All posts by Debbie Sears

Our Ongoing Wellness Plans

Options

Sometimes when we practice what we preach, we have a better understanding of those that don’t and those that do.

Most recently, for my annual wellness exam, I added to what I normally I would have done. I happened to have my grandmother’s genes, so I will undoubtedly live forever, but I want to live a happy, healthy life, so my loved ones don’t pray for a different outcome, and in my world, that is mind, body and spirit.

I used my recent 60th birthday as my mile marker in my health file and added some cardiac tests to my annual health check up. The results were greater than I expected and the advantage that I have is that I have a baseline in my file so that my medical providers can do a better job for me if/when my health would take a turn in the wrong direction. Being a compliant patient benefits your own peace of mind, but also my family and doctors.

I have attached a couple of brochures so that you can read about these tests. They’re $35 each,  (insurance doesn’t cover those) but we spend that kind of money on a night out. These types of tests will let you know what your baseline is and you can do what needs to be done from there as a follow-up with your providers. If you arrive at a diagnosis, then of course you have great insurance working with Sears Insurance and you can probably proceed with the next course of action. Ask your doctor what they think of you scheduling these and just go and do it! You owe it to yourself and to your family.

Part of mental health is laughter. Laughter is good medicine. Family, friends, music, great food! I have a friend, Matt Mauro with Re/Max Real Estate Concepts that has put out some local entertainment ideas and has done such a good job of it that I’d like to share it with you. Enjoy!

It’s Only a Test

Health Insurance

My Blue Community is great place to ask questions you’re not normally comfortable asking. You can ask anonymously and get feedback from other members with similar questions or interests. You can join discussions, find experts, connect with other members, get help or be of help. This is another tool provided to you compliments of Wellmark.

 

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How Much Will It Cost?

Group Health Insurance, Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, Healthcare updates

We are mid-term of 2015 and we’re all insured either individually or in a group. If there is a special qualifying event you can elect to insure and with whatever plan that suits your needs.

In the meantime, I would like to use this time to review the premium increases that we are all going to experience, look at our present coverage, see what our options look like in comparison and position ourselves for 2016.

And please call me after you receive your premium increase notification and we will discuss a date and time that works best for you.

When we make a purchase, we know what our costs will be up front; however, when it comes to our health care, which is a major expense, most of us have no idea of the cost before we schedule the procedure. There is a health care cost estimator available to you on the at myWellmark.com. Whether you’re having a baby or a knee replaced, you would be able to know by using this tool what your expected out of pocket costs should be.

If any of you are still on vacation or you have students preparing to move away for college, please note that if you go to wellmark.com/gomobile, you can download Wellmark’s free mobile App. This is good for any of us, particularly if you have students on the move. You can check the status of your claims and locate providers in your area. Please visit to see for yourself. And, don’t forget, you can also go to wellmark.com/memberdeals and use your wellmark id card to access Blue365 deals.

Let Us Help Answer Your Questions!

Uncategorized
Whether you are an individual or a small business owner, we are here to show you options.  Folks nearly always make good decisions, if they know their options and the reasons for their choices.
We are finding that across the horizon the greatest issue is that folks are confused.  The second item is the premium cost.  At Sears Insurance we feel that our job should be to educate you.  We want to be able to “fit” your benefit plans to your “needs” and in doing so be mindful of your budget.  When the tail wags the dog and you do not know what you have or just exactly why…there is a problem.
I have a couple of articles from very creditable sources that you may want to take a look at.  Let us help you find the right fit for your health, your life and your budget.
I visit with people everyday about their “network” of providers.  Each person has a different situation personally.  I had one lady that wanted to insure she and her son.  She know exactly what she wanted.  Then in conversation during my Q & A with her she tells me that her son will be in Minnesota most all year between school and work.  The plan she knew she wanted was not what she purchased in the end – her son would have no coverage.  She landed on a plan that better suited her needs at approximately the same cost as the one she had in mind.  One size does not fit all people.  Networks is very much a strong consideration when you purchase insurance.
Wellmark makes this whole insurance conversation quite easy to understand. I will refer you to their link – if you get a chance poke around on their site and maybe you will find the tools very useful.
Call me – we are here to help you navigate the process.

 

Sleep Well at Night!

Tax Deferal
The people that are invested in the tax-deferred annuities that Sears Insurance represents DO sleep at night.
These products are not the type that are often written up in the newspaper.  The scare tactics that those articles impose on folks do not represent all annuity products.  The product that we often recommend offers – guaranteed principal. guaranteed minimum interest – tax-deferred accumulation – access to your funds – good for qualified funds (IRA, Roth IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, 457 transfers, etc) as well as non-qualified funds…safety, safety, safety.  To many of our clients – average to above average income, very stable asset to debt ratio – safety is important.  They have choices of extremely conservative accounts at the bank and speculation (risk) in the market with unsecured principal.  This product is the fulcrum on the teeter totter.  It is the midpoint between the two.  We have very handsome rates of return (guaranteed) and the tax-deferral allows the funds to accumulate very nice.  Take a quick look at this flyer – it’s quick and easy.
These offer options for income if a person wants to increase the monthly income.  There is easy access incase of terminal illness or nursing home confinement.  They are very user friendly products with a company that has been in Des Moines through the ups and down of the market for over 100 years.  We are proud to represent EMC National Life Insurance Company.  They are extremely stable and  reliable.
This fluctuation I n the market has some people nervous.  With China markets in a decline, Greece in financial distress and now the NYSE at a halt, please reevaluate your necessity to assume unnecessary risk.  How much can you lose?
Call me for a comparison of your products – the numbers will tell the story.

Let Me Tell You About a Unique Product!

life insurance
We have a very unique product to tell you about.  This is a life insurance with a benefit option that allows your loved ones and business partners to receive a monthly payout over a predetermined period of time.
For example, a person passes away and want the spouse to live the lifestyle that they have been accustomed to.  This product would then pay a monthly benefit to either that individual or to the trust that you may have set up.  This provides a safety net against the possibility that a chuck of funds could be misused, poorly invested or outlived.  This is also a good product for anyone who may have a handicapped child.
Please think of business owners, friends, family, ones with a handicapped child – don’t forget yourself!  This product is unique and comes with easy underwriting and pricing.
Check out this brochure for the details and please give me a call to discuss further.

 

Health Insurance for Children

Health Insurance

Did you know children can remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26? If you have a recent graduate preparing to attend college in the fall, they can remain on your coverage in most cases. If your child is going to school in another state, it’s a good idea to call the number on the back of your BCBS member ID card for details about out-of-state coverage.

Call me so you can be sure about your students coverage. If your student is younger than 26 let’s make sure they are covered anywhere they may go!

Grand Slam Getaway 2015

life insurance

I would like to give a shout out and gigantic thank you to all my Clients for your business and your on-going referrals!

Life insurance is an item that is extremely important and I have a couple blog posts and newsletters elaborating on the importance. Every company has a carrot hanging in front of every sales person to encourage more production. I acknowledge those and usually don’t look back. I listen to my Clients very carefully and we place business accordingly.

I happened to get a phone call from EMC National Life Company notifying me that I was one of the top 30 agents nationwide to win their sales contest (Grand Slam Getaway 2015). My daughter, Kendra, and I were honored with a beautiful weekend in Chicago to watch the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

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These little rewards come from quality companies that have your best interest at heart. My point in mentioning this is, business happens due to the trust that our Clients and our referrals have placed in us. We are number 15 in the lineup and the Cubs won in overtime! Thank you! Have a great summer!

Our Veterans…

life insurance

Our veterans are always at the forefront of our thoughts at Sears Insurance. I come from a family that is steeped in military service in all branches and some that are currently serving. You will notice, even our website is red, white and blue. Myself and a friend, Suzanne Hull, “The Get It Done Girl” with Contemporary Business Solutions are taking an old idea, resurrecting it, and continuing it for the sake of some good networking without membership fees, attendance requirements or dues. We are calling this, Breakfast, Business & More and it has a rich history.

Approximately 15 years ago, the Des Moines Breakfast, Business & More was formed. The breakfast networking event was originally hosted by the Iowa National Guard during Desert Storm. The Small Business Administration (SBA) stepped up wen the Guard had to relinquish its hosting responsibilities and continues to be active. The SBA was then joined by the Des Moines SCORE Chapter.

Breakfast, Business & More’s original mission was to assist small businesses by providing a forum that would bring small business owners together and enable them to network and to exchange opportunities. In this way, they could gain a better understanding of each other’s products and services which would enhance the profitability of their respective businesses. Later, purchasing agents and representatives from big business and government were invited to attend meetings.

Final

We will be hosting quarterly networking events and providing each of you with a registrant list including name, business name and email address which makes follow-up easy! Your time is extremely valuable; that’s why you can expect our events to keep to the following schedule:

  • 8:00am – 8:15am: Register, grab breakfast and COFFEE!
  • 8:15am – 8:45am: Each individual introduces themselves to the large group with their name and the name of their business.
    8:45am – 9am: Open Networking

Click here to Register!

Sears Insurance has life insurance available to all markets, but we have special offerings for our veterans. The underwriting is nil, the price is affordable and we feel that anyone serving our country should review their life insurance for the sake of all the families that are standing proudly behind them.

Important Information Regarding Rate Increases

Health Insurance
Sears Insurance appreciates the opportunity to serve your health insurance needs.  Any time there are changes that we feel you would want to know more about, rest assured that we will keep you informed.
You may have heard the news that Wellmark has requested a rate increase for 2016. You will receive two letters from Wellmark. The first one will explain the rate increase request that is pending and the second one will provide a detailed explanation and information on public hearing schedules.
It’s important to remember that these proposed changes do not take place until the beginning of 2016, so no immediate decisions need to be made until open enrollment. Open enrollment opens Nov. 1, 2015 and runs through Jan. 31, 2016.

I am attaching a couple of easy and quick views for your reference. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. If you want to visit with me about plan options during Open Enrollment dates, we will show you all of your options.

Again, thank you for your business.
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