Long Term Care is the care you receive when you cannot take care of yourself because of a physical or cognitive impairment.  This care is usually provided either in your home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.  This type of care is very expensive and government entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid provide limited protection.

Who Should Consider Buying Long Term Care Insurance?

• People who don’t want to burden their children or family.
• People who want to protect their assets.
• People who want to have control of their care.
• People who want to maintain their independence.

About Long Term Care

Issue ages 18 to 100

Facility Daily Benefit Amounts of $50 to $250.

Indemnity Policy

When receiving qualified long term care, the policy pays the actual Facility Daily Benefit Amount listed on the policy declaration page, not up to the amount listed like many policies.

• Pays benefit amount directly to the policyholder, not to the care provider.
• Provides insured or insured’s family with more flexibility in the use of this money.
• No bills or receipts to submit.

Policy Programs

Intermediate

Advanced

Special Features

Available Benefit Periods

• 2 years (730 days)
• 4 years (1460 days)
• 6 years (2190 days)
• 10 years (3650 days)

Waiting Periods

• 30, 60, or 90 days.
• Only needs to be satisfied once during lifetime of policy.

Waiver of Premium

Premiums don’t have to be paid while receiving benefits.

Guaranteed Renewable

Policy cannot be cancelled if premiums are paid on time.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Once a policy is issued, there are no restrictions or exclusion of coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

30-Day Free Look

If not satisfied, premium paid will be refunded.

Tax-Qualified Policy

Intended to be a qualified Long Term Care insurance contract under the Federal Tax Code, as defined under Section 7702B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Optional Coverages

3% or 5% Compound Benefit Increase Rider

• Facility Daily Benefit amount increases 3% or 5% on each policy anniversary, even when benefits are being paid.
• Premium will not increase every year because of this benefit.

Non-Forfeiture Benefit Rider

If premium paid for at least 3 years and then discontinued, benefits for qualified long term care will be payable equal to the amount of the premium paid or 30 times the initial Facility Daily Benefit Amount, whichever is greater.

Premium Discounts

• 20% Preferred health discount*
• 20% Spousal discount* – applied when a husband and wife apply for and are issued policies.

*25% maximum discount per policy

Note: Coverages or discounts may not apply in all states. Some exclusions and limitations may apply.

Regardless which program fits your specific needs, Lifestore Insurance products are among the best in the industry. We pride ourselves in providing high quality, fairly priced life insurance, disability income, long term care and annuity programs.

Driving is probably the most dangerous thing most of us will ever do. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, there were more than 5.8 million police-reported traffic crashes in which 37,261 people were killed and more than 2.3 million injured the United States.

Although you do your best to drive responsibly and defensively, it’s still smart to know what to do just in case you end up in a collision.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON WHAT TO DO:

Move out of the way of traffic and turn on your hazard warning lights.

Call the police even in a minor accident. If someone is injured, request medical assistance. If fire is involved, request fire department aid.

Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or your insurance representative.

Exchange necessary information with the other driver(s). Be sure to write down the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license plate number and insurance information. Also write down the contact information of all witnesses.

Report the accident to Lifestore Insurance or your designated claims number as soon as possible.  The faster you report your claim, the sooner we can get you back on the road.

You insure your home against fire and your auto against collision. Have you overlooked your most important asset—your ability to work and earn an income?

According to The National Underwriter Company’s 2010 Field Guide, in the next year…

• one person in 114 will die
• one out of 96 homes will catch fire
• one car in five will be in an auto accident
• one person in 21 will become disabled

Have you planned for your most likely risk? Disability Income insurance provides a source of income when you lose income due to sickness or injury.

Can you count on Social Security?
The Social Security program assumes that working families have access to other support and resources like workers’ compensation, savings, investments and insurance during periods of short-term disabilities.

If you plan to use Social Security benefits to provide disability income, you should know that in order to be considered eligible for benefits, you must be unable to engage in any type of work and your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or to result in death. And seven out of 10 eligible applicants are initially denied coverage. Could you wait six months for your benefits?

Plan your coverage
If you and your family depend on earned income, you should consider owning disability income insurance.To select the appropriate coverage for your situation, discuss your answers to these questions with your local independent agent:

How much of your income will you need to protect?

How long could you wait for disability benefits to start?

How long will you need disability benefits to continue?

Will you need to cover continuing overhead expenses for your business during your disability?

Contact an Agent
Lifestore Insurance is here to serve you. Contact us TODAY and we will be glad to answer ALL your questions.

(RTTNews.com) – In times of market mayhem, annuities can be a safe way to invest your money, especially if you’re eying retirement.

An annuity is a financial product sold by financial institutions, such as an insurance company. It is designed to accept and grow funds from an individual and then pay out a stream of payments upon annuitization.

It’s a great way to grow your money without much risk.

“I think if you really look at it, those investments are safe money investments,” Kirvan Financial President Rob Kirvan said in an interview with RTTNews. “You cannot lose one penny of principle, so when you’re looking at it from that perspective and you’re gaining a 4 to 6 percent return, I think they’re very valuable to have as part of a portfolio for sure.”

Your investment is backed by policy holder reserves, which means that every dollar of principle that they bring in via annuities must have a reserve requirement. Most companies hold 5 to 7 cents on every dollar.”

Kirvan said, “So if I put $100,000 in, no matter what happens in the marketplace, no matter what happens with the insurance company, they have to guarantee that principle.”

The risk may not be great, but the chance of a payout is still there. Over the last 12 years, fixed income annuities have outperformed the S&P 500, Kirvan said.

This could make annuities an ideal investment for someone close to retirement age that’s looking to secure their hard-earned dollars for the rest of their life. Kirvan said annuities are “100 percent” a good investment for those closing in on retirement.

“[For] many retirees or pre-retirees, their biggest concern is the money they saved up over a lifetime, they don’t want to lose it,” he said.

“They just went through 2008, they just went through 2002, and they’re not very happy with sustaining those losses. For a percentage of the portfolio putting it into an annuity product is a very safe investment and one that will pay the yield they’re looking for.”

While they are a good idea for older folks, Kirvan said that in general, younger people might want to look for something with a higher reward for their risk.

“I think younger people in general should look for a higher return,” he said. “When you’re younger and in your 30s and 40s, you’re able to lower cost average, so it doesn’t matter if the market [is] up or down.”

Kirvan said fixed annuities can be bought in terms from one to 20 years, with the most common usually around 10. Most institutions allow withdrawals of 10 percent per year.

http://www.rttnews.com

Lifestore Trusted Choice^® agencies are insurance firms whose access to multiple
companies and commitment to quality service enable them to offer their clients competitive pricing, a broad choice of products and unparalleled advocacy.

As a North Carolina Trusted Choice^® agency, Lifestore Insurance is dedicated to you and is committed to treating you as a person, not a policy. This commitment means we shall:

We pledge this to you, our clients and ask that you let us know if we fail to meet our
commitment, so we may take corrective action.

Do you have a spring wedding planned?  We know that your special day is all you have been dreaming about — and all that you can’t stop worrying about.

Put your mind at ease as Lifestore Insurance helps you protect against the unanticipated:

• What if your venue suddenly goes out of business?
• What if the bridal salon loses your dress?
• What if your caterer backs out?

Don’t worry, for as little as $160, Lifestore Insurance can help safeguard your wedding with the Wedding Protector Plan®. The Wedding Protector Plan® can cover:

• Cancellation or postponement
• Additional expenses
• Wedding photographs/video
• Wedding gifts
• Special jewelry
• Lost deposits

As newlyweds, you and your spouse may be making some important decisions regarding your insurance policies. Will you add your spouse to your policy or vice versa? Which policy offers better protection? If you purchase automobile and homeowners or condo insurance through North Carolina’s Lifestore Insurance, you could save up to 15% on your premiums. By combining your insurance policies through Lifestore Insurance, you can rest assured that you have the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

Long Term Care is the care you receive when you cannot take care of yourself because of a physical or cognitive impairment.  This care is usually provided either in your home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.  This type of care is very expensive and government entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid provide limited protection.

Who Should Consider Buying Long Term Care Insurance?

• People who don’t want to burden their children or family.
• People who want to protect their assets.
• People who want to have control of their care.
• People who want to maintain their independence.

Regardless which program fits your specific needs, Auto-Owners products are among the best in the industry. We pride ourselves in providing high quality, fairly priced life insurance, disability income, long term care and annuity programs.

Because this can be a sensitive issue with lots of questions, we encourage you to directly contact a Lifestore Insurance Representative.  Each of our Agents is highly trained to answer all your questions and work with you one-on-one to design the package of options that BEST suits your individual and unique needs.

Cold winter weather is upon us! The following safety tips courtesty of WKYC/WKYC.com in Cleveland could save your life when winter weather threatens.

Know the Terms

Blizzard Watch: Conditions exist for the possible occurrence of sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of a mile for at least three hours. Usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the start of blizzard conditions.

Blizzard Warning: Issued when sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more are expected to reduce visibility at or below a quarter of a mile for at least three hours. Usually issued 6 to 18 hours in advance of the start of blizzard conditions.

Winter Storm Watch: Conditions exist for the possible occurrence of severe winter weather such as blizzard conditions, heavy snow, significant freezing rain or heavy sleet. Usually issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of the winter storm.

Winter Storm Warning: Issued when heavy snow, significant freezing rain or heavy sleet is expected to occur. Usually issued 6 to 18 hours in advance of the winter storm.

Winter Weather Advisory for Snow: A fall of snow within 12 hours of usually 3 to 5 inches.

Winter Weather Advisory for Freezing Rain: A glaze of ice is expected from freezing rain that may hamper travel.

Winter Weather Advisory for Blowing & Drifting Snow: Blowing and drifting snow will occasionally reduce visibility to an eighth of a mile or less with significant drifting in open areas.

Wind Chill Advisory: Wind chill temperatures are expected to be -10° to -25° Fahrenheit (F) for an extended period of time.

Wind Chill Warning: Issued for wind chills below -25° Fahrenheit (F) for an extended period of time.

Types of Severe Winter Weather

Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes upon contact with a cold surface.

Sleet: Solid grains of ice that form from rain that freezes before reaching the ground. These pellets of ice tend to bounce upon contact and may accumulate enough to cover the ground, even to the depth of several inches.

Dense Fog: Visibility is reduced to one quarter mile or less over a widespread area.

Snow Flurry: A brief instance of light snow with very little or no accumulation of snow on the ground.

Snow Squall: An intense fall of accumulating snow reducing visibility significantly and often accompanied by increased winds.

Heavy Snow: Six inches or more of snow in 24 hours for widespread snow and six inches in 12 hours for lake effect snow.

Preparing at Home (or Work)

Remaining indoors protected from the elements is the safest place during a winter storm. The primary concern of indoor shelter is the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if the storm persists for more than a day. Keep the following available:

• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Battery powered NOAA weather radio and portable AM/FM radio
• Extra food and water, especially high energy food that requires no cooking or refrigeration such as dried fruit and canned goods (don’t forget the non-electric can opener)
• Medicine, first aid supplies and ample baby supplies
• Emergency heating source, such as a stocked fireplace, wood stove, or space heater
• Smoke detector and fire extinguisher since the chance of fire increases dramatically using alternative heating

Preparing the Car or Truck

About 70% of deaths during an ice or snow storm occur in a vehicle! If you wonder if you should attempt to travel, then don’t! If you must travel, then allow extra time. Reduce your speed and do not attempt to make sudden turns or stops. Winterize the vehicle so it will be reliable. This includes a good set of tires. Other items necessary for the car or truck include:

• Dry blanket(s) or sleeping bag
• Extra dry clothing
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Snow shovel, windshield scraper and brush
• Booster cables
• First aid kit and a small container for water
• Maps, compass, knife and water proof matches

Protecting the Pets

Don’t forget the animals during a winter storm! Most animal deaths during a storm are caused by dehydration from frozen water.

• A temperature of 10° Fahrenheit (F) or below is too cold for any pet to tolerate. The physical stress of cold temperatures can make pets more susceptible to illness or infection.
• Provide outdoor dogs and cats with a dry, insulated pet house or shelter out of the wind. Staying warm demands extra calories, so increase your pet’s food intake (particularly protein).
• Remove ice, salt and caked mud from your pet’s paws and coat right away. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has frostbite. Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray and it may be scaly or sloughing.
• Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze, but even a small amount can kill them.
• Don’t use metal water dishes outside as your pet’s tongue could stick to the frozen metal.
• Dogs confined to the house because of winter weather may lack proper exercise and suffer depression. Help by giving more attention and encouraging them to be active.

There are many different types of policies and options to help protect your loved ones

Permanent Life Insurance

a)    A portion of the premiums of a permanent policy goes toward accruing cash values that are not taxable while in the policy or used for loans.

b)    Policies are intended to provide a death benefit until the policy endows (which occurs when the cash value equals the death benefit), usually around age 100 or higher.

• Variable. Variable policies are permanent policies with guaranteed death benefits and cash values that accrue based on the performance of the selected subaccounts. Subaccounts are similar to mutual funds in that they comprise a number of underlying investments, such as stocks and bonds, and carry similar investment risks.

• Indexed. Indexed (or equity-indexed) policies are similar to variable policies except that the cash value accumulation is tied to the performance of the selected stock market index. In addition, these policies may have minimum guaranteed returns and caps on the maximum possible return.

• Universal. Universal (or variable universal) insurance is similar in subaccounts to a variable policy but has the option for flexible premium payments and an adjustable death benefit – within limits.

• Whole. Whole life policies have a fixed amount of interest paid to cash values. Premiums are level, as is death benefit, unless they are reduced by an outstanding loan (this is also true of all types of permanent insurance listed above).

This is the time of the year that gifts are given and received.  Quite often, quite expensive gifts. Gifts that would be hard to replace if your home was damaged or destroyed by fire, theft, or natural disaster.

This, then, is a perfect time of the year to conduct a household inventory.  A household inventory can not only make it easier to settle your insurance claims, but determine if you have the right type and amount of insurance for your home and its contents.

Steps to take in conducting your Yearly HouseHold Inventory:

1)  MAKE A LIST. Jot down the items and their value in each room.  Don’t forget hte closets and storage areas.  Be as thorough as you can, noting make and model or serial number, date purchased, and the item’s value.

2) TAKE PICTURES OR RECORD A VIDEO. A visual reminder is also extremely helpful when trying to recall the contents of your home.  Take pictures or make a video of each room, date them, and keep them with your household inventory.

3) COMPARE YOUR COVERAGE. Compare the household inventory total to the amount of coverage on your homeowner’s policy.  If the amount on your policy is less thatn the value of your inventory, contact your independent Lifestore Insurance Agent.

4) SAFEGUARD YOUR INVENTORY. Store your inventory in a safe place–a safe deposit box, a fireproof safe, or with your insurance agent.

5) REVIEW IT ONCE A YEAR. It’s important to recheck your inventory once a year…especially at THIS time of the year as new items may have been added to the household.  With the help of your Lifestore Agent, make sure your policy offers the right coverage for your valuables!