Here's How Much People Are Really Paying for Health Insurance

Plenty of data-hounds have been crunching numbers on health insurance premiums lately, based on the prices insurance companies quote on healthcare.gov and state marketplaces. Online brokerage EHealth (EHTH) has today published something new: a look at the prices people are actually paying to buy policies through its site.

 

Rather than just look at the rates insurers are offering, EHealth’s price index shows the average monthly premium of all the plans its customers purchased over the previous two weeks. Here’s a screenshot showing the index since October:

 

 

 

These are premiums for individual policies across the U.S. People buying on EHealth can’t get federal subsidies, so customers are bearing the full cost of the premiums.

 

The curve shows that people who signed up early bought the most expensive policies, paying more than $350 per month in October and early November. They probably represent pent-up demand from people with preexisting conditions who—before Oct. 1—couldn’t get insurance or could buy policies only at sky-high prices. For people with preexisting conditions who know they’re going to need medical care, it makes sense to buy more generous policies with higher premiums.

 

The price of the average policy purchased on EHealth declined through the fall and leveled off at the start of January. It has consistently been a few dollars above $270 for a month.

 

Will the average price drop further as we get closer to the March 31 open enrollment deadline? That’s when young people and other healthy procrastinators are expected to buy coverage in the largest numbers. A healthier group that expects fewer medical costs in the year ahead might seek out plans that trade lower premiums for higher deductibles.

Safe Ways to Stay Warm in a House With No Heat

Whether you’re trying to save money on your utility bill, dealing with a power outage or shivering through a furnace breakdown, staying warm in a home with sub-zero temperatures outside can be a challenge. Here are some ways to keep toasty.

 

 

 

Seal doors

 

Prevent outside air from getting inside your home by installing door sweeps at the bottom of all exterior doors. They’re inexpensive, simple to put on and can keep dust and pests out, too.

 

Weatherize windows

 

Keep cold air out of your home by sealing window gaps.

 

Insulate the attic

 

An under-insulated attic lets cold air in and warm air out. Proper insulation, however, can not only keep your home comfortable by retaining warm air from the heater or furnace, but can save up to 20% on your utility bill. Check out our fun infographic for more DIY home projects.

 

Let the sun in

 

Open your curtains, shades and blinds and let the sunshine in. Natural sunlight is warm, free and it can even give your mood a boost.

 

Dress warmly

 

Rather than immediately cranking up the thermostat when you get chilly, add a sweater or dress in layers. Still cold? Pull on some thermal socks and snuggle up in a cozy blanket.

 

Get active

 

Raise your body temperature by walking, exercising indoors or cleaning. You’ll feel warmer, lose calories and will have spiffed up the house. Save on your heating bill and keep your home comfortably warm on frigid days by following the tips above.

8 Helpful Safety Tips for Driving in a Snowstorm

 

The first winter storm of the year brought heavy snow, strong winds and record-low temperatures to much of the country. Icy roads were blamed for several deaths and numerous car accidents. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates 168,300 crashes a year occur on snowy or icy pavement. If you absolutely must drive, follow these tips for driving in the snow.

 

1. Maintain a safe following distance

 

Ensure there are 3 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself enough time to stop safely and avoid a collision. In slick or icy conditions, double the 3-second rule to 6 seconds.

 

2. Clear snow

 

If you’re can’t see out all vehicle windows, you can’t drive safely. Remove snow and ice from all windows and side mirrors.

 

3. De-ice your windshield

 

Keep your windshield washer tank full at all times. Be sure wiper blades are in good condition.

4. Learn how to control a skid

 

In a skid, help gain control by steering in the direction you want your vehicle to go.

 

5. Avoid using cruise control

 

You need to be alert and in control at all times, so save cruise control for normal road conditions.

 

6. Reduce your speed

 

Slow down. It can take much longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions.

 

7. Use your anti-lock brakes (ABS) properly

 

ABS brakes can be effective. Just maintain firm, constant pressure. Your vehicle owners’ manual explains how they work and how they should be used in inclement conditions.

 

8. Install snow tires

 

Compared to all-weather tires, snow or winter tires have tread designed to maintain a better grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Experts recommend installing winter tires on all 4 wheels.

 

For added peace of mind, create an emergency car kit using our list of winter driving gear. Driving in snow increases the chances of an accident, so prepare yourself by remembering these safety tips when you get on the road.

Fun Indoor Activities to Beat Winter Boredom

 

 

Are the brutal sub-zero temperatures, blizzards and short days keeping your little ones cooped up indoors? Cure cabin fever with these fun winter activities for kids:

 

Get creative with a DIY project

 

Bring out the craft supplies and help your youngster’s inner artist shine through. Kid-made thank-you notes and birthday cards are personal, creative and cute. To make a flower design, for instance, have your little one simply dip their fingers into finger paint and press on a piece of paper to make petals and leaves.

 

Take a healthy cooking class

 

Introduce basic food preparation skills by teaching your kids how to cook healthy meals. They’ll learn how to read recipes, follow instructions, measure ingredients and establish good nutritional habits, while making tasty treats. Before you head to the kitchen, be sure to follow safe cooking practices.

 

Learn the value of giving

 

Have your children search their closets for outgrown clothes or toys they’re willing to part with. Rather than throwing these items away or waiting for your spring yard sale, donate them to a local charity like the Salvation Army. You’re helping the less fortunate and getting rid of clutter.

 

Get off the couch and exercise

 

Turn off the TV or video games and start moving! Doing scavenger hunts, participating in obstacle courses, even having pillow fights are a few ways to keep kids active.

 

Build a fort

 

On a frosty day, there’s no better way to stay warm than building a cozy fort out of blankets, chairs and pillows. Kids love to pretend that they’re in a secret hideaway, so let your child’s imagination run wild while they build their own creative fortress.

 

Don’t let the freezing temperatures put a chill on your winter fun. These indoor activities for kids will help keep the winter blues away.

 

What other kid-friendly indoor activities would you add to the list?

12 Must-Have Winter Emergency Car Kit Items

A snow-covered landscape may be a beautiful sight, but icy roads, strong winds and snowdrifts can make winter driving treacherous. It’s wise to have an emergency kit in your car in case it gets stuck or breaks down. Here are some items it should contain:

 

 

1. Ice scraper or snow brush

 

Poor visibility can make driving dangerous. Remove ice and snow from your all your windows.

 

2. Windshield washer fluid

 

Since you may use more windshield washer fluid on snowy and icy days, keep your fluid reservoir full and carry an extra jug of winter-rated fluid in your trunk.

 

3. Foldable shovel

 

Stuck in the snow? It’s smart to keep a small shovel in your trunk to help dig your wheels out.

 

4. Sand, salt, or cat litter

 

Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk. Throw several handfuls under spinning tires for better traction on snow or ice.

 

5. Jumper cables

 

Car batteries take a beating in the winter, so carry jumper cables. Be sure to read directions about how to connect them to a working vehicle.

 

6. Flares or reflective triangles

 

You want to be seen if your car breaks down or is stuck. Emergency flashing lights, flares and reflective triangles can alert oncoming traffic of your plight.

 

7. Flashlight and batteries

 

Always carry a flashlight and fresh batteries. It helps you to see and be seen by other drivers.

 

8. Tow rope

 

A tow rope of proper strength can be used to pull your vehicle out by another. Check your car’s owners manual for how and where to attach the rope and how to proceed.

 

9. Cell phone and charger

 

Be sure your cell phone is fully charged or you have a phone charger in your car. Or consider having a backup phone to contact a towing service or emergency personnel.

 

10. First-aid kit

 

A first-aid kit can save your life in an emergency. Consider purchasing a pre-stocked kit or make sure your DIY version contains bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, antiseptic, scissors, thermometer, safety pins, tweezers and hand sanitizer.

 

11. Blankets and hand warmers

 

Keep a warm blanket, sleeping bag or metallic “space blanket” in your car to help retain body heat and keep you warm if you’re stranded. Hand warmers and an extra pair of gloves are smart ideas, as well.

 

12. Bottled water

 

A person can live for days without food, but our bodies need water. Avoid dehydration by stashing several bottles of water in your trunk.

 

If you live where snowfall is common, a winter emergency car kit is essential, but take precautions to avoid getting into an emergency situation. Have your mechanic give your car a bumper-to-bumper once-over to ensure it’s ready for winter driving.

Get Your Child To School Safely With These Tips

 

 

Ensuring a child’s safety is a number one priority. Whether your child walks to school, takes the bus, rides a bike or is driven to school, the National Safety Council offers tips parents can use to make sure their child arrives safely.

 

Walking

 

Walking to school is a good way for kids to socialize with their schoolmates and become familiar with the neighborhood. If your youngsters are old enough to walk to school, plan a safe route with the fewest street crossings. Practice the route with them several times until you’re confident they can make the trip safely on their own. If possible, have them walk with friends, since there’s safety in numbers. Don’t forget to discuss traffic safety with your kids and stress the importance of walking on sidewalks.

 

Biking

 

Biking to school is great exercise, but accidents can happen. Before letting your kids ride on the streets, be sure they’re familiar with traffic signals and street signs. Instruct them to ride on the right-hand side of the road with the flow of traffic, rather than against it. To help reduce head injuries, have them wear approved bike helmets – regardless of how short the trip. And if they must ride at night, make them visible with proper lighting and reflective clothing.

 

Taking a Bus

 

Riding a bus can be a fun and convenient way to get to school. Since most injuries occur while getting on or off the bus, teach your kids school bus safety. Have them wait for the bus on the sidewalk, rather than in the street. When the bus arrives, wait for it to completely stop before boarding. Tell them to follow the bus driver’s instructions and remind them not to push or shove. Exit the bus holding the handrails to avoid slipping and falling. Lastly, remind them to walk 10 steps in front of the bus so they can see the bus driver before crossing the street.

 

Getting a Ride

 

While it may seem safe to drive your kids to school, there are measures you can take to help prevent car injuries. If your children are too young to wear seatbelts, place them in age and weight appropriate car seats or booster seats. Allow enough travel time so you don’t have to speed. Never text or use your phone while driving. There will be children going to school along your route that may cross the road unexpectedly. As you approach a school, slow down and watch out for kids darting into the streets.

Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset?

What’s your biggest asset? Your home? Your car? Many Americans don’t realize they have failed to protect their biggest asset: their income.

 

When you do the math, the money you will earn before retirement is probably more significant to your family’s financial well-being than the value of your home or car. What if your family’s income is unexpectedly disrupted due to a death in the family?

 

According to a recent survey by Nationwide Financial, Americans are $1.2 million short on average when it comes to protecting their income with life insurance.

 

Do the math

Consider an individual who makes $50,000 a year with plans to retire in 30 years. This person is likely to earn at least $1.5 million before retirement. Assume this individual has $300,000 in life insurance coverage. While this may seem like a lot of money on the surface, it is approximately $1.2 million less than what this person would have earned for the family. In fact, $300,000 in coverage replaces just six years of income for the surviving family. When the life insurance money is exhausted, the family’s income will be reduced by $50,000 a year for 24 years. If this person’s family can’t generate new income, they will almost certainly be forced to adjust their standard of living.

 

More affordable than you may think

The good news is that life insurance is cheaper than most consumers think. The cost for a healthy 35-year-old to purchase a $1.5 million 20-year term life policy may be less than $65 per month.2That’s enough to erase or at least greatly reduce the average income replacement gap, and it’s less than many people pay to insure major assets like their home or car. Talk to an insurance agent or financial advisor about what you can do to reduce your income replacement gap. Nationwide Financial offers a free life insurance calculator to help consumers figure out how much coverage they need: nationwide.com/life.