Use the index below to go directly to a particular alert on this page:
Protect Your Home from Damaging Winter Weather - January 2021
Wintertime can bring extreme winter weather conditions, including snow and ice. These conditions can create a higher risk of property damage,
including damage to your roof, interior and plumbing. Follow our tips to protect your home during the winter months.
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What Is a Health Savings Account? Understanding the Purpose of an HSA - January 2021
If you enroll in an eligible high-deductible health insurance plan that meets specific requirements, you have the option to open a health savings
account (HSA). An HSA is a type of savings account that allows you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses.
The untaxed dollars that you or your employer put in your HSA allow you to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and other qualified
health-related expenses.
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Understanding Earthquake Deductibles - January 2021
Homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. You may want to consider an earthquake insurance policy. Those policies decrease
financial losses in the aftermath of an earthquake. When you shop for an earthquake policy, don't forget about the deductible. A deductible is the amount
the homeowner is responsible for paying on each claim.
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What You Need to Know About the Special Enrollment Period for Health Coverage - February 2021
If you need health coverage or want to change your Marketplace plan for 2021, you can do it between February 15 and May 15.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health emergency, President Joe Biden issued an executive order that will allow
families and individuals to enroll in health care coverage or change their Marketplace plans in most states.
The new special enrollment period (SEP) means no qualifying life event is necessary for people to enroll in new plans or change plans. The SEP runs from Feb. 15 — May 15 in most states.
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How to Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Scams - March 2021
Scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 vaccination release, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The FDA released several warning letters to companies attempting to sell illegitimate products.
Be aware of the warning signs of vaccination scams.
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Do You Know What to Do Before and After an Earthquake? - March 2021
Your home is insured for earthquake damage only if you've added an endorsement to your policy or bought a separate earthquake policy.
There are steps you can take to be prepared should an earthquake strike.
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What You Should Know About Named Storm Deductibles - March 2021
Some insurance policies have a special deductible for losses caused by named storms. The insurer applies this deductible only when a named storm causes damage. This deductible is separate and different from the normal deductible in a homeowners policy.
A deductible is the amount you, the policyholder, owe before your insurance company starts paying its share of the loss. Insurers do this to reduce their financial exposure.
Here's what you should know about named storm deductibles.
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Learn the Facts About Derechos - May 2021
A derecho (de·re·cho) is a widespread, straight-line wind event caused by severe thunderstorms. Because of how quickly derechos happen and the length of time
they last, there is not much time for preparation, making them uniquely dangerous. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), derechos cause more deaths
than EF0 and EF1 tornadoes combined.
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Flood Insurance Rates Changing for Mississippi Homeowners - June 2021
More than 63,000 Mississippi homeowners currently have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). An update to the
program called Risk Rating 2.0 will change how flood insurance is priced and determine flood risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) has touted the transformation as “equity in action” with policyholders no longer paying more than their share of flood insurance premiums.
The Federal Government sets these rates.
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Reduce Your Risks and Prepare for Tornadoes - June 2021
Tornados can happen anywhere, at any time. According to ready.gov, tornado winds can exceed 200 miles per hour. No matter where you live,
now is the time to prepare and reduce your risks.
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Navigating the Claims Process: Recover and Rebuild - June 2021
Knowing how to navigate the claims process can help ease you through the recovery and rebuilding process with your insurance company. The NAIC offers
this overview of handling a claim following a disaster.
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Rebuilding After a Storm: Know the Difference Between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value When It Comes to Your Roof - July 2021
When it comes to buying an insurance policy and filing claims, you'll want to be aware of the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value.
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What to Do Before and After a Storm - August 2021
Severe weather can happen any time of the year. It's important to ensure that you and your family have a plan to stay safe. Read on to understand how
your insurance policies work to help you recover if disaster strikes.
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Does Your College Student Need Additional Insurance? - August 2021
With students heading back to college campuses, now is the time to consider their insurance needs. For example, students living off-campus should
consider renters insurance. Individuals with one or more unrelated roommates should know that each leaseholder needs their own individual renter’s
policy.
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How to File a Complaint and Research Complaints Against Insurance Carriers - September 2022
If you're dissatisfied with the actions of your insurance company or insurance agent, you can file a complaint with your state department of insurance (DOI).
Delays, denials, and unsatisfactory settlements are among some of the most common reasons for consumers to file complaints.
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What to do Before and After Extreme Weather - October 2022
Severe weather can happen any time of the year. It's important to ensure that you and your family have a plan to stay safe. Read on to understand how your
insurance policies work to help you recover if disaster strikes
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Not All Products are Health Insurance: Health Care Sharing Ministries, Discount Plans and Risk-Sharing Plans - November 2022
Consumer protection laws govern many types of health insurance coverage, like plans purchased through an employer or the health insurance marketplace. But other types of plans aren't insurance and aren't
required to protect consumers in the same way. Consumers who use health care sharing ministries (HCSMs), discount plans, or risk-sharing plans can best protect themselves by understanding the coverage they
participate in.
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