*Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost? *

Two years ago, Elizabeth Newsom-Stewart’s cat Fawkes ate part of a lily plant leaf. Newsom-Stewart, then a veterinary student at Cornell University, immediately knew the danger he was in, and rushed him to an animal hospital.

“Some lily plants are toxic to cats” she says, and may cause kidney failure. “Symptoms can take 12 to 24 hours to show. By the time kidney failure occurs, it’s almost always fatal.”

Emergency treatment, which included three days in intensive care, medication, tests, and lots of IV fluids, cost $1,783. But just three months before, Newsom-Stewart bought pet insurance, and it covered $1,327 of the bill. And Fawkes, now 4, made a full recovery.

A serious illness or injury can take a financial toll, even when the patient is a pet. Cancer treatments can easily run $5,000; surgery to fix a torn ACL from, say, a poorly executed jump off the sofa can cost about $3,300. Pet insurance is sold with the promise that by helping to cover some of your pet’s medical bills, you won’t be forced to consider “economic euthanasia” in the most dire circumstances.

But as helpful and emotionally comforting as it might be, is insurance really worth the price?

About 1.4 million pets in the U.S. and Canada were covered by a plan at the end of 2014, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, a trade group. That’s less than 1 percent of about 174 million pet cats and dogs, but up from 680,000 policies in 2008. Some of the increase may be linked to a surprising fact: Pet insurance is one of the fastest-growing optional employee benefits.

Major policy providers include the ASPCA (through Hartville), Embrace, Healthy Paws, PetFirst, Petplan, and Trupanion. Most cover only cats and dogs, but one company, Nationwide (formerly Veterinary Pet Insurance), also insures birds, rabbits, snakes, turtles, and other animals.

*How the Plans Work*

Like people insurance, pet policies come with a variety of deductibles, co-payments, and premiums. Unlike people coverage, you usually have to pay the vet bills in full and wait for reimbursement. But Trupanion launched a service in February that can disburse payments directly to vets on the day of service. The company says about 60 percent of its bills are already processed that way.

The cost of coverage can increase depending on your pet’s breed (purebreds cost more to insure because they’re more prone to some hereditary conditions), age (plans may cost more as your pet gets older), the rising cost of veterinary care, and the coverage options you choose, such as your deductible amount. Embrace and Healthy Paws pay a flat percentage of covered costs after your deductible is met. Other companies calculate reimbursements based on the “usual and customary costs” of vet care in your area. Embrace lets you pick the annual maximum amount it will cover each year ($5,000, $8,000, $10,000, or $15,000); Healthy Paws and Trupanion have no annual ceiling.

Almost all policies exclude pre-existing conditions and may exclude breed-specific conditions (or charge you more to cover them).

*What They Cover*

You can pick a plan that insures costs due to accidents (such as injuries caused by motor vehicles), or accidents and illness (including arthritis, cancer, and colitis). Some providers also offer wellness coverage for certain routine care, like annual exams, flea and tick treatments, and vaccinations. Eighty-one percent of pet insurance policies are accident and illness plans for dogs; 14.6 percent provide the same kind of coverage for cats and other pets. Only about 4 percent of the market is made up of accident-only and wellness coverage.

The insurance trade group says that accident and illness coverage per year averaged $473 for dogs and $285 for cats in 2014. Accident-only policies ran $158 and $132, respectively.

To compare costs, we asked four providers—Embrace, Healthy Paws, Nationwide, and Trupanion—whose parent companies comprise roughly 75 percent of the market, to estimate what their accident and illness policies would cover for a specific dog and cat. After initially agreeing, Nationwide decided it would only provide data for its policy that had accident, illness, and wellness coverage, so we didn’t include the company in our analysis.

We used the vet bills of Guinness, an almost 12-year-old Labrador mix from Westchester County, N.Y., and Freddie, a mixed-breed cat from Fairfield County, Conn., who’s almost 9.

Guinness had few health problems over the years until he was diagnosed with skin cancer last fall. Treating him required two costly surgeries and expensive follow-up care.

Freddie has been relatively healthy; he had one pricey dental cleaning under anesthesia, and has been prescribed cat food and medication to treat infections. We did our analysis assuming that their owners had signed them up for coverage when they were just a few weeks old, and we adjusted each medical-care charge into present-day dollars to judge how their expenses would have been covered.

*Playing the Odds*

For Freddie, only the Healthy Paws policy would have paid out more than it cost, in part because of its lower premiums.

If you have a pet like Guinness with a costly condition or illness you want to treat, we found that pet insurance may pay out more than it costs you. In our exercise, a Healthy Paws plan was the only one that paid more than it cost.

But if his owner continues to cover cancer treatments, all three plans may be worth it. In 2015, for example, Healthy Paws and Trupanion would have reimbursed the owner over $3,000 more than they would have charged for coverage. Embrace would have covered more than $4,000 over the cost of its plan.

Of course, our results are for a single cat and dog; vet bills are different for every animal, and there’s no way to predict whether your pet will become sick or injured. But if you’d like help with unexpected, large vet bills, a plan may be worth considering.

Talk with your vet about the medical costs your pet’s breed will usually incur, and ask about his experience with different pet insurers.

Download sample policies from insurance websites and read them thoroughly for limitations, exceptions, and co-payments. Consider skipping wellness coverage if possible and paying for it out of pocket. Last year routine vet care cost cat owners just $196 and dog owners only $235, according to the American Pet Products Association.

If you don’t want to pay for pet insurance, consider starting an emergency savings fund for pet care instead. If you find you need help with a big pet medical bill, the Humane Society has a list of organizations that may help pay for it.

*More Ways to Save*

Take steps to keep your pet healthy to trim medical costs.

· *Ask your vet which vaccines you can skip.* Some effectively prevent serious and costly diseases, says Louise Murray, D.V.M., a veterinarian and vice president of the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City. But ringworm, for example, is a mild condition and its vaccine isn’t that effective, she says.
· *Guard against parasites. *Fleas can cause life-threatening anemia, and ticks can spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. An inexpensive topical solution can keep the bugs at bay.
· *Spay or neuter your pet. *Doing so can help prevent health problems, including some cancers. Many sheltersor chapters of the ASPCA provide low-cost or no-cost spayor neuter surgery.

--------------------

*A Tale of Two Critters*

How much, if anything, would the owners of Guinness the Dog and Freddie the Cat have saved over the years on their healthcare if they had had pet insurance?

*Embrace* *Healthy Paws* *Trupanion*
*Cost of coverage (including premiums)* $10,260 $6,070 $8,290
*Amount paid by insurance* $8,450 $7,060 $7,810
*Net gain or loss with insurance* *-$1,810* *+$990* *-$480*

*Embrace* *Healthy Paws* *Trupanion*
*Cost of coverage (including premiums)

* $5,440 $2,780 $4,570
*Amount paid by insurance

* $3,270 $3,360 $3,850
*Net gain or loss with insurance* *-$2,170* *+$580* *-$720*

*How We Crunched the Numbers*
To compare policies, we converted all of the vet charges over the years into 2016 dollars, and checked current premiums for our pets at different ages. We chose a 10 percent co-pay for all three policies, which means the plans cover 90 percent of eligible charges. Embrace has a $200 annual deductible; for Healthy Paws, it’s $250. Trupanion has a $200 deductible per type of illness or accident. Once that deductible is met (say, for a cancer treatment), it covers 90 percent of additional charges for that condition. Healthy Paws and Trupanion have unlimited annual reimbursements; Embrace lets you choose an annual ceiling of $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, or $15,000. In only one year did bills for Guinness go over the $5,000 annual ceiling we used in our example. Note that the premiums of an Embrace plan go up significantly if you choose higher annual ceilings.

*Editor's Note:* This article also appeared in the May 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.*

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Henry Sandate, president, and Ann Murguia, executive director, of the Argentine Neighborhood Development Association receive Preservation Award from Historic Kansas City.

Kansas City, KS (PRWEB) March 30, 2016

Historic Kansas City, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the area’s heritage, neighborhoods and historic built environment, recently awarded State Farm agent Henry Sandate and Ann Murguia of the Argentine Neighborhood Development Association (ANDA) the Preservation Award in the category of Community Catalyst. “This award goes to a project, individual, business or group that has greatly contributed to the reinvestment in or revitalization of a historic neighborhood,” said Sandate, chairman of ANDA which refurbished a building in the historic Argentine neighborhood. “We are proud to do what we can to maintain Kansas City’s historic integrity.”

The building restructured was the Simmons Villas Senior Apartments in the history-rich Argentine, a mature urban neighborhood in Kansas City with a stable population that was showing signs of decay despite the community vitality and loyalty of its residents. ANDA was formed in 2004 to revitalize the neighborhood and counteract the symptoms of decay.

“A major initial strategy has been to provide quality, affordable energy-efficient housing to attract moderate-income families back to Argentine,” said Sandate. “The goal is to balance the abundance of subsidized, very-low-income housing and create a more mixed-income neighborhood.”

In addition to the new housing, ANDA has successfully coordinated public and private resources to improve the streets, curbs and sidewalks, which are ongoing priorities of the organization. ANDA is also addressing the commercial blight in the area. “This involves seeking out potential commercial operations, thinking in terms of a master plan for the area and bringing in experts to help determine effective strategies,” said Sandate.

About Henry Sandate, State Farm
Henry Sandate State Farm offers auto, home and property, life and health insurance, as well as annuities. For more information, please call (913) 438-2299, or visit http://www.hsandate.com. The office is located at 10281 W. 87 Street, Suite 102, Overland Park, KS 66212.

About the NALA™
The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers in the digital age, while providing a single-agency source that helps them flourish in their local community. The NALA offers its clients an array of marketing tools from press release campaigns and social media management to a cause marketing program. The NALA’s mission is to make businesses relevant and newsworthy, both online and through traditional media, by providing increased exposure at reasonable costs. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361. Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.

Did you know that in the U.S., more women are killed by intimate partners -- their boyfriends, husbands and exes -- than any other type of perpetrator? 

On average, that works out to three women dead every single day.

Last month, The Huffington Post published an in-depth investigation into fatal domestic violence in America. We highlighted the common risk factors that occur prior to intimate partner homicides. Thanks to years of research, many experts consider these types of killings among the most predictable and preventable of all murders, because they often follow well-established patterns. 

After we ran the feature, many readers emailed us to ask what can be done to end the bloodshed. If experts believe these homicides can be prevented, they wanted to know, *what should we do to stop them? *

To answer that question, we turned to those with firsthand experience of this complicated issue: domestic violence victims themselves.

We crowdsourced suggestions from women who lived through abusive relationships -- including some who survived near-fatal attacks -- about what practical steps they believed would help reduce fatalities.

We also scoured through policy reports for recommendations, and asked domestic violence experts and violence prevention leaders to share their ideas.

All in all, we collected almost 60 ideas, some small, some big, some practical and some wildly idealistic. Here's what we found. Criminal justice system

*1.* "Treat choking as the serious crime it is. Choking/strangling the victim is one of the top indicators of future homicide." -- Kim Gandy, CEO of the National Network To End Domestic Violence

*2.* "Create a national domestic violence registry, like the sex offender registry. Because the recidivism rate is so high." -- Kimberly Brusk, domestic violence survivor

*3.* "A lethality assessment protocol, used to determine how much danger a domestic violence victim is in, should be utilized across the U.S. Results should inform sentencing and treatment guidelines. Police and court officials should undergo training to understand lethality factors." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivor

*4.* "Relocation services and assistance for victims with high lethality risk, with a change of identity similar to current witness protection programs." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivor

*5.* "We need to do what the U.K. did and make psychological abuse a crime. Just because one was never hit, doesn't mean you're not a victim too." -- Jennifer Tetefsky, domestic violence survivor

*6.* "A system of detaining and monitoring the abuser rather than the victim having to drop everything and go to a shelter would afford greater safety. The victim still needs to go to work, still needs her kids to be in school, and those are both huge exposures to lethal violence. Remove the threat, not the threatened." -- Lisette Johnson, domestic violence survivor

*7.* "An electronic monitoring system where victims are alerted when their abusers who are on parole or probation are in their vicinity." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivor

*8.* "Stricter penalties for repeat offenders." -- Barb Weems-Mourglia, domestic violence advocate

*9.* "Law enforcement should arrest abusers when they violate restraining orders." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence survivor

*10.* "Better communication across counties and states with law enforcement, prisons, jails, court systems and treatment providers regarding information about abusers. Perhaps a central monitoring system?" -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivor

*11.* "Harsher consequences for stalking, harassment, ongoing emotional and verbal abuse." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence survivor

*12.* "Make non-fatal strangulation a felony in Ohio." -- Amy Weber, lost a family member to domestic violence homicide

*13.* "Judges: When a victim is asking for a permanent restraining order, grant it!" -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence and gun violence survivor

*14.* "Do not force victims to be in the same courtroom as abusers. Allow for testimony to be taken separately and safely." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence and gun violence survivor

*15.* Annual domestic violence training for police officers and court officials incorporating victim impact stories to put a face on the issue that they often become numb to." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivorGun safety reforms

*16.* "Recognize that one of the most dangerous times for victims is when they are trying to leave the abusive relationship, or have already left. Make it easy to get a temporary restraining order, and remove firearms (and prevent gun purchases)* *during that danger period." -- Kim Gandy, CEO of the National Network To End Domestic Violence 

*17.* Congress should close the loopholes in the federal gun prohibitions to ensure that stalkers and [abusive]* *dating partners are barred from gun ownership, just like other dangerous abusers. -- Everytown for Gun Safety

*18.* Every state in the nation should prohibit possession of firearms by anyone convicted of abusing an intimate partner or family member. And every state should prohibit gun possession by anyone subject to a protective order prohibiting them from harassing, threatening or stalking an intimate partner or family member. -- Everytown for Gun Safety

*19.* "Require police departments to investigate if domestic abusers are prohibited from owning guns, or [have the police]* *be subject to serious fines and imprisonment if their lack of proper investigation results in a shooting." -- Jennifer Tetefsky, domestic violence survivor

*20.* States should provide all records of prohibited abusers to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS. -- Center for American Progress

*21.* ŸCongress should require comprehensive background checks and ensure that prohibited domestic abusers cannot easily evade background checks by buying guns from unlicensed sellers. -- Everytown for Gun Safety

*22.* Thirty-eight percent fewer women are shot and killed by intimate partners in states that require background checks on all handgun sales. State lawmakers should require private, unlicensed sellers to conduct background checks on gun sales, just as licensed gun dealers do. -- Everytown for Gun Safety

*23.* States should pass laws requiring that domestic abusers turn in their guns to law enforcement or licensed gun dealers when they become prohibited. -- Everytown for Gun SafetyFinancial assistance

*24.* Research shows that domestic violence victims do indeed lack adequate access to affordable legal services. What about subsidized lawyers for domestic violence survivors? -- The Institute for Policy Integrity

*25.* "Comprehensive financial and legal services available immediately to victims. Job placement. Housing. Money to get out of the home." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence survivor

*26.* "We need to train domestic violence survivors on financial literacy so they can become economically independent." -- Ludy Green, domestic violence expert 

*27.* "Abusers mandated to pay into a pool that gives rental assistance to victims, so fewer become homeless because of domestic violence." -- Barb Weems-Mourglia, domestic violence advocate

*28.* "Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Due to a critical lack of affordable housing, families in domestic violence shelters typically have no safe, affordable options and are unable to leave shelter. Moving victims and their children as quickly as possible into safe, affordable housing reduces the trauma of domestic violence, the disruption of children’s lives, and increased cost to the public sector to house a family in a shelter." -- Carol Corden, executive director of New Destiny Housing

*29.* "My situation was one of abandoning rights to marital property if I left the house. I was shot while we were working out who would leave. In situations of abuse, partners should be protected from any forfeiture of marital property." -- Lisette Johnson, domestic violence survivor

*30.* "Allow victims to be on stand-by [for court hearings]* *so they aren't continuing to miss work every time court is postponed." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivorEducation and training

*31.* "Education in elementary schools. Little boys need to know that daddy pushing mommy around is not normal, and availability to a counselor should be there if a child wants to talk about their home life to someone." -- anonymous

*32.* "Funding for domestic violence education at every high school in our nation. Teach our youth about red flags and not being a bystander. It truly makes a difference." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivor

*33.* "Attitudes need to change toward the victims of domestic violence. Many people still feel like the woman should 'just leave.' The problem is they don't understand how dangerous it is to leave. The most volatile time is when the victim tries to separate." -- Lisa Riveglia Rasmussen, domestic violence survivor

*34.* "All EMS personnel should be required to have training on intimate partner violence dynamics and community resources. There is a significant gap in services to victims without that mandate." -- Karen Oehme, the Institute for Family Violence Studies at Florida State’s School of Social Work

*35.* "More needs to be talked about in terms of signs of manipulation and power/control in the mass media. When there's no blood it's just not 'sexy' or dramatic enough to make the news." -- Jennifer Tetefsky, domestic violence survivor

*36.* "We need more education about financial abuse. My ex-husband verbally and psychologically abused me for years. He systematically broke down my psyche until I could barely decide between wheat or rye on a sandwich without talking to him about it. Then, for six months on an almost daily basis, he worked to convince me that I was a bad parent because I was working 20 hours a week, 15 minutes from home. Once I left the best job I ever had, he had me totally under his control." -- Anonymous domestic violence survivor

*37.* "Become educated as a bystander on how to offer help in the right way (without judging) if you suspect/know someone in that situation." -- Lovern Gordon, domestic violence survivor

*38.* The National Governors Association, in collaboration with the Federal Government and Tribal Governments should launch a public education campaign in every state, territory and reservation. -- Futures Without Violence

*39.* "Study funded to provide data of how often a woman lies about domestic violence versus it being legit. To shut up those who believe women lie about abuse." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence survivorDivorce and child custody 

*40.* "In my first domestic violence case as a young lawyer, a client was shot by her estranged husband when he arrived for visitation exchange. Courts must stop forcing victims to share custody, legal or physical, with an abuser (who will doubtless use the child to punish her for leaving, and maintain power and control over her), and must not require the victim to be alone with the abuser for visitation exchange." -- Kim Gandy, CEO of the National Network To End Domestic Violence

*41.* "Immediate divorce granted for victims nationwide. It's currently state by state, with most not immediate. I was made to wait until after his prison sentencing (14 months) to get my divorce trial." -- Kimberly Brusk, domestic violence survivor

*42.* "Never require divorce mediation in cases of domestic violence." -- Nik Be-lagyi, domestic violence survivor

*43.* "Separate CPS cases for abuser and victim." -- Kimberly Brusk, domestic violence survivor

*44.* "Require intensive domestic violence training for guardian ad litems and child protective services." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence survivorSupport services and shelters

*45.* "A place to leave pets -- like an emergency foster care system -- if shelters won't take them. So many won't leave because abusers will kill their pets." -- Jennifer Tetefsky, domestic violence survivor

*46.* "Intensive mental health services for victims and children (covered by insurance or free)." -- Kate Ranta, domestic violence survivor

*47.* "San Francisco was able to eliminate domestic violence homicides for 44 months. Domestic violence victims who access community-based services are less likely to be killed. We must ensure that there are funded community-based services that are accessible to all the various communities in an area, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, language, immigration status, sexual orientation and disability.

City agencies must also be willing to come together with community-based agencies to identify gaps and weaknesses, so that the response both from government and non-governmental agencies is continuously being analyzed and improved." -- Minouche Kandel, Esq., Women’s Policy Director, City & County of San Francisco

*48.* "An interconnected system to research shelters and specific services." -- Jennifer Tetefsky, domestic violence survivor

*49. *"Career training for survivors of domestic violence is a crucial part of their successful journey to self-sufficiency and freedom from abuse. Our staff regularly encounter cases where abusers exert financial controls to intimidate and isolate their victims, including limiting access to bank accounts and preventing them from pursuing education and career opportunities. Our Economic Empowerment Program, a replicable workforce training initiative, was created to address the needs of survivors living in the nexus of abuse, poverty and homelessness, and has helped hundreds of survivors learn marketable skills and obtain living wage jobs since it began in 2011." -- Judge Judy Harris Kluger, director of Sanctuary For Families

*50.* "Don't deny people access to shelters because of drug use or sex work." -- Hilary Hanson, **HuffPost reporter

*51.* "More money for domestic violence shelters. Each year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence does a one-day survey of domestic violence programs nationwide to calculate how many people are accessing help. On a single day in 2015, 71,828 victims were served across the country. Yet, 12,197 requests for help went unmet because of lack of funding." -- Kim Gandy, CEO of the National Network To End Domestic Violence

*52.* Invest in treatment programs for children who have witnessed or experienced violence. -- Futures Without Violence

*53.* Invest in treatment programs for men and boys who use violence in relationships. -- Futures Without ViolenceWorkplace

*54.* Paid sick days and paid family leave laws and policies are essential. It is also crucial for the leave to extend explicitly to survivors of violence. Women comprise two-thirds of minimum wage earners and are disproportionately subject to violence and stalking both in and outside the workplace. Most low-wage jobs, unlike many office or white-collar jobs, don’t come with paid leave, health insurance, or other benefits.

Missing work means not getting paid and the very real risk of getting fired. In the aftermath of a traumatizing assault or frightening stalking incident, a worker may need to go to the police, to court, or to the doctor. Employers can and should be first in line to provide support and protection to their workers -- not punishments that further jeopardize their safety and economic security.  -- Futures Without Violence

*55.* "More companies should offer paid domestic violence days if a victim has to attend court or is out because of an attack (this was a big one for me)." -- Lovern Gordon, domestic violence survivor

*56.* "Laws to protect domestic violence victims from losing their jobs." -- Melissa Saporito, domestic violence survivor

*57.* Public agencies should receive a fine for decisions that put victims at increased risk. -- Futures Without Violence

*58.* Employers should develop and implement workplace policies/protocols that specifically address domestic and sexual violence and stalking. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 70 percent of U.S. workplaces don’t have a formal program or policy that addresses workplace violence. Most employers don’t think about violence affecting their employees until an incident occurs at the workplace. Rather than reacting to specific incidents, workplaces should adopt a more comprehensive approach. They can do this by focusing on protections and policies that create a culture of prevention  --  not reaction. -- Futures Without Violence

*59.* Educate and train company leaders and employees. Employers should ensure that employees, including those in supervisory roles, know how to identify an employee who has experienced violence, and what resources are available for assistance. -- Futures Without Violence

______

Melissa Jeltsen covers domestic violence and other issues related to women’s health, safety and security. Tips? Feedback? Send an email or follow her on Twitter.

______

*Related stories: *
· This Is Not A Love Story: Examining A Month Of Deadly Domestic Violence In America· Why Didn’t You Just Leave? Six Domestic Violence Survivors Explain Why It’s Never That Simple· It’s Time We Listen When Women Say Their Boyfriends Are Dangerous· This Is How A Domestic Violence Victim Falls Through The Cracks· Men Offer Abhorrent Excuses For Killing Women. Don’t Repeat Them.· We’re Missing The Big Picture On Mass Shootings· A Legal Loophole May Have Cost This Woman Her Life
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 11 hours ago.

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best has upgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) to “a” from “a-” of Horace Mann Insurance Company and its property/casualty insurance affiliates (collectively referred to as Horace Mann P/C). The outlook for both ratings has been revised to stable from positive. Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of A (Excellent) and the ICR of “a” of the life/health insurance company, Ho Reported by Business Wire 10 hours ago.

(CNSNews.com) - As of the end of 2015, there were 71,777,758 individual in the United States enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS), according to data published by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Reported by CNSNews.com 7 hours ago.

Former New England Patriots player Jerod Mayo is taking on a new role off the field, joining Optum as the company’s “executive-in-residence” in April. Mayo will help progress the mission of Optum, which is the technology division of health insurance company UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), by being an ambassador to the company, helping improve consumer solutions, consult on mergers and acquisitions and build relationships with Optum clients, according to a press release. “I am very excited… Reported by bizjournals 4 hours ago.

Almost 95 percent of Oregonians have health insurance and 90 percent report having a usual source of care, according to a new survey from the state. The findings from the 2015 Oregon Health Insurance Survey were in keeping with recent trends since the Affordable Care Act went into effect in 2014 and Medicaid was expanded to low-income individuals and families. Three years ago, 85.5 percent of the state’s population had health insurance. Today, 3.64 million people have coverage, with the overall… Reported by bizjournals 2 hours ago.

HealthJoy accelerates the launch of its self-service healthcare decision platform and continues to expand its current channels protecting over $100 million in out-of-pocket expenses.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 30, 2016

HealthJoy, a healthcare technology startup, announced today that it closed $3 million in funding led by GoHealth and a group of industry angel investors. With this funding, HealthJoy plans to accelerate development of its healthcare decision platform and continue expansion into consumer, broker and employer channels. This includes the development of JOY, a human-supported machine intelligence that will cost-effectively scale the delivery model to millions of users. Supported by a team of physicians, healthcare providers and health insurance executives, JOY guides members across a wide range of healthcare decisions through personalized engagement.

“It’s no secret we are experiencing changes in the health insurance industry. HealthJoy has built amazing technology that solves a real problem we’ve seen over the last 15 years. Consumers not only need support with insurance plan selection, but for all healthcare decisions throughout the year. HealthJoy’s present system keeps members on their plans—making better decisions, being healthier and saving money,” said Clint Jones, CEO of GoHealth. “We’re excited to be working with HealthJoy. Not only is their system a huge win for consumers, their service adds value for brokers, employers and carriers.”

Since its launch in 2014, HealthJoy has protected over $100 million in out-of-pocket expenses for more than 22,000 users. An average family of four can save $10,000 a year using HealthJoy services, including:· Online doctor consultations
· Helpful healthcare Concierges
· Dental, vision and prescription savings plans
· Personalized prescription cost optimization
· Medical bill review and negotiations.

“Thanks to GoHealth, we developed a deep understanding of high-deductible medical coverage and built a highly-relevant product enjoyed by thousands of paying members,” said Justin Holland, CEO of HealthJoy. “The next chapter involves fully scaling JOY, our machine intelligence, to reach millions of users regardless of insurance coverage mix. Healthcare is complex, individualized and localized. Our technologies will accelerate usage of lower-cost digital health services while delivering incredible outcomes to users of all backgrounds worldwide."

About HealthJoy
HealthJoy is a healthcare decision platform that helps consumers protect out-of-pocket expenses through better decisions. It uses JOY, a human-supported virtual healthcare assistant, to guide consumers across a wide range of decisions and personally tailored healthcare savings. JOY is supported by a team from both the healthcare and health insurance industries. Over 20,000 users are currently protecting $100 million in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. HealthJoy is currently available through select partners on iOS, Android, and Desktop. For more information visit HealthJoy.com.

About GoHealth
GoHealth is a Chicago-based company that powers GoHealthInsurance.com, a private health insurance marketplace that has helped more than 30 million consumers shop for coverage. Working with 300 health insurance companies, GoHealth enables consumers to easily compare and shop for a variety of brand-name health plans. GoHealth provides plan recommendations and enrollment support by phone and online at no cost to consumers. In 2013, the GoHealth Marketplace became the first private exchange to enroll consumers in subsidized health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

insurance.jpg

A recent study that was released on Wednesday reported that the most recent healthcare policy holders, who purchased health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, are sicker and incurred higher medical costs compared to those who had earlier opted for healthcare policies.

read more Reported by TopNews 17 hours ago.

ez1095 Affordable Care Act form software gives companies a quicker way to beat the March 31 deadline for mailing forms to recipients. Download and try it at no obligation by visiting http://www.halfpricesoft.com.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) March 31, 2016

The deadline to mail recipient copies of 1095 ACA forms to avoid penalties is March 31. Employers that have put off this task can easily process, print and mail forms before the deadline in just a few clicks with ez1095 software. This new software application from Halfpricesoft.com takes the guesswork out of the Affordable Care Act form regulations.

“ Ez1095 software makes it easy for employers to mail recipient 1095 forms to beat the March 31 deadline.” said Dr. Ge, the founder of Halfpricesoft.com.

ez1095 software is compatible Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP and other Windows systems. Those interested in trying the application can download for up to 30 days at no obligation by visiting http://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/form-1095-software-free-download.asp

Ez1095 software application offers efile, pdf (additional cost) and print and mail versions. The guidelines for the healthcare law requires companies with 50 or more full-time employees or equivalents to file an annual return in 2016 reporting health insurance they offered employees.

This stand alone ez1095 offers the following features:
-PDF Print forms for recipients in digital format
-Fast data import feature
-Efile feature: generate XML document that customers can upload to IRS site. (The efile feature is approved by IRS.)
-Support unlimited accounts, recipients and ACA forms
-Access free customer support -Backup and restore feature included in cost
-Prepare form 1095-B, 1094-B, 1095-C & 1094-C
-Print 1095-C or 1095-B paper forms for recipients
-Print paper form 1095-C & 1094-C or 1095-B & 1094-B forms for IRS

Priced at just $195 for a single user version, ($295 for new efile and PDF version) this ACA forms filing software saves employers time and money by processing forms, in-house. To learn more about ez1095 ACA software, customers can visit http://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp

About halfpricesoft.com
Founded in 2003, Halfpricesoft.com has established itself as a leader in meeting the software needs of small businesses around the world with its payroll software, employee attendance tracking software, check printing software, W2 software, 1099 software and barcode generating software. It continues to grow with its philosophy that small business owners need affordable, user friendly, super simple, and totally risk-free software. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.

Q: I'm 58 and retired and buy my own health insurance. Can I contribute to a health savings account even though I don't have any earned income?

A: Yes. HSAs don't have the same earned-income requirements as IRAs. To qualify to make HSA contributions, you must have an HSA-eligible health insurance... Reported by ChicagoTribune 14 hours ago.

Ed Underwood, of State Farm, shares the top three tips why life insurance is necessary for any family.

Franklin, TN (PRWEB) March 31, 2016

According to numerous financial advisers, people who own homes and/or have dependents require life insurance for many reasons. “If you have a family, especially, life insurance is a must,” said Ed Underwood, who has over 36 years’ experience as a State Farm Agent. “Life insurance ensures your loved ones are provided for in the event of your demise.”

For those who don’t have life insurance, Underwood lists the top three reasons to obtain coverage.

No. 1: Death benefits. “This helps replace income lost after your death that your family has come to depend on for its survival,” said Underwood. “It could be used to continue paying the mortgage on a house, pay for your children’s college education or any number of things needed to keep a household together.”

No. 2: Funeral expenses. Life insurance can also help defray the cost of a funeral. Underwood stresses that people considering life insurance always keep in mind the costs associated with funerals, which loved ones shouldn’t have to incur. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average total cost of a funeral with burial services is between $7,000 and $10,000, while the average cremation costs between $2,000 and $4,000.

No. 3: Peace of mind. “You never know when it’s your time to go, whether from an accident, unexpected illness or natural causes,” said Underwood. “However, if you have life insurance, you guarantee that the people you leave behind are taken care of. In fact, it is one of the few guarantees in life.”

About Ed Underwood, State Farm Agent
State Farm has been offering life insurance since 1929. In addition to life insurance, State Farm Agent Ed Underwood offers auto insurance, home and property insurance, health insurance, banking products and annuities. For more information, please call (615) 771-0700, or visit http://www.edunderwood.net. The office is located at 206B Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 208, Franklin, TN 37067.

About the NALA™
The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers in the digital age, while providing a single-agency source that helps them flourish in their local community. The NALA offers its clients an array of marketing tools from press release campaigns and social media management to a cause marketing program. The NALA’s mission is to make businesses relevant and newsworthy, both online and through traditional media, by providing increased exposure at reasonable costs. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361. Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.

March 2016 was the Supreme Court’s first full month in session with only eight justices in more than 25 years -- and its first in almost 30 years without Antonin Scalia. The difference was clearly felt all month long. The cases that so sharply divided the Court in March on reproductive rights, religion and other issues, and the controversy outside the Court resulting from the Republican Senate’s refusal to even consider the President’s nominee to fill the vacancy, have underlined the importance of a fully staffed nine-member Supreme Court and the crucial significance of the November elections for the future of the Court and of Americans’ rights and liberties.

The lion’s roar towards the beginning of March was the oral argument in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, a challenge to an extremely restrictive Texas law that would reduce the number of clinics offering abortions in Texas to ten and seriously harm the health and reproductive rights of millions of women. The more progressive wing of the Court was extremely vocal and seemed to dominate the courtroom, perhaps because of the absence of Scalia’s aggressive questioning but also because of the genuine concern and even outrage at Texas’ back-door attempt to make abortion effectively inaccessible to most Texas women. Right-wing justices Roberts and Alito were just as clearly disposed towards Texas, while Justice Thomas, who had actually spoken during an argument in February, was silent.

As usual, the key justice on the divided Court was Kennedy. If he sides with the conservatives, the lower court decision upholding the Texas law will likely be affirmed by a 4-4 tie vote, setting no national precedent but harming women in Texas and inspiring such restrictive laws elsewhere. If he sides with moderate justices, the law will be struck down 5-3. Based on the argument, which is an imperfect predictor, the most likely scenario may be a 5-3 ruling keeping the temporary stay of the law in place and sending the case back to the lower courts for additional fact finding on the effects of the law. That could very well lead to the Supreme Court reconsidering the issue in a year or two--making the identity of the justice who replaces Scalia, and who fill any other Court vacancies that arise, critical to the future of reproductive rights.

Later in March, the Court graphically demonstrated the problems caused by having only 8 justices by splitting 4-4 on the issue of whether federal law protecting against discrimination in lending applies to discrimination on the basis of marital status against bank loan applicants. The split affirms the decision in Hawkins v. Community Bank of Raymore that the law does not so apply, but that decision controls only for residents of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. A contrary decision by the 6th Circuit means that this protection does apply to residents in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. No one knows what the rule is elsewhere. The Court also split 4-4 and thus affirmed without opinion in the case of Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, a challenge to Supreme Court precedent on unionization that was rejected in the lower courts but will likely come up again in the future; indeed, the attorney challenging the unions has already announced he will ask for the case to be reheard next term. An unknown number of 4-4 splits and conflicting rules and confusion across the country is likely until the vacant Court seat is filled.

In fact, another such possibility came up at another contentious argument towards the end of March in Zubik v. Burwell. That case concerns religious objections under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that all employer insurance plans provide employees with access to contraceptives. In the previous Hobby Lobby case, the Court ruled 5-4 that private for-profit employers could invoke RFRA and take advantage of an ACA accommodation that allows religious non-profit universities and other institutions to simply notify the government of their objections so that the government would deal directly with their health insurance companies to provide coverage and leave the employers out of it. Now, in what has been dubbed Hobby Lobby Part II, those very same non-profits are claiming that the very act of opting out imposes a “substantial burden” on their religious practices because they remain “complicit” in their employees getting contraceptives. In other words, they claim RFRA gives them the right to prevent their employees from receiving contraceptive coverage under the ACA, even if that violates the employees’ own religious beliefs.

Many supporters of religious liberty, and every court of appeals to have considered the issue but one, have rejected these arguments. Professor Douglas Laycock, widely acknowledged as one of the drafters of RFRA and who has never before supported the government’s position in a religious liberty case, did so in Zubik. As he explained, echoed by the comments of the Court’s four moderates, such an interpretation of RFRA conflicts with its language and history and would allow any religious adherent to exempt itself from any federal law by deciding for itself that its religion was “substantially burdened”, unless the government could prove a “compelling government interest.” As Justice Breyer pointed out, that view could allow Quakers to refuse to pay taxes, workers to refuse to shovel snow in front of an abortion clinic, or Christian Scientists to refuse to report accidents. In effect this would misinterpret RFRA to mean that there is a “substantial burden” whenever any government action offends someone’s religious beliefs. And millions of women could be deprived of ACA contraceptive coverage as a result.

Not surprisingly, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito sided with the challengers, as Justice Thomas will likely do as well. But even though he praised the accommodation in Hobby Lobby, Justice Kennedy suggested that it did constitute a “substantial burden” under RFRA because the adherents said so. Although other Kennedy comments were more in line with arguments made by Laycock, and the Court has asked for additional briefing in the case, if Kennedy joins the three more conservative justices, the result again would be a 4-4 split. That would mean that whether a woman who works for a religious university can receive ACA contraceptive coverage will depend entirely on where she lives; if she is in Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, or Nebraska in the Eighth Circuit, she is out of luck. And the issue will remain confusing and unresolved until another such case reaches a Supreme Court with nine justices.

All this happened in March in the context of the unprecedented Republican Senate blockade against providing a hearing or vote, and in many cases even a meeting, to the President’s well-qualified Supreme Court nominee, Chief Judge Merrick Garland of the DC Circuit, who has previously been praised even by Senate Republicans. Statements by many Republican Senators and right-wing interest groups make their intent clear: to keep the seat vacant in the hope that a Republican President is elected and will appoint someone like Scalia to preserve the current usual 5-4 far right majority on the Court.The events in March, therefore, vindicate the judgment of Republican and Democratic former judges, law school deans, and many others that it is important that the Court be fully staffed by nine justices as soon as possible. In addition, given the age of several other Supreme Court justices, including moderates like Ginsburg and Breyer, it is extremely likely that even if Senate Republicans succumb and Garland is confirmed, there will be other vacancies after the next President takes office that could easily shift the balance of the Court. The far right knows the importance of this election for the Supreme Court. It is crucial that all Americans recognize that for the sake of all our rights, Election Day 2016 truly is judgment day. Reported by Huffington Post 11 hours ago.

In America, we have created a system in which most workers receive necessary benefits like health insurance through their employers. That system is falling apart, and we should all be alarmed.

Read more... Reported by Gawker 10 hours ago.

A recent report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association shows how the costs of health insurance for both individuals and employer-based coverage have risen since those who were newly-eligible under the Affordable Care Act have gained coverage. In the report, Blue Cross combined the monthly costs of professional medical services, outpatient services, inpatient services and prescriptions to create a single cost for individual members and employer-group members. In the first nine months of 2014… Reported by bizjournals 8 hours ago.

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 and last week the White House declared it a victory. Obama proudly declared that the rate of uninsured Americans is at its lowest point since we began keeping record. Taken at face value it seems that with the law, the president achieved a historic accomplishment. However, the details of the law's enrollment numbers reveal a different reality.

Obamacare has many successful parts. The protection for individuals with preexisting conditions was even supported by Donald Trump during a recent Republican debate. The expansion of Medicaid is another great aspect of the law. Bernie Sanders is attempting to go further with Medicare for all, an idea that was championed by Ted Kennedy throughout his entire career. But, the mandate is a failure and never should have been part of the law.

I have written before about how I have been against the mandate since having experience with it in Massachusetts. Critics of the law point out that even with government subsidies some people just can't afford to purchase health insurance. In 2008 during the Democratic primary Obama criticized Hillary Clinton's call for a federal health insurance mandate. He argued that fining people who already can't afford to pay for health insurance is double jeopardy -- they cannot afford the insurance and now also cannot afford the fine. He also argued against the idea of sending people to jail for not paying their fines, a possibility under the law.

And, he was right to raise those concerns. Plenty of people have demonstrated that they can not afford health insurance. Obamacare's enrollment numbers through the exchanges reveal this. Exchange enrollment is lower than the Congressional Budget Office estimated by around eight million people. Additionally, a large share of Americans are signing up for health coverage through the exchanges and then not staying current with their premium payments through the end of the year. In 2015 11.7 million people were signed up for health insurance through the exchanges at the beginning of the year. Only 8.8 million still had health insurance coverage at the end of the year -- a 25 percent decline.

Obama's plan for health care in 2008 called for the federal government to offer health insurance subsidies without a mandate to purchase insurance for adults. This plan was much more market driven and offered Americans the opportunity to buy insurance if they wanted it and found it useful, but they were not forced to do so if they didn't want it or couldn't afford it. And, we have found that a lot of people either do not want insurance or can not afford insurance even with the federal subsidy.

Aside from the affordability question, The New York Times reported that a large share of people who purchased health insurance through the exchanges found that the deductibles for their plan are so high that the insurance is useless. And, considering affordability, in 2016 premiums went up at an average rate of 10 percent across the United States. So, people who were having problems affording coverage in 2015 will certainly not be able to afford coverage this year.

A smart first step in improving Obamacare would be to dump the mandate. I would also add that since the law was proposed it has been missing a key aspect of controlling health insurance costs -- a cap on insurance premium increases, making it a boondoggle for insurance companies. Obamacare has not and may not ever actually achieve universal coverage, a flaw that calls into question its prudence. I know many Democrats do not want to refight the battle over passing a health care bill, especially considering that Republicans currently control both houses of Congress. But, if the makeup of Congress does change, they should immediately consider replacing Obamacare with a better law. Bernie Sanders' "Medicare for All" proposal is an idea with strong Democratic bonafides. If given the chance, Congress should pass it into law to replace the Affordable Care Act.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 1 hour ago.

PYA (Pershing Yoakley & Associates), a national management consulting and accounting firm, joins Bellin Health and Enli Health Intelligence in a webcast to help providers facilitate substantive discussions and decision-making for participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) April 01, 2016

With the quickly approaching deadline to file a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI) for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), national management consulting and accounting firm PYA has teamed up with Bellin Health, a Wisconsin-based integrated healthcare delivery system and MSSP Accountable Care Organization, and Enli Health Intelligence, a market leader in population health management technology, to offer yet another provider resource. Together, via a webcast, they will explore the rapid growth of MSSP, its financial significance and impact on the delivery model, and the way it positions providers to pursue other value-based initiatives.

“Looking for a Medicare ACO Roadmap? An Industry Webcast” will feature a panel of nationally recognized experts with direct MSSP experience who will discuss the case for MSSP participation. The live one-hour webcast takes place Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. It will cover the objectives and requirements of the MSSP, including the application process and timeline, reporting criteria, and classification tracks; explore the relationship between MSSP and other value-based initiatives; and demonstrate technology’s role in meeting MSSP requirements. Panelists include PYA Consulting Principal Martie Ross; Bellin Health Medical Director of Population Health, Dr. Brad Wozney; and Enli Chief Population Health Officer, Dr. Jacquelyn Hunt.

“It’s important to first understand the significance of participating in the MSSP,” said Ross. “This webcast offers providers who are contemplating taking the plunge information they can use to facilitate substantive discussions and decision-making—but that’s only a start."

“Applying for the MSSP is a multi-step process with several hard-and-fast deadlines, the first of which is May 30, 2016, for filing the NOI. That’s where PYA can further assist,” said Ross. “We work with providers to evaluate the MSSP opportunity and help them complete the full application.”

PYA has also developed other complimentary provider resources—among them, a newly updated white paper, Medicare ACO Road Map, which condenses hundreds of pages of MSSP regulations down to the core requirements, and an infographic which illustrates the route providers can take to the MSSP destination of shared savings. Both resources are available on PYA’s website.

About PYA

For over three decades, PYA (Pershing Yoakley & Associates), a national healthcare consulting firm, has helped clients navigate and derive value amid complex challenges related to regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, governance, business valuations and fair market value assessments, multi-unit business and clinical integrations, best practices, tax and assurance, business analysis, and operations optimization.

PYA’s steadfast commitment to an unwavering client-centric culture has served the firm’s clients well. PYA is now ranked by Modern Healthcare as the nation’s 9th largest privately owned healthcare consulting firm. PYA affiliate companies offer clients world-class data analytics, professional real estate development and advisory resources for healthcare providers, self-insured employer health insurance claims audits for Fortune 500 companies, wealth management and retirement plan administration, and business transitions consulting.

For more information, please visit http://www.pyapc.com. Reported by PRWeb 19 hours ago.

More wages, less health insurance. In a recent survey, one in five people with employer-based coverage said they would opt for fewer health benefits if they could get a bump in their wages. Reported by ajc.com 17 hours ago.

Josh Terraneau - State Farm insurance agent, is proud to announce he will be participating in the 2016 Hero Walk for Autism.

Riverside, CA (PRWEB) April 01, 2016

The 4th Annual Hero Walk for Autism, which takes place on Sunday, April 17, starts at 1 p.m. at the Riverside City College baseball stadium at the Evans Sports Complex (Field A) and is sponsored by the Inland Empire Autism Society. “I am honored to assist this altruistic organization in its support of people with autism and those families who have loved ones with autism,” said Josh Terraneau - State Farm insurance agent, who has two autistic nephews. “In addition to walking, I will be a vendor and sponsor of the event, and I encourage the entire community to come out and walk.”

The Hero Walk for Autism is a call for all superheroes and princesses to support their local autism community. The event includes a resource fair and family fun day featuring an assortment of free activities designed for children and teens with autism and their families, including face painting, arts and crafts, and more. All funds raised stay in the Inland Empire.

Children (17 years and under) and individuals with autism will be admitted free. Adults pay $15 to register. The first 1,000 adults who register will receive a Hero Walk drawstring bag; the first 600 children who register will receive an Autism Awareness bandana. Parking is free for all attendees. For more information or to register to walk, please visit http://www.ieautism.org/autism-walk/.

About Josh Terraneau - State Farm insurance agent
Josh Terraneau offers auto, home and property, life and health insurance. For more information, please call 951-784-4353, or visit http://www.sfriverside.com. The office is located at 5053 La Mart Drive, Suite 103, Riverside, CA 92507.

About the NALA™
The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers in the digital age, while providing a single-agency source that helps them flourish in their local community. The NALA offers its clients an array of marketing tools from press release campaigns and social media management to a cause marketing program. The NALA’s mission is to make businesses relevant and newsworthy, both online and through traditional media, by providing increased exposure at reasonable costs. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.

Top head lice treatment company continues to expand throughout south Florida, bringing removal services to families and schools.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB) April 01, 2016

Lice Troopers, the Miami-based head lice removal company, recently announced plans to expand once again. Their new clinic, which will be their sixth location, will be located in Kendall, Florida. As head lice epidemics continue to plague families and schools, parents and teachers are often left scratching their heads about the most effective way to handle the problem. But Lice Troopers presents an all-natural treatment solution that parents can feel good about.

While the main course of attack has traditionally been over-the-counter drugstore remedies, health-conscious parents are questioning the risks of this kind of chemical exposure. Consumer Reports also recently reported that these treatments are proving ineffective as lice become increasingly resistant. This reality, coupled with the immense about of time often required to deal with an infestation, has parents looking for more efficient solutions. In many cases that means putting their child’s head in the hands of a professional.

Lice Troopers, a professional, all-natural lice removal service with locations from southern Florida to Brooklyn, New York, has been meeting the need for professional lice removal services for over twenty-five years and has seen the demand for their safe, all-natural services only increase.

To continue to meet the demand of parents and schools in the Miami area, they have recently announced that they’re expanding once again, this time to Kendall, Florida. Located at 13027 SW 88th Street, Miami Florida, 22186, the child-friendly salon will serve families and schools in Kendall and the surrounding areas, including Doral, Hialeah, South Miami, Pinecrest and Cutler Bay.

Said Lice Troopers owner, Arie Harel, “We’ve been amazed by the demand. Honestly, parents don’t have time to deal with lice and we don’t blame them. They bring the kids to the salon and our professionals handle the job safely and effectively in the time it takes for them to sit and have a cup of coffee. Parents love the peace of mind in knowing that when they walk out of our clinic, the lice are gone for good. We even guarantee it. “

The new clinic is set to open April 12, 2016. As a grand opening promotion, Lice Troopers will be offering complimentary lice screenings and invites families in the area to visit the clinic and meet the team.

Lice Troopers is the all-natural, guaranteed Head Lice Removal Service™ that manually removes the head louse parasite safely and discreetly in child-friendly salon settings, or other chosen location. Providing safe solutions for frantic families, the Lice Troopers team has successfully treated thousands of families nationwide, with services widely recommended by pediatricians and reimbursed by many major health insurance carriers, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.