TSA – What is the purpose?

Please before you read any further, STOP take a couple of minutes and answer in your mind the purpose for TSA.

Tribe Syndication Alliance

Here is my understanding of TSA, what it is and what it can do for you. “My Opinion”

First off, if you are doing any type of network marketing, home based business or simply looking for a way to promote yourself.  TSA is a great way to do so.   But you should ALWAYS keep in mind that to get, you must give!  The more you give the better the return.  I truly believe that TSA was designed for the TRUE Go-Givers in this world.

Christine Casey decided to comment on every Blog that she visited last week.  That was truly amazing, the week prior I visited every Blog in the TSA group.  I would only comment on things I felt I could give a valuable comment back on.  However I syndicated EVERY Blog I visited.  Though Twitter, and Bookmark Share and other avenues people made available.  That being said, I would encourage everyone to syndicate each others blogs and leave comments on those you agree or are aligned with.

The more exposure that you give others, the more exposure you will receive.  I was looking back at the number of comments that I have received and was totally blow away.   Prior to TSA i would get 3 or 4 sometimes 10 tops.  But over the past 5 weeks since join TSA, I’m now getting over 40 comments per week.  ALL thanks to this amazing group!

I personally want to thank Dave and Dawn Cook for the hard work they do each week with TSA.  Your work is not unnoticed. Many if not all really do appreciate it.

Sincerely,

The little things we do can make a big difference.

I believe that we all have the ability to make a difference in other peoples lives if we really look for them. When we do those things we will always be rewarded in ways we can never imagine.

Do you want to do some little things that will effect others and give you some real pleasure.  Make you feel better without others really knowing what your doing.  Here are a few examples:

Have you heard of: Random Act Of Kindness Week? As your sitting in a restaurant, look around, pick somebody out and simply pick up their tab.  You will more than likely leave them speechless, but later you will have a great feeling about it.

Melisa and I was sitting in a Cracker Barrel a while back and she reached over and asked a couple for their bill.  My wife explained that we simply like to do this about once a month and tonight was their night.  They were speechless than explained to us that it was their anniversary and the lady started to cry.  What a great feeling!

A year or so ago a young lady came up to me at church.  She asked if I remembered who she was.  She went on to say that 20 years ago she was able to attend an Amusement park with the youth group when Melisa and I paid her way.  I had totally forgot about it.  But she had never forgotten the event.

What is it that you can do for somebody else that may make a BIG Difference in their life without expecting anything in return. Who is that one person that you can reach out to that you haven’t seen in some time. Take the time this day, this week or this month to do something for just one person and you to will seem to have the Midas Touch.

Make it a Great Day!

PS: Do a act of kindness now and share, retweet and leave me a comment on this post!  :-)

Appreciation Marketing is a really cool concept when you understand it.  Most people think they are doing Appreciation Marketing when they send a card to a past client and include a business card.  The truth is: Real Appreciation Marketing is sending some “Appreciation” without expecting anything in return. Not trying to market anything.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Next time you receive a flyer or a letter from a “Salesman” look and see if they are thanking you or soliciting you.  You may have heard the term Go-Giver before.  The type of person that gives without expecting anything in return.  This is a form of TRUE “Appreciation Marketing” at its finest.

“Tribe Tuesdays”, #Follow Fridays are all forms of true Appreciation Marketing.

Take a moment and think about your motives.  What reason do you have to syndicate this post?  What benefit does it do for you?  Why would you bother to retweet this?  All for ONE REASON!  “Appreciation Marketing!

You can’t give without getting.  Sooner or later everything will come back to you.   Promote your friends, tell them you appreciate them and you will be the winner without asking for it. Hope you have a great day, you are a great person!

Your Friend!

HSA – Health Savings Accounts what are they?  How do they work?

H

Is for the Health Insurance Policy that you must carry.  The Government sets the parameters for what the policy is required to pay. Its deductibles limits are set by the Government.  Below are the guidelines for 2010:

IRS Sets 2010 HSA Contribution Limits

The annual contribution limit on deductions for health savings accounts (HSAs) will increase $50 to $3,050 in calendar year 2010 for an eligible individual with self-only coverage and jump $200 to $6,150 for family coverage, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced [Rev. Proc. 2009-29].

For calendar year 2010, a high deductible health plan (HDHP), which must be used in conjunction with HSAs, is defined as having:

* An annual deductible of at least $1,200 for self-only coverage or $2,400 for family coverage (compared to $1,150 and $2,300, respectively, this year); and

* Annual out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not premiums) up to $5,950 for self-only coverage or $11,900 for family coverage (compared to $5,800 and $11,600, respectively, this year).

S A

Is for the Savings Account that you can contribute to each year. The Government set the amount that can be contributed and deducted each year. Below are the limits for 2010.

The annual contribution limit on deductions for health savings accounts (HSAs) will increase $50 to $3,050 in calendar year 2010 for an eligible individual with self-only coverage and jump $200 to $6,150 for family coverage, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced [Rev. Proc. 2009-29].

For calendar year 2010, a high deductible health plan (HDHP), which must be used in conjunction with HSAs, is defined as having:

* An annual deductible of at least $1,200 for self-only coverage or $2,400 for family coverage (compared to $1,150 and $2,300, respectively, this year); and

* Annual out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not premiums) up to $5,950 for self-only coverage or $11,900 for family coverage (compared to $5,800 and $11,600, respectively, this year).

Click here to view the embedded video.

Lets look at a couple of examples:

Take a family of 4, Dad age 35, mom age 35 2 kids age 15 & 13  that would carry a FAMILY deductible of say, $6000.00 cost $339..90. This means that the family would pay ALL medical expenses up to $6,000.00 than the insurance policy would kick in and pay up to 7 million per person.  Now a plan that has $1,000.00 deductible with prescription & doctor co pays would cost $781.12.

The idea is that you use the premium savings from carrying a higher deductible and place in a savings account.  These funds are tax deductible and available to be used to pay for qualified medical expenses.  Always on a tax free basis!  The great part is that if you don’t use the funds you don’t lose them.  They can simply build for future use. Maybe even toward retirement.  If you at retirement, you will be able to withdraw the funds and simply pay taxes at that time.  You can always use the funds on a tax free basis for qualified expenses.

Here is another example how the plan could work for individual male age 25.  A $1500.00 deductible plan with 100% coverage to 7 million would cost approx. $101.00 per month.  If they set up a Savings Account they can contribute to the account and deduct from their income taxes.   How much medical expenses does the average 25 year male need.

Want to know what plans run in your area?  Get a FREE quote! No strings attached or obligations to fulfill.

March 21, 2010.

This date will go down in history as the “End of Health Care” as we know it.  The passage of this bill will drastically change our health care system.  Some believe it will be for the good and others believe we have lost our way
 

My goal here with this post is to share some info on what I forsee to come.  Usually we can predict the future by looking at the past.  So let me start there. 

"A Government Big Enough To Give You Everything Is Big Enough To Take It All Away"

In 1945 President Harry S. Truman became the first sitting president to officially endorse national health insurance.  It wasn’t until 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law.  The part B premium was $3.00 / month, today people going on Medicare Part B pay $110.00 / month. Plus they usually carry a supplement to cover the thousands of dollars that Medicare will not cover.  Example: You walk through a Hospital door and stay just 1 night, your cost $1100.00 with just Medicare.

 In 1984 I went full time into selling Individual Health Insurance.  My main focus has been in the Medicare Supplement market place.  Medicare is a Government Ran Health Insurance system that insures people over the age of 65 and people on Medicare disabilty. 

Over the past 26 years, there has been major changes to Medicare.  Threats that the system is going broke, somehow like magic the government always has a way to fix the trust fund.  How, by raising premiums, taxes and cutting benefits.  Every year the Medicare program has either raised the premium or raised the deductible or both.  Thus putting more of the responsibility back on the consumer.

Lets talk about the 32 million people that will now have to purchase health coverage BY LAW.  You may ask how with this effect me.  I have coverage, my employer provides it or you carry your own plan.  President Obama and Congress has stated that you can keep your plan.  You can keep your doctor.  You won’t be forced to change.  But wait! 

You will be able to keep your coverage as long as your coverage meets certain guidelines.  But you will NOT be able to change your coverage unless the PLAN meets the guidelines put in place by the government.  Remember the words “Qualified Plan”.  Mark my words, this will be the focus in 4 years when the benefits of this Health Bill goes into effect.  If you chose to make any changes to your current plan, will it meet the guidelines of the plans established by the government.  Example:  What qualifies a Health Plan to be a HSA? (Health Savings Account) Answer:  Rules established by the federal government.  Who determines how funds from the HSA (Savings Account) can be used?  Answer: Federal Government (IRS).  

Yes you will be able to keep your employer provided healthcare.  Questions is, will your employer continue provide it .  If it makes more economic sense to pay a Tax (Penalty) for not providing it. What would you do?  How many people do you think would pay a small penalty each year rather than pay a monthly premium.  Especially when the bill provides them the ability to obtain coverage without worry of a pre-existing condition.  I’m 46 and my medical file is probably under 10 pages in the entire chart.  Don’t think that thought hasn’t crossed my mind in the last few months.

Hows this going to effect our Health Care?

I read an article on the AP Wire last week that spoke of a doctor that became transparent on his income to his office.  He stated that with further cuts to Medicare, he may have to limit his practice.  The amount of money reimbursed for an office visit is so low that its hard to cover overhead.  Think back to when you could actually spend more than 5 to 10 minutes with the doctor.  The only revenue coming in to the office is the patients.  Than the government cuts there cost but does nothing about limiting the liabilty.

Last week I heard that 35% of doctors may limit or leave their practice.  At first I thought no way, than a friend of mine told me that his Heart doctor who is from India may return to India.  What incentive does he have to stay, than making a good income.  He can be a Heart doctor in India and be around more of his family.  When we lose this many doctors and the Government pays for peoples care.  Who gets in to see the doctor? 

I saw a piece on CNN Headline news this morning that spoke of the lady in Ohio that had Cancer and lost her coverage.  Not canceled because of the cancer but she didn’t pay the premium.  She was in fear she may lose her home.  The report said that the hospital was not going to put a lien on her home and that she was a GOOD canidate for Medicaid. (Low Income Government Health Care estab: 1965)  The truth is, if she qualified for medicaid she probably couldn’t afford much premium.  The guidelines are pretty tight!  But Did the President or Speaker Pelosi mention this?  NO WAY, they made her a poster person of why we need this Bill.  She already would have met the Medicaid Guidelines and available for Government Health Care. 

The real problem with this HealthCare Bill is that many people who CHOOSE not to carry coverage will now be Penalized or taxed for their decisions.  Yes, Pre-existing conditions is a problem for many people.  I personally carry a policiy that has a restriction rider for 10 years on a condition.  It’s my choice to be self employed and carry my own coverage instead of looking for other employment that would provide coverage.

I know you think I’m biased because I sale Health Insurance.   Wrong, remember I have been selling Supplemental plans to Government ran Health Insurance since 1984.  Insurance companies will always have something to sale.  The problem with providing coverage to everybody is that people have NO Incentive to take care of themselves.  Example: This Bill will remove the “Donut Hole” under Medicare Part D.  Question I have is, if people don’t need to worry about hitting a point with there medication where they pay the full cost, why use Generics.  Who cares what the cost is, my insurance will pay for it.  At least when people understood that they had other medications that may keep them from reaching the Donut Hole they would investigate it.  This is part of the problem that got us where we are today!

Remember everybody will start paying for this HealthCare Bill starting this year and NOBODY will be covered until 2014.  What can we do about this Bill, probably nothing!  Regardless of your politics, I would urge you to look at the representatives that voted for / against this Bill and ask yourself ONE questions.  Did they listen to YOUR voice or the people in your District?  Did they represent the very people that elected them to office?  Did they do the job they were sent to Washington DC to do?  If not!  Come Novemeber, vote them out.  Make your voice heard.

My focus with this Blog is not to tell anybody what to think but hope that I can inspire people to think and make informed decisions.