Health Insurance for Self-Employed

Today at our regular office meeting, Paige Matisse, an extremely knowledgeable representative of ABBA (America's Business Benefit Association), discussed affordable health insurance for self-employed individuals and small business owners, noting that ABBA can save individuals and families THOUSANDS of dollars a year.  Several of my associates are currently using ABBA health insurance and they discussed the huge savings they now enjoy (almost half of what they were paying previously) since switching to ABBA insurance. It was noted that individuals who have a spouse who has employer-sponsored health benefits may find it much cheaper to switch to an ABBA insurance plan rather than pay for coverage under their spouse's plan.  Children up to age 26 can also be covered.

I have no connection with ABBA and no personal need for their service, but I thought it sounded like a terrific solution for many folks who are currently paying outrageously high insurance premiums. Savings can also be found for travel and consumer and business services. If you or someone you know would like additional information, please contact me for Paige Matisse's contact information.  She can also provide you with contact information for a Medicare insurance broker, for those who are eligible.

The following additional information about ABBA membership comes from the ABBA website:

ENDORSED MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE PLANS
Membership in ABBA entitles you to apply for quality health insurance plans directly through select, endorsed insurance companies.  Membership in ABBA is not required in all states.MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE PLANS*

Today, health insurance needs to provide you with choices. Through ABBA endorsed plans, you have choices of:

• Lifetime benefit per covered person
• Calendar-year maximum benefit per covered person
• Calendar-year deductible plus coinsurance

Easy to Understand… Easy to Use…

• After your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, plans pay balance of covered expenses.** (Subject to all terms, limitations and exclusions of coverage)
• In designing your plan, remember that by paying a higher deductible and coinsurance you will lower your premium.
• You cannot be singled out for premium increase or cancellation based on claims.

*Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. For complete coverage details, including exclusions and limitations which may apply and may vary by state, and for information on state availability, the underwriter and its policy forms, please contact your ABBA representative or contact ABBA at 1-866-566-2701.

HSA-QUALIFIED HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANS
Health Saving Accounts or HSA-qualified plans, available in conjunction with the major medical insurance plan, combine high-deductible health insurance with a tax-favored savings account. Money in the savings account can help pay the deductible and out-of-pocket expenses. Money left in the health savings account earns interest and is yours to keep or spend on qualified medical expenses. There is no “use it or lose it” restriction with an HSA.*

ABBA MEMBER Packages:

THE MORE YOU USE YOUR ABBA MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE, THE MORE YOU SAVE!
There are a variety of membership packages available, starting as low as $19.50 per month for the basic ABBA Principal membership package.  ABBA Personal, Professional, and Protection upgraded packages are also available, and have a variety of consumer and business benefits. For more information contact your ABBA membership representative or call 1-866-566-2701.

All ABBA membership packages include the following valuable features:

Identity theft insurance Pays up to $2,500 - with no deductible - for expenses resulting from identiy theft.  This benefit can help pay for expenses you incur as a result of identity fraud, including attorney fees, notarized affidavits, lost wages and certified mail.	Medical air travel assistance When traveling more than 100 miles from your permanent residence, you will have a range of services to assist you in the event of an emergency, including emergency evacuation/repatriation, vehicle return, transportation of mortal remains, transportation of escort, minor children return/escort.  (Not available to residents of Florida or Connecticut.)
Roadside assistance Through Road America, 24-hour coverage for the first $50 per occurrence for defined roadside emergency expenses.  (Pre-registration required).	Emergency helicopter rescue plan Pays up to $4,000 for necessary transport for a certified injury.  (Not available to residents of Florida.)