Are You Covered?

Throughout the month of January, this blog will focus on YOUR PLAN for 2010. In life one can go with the flow, blaming circumstance, others or even luck for their current situation. OR one can be proactive and design one's future. While most REALTORS have a business plan (don't have this essential? Get tips from OKCMAR's new member page or go directly to the create a business plan section of the site) how many have a life plan?

A key to a successful business is to ensure that one is covered for various unexpected events in life and in your business. A great example is E&O coverage which protects a small business from legal actions. However, personal insurance is also essential. What happens to the small business entrepreneur when illness hits? The last few decades have seen skyrocketing health insurance costs placing affordable care out of reach for most of the self-employed. The state association, OAR, offers a health coverage plan with your membership but now NAR, the national association of REALTORS offer a new member benefit: Limited Core Coverage.

There are significant differences between major medical coverage and limited medical coverage. Ideally every American citizen would have access to major medical coverage as does virtually every other first world country but the United States. However, in absence of a national solution limited medical coverage may be right for some members. Limited medical coverage has caps on expenses and is not meant to cover catastrophic illness but it can assist in KEEPING YOU WELL which PROTECTS YOUR BUSINESS.

This new benefit, (as with all benefits is your dues dollars in action), offered by NAR is worth a look if you currently are not insured. The plan is guaranteed acceptance and may be an option for those with pre-existing medical conditions which prevent any affordable coverage. This plan can also be used as a supplement to major medical and save money. According to NAR, if you have a major medical plan you can save money by increasing your current plan's deductible (out of pocket). Then take advantage of the Realtors® Core Health Insurance Plans value for your everyday healthcare needs. For example, the "Physician Only Plan" covers office, wellness visits, x-ray/lab and accident benefits at an affordable price.

In a nutshell here is what NAR is offering the REALTOR member:

Simply put, it provides coverage for your everyday healthcare needs. Plan options can include:

• $30 Co-Pay Doctor Office Visits (adult and child)
• $30 Co-Pay Wellness Visits (adult and child)
• Hospital and ICU benefits
• Emergency Benefits
• Surgery and anesthesia benefits
• Accident medical expenses and more
• Single or Family coverage
• Freedom to choose any provider (Doctor, Hospital)

Plans start as low as $70 per month. For more information click here