners and beneficiaries can access a number of online resources, such as servicing and filing claims on existing policies.

Getting Started Online

Just a few easy steps to access your accounts.

How to Make A Claim

Review the procedures and options for claiming a death benefit of a State Farm life insurance policy.

Converting Your Term Life to a
Permanent Life Policy

Ready to get started?


You realize the importance of life insurance and the value of the financial protection it provides. When you purchased your term life insurance policy, you took the important step of providing protection for your loved ones for a specified period of time.
However, have you considered the benefits of a permanent life insurance policy?

Benefits of Converting Your Term Life to a Permanent Life Policy

  • Permanent life insurance, such as whole life, offers premiums that remain the same and provides your loved ones with protection throughout your lifetime.
  • A permanent life insurance plan builds cash value, which can be withdrawn or borrowed during your lifetime.
  • If you convert qualifying term life insurance to a permanent life or universal life insurance policy, the new policy's first year premium will be reduced. The amount of reduction is based on the premiums you have paid on your existing term coverage during the 12 months prior to the conversion. This offer is only available during the first five years of your term life insurance coverage.
  • You may convert your term life insurance to permanent life insurance regardless of your health or occupation, at any time prior to age 75 (subject to established minimums).
View more detailed information on the differences between Term and Permanent Life Insurance.
Don't miss this opportunity. Contact your State Farm agent today to discuss why permanent life insurance might be your best option.

Return of Premium Term 20, 30 Year

You want to help protect your loved ones from financial hardship if you can't be there for them. That's what life insurance is all about. But instead of life-long life insurance coverage, you may only need to protect your family from long-term expenses such as:
  • The mortgage
  • Your children's education
  • A home equity loan
In that case, the State Farm® Return of Premium Life Insurance policy might be just what you need. It offers you coverage with a level premium payment term of 20 or 30 years, whichever you choose. And if you outlive that level premium payment period, the policy premiums you've paid will be returned to you.1
That's right - if your policy's death benefit is not paid within the initial 20 or 30 year term, you'll get your money back at the end of the term. A guarantee like that makes it easier to give your loved ones the financial protection they need.
The sample rates below are for a 25 year old female in outstanding health. You can personalize it for you by clicking "Get a Quote".


Eligibility
Term Length 20 or 30 Years
CoverageCoverage begins at $100,000
Issue Ages20 to 60* for Return of Premium 20
20 to 45 for Return of Premium 30
Starting at $ 39.80 /mo*
$457.50 annually
$250,000 of coverage

Get A Rate Quote
Starting at $ 40.25 /mo*
$462.50 annually
$250,000 of coverage

Get A Rate Quote


* Available up to age 55 for Tobacco and Preferred Tobacco Classes

How it Works
Take a look at the policy that can pay you back:
  • You can choose an initial term of either 20 or 30 years
  • You'll pay a level premium throughout the initial 20 or 30 year policy period
  • Premiums will be refunded to you at the end of the level premium policy term (20 or 30 years)assuming the death benefit has not been paid during initial policy term, and all of the scheduled premiums have been paid1
  • The policy builds cash value, which you can borrow against during the level premium
    period 2
  • You can continue your coverage beyond the level premium period on an annually renewable basis to age 95. Premiums will increase annually but will never exceed the maximum premium stated in the policy
  • Tax-free death benefit - No matter how large your death benefit, it passes to your beneficiaries generally income tax-free
  • If you have auto insurance with State Farm, purchasing a State Farm Life Insurance policy may entitle you to a discount on your auto premiums with our multi-line discount
Need lifelong coverage? Just convert to permanent coverage and premiums up to age 75 -no matter your state of health. 3

Customize your Policy

Add even more value to your policy by buying any of these optional riders.1 A State Farm agent can help you customize a policy to meet your needs.
Children's Term Rider
This rider provides temporary insurance for each eligible child that is named on the application, and any eligible children acquired in the future. This insurance can be converted at expiry, regardless of health, to provide continuing life insurance coverage for each child.
Waiver of Premium for Disability
Helps preserve your plan at a time when income may be limited due to a disability. If the insured becomes totally disabled for 6 continuous months, as defined in the policy, prior to age 60, this coverage will waive future premiums as long as the insured continues to be totally disabled. If the insured becomes disabled between the ages 60 and 65, this coverage will waive premiums to the later of the third policy anniversary after total disability, and the anniversary when the insured is age 65.
This is only a general description of coverage. A complete statement of coverage is found only in the policy. For more details on coverage, costs, restrictions; or to apply for coverage, contact a local State Farm agent.
There are limitations and conditions regarding payment of benefits due to misrepresentations on the application or when death is the result of suicide in the first two policy years.

1 Assumes the death benefit has not been paid during initial policy term, and all of the scheduled premiums have been paid. The Return of Premium benefit on the base policy is not taxable. Any Waiver of Premium for Disability Rider premiums returned as part of the Return of Premium benefit may be taxable. The Return of Premium benefit on the base policy is not taxable. Any Waiver of Premium for Disability Rider premiums returned as part of the Return of Premium benefit may be taxable.

2 Unpaid loans and withdrawals will reduce the guaranteed death benefit, and policy cash value and any Return of Premium benefits. Loans also accrue interest.

3 Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states, and policy terms and conditions may vary by state.

Adjustable Premium Level Term Life Insurance policy series 08025 in all states except MT, NY, WI; 08075 in MT, A08025 in NY & WI.

Children's Term Life Insurance Benefit Rider, used with Adjustable Premium Level Term, policy series 08144 in all states except MT, NY, WI; 08444 in MT, A08144 in NY & WI. Waiver of Premium Benefit Rider, used with Adjustable Premium Level Term, policy series 10208 in all states except MT, NY, WI; 10508 in MT, A10208 in WI, and A08208 in NY.

Policy Series Info

Not FDIC Insured
  • No Bank Guarantee
  • May Lose Value

Universal Life

Life changes. You get married, you need life insurance. You have kids, you need more insurance. Suddenly the kids are all grown up and the mortgage is paid off. Now, maybe you don't need as much coverage as you used to. It's clear that your need for life insurance changes along with your life. That's why State Farm® offers Universal Life Insurance. This flexible policy allows you to raise or lower your coverage-and your premiums-to fit your needs.1 It even builds cash value that you can use during your lifetime.

What is Universal Life Insurance?

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What are the advantages of Universal Life?

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Tax Advantages of Universal Life…

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Eligibility

 
Premium DurationLifetime
CoverageStarting at $25,000 for ages
0 to 19
Starting at $50,000 for ages
20 to 54
Starting at $25,000 for ages
55 to 85
Issue Ages0 to 85
To get a Quote,
please contact an Agent

Contact an Agent

How it Works


Death Benefit Options

There are two death benefit options you can choose with a Universal Life insurance policy.
Option 1Option 2
Provides a level death benefit equal to the Basic Amount of life insurance you choose.Provides a death benefit that varies with your policy Account Value. Your death benefit is the amount of life insurance plus the policy Account Value.
Death Benefit Option 1 DiagramDeath Benefit Option 2 Diagram

Customize your Policy

Add even more value to your policy by buying any of these optional riders. A State Farm agent can help you customize a policy to meet your needs.3
Additional Insured Level Term Rider
Children's Term Rider
Guaranteed Insurability Option
Waiver of Monthly Deduction for Disability Rider
State Farm offers the Flexible Care Benefit Rider in select states. Learn More
This is a general description of coverage. A complete statement of coverage is found only in the policy. For more details on coverage, costs, restrictions; or to apply for coverage, contact a local State Farm agent.

1 With Universal Life it is possible that coverage will expire when either no premiums are paid following the initial premium or subsequent premiums are insufficient to continue coverage. Changes in policy coverage amounts are subject to policy limits. Increases are subject to underwriting and may require additional premium.

2 Unpaid loans and withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and policy cash value. Loans also accrue interest.

3 Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states, and policy terms and conditions may vary by state.
Not FDIC Insured
  • No Bank Guarantee
  • May Lose Value

Flexible Care Benefit Rider1

Ready to get started?
The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent or insurance company.
When the insured becomes chronically ill and is eligible to receive benefits, he/she can access a portion of the policy’s death benefit every month. The monthly benefit amount can be used at the policyholder’s discretion. Monthly benefit payments will lower the policy’s death benefit and other policy values. In addition, cost of insurance, monthly charges for any riders, and monthly expense charges for the policy will be waived while claim requirements are met.
Chronically ill means a licensed health care practitioner has certified that the insured:
  1. is unable to perform at least 2 activities of daily living (as defined in the rider) without substantial assistance, for a period of at least 90 days due to a loss of functional capacity; or
  2. requires substantial supervision to protect the insured’s health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment.
Let’s see how it works:
To understand how this rider can help pay for your long-term care expenses, let’s look at a hypothetical example. Melinda was healthy and active until she suffered a stroke and, as a result, became chronically ill. To continue living in her home, Melinda needed part-time care five days a week, at $18.50 an hour2, for the remaining four years of her life. She also had to pay for services that she could no longer do on her own, such as housecleaning and yard work.
Fortunately, she had a Universal Life policy with a $250,000 death benefit and a Flexible Care Benefit rider and qualified to receive benefits. She chose to receive payments of $4,000 per month.3
WHAT WAS THE COST OF MELINDA’S CARE?
Home health care:
$148 per day x 5 days a week x 52 weeks for 4 years		$153,920
Other living expenses (house cleaning, yard work, etc.)$7,500
Total expenses$161,420

HOW MUCH DID MELINDA AND HER BENEFICIARIES RECEIVE?
Flexible Care Benefit rider benefit - $4,000 per month x 12 months for 4 years$192,000
Melinda’s death benefit ($250,000 - $192,000)$58,000

In this example, Melinda opted to receive a larger monthly benefit than her actual long-term care expenses. Even after providing benefits to help cover those expenses, her life policy still paid a sizeable lump sum to her loved ones.
It is possible that benefits provided by this rider maybe be taxable. The policyholder should consult their personal attorney or tax advisor.
For details about the cost, coverage, and limitations, see a State Farm agent.
1Flexible Care Benefit rider is the marketing name for Accelerated Death Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider in all states, except it is known as the Accelerated Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider in KY and Advanced Death Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider in IN.
2Based on average cost of home health aides. Genworth Financial. Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey. Conducted by CareScout, an independent research firm. (April 2009).
3The maximum monthly benefit is the lesser of:
  • Two percent of the life insurance death benefit (at the time of the claim) and
  • IRS per diem amount ($300/day in 2011) times the number of days in the month. (Not applicable in Canada)
The policyholder can choose a lesser amount, subject to a monthly minimum defined in the rider.
Universal Life policy series 11030, 11080, A11030, and A11080.
Accelerated Death Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider, used with Universal Life, policy series 10220 and 10520.
Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states, and policy terms and conditions may vary by state.
Accelerated Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider, used with Universal Life, policy series 10220 in KY and A10220 in WI.
Advanced Death Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider, used with Universal Life, policy series 10220 in IN.
Accelerated Benefit for Long-Term Care Rider, used with Universal Life, policy series 10220-12 in ID.
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS PROVISION for policy 10220-12: The Monthly Benefit will not exceed the Maximum Monthly Benefit. No Monthly Benefit will be paid for a period more than 12 months prior to the date We receive a Request for benefits under this Rider. No Monthly Benefit will be paid for any loss that: starts before the Effective Date of this Rider; results from an attempted suicide, while sane or insane, or intentionally self-inflicted injury; results from the Insured’s alcoholism or addiction to drugs or narcotics; but not addiction which results from the administration of those substances in accordance with the advice and written instructions of a Licensed Health Care Practitioner; occurs or continues while the Insured is living outside of the United States of America or its territories or possessions; results from the Insured’s participation in a felony, riot or insurrection, or involvement in an illegal occupation; occurs or continues during the Insured’s incarceration; or results from any act due to war whether or not the Insured is in the military service. “War” means declared or undeclared war or conflict involving the armed forces of one or more countries, governments, or international organizations.

Family Life Insurance

Ready to get started?

Your family always comes first. And you’d do anything to make sure they’re cared for, whatever the future may bring. So, how can you help make sure:

  • Your family would be cared for if something happened to either you or your spouse?
  • Your children could get the life coverage they’ll need when they’re older?
Life insurance with State Farm® can help secure your family’s financial future if you aren’t there. This is family life coverage made simple. Instead of dealing with separate policies, you can get life coverage for your immediate family – for one rate – under a single policy.  It’s the right life insurance coverage for your needs.

Life just got even better

Life insurance is usually thought of as something for the spouse who is the breadwinner. If that person dies, then the life insurance benefit would help provide for the family. The mortgage may still get paid; the kids may still go to college.
Life coverage is no less important for the spouse who stays at home, works part time, or is a secondary breadwinner. A life insurance benefit may help pay for childcare, housekeeping, meals, and other services your family can’t do without.
Life insurance is also important for the kids. Getting them covered at a young age may help ensure they have the coverage in the future. They can convert the coverage as adults, even if they later develop health problems that would otherwise make them uninsurable.1
With life insurance whatever the future brings, your loved ones’ financial security may be protected.

Basic facts: State Farm Family Life Insurance

Talk to your agent to see which policy makes sense for you. Once you or your spouse is covered by either a State Farm Select Term or Whole Life insurance policy, just add one (or both) of these riders to help protect the rest of your family.
  • Select Term Rider - Provides life insurance to age 95 with a premium that will remain level for 10, 20,or 30 years depending on the coverage you choose. The rider is available on both the insured and an additional insured and can be converted to a permanent policy if lifetime coverage is needed.1  Minimum coverage is $100,000.
  • Children’s Term Rider - Add this to cover your children. Just one rider can provide up to $20,000 in life insurance coverage for each child in your family, including children yet to be born. So as your family grows, new children are automatically covered. You can convert this rider at expiration of coverage to any available policy to provide lifetime coverage for each child.1

Big Coverage Little Cost

Here's an example of what Family Life Insurance would cost a family of three, assuming $250,000 in coverage for each parent and $10,000 for the child.
Household MemberPolicy/Rider TypeAnnual Premium
35-year old male*Select Term-20, Best Rate$235
30-year old female*Select Term-20 Rider, Best Rate$135
Child**Children's Term Rider$50
 Total Annual Premium $420
*Premiums are based on our Elite Preferred underwriting class and assume both insureds have not used tobacco or other nicotine products for the past 36 months.
**Must be under 18 years and eligible for insurance at the time of application.
1Conversion options vary by state. Please talk with a State Farm agent.

We’re here for life

Life insurance coverage for your family has never been so affordable. And it’s insurance coverage you can count on because State Farm stands behind it. State Farm began offering life insurance in 1929, and we’ve always had the financial resources to deliver on our policy promises. Getting in touch is easy. Walk in, Mail in, Call in, Click in®. Contact a State Farm agent today or visit statefarm.com®, and see how we can help you and your family plan for the future.
Select Term-10, Select Term-20, and Select Term-30 policy series 06020, 06021, 06022, 06070, A06020, A06021, and A06022
Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 10 Years, used with Select Term, policy series 09161, 09461, and A09161.
Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 20 Years, used with Select Term, policy series 09162, 09462, and A09162.
Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 30 Years, used with Select Term, policy series 09163, 09463, and A09163.
Additional Insured’s Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 10 Years, used with Select Term, policy series 09181, 09481, and A09181.
Additional Insured’s Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 20 Years, used with Select Term, policy series 09182, 09482, and A09182.
Additional Insured’s Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 30 Years, used with Select Term, policy series 09183, 09483, and A09183.
Children’s Term Life Insurance Benefit Rider, used with Select Term, policy series 06140, 06440, and A06140.
Whole Life policy series 11000, 11050, and A11000.
Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 10 Years, used with Whole Life, policy series 09151, 09451, and A09151.
Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 20 Years, used with Whole Life, policy series 09152, 09452, and A09152.
Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 30 Years, used with Whole Life, policy series 09153, 09453, and A09153.
Additional Insured’s Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 10 Years, used with Whole Life, policy series 09171, 09471, and A09171.
Additional Insured’s Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 20 Years, used with Whole Life, policy series 09172, 09472, and A09172.
Additional Insured’s Level Term to Age 95 Life Insurance Benefit Rider with Premiums Adjustable After 30 Years, used with Whole Life, policy series 09173, 09473, and A09173.
Children’s Term Life Insurance Benefit Rider, used with Whole Life, policy series 07140, 07440, and A07140. 
Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states, and policy terms and conditions may vary by state.

Estate planning

TThe material found on this site is for general information only. Concepts included on this site dealing with federal estate tax issues may not be the most acceptable or best option for your situation. You should consult your attorney for advice on your particular situation.
Estate Planning involves developing a "plan" that will accomplish the goals and objectives of an estate owner while living and at death.
These goals and objectives could include:
  • Providing cash payment  for estate expenses including federal estate tax.
  • Providing income to family members after the estate owner's death.
  • Providing for the disposition of a business at death.
  • Distributing assets to family members and other heirs in a tax efficient manner.
It is an ongoing process that involves the creation, conservation, and distribution of property. The "plan" could be as simple as having a will and life insurance, or could require the use of  trusts, business continuation plans, or charitable arrangements among other concepts/products.

State Farm® offers a service to assist you with the first steps of estate planning.

Estate Tax Presentation service


The purpose of this service is to collect information regarding your assets and liabilities in order to determine estate tax liability and if there is sufficient liquidity to pay estate taxes. The Estate Tax Presentation reflects the recent changes in estate tax law and also illustrates the effect of future growth and inflation on your estate.
We encourage you to contact a State Farm agent and ask about this free service.

Neither State Farm nor its agents provide tax or legal advice. State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI)
Bloomington, IL
State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company
(Licensed in New York and Wisconsin)
Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois
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Monday, July 22, 2013

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness Guidelines from Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas – Health Insurance
 

Chronic Diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer account for 70% of all deaths in the U.S. This makes them the leading causes of deaths in the United States.
View More

Know Your Numbers


Health problems can add up quickly. That's why it's important to have a health checkup each year. Preventive screenings help you learn your numbers and address health concerns before they become more serious—or to prevent problems altogether.
View More
 

Chronic Diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer account for 70% of all deaths in the U.S. This makes them the leading causes of deaths in the United States.
There are 4 common causes of chronic disease that you can control:
  • Level of physical activity
  • Diet and nutrition
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol consumption
Learn more about chronic diseases in our featured articles.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an illness that causes pain and swelling in the joints, the places where 2 bones meet. Both young and older people can have it. There is no cure for most types, but your doctor can suggest care. The most widely found forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular joint pain is a sign of both, and can appear as hip, knee, hand or wrist pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis changes the lining of the joints but can also change other organs. Pain, swelling and redness are common. Treatment can ease symptoms and help improve function. Medicines and exercise can help lessen pain and disability.
Osteoarthritis is called degenerative joint disease. It is the most widely found form of arthritis. It affects close to 33% of people age 65 or older. Treatment can ease symptoms and help function. Education, physical therapy, weight control and drugs may help.
Being physically active can help your arthritis. The key is to add motion slowly to avoid pain. It can help joints more, lower joint pain, boost your mood and raise your energy. Losing extra weight can also help. Check with your doctor before starting exercise.
For more information about arthritis and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Asthma

Asthma is a lung condition caused by the swelling of the lining of the airways in your lungs. When your airways are exposed to irritants or allergens, they tighten. It is harder to breathe. Asthma should be taken seriously. The good news is that asthma can be controlled, if treated regularly. Most asthma medicines are effective and easy to take.
With treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal, healthy lives.
You can be free of signs of illness most of the time with your doctor's help. Take care of your asthma even when your breathing feels normal. Here are some easy steps to help:
  • Know your triggers. Take steps to reduce or remove them from your daily life. Some triggers may include: exercise, allergies, tobacco smoke, perfume, cold air, pollution and medicines.
  • Know how to use your inhaler and control medicines the right way.
  • Keep calm during an asthma attack. Breathe slowly. Sit up. Use your rescue inhalers as ordered. Know how to get emergency help if you need it.
  • Make a written asthma action plan with your doctor.
Work with your doctor and commit to taking these smart steps each day.
For more information about asthma and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Back Pain

Back pain is pain felt in the upper or lower back, and, for adults, it's a common complaint. It affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives.
Back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and will last from a few days to a few weeks, while chronic back pain lasts for 3 months or longer.
Symptoms of back pain may include:
  • Muscle aches
  • Shooting or stabbing pain
  • Pain that radiates down your leg
  • Limited flexibility or range of motion of the back
  • Inability to stand up straight
The most common back pain is experienced in the lower back and often goes away within 4-6 weeks. However, you should see your doctor if you have severe back pain that doesn't go away in 3 days. You should also see a doctor if your back pain is the result of an injury or if you experience any of the following:
  • Numbness or tingling in your back
  • Weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs
  • Trouble urinating
  • Fever
  • Unintentional weight loss
It is important to understand that back pain is not a diagnosis, but a symptom of a medical condition. Some conditions that are commonly linked to back pain include:
  • Muscle or ligament strain
  • Bulging or ruptured discs
  • Degeneration of the discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Arthritis
  • Skeletal irregularities
  • Osteoporosis
If you have been living with chronic back pain, there are healthy choices you can make on a daily basis to help manage your condition
For more information about back pain and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic illness that occurs when your body cannot make or properly use insulin. Insulin is the hormone your body uses to break down sugar and fat.
There are 2 types of diabetes:
  • Type 1, which happens most often in children and young adults, occurs when the body does not produce insulin.
  • Type 2, the most common type, occurs when the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces.
There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but type 2 diabetes is both preventable and controllable.
When diabetes is controlled, people can live healthy lives. But if it goes uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to many very serious health problems and life-changing results. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to:
  • Heart attacks
  • Blindness
  • Kidney failure
  • Leg amputations
The odds of developing type 2 diabetes are determined partly by genes and partly by lifestyle. Some healthy lifestyle choices may help prevent the disease, even if you already have prediabetes. Prediabetes is characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels that are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. People can delay and possibly prevent the disease by losing weight, exercising and eating healthier.
Early symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
  • Excessive thirst and frequent urination
  • Weight loss, fatigue and drowsiness
  • Frequent skin, gum, bladder or vaginal infections
  • Slow healing of cuts and bruises
  • Blurred vision
  • Numb hands or feet
There is no cure for diabetes, and it often strikes without warning. Many of the symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed. That's why it's important to get screened for the disease on a regular basis.
For more information about diabetes and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It affects people from all walks of life. Sometimes it is called cardiovascular disease or coronary artery disease (CAD).
Heart disease occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen rich blood flowing freely to your heart, brain, legs and every part of your body. Fatty deposits (cholesterol) build up in the arteries over time, making them blocked, or narrowed, and rough. When this happens, blood can no longer flow easily.
When the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen, symptoms such as pain in the chest, arm or neck area may occur. If an artery becomes completely blocked, part of the heart muscle begins to die from lack of oxygen. This is a heart attack.

Preventing Heart Disease

Here are key steps to help lower your risk for heart disease and heart attacks:
  • Exercise on a regular basis
  • Don't smoke or use other tobacco products
  • Eat healthy – choose a nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein and fat-free or low-fat dairy products
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce your stress
  • Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides) and take steps to manage them
For more information about heart disease and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that increase your chance of heart disease. Doctors say that a person is at risk when 3 or more of these unhealthy measurements are present:
  • A waist size of more than 35 inches for women or more than 40 inches for men
  • A body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, which means a person is overweight
  • Triglycerides over 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), measured with a blood test
  • Fasting blood sugar (a blood test also called "blood glucose") of 100 mg/dL or higher
  • Blood pressure higher than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) systolic or higher than 80 mm Hg diastolic
  • HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") of less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women

How can these be harmful?

These problems can also cause:
  • Harm to your heart and arteries, leading to heart disease or stroke
  • Kidney damage
  • High blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease
  • Diabetes ("high blood sugar") – this can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke and may harm your eyes, nerves or kidneys

How is it treated?

Treatment for metabolic syndrome may include medicine to control cholesterol, blood pressure or glucose. If you're overweight, losing weight through exercise and diet can help. Always check with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
For more information about metabolic syndrome and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Obesity

Obesity refers to body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If you are obese, you have a much higher ratio of body fat than lean muscle mass. Generally, anyone more than 100 pounds overweight is considered morbidly obese.
Obesity can be the result of:
  • Eating more food than the body can use
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Not getting enough exercise

How is obesity harmful?

Medical problems frequently associated with untreated obesity and morbid obesity include:
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Certain cancers, including breast and colon
  • Depression
  • Osteoarthritis

Treatment

A combination of exercise and cutting calories appears to be more effective than either one alone. Sticking to a weight loss program is difficult. It requires a lot of support from family and friends. Here are some other encouraging and practical tips:
  • Realize that even modest weight loss can improve your health.
  • Work with your doctor or dietitian to develop a plan best for you.
  • Focus and commit to eating a more healthy diet and exercising more.
  • Adopt new behaviors: keep a food diary, avoid food triggers, think positively.
Again, work with your doctor on a plan that will work for you. Focus on health, not diets. Little steps mean a lot. Losing just 10 pounds can make a difference in your health.
For more information about obesity and other health conditions, members may
log in to Blue Access for Members.

Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease in which the lung is damaged, making it very hard to breathe. Symptoms often worsen over time and, when severe, may prevent you from doing even basic activities like walking, cooking or taking care of yourself.
With a damaged lung, less air flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the following:
  • The airways and air sacs lose their shape and elastic quality.
  • The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed.
  • The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.
  • The airways make more mucus than usual, which can clog them.

Causes and Prevention

COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Most people with COPD are smokers or former smokers. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants — such as pollution, dust or chemicals — may also cause or contribute to COPD.
What is the best way to prevent COPD? Do not smoke. Or quit if you currently do smoke.

Living with COPD

If you have COPD, there are healthy choices you can make to help manage your health:
  • Consider a smoking cessation program.
  • Avoid exposure to other potential breathing irritants.
  • Use an air filter in your home.
  • Eat well and exercise regularly to strengthen your body and lungs.
For more information about COPD and other health conditions, members may log in to Blue Access for Members.

Know Your Numbers

Preventive screenings help you learn your numbers and address health concerns before they become more serious—or to prevent problems altogether.
When you visit your doctor for your health checkup, be prepared to talk about which preventive screenings you need:
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • Fasting glucose (blood sugar)
  • Body mass index (BMI)
Solving the total health equation is a lot easier if you know your numbers.

A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
© Copyright 2013 Health Care Service Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Lewis Insurance
2525 S. Lamar Ste 11
Austin, TX
78704

www.austinhealthbrokers.com
www.nationwide.com/joshlewis
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Health Insurance

Health Insurance information from Texas Department of Insurance

Health Insurance

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Texas Health Insurance Pool

NOTICE! - Information regarding rate increase filings subject to Federal Health Reform
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POOL ENROLLMENT AS OF JUNE 2013:         23,218

TOTAL TEXANS ENROLLED SINCE INCEPTION:    ±93,000
      

 
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      Lewis Insurance
      2525 S. Lamar Ste 11
      Austin, TX
      78704
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