Listen up, readers: we did it to ourselves. You, me, Corporate America, government... we did it, no one else. Consider: when we bought our car and took out auto insurance, did we ask the insurance company to pay for our oil changes and tune-ups? No; we asked that they cover the crashes and crunches, and we would cover all maintenance. When we bought a house, did we ask that the homeowner's policy cover new carpet, torn screens, garbage disposals or burned-out light bulbs? No; we asked that it cover the leaky roof or cracked foundation, the fire or the flood damage.
We work with agents all over the Valley and are happy to direct you to those in your area if you require an in-home visit. Much of what needs to be done in the health insurance arena does not require a face to face visit, though many agents would like you to believe they must meet with you. It's never a bad idea but it is not always a requirement. Exception: life insurance and long term care.
Health Insurance
When first conceived, "health insurance" was a concept by which large insurance carriers would provide financial coverage for the catastrophic medical expenses a customer incurred, and the customer would be responsible for his doctor appointments, prescriptions, check-ups and such. Along came the military and large corporations, with the idea that they would provide a more attractive plan to employees and cover more of the small costs, such as excess expense for doctors, drugs, diagnostics, etc. Then Medicare developed the idea of cost containment for seniors, with support from Social Security, and from that concept came HMOs, the government's attempt to contain costs for families and individuals who were not on government or corporate plans. Then came PPOs, by which a "Preferred Provider Organization" offered reduced rates for their services when provided through an insurance carrier who contracted with that organization to negotiate those discounted fees. "PPO" is not synonymous with "doctor co-pay," though we have come to think of it that way since those plans have become so popular in the last ten years. PPO networks exist both with and without co-pay programs.
Disability Insurance
Melissa works in financial planning and covers most of the state of Arizona. LTC and disability insurance are more than just a source of
Long Term Care
Arizona Life Lines has been in business since 1992, serving customers throughout the state. We work with numerous carriers and provider groups, and utilize various specialists to assist with specific needs (disability, long term care, group, etc). In 1999, we were named "Agent of the Year" by the Foundation for Medical Care (aka Maricopa Foundation). We provide services in the following areas...