Honda Minivan, SUV Are Cheapest Vehicles To Insure

thumbnail

 

Everyone wants to know……What vehicles have the lowest insurance rates.   If you are shopping for a new vehicle, you will want to factor the cost of insurance in your equation.   Well, consumer analyst have used rating data around the states to determine what vehicle offers the lowest cost coverage.

Read More

Zika Virus? What is it?

Do YOU have Zika?

1. Have you traveled recently to a Zika infected country?

2. Have you been bitten by a mosquito while in that infected country?

3. Have you had any of the symptoms described in the list below?

4. Did you visit your doctor and did they test you for Zika?

If you answered yes to those questions: Do not panic.

Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes again (see the infographic below) and follow your primary physician’s orders.

Symptoms:
The most common Zika symptoms are:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Joint pain
  • And/or conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Other common symptoms:

  • Muscle pain
  • Headache

How to prevent Zika:


For more information, go to the CDC Zika virus page.

Read More

Time is running out to secure a Health Plan in 2016

In case you did not know…….   The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is in effect and is the law of the land.    President Obama’s signature law, requires all American Citizens to obtain / purchase health insurance coverage or pay a tax (2.5% of gross annual income in 2016).   If you do not enroll on a plan, […]

Read More

CHANGES TO SOCIAL SECURITY IN 2016

If you or someone you know receives Social Security, you will not be happy to know that your / their Social Security benefits won’t get bigger payments in 2016. There wasn’t enough inflation in 2015 to trigger a cost-of-living adjustment to monthly benefit.  With no increase, Social Security recipients will need to find ways to reduce their typical day to day cost.    For many on Social Security, medical expenses are the largest part of their household budget.   We help thousands on Social Security with their Medicare / Medicaid benefits and help them maximize the value of their benefits with Medicare Advantage Plans – Medicare / Medicaid plans.   How staff can obtain the necessary information to help determine the appropriate plan.    You can call us at 800-362-2809 or obtain additional information – CLICK HERE

Here is a summary of decisions made on Social Security in 2016

 

NO PAYMENT INCREASE.

This is the third time there has been no Social Security payment increase since automatic cost-of-living adjustments began in 1975. There was also no increase in payments in 2010 and 2011. In January 2015 the cost-of-living adjustment was 1.7 percent. Social Security payments are adjusted to keep up with inflation as

 measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, but are not decreased when the index does not detect inflation. The average monthly benefit for retired workers is expected to be $1,341 per month in 2016, and retired couples who are both receiving benefits will receive an average of $2,212 monthly.


STAGNANT TAX CAP.

In years when there is no cost-of-living adjustment, there is also no change in the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax, which will remain $118,500 in 2016. Earnings above this amount are not subject to the Social Security portion of the payroll tax or used to calculate retirement payouts.


EARNINGS LIMIT UNCHANGED.

The Social Security earnings limit for people who work and claim Social Security payments at the same time will remain $15,720 in 2016 for people ages 65 and younger. Social Security beneficiaries who earn more than this amount will have $1 in benefits temporarily withheld for every $2 in earnings above the limit. For people who will turn 66 in 2016, the earnings limit climbs to $41,880, and the reduction in payments for earning too much declines to $1 withheld for every $3 in excess earnings. Once a retiree turns 66 in 2016, the earnings limit no longer applies and benefit payments are recalculated to factor in withheld payments and continued earnings.


EXISTING BENEFICIARIES PROTECTED FROM MEDICARE PREMIUM INCREASE.

Most retirees who are already receiving Social Security benefits will continue to pay the same Medicare Part B premium in 2016, because Medicare Part B premiums are prevented by law from increasing faster than Social Security payments for most existing beneficiaries. However, retirees who first sign up for Medicare Part B in 2016 and high income Medicare beneficiaries may pay higher monthly premiums than people who previously signed up for Social Security.


MAXIMUM POSSIBLE BENEFIT DECLINES.

The maximum possible Social Security payment for a 66-year-old worker who signs up for Social Security in 2016 will be $2,639 per month, down $24 from $2,663 in 2015. “A decrease in full maximum benefits occurs when there is no cost-of-living adjustment, but there is an increase in the national average wage index,” according to a statement from the Social Security Administration.


MORE ONLINE SERVICES.

The Social Security Administration is continuing to add to the services offered online. Workers can already create a My Social Security account that allows them to view their taxes paid and get a personalized estimate of their monthly payments at various claiming ages. Retirees can use this account to adjust their direct deposit, obtain a benefit verification letter, request a replacement SSA-1099 form or, most recently, obtain a replacement Medicare card.


LONGER OFFICE HOURS.

Following years of cutbacks, the Social Security Administration expanded office hours in many of its field offices beginning in March 2015. However, most offices continue to close to the public at noon on Wednesdays so that employees can work to reduce backlogs. If you prefer to conduct your Social Security business in person, you will now have an hour longer to do it on most weekdays.



Read More

Health Care Law:Tax Considerations For Employers With Less than 50 Employees

Some of the tax provisions of the Affordable Care Act apply only to employers with fewer than 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees (FTE). That being said, employers with fewer than 50 FTE should take note of these special tax considerations:

  

  • More than 95 percent of employers have fewer than 50 full-time employees or equivalents and are NOT subject to the employer shared responsibility provision.
  • Calculating the number of employees is especially important for employers that have close to 50 employees or whose workforce fluctuates throughout the year.
  • If an employer has 50 or fewer employees, it can purchase health insurance coverage for its employees through the Small Business Health Options Program.
  • Employers that have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees with average annual wages of less than $50,000 may be eligible for the small business health care tax credit. These employers are eligible for this credit if they cover at least 50% of their full-time employees’ premium costs, and the coverage is purchased through the SHOP.

Important Information For Self-Insured Employers.

 

All employers, regardless of size, that provide self-insured health coverage must annually file information returns for individuals they cover. The first returns are due to be filed in 2016 for the year 2015.


 

 In general, the amount reported should include both the portion paid by the employer and the portion paid by the employee. In the case of a health FSA, the amount reported should not include the amount of any salary reduction contributions.  For additional information regarding how the ACA affects you and your business, CLICK here

or

Call us at 800-362-2809

 

Read More

Toot Toot!!

The attached is just another example of the tremendous dedication and “Can Do Attitude” that our team provides our customers.   We know that we would not be here if not for our customers and seek to provide that “WOW” experience.   Crystal has been with ABM for 18 years and her customers love her.   She specializes […]

Read More

New “Understanding Medicare Guide” and “Medicare Starter Kit”

thumbnail

Well, the Medicare Open Enrollment Season for Medicare Advantage Plans has ended (Special Election Periods still Apply).   Unless you have a qualifying / Special Event, you will have to wait until next year (2017) to change your plan.   With 10,000 people per day turning 65, Medicare is becoming a hot topic in the social and political arenas.

If you, a friend, colleague or your loved one is turning 65 this year, you will have questions:

How do I enroll in Medicare?

What is Part A?   Part B? and Part D?

What is Medicare Part C? 

What does Medicare Cover?

What options do you have?

How can you maximize your benefits?

What should you avoid?

How do you get prescription benefits?

Will your doctor accept Medicare or a alternative?

With the endless number of options available, you will need expert guidance to navigate through the maze that is Medicare.   Let our team at ABM Insurance & Benefit Services, Inc. help you.   Our staff has been working with Medicare Supplements / Advantage plans for 28 years.   Every persons situation and circumstances are unique and you need our experience is helping you maximize your benefits under Medicare.

If you own or manage a company, our team can help you establish a qualified retirement plan through your business that will save you and your employees a significant amount of money in premiums as well as deductibles and co-pays.  

We have released our New Medicare Starter Kit and posted an “Understanding Medicare Guide” CLICK HERE.   These are educational tools that will help a new Medicare recipient understand what Medicare offers as well as current Medicare recipients recognize how our services can help everyone maximize their benefits.

Don’t wait until you turn 65 to enroll.  Waiting or failure to enroll at the appropriate time may cost you money in penalties.    Call us today at 800-362-2809.   Ask for a Licensed Medicare Advisor for assistance.   You will be glad you did.

Read More

Easy Remedies to Ease the Bite of Cold and Flu Bugs

  1. thumbnail

    Don’t let that Cold or Flu bug wipe you out.

    It is that time of year……..I thought this article was interesting and hopefully you will too. 

    There are millions of cases of the common cold in the U.S. each year. If you’re sneezing, have a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat, you might have a cold. Muscle aches and a high fever may mean you’ve come down with something a bit nastier — the flu.

    If you don’t take care of an infection, a cold or the flu can lead to more serious problems — especially for young children and the elderly.

    No matter what age you are, if you’re under the weather, use these tried-and-true remedies to help you get back on your feet more quickly.

     

    Take Your Vitamins

    Taking at least 200 milligrams of vitamin C daily (around two cups of orange juice) can reduce the number of days a cold lasts by 8 percent. And while vitamin C is important, a balanced diet is vital to maintaining a strong and healthy immune system — which is why it’s extra important to eat healthy during cold and flu season.

     

    Eat Up

    You’ve probably heard “feed a cold and starve a fever.” It’s time to put this piece of motherly advice to rest. If you’re hungry, eat — especially when you have a fever. You burn more calories for every degree above your normal temperature, so it’s important you’re maintaining balanced nutrition while your body fights off the bug.

    Concerned about what your stomach can handle? Heat up some chicken soup. This age-old home remedy helps relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways: by working as an anti-inflammatory and helping relieve nasal congestion.

     

    Stay Hydrated

    Your body loses fluids due to fever and during mucus production, so staying hydrated is equally as important as eating right when you’re sick. If you get tired of plain old water, there are beneficial alternatives.

    A cup of echinacea tea can cut as much as a day and a half off the duration of the common cold and flu, thanks to active antiviral agents found in the herb. If you prefer something cold, sports drinks are packed with electrolytes and glucose that can help replenish your energy.

     

    Move Your Body

    When you’re not feeling up to par, exercise might be the last thing you feel like doing. But moderate exercise can boost your immune system if you’re feeling up to it and don’t overdo it. The “neck check” rule of thumb says it’s OK to exercise if your symptoms are above the neck, like a head cold. For symptoms below the neck — bronchitis or muscle aches, for example — or if you have a fever, wait until you feel better to exercise.

    You might also consider working out at home rather than the gym. Go for a walk outside, or exercise to a workout DVD or online video. If you exercise at the gym when you’re not feeling well, you’re likely to spread your germs in spite of your best efforts not to. Wiping down equipment after you’ve used it won’t get rid of all traces of a virus.

     

    Sleep

    Want to just sleep your symptoms away? Go for it. In fact, it’s recommended. Sleep lets your body fight off infections without any stimulation, stress or other factors to get in the way. It also keeps you away from others because the last thing you want to do is spread the sickness around.

    Getting enough sleep each night has even shown to improve the effectiveness of flu shots. A study involving healthy, college-aged kids showed those who slept an average of eight hours a night produced twice as many antibodies against the flu after receiving a shot as those who only slept four hours.

    To reduce the chances of catching a bug, doctors recommend a flu shot and frequent hand-washing. But there is no foolproof way to avoid getting sick. If you do end up under the weather, remember to get enough rest, choose the right things to eat and drink, and you could be back on your feet quicker.

     

Read More

Don’t Have Auto Insurance? Expect to pay a fine…….

The leader of Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles on Oct. 30 defended its mass mailing of 1.1 million collection letters to drivers for lapsed insurance coverage, saying the effort was aimed at clearing records and wasn’t a “money grab” for a cash-strapped agency. And Col. Mike Edmonson told a panel overseeing debt recovery efforts for […]

Read More

Texas Tops for Heavy Equipment Thefts

Image result for picture of large mower

The NICB report, co-produced with the National Equipment Register (NER), examined heavy equipment theft data for 2014 submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The report analyzes that data according to theft state, theft city, theft month, equipment manufacturer, equipment style (type) and year of manufacture.

It also examined heavy equipment recoveries in 2014 based on the same criteria.

In 2014, a total of 11,625 heavy equipment thefts were reported to law enforcement nationally — up from the 11,486 such thefts reported in 2013.

Texas ranked number one in 2014 with 1,650 reported thefts.

In second place was North Carolina with 918 thefts followed by Florida in third with 915 thefts.

In fourth place was South Carolina with 660 thefts and Georgia was fifth with 647.

The top five cities with the most heavy equipment thefts in 2014 were: Houston (201); Miami, Fla. (105); San Antonio, Texas (83); Oklahoma City, (83); and Las Vegas, Nev. (73).

The three most commonly stolen heavy equipment items in 2014 were:

  • Mowers (riding or garden tractor: 5,051)

  • Loaders (skid steer, wheeled: 1,907)

  • Tractors (wheeled or tracked: 1,475)

    Heavy equipment manufactured by John Deere was the number one theft target in 2014. Coming in second in terms of targeted equipment was Kubota Tractor Corp., followed by Bobcat, Caterpillar and Toro.

    As for recoveries, only 23 percent of heavy equipment stolen in 2014 was found nationally, making it a costly crime for insurance companies, equipment owners and rental agencies, the NICB said.   If you would like an insurance quote for your equipment or would like more information about this valuable coverage, CLICK HERE.

    Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is a not-for-profit insurance fraud detection and prevention organization that is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations.

    Keep those tractors, mowers and lawn equipment locked up.   For some, it may be prudent to purchase a location devise from the manufacture.   These devices are installed in places most criminals will not see and send signals to locate the equipment in the event of a theft.   Make sure your equipment is insured to value.   If you insure your equipment and undervalue the replacement cost of the insurance, you could be responsible for more than you planned.   It is always a good idea to access the equipments value every year as supply and demand for equipment may influence pricing.   Call us if you need us at 281-448-3040.

 

 

Read More