Michigan

Gov. Whitmer Announces Marketplace Open Enrollment Begins Today with New Plans, Lowering Costs for Working Families 

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This release was issued by Governor Whitmer’s Office, emailed to the Shield Insurance Office.

Gov. Whitmer Announces Marketplace Open Enrollment Begins Today with New Plans, Lowering Costs for Working Families 

Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442,  Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2021

(LANSING, MICH) Gov. Whitmer today announced Michiganders have more plans to choose from, more low- or no-cost coverage options, and more time to enroll during the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period, which runs today, November 1 through January 15, 2022.  

“Michigan has called for expanded health coverage opportunities throughout the pandemic, and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for its continued work in lowering costs to high-quality, comprehensive health insurance for Michigan’s working families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Through increased subsidies, an extended enrollment period, and more investment in local assistance, Michiganders have the support they need to get covered for 2022.”  

“Many people worry it is either too expensive or too complicated to sign up for a health plan. Fortunately, Michigan remains one of the least expensive states in the country to purchase health insurance and there is free, local enrollment help available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or calling 800-318-2596,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “Comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes, so Open Enrollment is an important opportunity for Michiganders to protect their health and financial wellness.” 

More Health Plans 

During Open Enrollment, Michigan consumers are able to choose from 174 approved health plans from 10 insurers on the Health Insurance Marketplace, which is available at HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596. In addition, an increased number of off-Marketplace plans are also available, bringing the total number of individual plans available to Michiganders to 256.  

Overall, DIFS has approved average rate changes for individual plans that range from a decrease of 1.8% to an increase of 8.8%. Overall, the average rate increase on the individual market is 4.7%, well below the 6% average annual increase in health care costs seen during the last two years. Michigan continues to have a robust marketplace and comparatively lower average premium rates than most other states, tying for the 3rd lowest benchmark premiums in a 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation study. 

More Low-or No-Cost Coverage Options 

Increased subsidies established by the American Rescue Plan to give more Michiganders the opportunity to qualify for low- or no-cost coverage will continue in 2022. In 2021, Michigan consumers saw an average premium reduction of 45% through these subsidies or more than $71 per month in savings. Statewide, Michiganders saw nearly $12 million in savings per month, and nationally, more than half of consumers found coverage for $10 or less per month. 

Premium tax credits depend on estimated household income, and consumers will see the monthly savings they qualify for when they apply for Marketplace coverage. Before applying, Michiganders can visit HealthCare.gov/Lower-Costs to estimate whether they may qualify for subsidies and other savings.  

More Time, Assistance for Open Enrollment 

The Biden-Harris Administration extended the 2022 Open Enrollment period so that consumers have until January 15, 2022, to enroll. However, consumers generally need to choose a plan by December 15 for their coverage to start January 1, 2022.  

In addition, $3.3 million in grants have been awarded to three Michigan organizations to expand access to qualified Navigators who provide free assistance to consumers who need help signing up for health coverage. For assistance, visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596. 

To review available plans and rates, visit HealthCare.gov today. For questions about health coverage, visit the Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442. 

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.  

Carlos Garcia, Health Benefits Specialist, Shield Insurance Agency

Contact Carlos Garcia, or 616.896.4600, Shield Insurance Health Care Advisor. You can even click here to fill out a quick form and we will get back to you soon.

Carlos is the Shield Agency specialist in health insurance and represents several companies.

Carlos can work with you to choose the best company and the best policy to meet your specific needs.

He can take care of your family and employees as well. can help answer your questions and get you insured.

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How to Be a Smarter Shopper Right Now

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While shortages, price spikes, and delays can be frustrating, there are easy ways to find what you need for the right price

By Beth Braverman | September 09, 2021 | Consumer Reports | Smarter Shopper

If you’re in the mood to spend, you’re not alone.

“In the first half of 2021, we saw a return of optimism and spending,” says Tamara Charm, who works for the global management consulting firm McKinsey as an agile consumer insights leader.

And yet the way we’re buying reflects the many long-term changes brought on by the pandemic. E-commerce sales (long on the upswing) jumped 32 percent in 2020, more than double the growth rate in 2019, according to the market research firm Mintel. Even as shoppers venture back into walk-in stores now that vaccines have eased restrictions, online sales remain strong. The experience of having almost everything delivered to one’s door has probably changed some shopping habits for good.

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Shield Insurance Agency Home Office in Hudsonville, Michigan

Happy Halloween to All!

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Shield Insurance Agency wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween!

Stop by the office, any time of the year, and we will have some treats for everyone!

We are located at 3214 Chicago Drive in Hudsonville, MI

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10 Most Popular DIY Home Decor Trends for Fall 2021

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10 Most Popular DIY Home Decor Trends for Fall 2021 – Shield Insurance Agency Blog

By Ashley Tyler  | August 13, 2021 | eHow.com

Fall will be here before you know it, and with the incoming chilly air and changing, leaves can come the urge to change up your home decor. With a few simple swaps, your home can feel festive and ready to take on any get-togethers or impromptu parties the next few months have in store.

Whether you’re planning on hosting for the holidays or just want to cozy up your space, it doesn’t have to break the bank or feel like another chore on your to-do list. Start by picking a few of your favorite fall trends and use them in small doses around your house. Need some inspiration to get you going? We’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for 10 simple ways to add the year’s most popular trends to your fall decor.

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Fall Foliage and the Best Trees and Shrubs to Plant in Your Yard

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MARTHASTEWART.COM | GARDEN | Fall Foliage | By Lauren Wellbank July 07 | Homeowners Insurance

Buy these plants and do your fall leaf gazing at home this year.

Fall Foliage

If your fall fantasies involve sitting in your own yard, sipping a homemade pumpkin spice latte, and watching as the plants in your yard go from summer greens to autumnal shades of red and orange, then it’s time to start gardening. Here, we’re sharing a number of trees and shrubs that will give your yard a good dose of fall color come autumn.

Fall Foliage Reds and Purples

Maples, particularly Japanese maples, are the first plants many gardeners think of when it comes to spectacular fall color. The hue depends on variety; Velvet Viking™, for example, goes from being purple in summer to vibrant red in autumn. Other maples may turn shades of yellow, orange, and purple. Blueberries are often overlooked for their ornamental appeal, but many turn stunning shades of red and purple come fall. This makes them great plants for double-duty use. Meanwhile viburnums offer amazing fall color in addition to berries that attract birds. Sparkler® is an easy-care version of the North American native that turns a rich purple-red at the season’s end. Oakleaf hydrangeas, like Snow Queen, are another amazing North American native shrub that works well in partially shaded spots and are known for delivering purple-bronze foliage in fall. It is one of the relatively few shade plants for reliable fall color.

Fall Foliage in Blues, Orange, Greens, and Yellows

Fothergilla, or witch hazel, is a native shrub with blue-green leaves in summer and pumpkin orange leaves in fall. If you’re looking for another bright-hued plant, linderas, or spicebush, grows mainly as a shrub or small tree. A common or native species, Lindera benzoin, has brilliant yellow to orange fall color.  The Asian spicebush, Lindera salicifolia, has bright orange fall color and the foliage stays on it longer throughout the winter. For year-long color, plant arborvitae—it offers a show in all seasons! Its new growth emerges a pleasing yellow shade before fading to green. Then, when temperatures drop in autumn, the foliage goes a glowing shade of golden orange that’s unlike anything else in the landscape.

When to Plant Them

Happily, you can plant your trees and shrubs almost anytime from spring to fall in most areas and still enjoy the changeover of color in the fall, according to Justin Hancock, Monrovia horticultural craftsman. “Spring planting gives you the advantage of bigger variety at the store; autumn lets you see the fall color for yourself before you bring your plant home.” Just beware, if your plants are stressed, struggling, or unhappy with where they’re growing, they are unlikely to produce as lively of a color palette come autumn.

Troubleshooting Issues

If your foliage isn’t turning the colors you had hoped, your soil may be to blame, says Adrienne R. Roethling, director of curation and mission delivery at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. She says that the ideal soil PH should be 6.2-6.5. If your PH is fine but you’re still having an issue, drought may be the problem. “If soils are dry, especially in summer and fall, some plants will just drop their leaves prematurely,” she explains.

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How using a surety guarantee can enhance your client’s liquidity

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What is a surety guarantee?

The surety is the guarantee of the debts of one party by another. A surety is an organization or person that assumes the responsibility of paying the debt in case the debtor policy defaults or is unable to make the payments. The party that guarantees the debt is referred to as the surety, or as the guarantor.

How do you get a surety guarantee?

When companies need a guarantee, they often turn to their bank. And whilst this may seem to be the simplest approach, decision-makers should understand the other options available to them—mainly purchasing surety from an insurance company. One key reason? To free up liquidity.

When companies obtain a guarantee from an insurance company, they don’t use up any of the limits under their bank lines, giving them additional credit to use in other ways to support their business. Often, insurance companies have better credit ratings than banks, a key factor when getting clients to accept guarantees. Two examples of guarantees that can free up cash include pension bonds and payment services regulation bonds.

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UTV safety before you ride

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UTV safety: Off-road vehicles are a thrill, but they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to properly ride them. Did you know, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were almost 94,000 off-road vehicle injuries treated in the emergency room in 2017? That’s why it’s important to understand the dangers and take safety precautions before riding.

Off-road vehicles refer to many different machines, including ATVs, dirt bikes, 4-wheel drive trucks, SUVs, and UTVs. In this article, we’ll focus on UTV safety. They’re utility-terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, or side-by-sides. They look like a cross between an ATV and a Jeep but trust me, they don’t drive like either one. Before you take one for a ride, remember these safety tips:

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4 Areas Covered by Auto Insurance

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Even though you have a valid driving license, driving your car off the dealership won’t happen until you purchase auto insurance. While Michigan laws require every driver to purchase car insurance, there are plenty of other reasons to consider auto insurance coverage. Buying this coverage from Shield Insurance Agency protects you in the following areas.

Liability protection

Despite how keen you are on the road, accidents can still happen. Unfortunately, when deemed liable for an accident, you are likely to face bodily injury and property damage claims from third parties. Worse yet, you could face expensive lawsuits that could severely dent your pocket.

The good news is that auto insurance shields you from such nightmarish costs. Car insurance compensates you for liability claims up to your policy’s limit.

Asset protection

Whether you use your car to commute, for fun, or run personal errands, your vehicle is precious to you. And just like any other valuable asset, you would do everything to shield it from any harm. While installing car alarms and tracking devices is superb, car insurance protects your vehicle beyond theft and vandalism. It covers your vehicle from other perils, including fire, falling objects, accidents, and natural disasters. 

Uninsured motorist protection

Did you know that about 25.5 % of motorists in Michigan are uninsured? Given this startling statistic of uninsured motorists, you are likely to be involved with a motorist carrying no insurance. Fortunately, you can purchase uninsured motorist coverage to compensate for bodily injuries and property damage when you collide with a motorist with no insurance. Besides, this coverage comes to your rescue in hit-and-run scenarios.

Medical coverage

When your purchase MedPay or PIP coverage, it pays for medical costs for you and your passengers following a vehicular accident. Besides, PIP coverage covers partial loss of income and funeral expenses for the injured.

Car insurance in Michigan

If you are shopping or looking to renew your auto insurance in Michigan, your search has ended. At Shield Insurance Agency, we have long-standing experience in auto insurance. Contact us today, and we will provide you with a car insurance policy that meets your needs. 

 

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Prehab Could Make Your Recovery From Surgery a Bit Easier

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By: Jennifer Walker-Journey  |  Sep 28, 2021 | HowStuffWorks.com | Recovery from Surgery

Surgery puts enormous stress on the body. It puts patients at risk for complications, which can slow recovery. But taking time to get into optimal shape before elective surgery can vastly improve a patient’s chances for a speedy recovery from surgery, says Katie Starr, Vivo chief scientific officer with the VA POSH (Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health) at the Durham VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Essentially, the healthier a person is before surgery, the better equipped their bodies are to overcome the stress responses produced during surgery. But many people have compromised immune systems due to advanced age or a medical condition, making it more difficult for them to bounce back after surgery.

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How to Fix Your Credit Score

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How your credit score is determined is often hidden and doesn’t treat all consumers equally. Here’s what to watch for, and what to do.

By Lisa L. Gill | June 10, 2021 | Consumer Reports | Credit Score |

Nine years ago, Brittnay Williams’ credit score was 569—putting her in the “very poor” category and undermining her dream of buying a home. But over the course of two years and with the help of her credit union, Williams, of West Memphis, Ark., raised her score by 100 points and qualified for a mortgage.

When she began her journey, Williams, 32, was among the estimated 14 percent of active credit consumers with credit scores so low it is hard to qualify for a mortgage, according to Experian, one of the big three credit bureaus. About 26 million adults lack any credit history and have no score at all, according to the most recent figures from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a government agency.

“Millions of Americans are locked out of the American dream of homeownership, higher education, starting a business, or making major purchases,” says Syed Ejaz, a financial policy analyst at Consumer Reports. “For most lenders, everything begins and ends with that score.”

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