(reprinted by permission of Minnie Apolis, from her Newsvine column)
A documentary made by an emergency room physician would seem have an edge at giving viewers an up-close look at the pressures faced by doctors from insurance and drug companies. And this film, titled Health, Money and Fear by Dr. Paul Hochfeld is an intelligent and incisive analysis of the myriad problems facing the healthcare industry in the United States.
The documentary is ninety minutes of well-done analysis and interviews with physicians and other health care professionals about the reasons why healthcare costs are out of control. The list includes:
*Insurance and Administrative Expenses: Processing costs eat up too many healthcare dollars and are inefficient.
*Malpractice Issues: Fear of being sued leads most doctors to order unnecessary tests just to cover themselves.
*Medical Records Chaos: Paper records are prone to errors and are not shared in a timely fashion with emergency or other providers.
*Pharmacy Costs: Pharmaceutical companies claim that drug prices are high because they need to recoup research expenses, yet marketing expenditures are twice what is spent on research.
*End of Life Care: If an elderly person develops a grave illness like a brain tumor, should we spend a half million to a million dollars on surgery and therapy, or just make them comfortable?
*Primary Care Crisis: The lack of new doctors going into primary care means that no one is encouraging positive lifestyle changes that could keep symptoms from becoming chronic diseases.
And the completely rational proposals to solve each of these problems are:
*Adopt a Single-Payer Health Plan
*Liability Reform
*Electronic Medical Records
*Disallow Mass Marketing of Prescription Drugs
*Public Education
*Funding of Primary Care
Stay tuned to the end of the DVD where the single-payer plan is compared to a Prom Committee that can negotiate better prices, and more efficiently, than many payers each trying to contract for different services from a plethora of providers.
More information on the Single-Payer plan is available online at: Health Care Meltdown by Bob Lebow from Amazon.com, Single-Payer FAQ from pnhp.org/facts/singlepayer_faq.php, and Campaign for a National Health Program at cnhpnow.org.
The 48-minute DVD, Health, Money and Fear is by Dr. Paul Hochfeld and produced by Dr. Graham Walker. It is dated February 2009. Dr. Hochfeld can be reached at phochfeld @ msn.com. More information is available at ourailinghealthcare.com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Strategy to Keep Inheritance Taxes Low as Possible
By the Columnist
What might be your best strategy for maximizing growth while shrinking the tax bite from your estate? Most of us want to leave as much as possible to our heirs, rather than to the government, or to other beneficiaries like a college, school or charities.
And there is nothing illegal in that. Designing your portfolio to legally minimize the tax bite is perfectly rational and legitimate. Using well-designed life insurance policies, which are not taxable, is one way to do that.
One option to do so is to pay a single-premium immediate annuity. This HAS to be a life-only annuity, in order to avoid being included in the estate. This immediate annuity will generate a comfortable annual income. Depending on how high-value a plan you buy into, you could hit the 40 percent tax bracket. But this is still going to be a smaller hit than the estate tax to the full value of the the estate had you not purchased the annuity.
You could still use money that you do not need to live on, and pay that into a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust. This will sweeten the inheritance pot for your heirs. You can also
use this idea for joint and survivor plans in the case of husband and wife. Designate the surviving spouse as the primary beneficiary, and the children as secondary beneficiaries who receive an equal share of the payout. Seek advice on how to minimize gift taxes to your beneficiaries.
Some number-crunching backs this up. If you deposit one million dollars in certificates of deposit for say, 5 percent interest, you generate income of $50K and a tax of $20K. The inheritance tax will take a large bite, and you will leave $550K (roughly) to your heirs. If you put a million dollars into this immediate annuity, your yearly income could be $90K (if the plan pays 9 percent), but the tax bite is lower, only $5,600. In the end, your estate is still worth $1.1 million at the end of the tax year. You have managed to leave twice as much to your heirs, and much less to the government.
Of course, should you be so lucky as to die in 2010, you would avoid the federal estate taxes altogether. But few of us a privileged to know when we will leave this earth and this mortal shell. And that also brings up the only possible negative about this strategy: if you outlive your life expectancy, the proceeds of the annuity will be fully taxable once you have received all your original principal. Natch.
The parameters of the ideal candidate for this strategy are as follows: is over age 70, is insurable, and possessing an estate worth at least $3.5 million and facing tax liability on that estate. 'Estate' includes all forms: cash and other liquid assets, stock, property, insurance policies, art or collectibles, etc.
What might be your best strategy for maximizing growth while shrinking the tax bite from your estate? Most of us want to leave as much as possible to our heirs, rather than to the government, or to other beneficiaries like a college, school or charities.
And there is nothing illegal in that. Designing your portfolio to legally minimize the tax bite is perfectly rational and legitimate. Using well-designed life insurance policies, which are not taxable, is one way to do that.
One option to do so is to pay a single-premium immediate annuity. This HAS to be a life-only annuity, in order to avoid being included in the estate. This immediate annuity will generate a comfortable annual income. Depending on how high-value a plan you buy into, you could hit the 40 percent tax bracket. But this is still going to be a smaller hit than the estate tax to the full value of the the estate had you not purchased the annuity.
You could still use money that you do not need to live on, and pay that into a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust. This will sweeten the inheritance pot for your heirs. You can also
use this idea for joint and survivor plans in the case of husband and wife. Designate the surviving spouse as the primary beneficiary, and the children as secondary beneficiaries who receive an equal share of the payout. Seek advice on how to minimize gift taxes to your beneficiaries.
Some number-crunching backs this up. If you deposit one million dollars in certificates of deposit for say, 5 percent interest, you generate income of $50K and a tax of $20K. The inheritance tax will take a large bite, and you will leave $550K (roughly) to your heirs. If you put a million dollars into this immediate annuity, your yearly income could be $90K (if the plan pays 9 percent), but the tax bite is lower, only $5,600. In the end, your estate is still worth $1.1 million at the end of the tax year. You have managed to leave twice as much to your heirs, and much less to the government.
Of course, should you be so lucky as to die in 2010, you would avoid the federal estate taxes altogether. But few of us a privileged to know when we will leave this earth and this mortal shell. And that also brings up the only possible negative about this strategy: if you outlive your life expectancy, the proceeds of the annuity will be fully taxable once you have received all your original principal. Natch.
The parameters of the ideal candidate for this strategy are as follows: is over age 70, is insurable, and possessing an estate worth at least $3.5 million and facing tax liability on that estate. 'Estate' includes all forms: cash and other liquid assets, stock, property, insurance policies, art or collectibles, etc.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Improve Your Financial Advising Skills For Pennies, or Less!
What is the cheapest way to improve your financial advising skills and business? Is it to go to some posh seminar (at a cushy spa) that you earned for free on a company contest? That might be a very pleasurable way to do so, sure. But how about doing something all year to improve your business, and yet it costs only pennies or better yet, is FREE? Yes, free.
You may qualify for free magazine subscriptions that will keep you abreast of all the top news and tips in your field.
Do you know what is the hottest area of interest now in investing? It is still global investing; where are the new burgeoning economies? Where do we go now? Is China's economy going to flatline because of the United States recession? And what about Europe? Europe is even more dependent on monetary issues than Americans are.
How about a free subscription to Global Finance magazine? All you have to do is click. Keep up with currencies, risk management, mergers, banking, capital markets, and more. Click this link and get smarter.
Are you an accountant? Do you know what it takes to grow your small firm into a medium or regional company? Would you like to keep up with your field without adding to the cost of maintaining your skills? Would you like to keep up with the issues in the accounting field?
You can learn how to grow your accounting practice into a healthy regional firm. Read feature stories and case studies that illustrate tax, accounting and financial issues. Would you like a FREE subscription to Practical Accountant? All you have to do is click this link and get smarter.
But come back and get a second free magazine subscription. We have yet another free professional magazine called Accounting Today. Do I have to tell you why this is the most popular accounting magazine out there? You need to keep up with the news that affects the way you conduct business to stay on the right side of the law -- a law that keeps changing every time you turn around. Just click here and get smarter.
Those are not the only FREE magazine subscriptions for professional people we have to offer. No, we have magazines for financial advisors, too. Are you an investment advisor? We have Investment Advisor magazine -- an authoritative voice on products, planning and improving customer relationships. Just click here for a FREE subscription and get smarter.
You are even welcome to sign up for yet another FREE subscription to a fine financial magazine. Financial Advisor is exclusively for independent financial planners and RIAs. Helping your clients achieve their goals is how you achieve your goal, which is growing your practice. Just click here and learn how to prosper in a more competitive market than ever.
Do you manage pensions and investments? Don't you need to keep up with what's happening in the money management business? Get two free issues of Pensions and Investments and see if it isn't worth your while to get smarter. (and subscribe for half price)
And of course there is the established leader in business news: Business Week. Get four free issues of Business Week and see if it doesn't explain current events in a whole new light. Click here and start getting smarter now.
Are you in the collections field? Do you process payments in plastic or online? Keep up with progress in everything related to the electronic payments field. Marketing, loyalty, debit cards, stored-value cards (one of the hottest fields of growth), and more. Sign up for a FREE subscription to Cards&Payments. Just click here and get smarter.
You may qualify for free magazine subscriptions that will keep you abreast of all the top news and tips in your field.
Do you know what is the hottest area of interest now in investing? It is still global investing; where are the new burgeoning economies? Where do we go now? Is China's economy going to flatline because of the United States recession? And what about Europe? Europe is even more dependent on monetary issues than Americans are.
How about a free subscription to Global Finance magazine? All you have to do is click. Keep up with currencies, risk management, mergers, banking, capital markets, and more. Click this link and get smarter.
Are you an accountant? Do you know what it takes to grow your small firm into a medium or regional company? Would you like to keep up with your field without adding to the cost of maintaining your skills? Would you like to keep up with the issues in the accounting field?
You can learn how to grow your accounting practice into a healthy regional firm. Read feature stories and case studies that illustrate tax, accounting and financial issues. Would you like a FREE subscription to Practical Accountant? All you have to do is click this link and get smarter.
But come back and get a second free magazine subscription. We have yet another free professional magazine called Accounting Today. Do I have to tell you why this is the most popular accounting magazine out there? You need to keep up with the news that affects the way you conduct business to stay on the right side of the law -- a law that keeps changing every time you turn around. Just click here and get smarter.
Those are not the only FREE magazine subscriptions for professional people we have to offer. No, we have magazines for financial advisors, too. Are you an investment advisor? We have Investment Advisor magazine -- an authoritative voice on products, planning and improving customer relationships. Just click here for a FREE subscription and get smarter.
You are even welcome to sign up for yet another FREE subscription to a fine financial magazine. Financial Advisor is exclusively for independent financial planners and RIAs. Helping your clients achieve their goals is how you achieve your goal, which is growing your practice. Just click here and learn how to prosper in a more competitive market than ever.
Do you manage pensions and investments? Don't you need to keep up with what's happening in the money management business? Get two free issues of Pensions and Investments and see if it isn't worth your while to get smarter. (and subscribe for half price)
And of course there is the established leader in business news: Business Week. Get four free issues of Business Week and see if it doesn't explain current events in a whole new light. Click here and start getting smarter now.
Are you in the collections field? Do you process payments in plastic or online? Keep up with progress in everything related to the electronic payments field. Marketing, loyalty, debit cards, stored-value cards (one of the hottest fields of growth), and more. Sign up for a FREE subscription to Cards&Payments. Just click here and get smarter.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Alphabetical List of Long-Term Care Insurance Carriers
Accurate as of January 2009. Most plans use as a trigger the inability to meet 2 of the 6 ADL's (activities of daily living which are bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring), and many also accept Cognitive Impairment. No endorsement is implied or given by listing these insurance carriers. You must determine which plan is best for you.
Advanced Resources Marketing --
www.armltc.com 617-783-2622. Group and individual. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size 10. Trigger: TQ. Portable. Elimination periods zero to 100 days.
Aim Marketing & Ins. Services --
www.AimMarketing.com 600-245-2467. Available in all states. Issue ages 25-80. Minimum group size three. Portable. Elimination periods – all available.
AJF Consultants --
www.ajfconsultants.com 866-901-5323. Available in all states. Issue ages: any. Minimum group size: any. Portable. Elimination periods: none.
Allianz Life --
www.allianzlife.com 800-950-7372. Available in all states EXCEPT CA HI MA NY. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size 10. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 7, 30, 60, 90, 180, 365.
American Financial --
www.afmus.com 800-880-3072. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive. Portable. Elimination periods – zero to 365.
American Independent --
www.aimforltc.com 800-672-7202. Available in AK AZ AR CA CO HI ID KS LA ME MI MO MT NE NV NM NY OK OR TX UT VT WA WY. Issue ages 18-99. Minimum group size five. Portable. Elimination periods – many options. Many benefit triggers to choose from.
American Insurnet Agency --
www.AmericanInsurnet.com 800-333-4638. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-89. Minimum group size five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive. Portable. Elimination periods – zero day for home care; zero-30-90-180-354 for nursing home.
American Life & Health --
www.amlifegroup.com 800-992-1492. Available in all states EXCEPT CA CT KS ME MA NH NJ NY PA RI VT AND WA. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size: case by case. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 90 days only.
Assurity Life Insurance Co. --
www.assurity.com 888-276-7619, x 3774. Available in all states EXCEPT FL NY AND VT. Issue ages 40-84. Minimum group size, none, but discount with 10 members. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 90, 180.
Berkshire Life Insurance --
www.TheBerkshire.com 888-505-8743. Available in all states. Issue ages 40-84. Minimum group size, none, but discount with 10 members. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 90, 180.
Equitable Life & Casualty --
www.Equilife.com 800-352-5121. Available in all states EXCEPT AK CA CT DE DC FL GA HI ME MD MA MN NH NJ NY PA RI VT WA WI. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, none. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment (requires physician statement). Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365.
GamePlan Financial --
www.gameplanfinancial.com 770-517-2765. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, to 365.
Gelbwaks Insurance --
www.gelbwaks.cm 954-236-9999 x104. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-70. Minimum group size three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 20 to 180 days.
Golden Benefits --
goldenbenefits.com 415-454-3359. Available in California. Issue ages 18-79. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 60, 90.
Great American Life --
www.aimsltc.com 800-325-9876. Available in all states EXCEPT CA CT HI NJ NY. Issue ages 18-89. Minimum group size, five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 100, 180, 365.
Guaranty Income Life --
www.gilico.com 800-535-8110 x292. Available in AL AZ AR CA CO FL GA IL IN IA KY LA MI MS MO MT NE NV NM NC ND OH OK OR SC TN TX UT WY. Issue ages to age 85. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment (requires physician statement). Portable. Elimination periods – 90.
Harbor Insurance --
www.HarborIns.com 866-424-2167. Available in all states EXCEPT NY. Issue ages varies by carrier. Minimum group size, any. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – varies by carrier.
Insurance Network America --
www.InsuranceNetwork.com 800-456-7999. Available in all states EXCEPT CA HI MA NY. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, one. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 7, 30, 60, 90, 180, 365.
John Hancock --
www.JohnHancockLTC.com 800-330-4598, 800-330-4582. CareChoice plan available in AL AK AZ AR CT DC GA IL IN IA KS KY ME MA MS MO NV NH NM NY OH OK OR RI SC SD WV WI and WY. Corporate Choice plan available in all states EXCEPT CA FL TX WA. Corporate Solutions plan available in all states EXCEPT CA NY. Issue ages 18 to retirement. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90.
LifeSecure Insurance Co. --
www.YourLifeSecure.com 810-220-4613. Available in AL AZ AR CO DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA MD MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NM ND OH OK OR SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WI WY. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 90.
LTCi Decision Systems --
www.LTCia.com 800-360-9853 or 720-922-9060. No details were furnished to reporting group.
MedAmerica Insurance Co. --
www.medamericaltc.com 800-544-0327. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size ten. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90, 180 days.
Metropolitan Life Insurance --
www.metlife.com 888-776-3882. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 20, 45, 100 days.
Nationwide Financial --
www.nationwide.com 800-321-6064. Available in all states EXCEPT MN MT WA. Issue ages 21-80. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 90 days.
Pacific Advisors --
www.PacificAdvisors.com 877-455-9580. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30 to 180.
Rampart America --
www.RampartAmerica.com 800-221-4623. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90.
Roster Financial --
www.RosterFinancial.com 800-933-6632. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size, five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90, 180 days.
Senior Market Sales --
www.SeniorMarketSales.com 800-786-5566 x4. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – zero to 730, depending on carrier.
The Prudential --
www.Prudential.com 800-732-0416. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-79. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 out of 365 days.
Transamerica --
www.TransamericaLTC.com 817-285-3604. Available in all states EXCEPT GA ID MT PA VT. Issue ages 18-79. Minimum group size, five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – zero, 30, 60, 90, or 180.
Trustmark --
www.TrustmarkSolutions.com 800-840-4692. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-80. Minimum group size, 100. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 90 days.
Underwriters Marketing Service --
www.Callums.com 800-524-1774. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – varies.
Unum --
Unum.com 800-421-0344. Two plans, GLTC Advantage and Group LTC. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-80. Minimum group size, ten or 15 depending on which plan is selected. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 20 to 730 days.
Wachovia Insurance Services --
www.Wachovia.com 803-765-3520. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-75. Minimum group size, ten. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – most have 90-100 days.
Zenith Marketing Group --
www.ZenithMarketing.com 800-733-0054. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-79. Minimum group size, four. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 90, 180, 365.
Advanced Resources Marketing --
www.armltc.com 617-783-2622. Group and individual. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size 10. Trigger: TQ. Portable. Elimination periods zero to 100 days.
Aim Marketing & Ins. Services --
www.AimMarketing.com 600-245-2467. Available in all states. Issue ages 25-80. Minimum group size three. Portable. Elimination periods – all available.
AJF Consultants --
www.ajfconsultants.com 866-901-5323. Available in all states. Issue ages: any. Minimum group size: any. Portable. Elimination periods: none.
Allianz Life --
www.allianzlife.com 800-950-7372. Available in all states EXCEPT CA HI MA NY. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size 10. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 7, 30, 60, 90, 180, 365.
American Financial --
www.afmus.com 800-880-3072. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive. Portable. Elimination periods – zero to 365.
American Independent --
www.aimforltc.com 800-672-7202. Available in AK AZ AR CA CO HI ID KS LA ME MI MO MT NE NV NM NY OK OR TX UT VT WA WY. Issue ages 18-99. Minimum group size five. Portable. Elimination periods – many options. Many benefit triggers to choose from.
American Insurnet Agency --
www.AmericanInsurnet.com 800-333-4638. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-89. Minimum group size five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive. Portable. Elimination periods – zero day for home care; zero-30-90-180-354 for nursing home.
American Life & Health --
www.amlifegroup.com 800-992-1492. Available in all states EXCEPT CA CT KS ME MA NH NJ NY PA RI VT AND WA. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size: case by case. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 90 days only.
Assurity Life Insurance Co. --
www.assurity.com 888-276-7619, x 3774. Available in all states EXCEPT FL NY AND VT. Issue ages 40-84. Minimum group size, none, but discount with 10 members. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 90, 180.
Berkshire Life Insurance --
www.TheBerkshire.com 888-505-8743. Available in all states. Issue ages 40-84. Minimum group size, none, but discount with 10 members. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 90, 180.
Equitable Life & Casualty --
www.Equilife.com 800-352-5121. Available in all states EXCEPT AK CA CT DE DC FL GA HI ME MD MA MN NH NJ NY PA RI VT WA WI. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, none. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment (requires physician statement). Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 365.
GamePlan Financial --
www.gameplanfinancial.com 770-517-2765. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, to 365.
Gelbwaks Insurance --
www.gelbwaks.cm 954-236-9999 x104. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-70. Minimum group size three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 20 to 180 days.
Golden Benefits --
goldenbenefits.com 415-454-3359. Available in California. Issue ages 18-79. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 0, 30, 60, 90.
Great American Life --
www.aimsltc.com 800-325-9876. Available in all states EXCEPT CA CT HI NJ NY. Issue ages 18-89. Minimum group size, five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 100, 180, 365.
Guaranty Income Life --
www.gilico.com 800-535-8110 x292. Available in AL AZ AR CA CO FL GA IL IN IA KY LA MI MS MO MT NE NV NM NC ND OH OK OR SC TN TX UT WY. Issue ages to age 85. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment (requires physician statement). Portable. Elimination periods – 90.
Harbor Insurance --
www.HarborIns.com 866-424-2167. Available in all states EXCEPT NY. Issue ages varies by carrier. Minimum group size, any. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – varies by carrier.
Insurance Network America --
www.InsuranceNetwork.com 800-456-7999. Available in all states EXCEPT CA HI MA NY. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, one. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 7, 30, 60, 90, 180, 365.
John Hancock --
www.JohnHancockLTC.com 800-330-4598, 800-330-4582. CareChoice plan available in AL AK AZ AR CT DC GA IL IN IA KS KY ME MA MS MO NV NH NM NY OH OK OR RI SC SD WV WI and WY. Corporate Choice plan available in all states EXCEPT CA FL TX WA. Corporate Solutions plan available in all states EXCEPT CA NY. Issue ages 18 to retirement. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90.
LifeSecure Insurance Co. --
www.YourLifeSecure.com 810-220-4613. Available in AL AZ AR CO DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA MD MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NM ND OH OK OR SC SD TN TX UT VA WV WI WY. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 90.
LTCi Decision Systems --
www.LTCia.com 800-360-9853 or 720-922-9060. No details were furnished to reporting group.
MedAmerica Insurance Co. --
www.medamericaltc.com 800-544-0327. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size ten. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90, 180 days.
Metropolitan Life Insurance --
www.metlife.com 888-776-3882. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 20, 45, 100 days.
Nationwide Financial --
www.nationwide.com 800-321-6064. Available in all states EXCEPT MN MT WA. Issue ages 21-80. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 90 days.
Pacific Advisors --
www.PacificAdvisors.com 877-455-9580. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30 to 180.
Rampart America --
www.RampartAmerica.com 800-221-4623. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90.
Roster Financial --
www.RosterFinancial.com 800-933-6632. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-85. Minimum group size, five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90, 180 days.
Senior Market Sales --
www.SeniorMarketSales.com 800-786-5566 x4. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – zero to 730, depending on carrier.
The Prudential --
www.Prudential.com 800-732-0416. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-79. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 out of 365 days.
Transamerica --
www.TransamericaLTC.com 817-285-3604. Available in all states EXCEPT GA ID MT PA VT. Issue ages 18-79. Minimum group size, five. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – zero, 30, 60, 90, or 180.
Trustmark --
www.TrustmarkSolutions.com 800-840-4692. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-80. Minimum group size, 100. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 90 days.
Underwriters Marketing Service --
www.Callums.com 800-524-1774. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-84. Minimum group size, three. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – varies.
Unum --
Unum.com 800-421-0344. Two plans, GLTC Advantage and Group LTC. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-80. Minimum group size, ten or 15 depending on which plan is selected. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 20 to 730 days.
Wachovia Insurance Services --
www.Wachovia.com 803-765-3520. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-75. Minimum group size, ten. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs. Portable. Elimination periods – most have 90-100 days.
Zenith Marketing Group --
www.ZenithMarketing.com 800-733-0054. Available in all states. Issue ages 18-79. Minimum group size, four. Trigger: Unable to meet 2 of 6 ADLs or severe cognitive impairment. Portable. Elimination periods – 30, 90, 180, 365.
Alphabetical List of Pharmacy Benefit Managers
(accurate as of November 2008) Providing this list does NOT imply endorsement, and none should be assumed. You must determine which company's plans best suit you.
Aetna Pharmacy --
www.aetna.com More than 59K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Disease management programs. Has mail order and call centers.
DrugsBestBuy.com --
www.DrugsBestBuy.com 207-439-2600. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Save up to 46 percent on generics, up to 15 percent on brand name drugs. Does not offer disease management. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Express Scripts Inc. --
www.Express-scripts.com 866-408-3719. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states EXCEPT DC AND ME. Minimum number in group determined by plan sponsor. Disease management programs administered by LifeMasters. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Independent Health's Pharmacy Benefit --
www.IndependentHealth.com 716-635-7873. More than 50K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 250. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
InformedRx Inc. --
www.sxc.com 630-577-4710. More than 55K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. No disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Millennium Administrators Inc. --
www.millennium-tpa.com 866-644-2489. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 20. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy (thru mail order) and call centers.
Navitus Health Solutions --
www.navitus.com 480-838-1105. More than 55K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 100. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Outlook RX --
www.OutlookVision.com 800-342-7188. More than 55K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. No disease management programs. Has call centers, but no mail order or internet pharmacy.
Partners Rx Management --
www.PartnersRx.com 480-624-9400. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 25. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Prescription Solutions --
www.RxSolutions.com 760-215-3639. More than 62K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Prime Therapeutics --
www.PrimeTherapeutics.com 651-414-4198. More than 58K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Disease management programs thru Prime's clinical program PrimeImpact. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Restat --
www.restat.com 800-926-5858. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. No disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
ScripNet Inc. --
www.ScripNet.com 818-878-0296. More than 58K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Designed for groups that spend over $500K annually on workers' compensation prescription drugs. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Aetna Pharmacy --
www.aetna.com More than 59K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Disease management programs. Has mail order and call centers.
DrugsBestBuy.com --
www.DrugsBestBuy.com 207-439-2600. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Save up to 46 percent on generics, up to 15 percent on brand name drugs. Does not offer disease management. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Express Scripts Inc. --
www.Express-scripts.com 866-408-3719. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states EXCEPT DC AND ME. Minimum number in group determined by plan sponsor. Disease management programs administered by LifeMasters. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Independent Health's Pharmacy Benefit --
www.IndependentHealth.com 716-635-7873. More than 50K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 250. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
InformedRx Inc. --
www.sxc.com 630-577-4710. More than 55K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. No disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Millennium Administrators Inc. --
www.millennium-tpa.com 866-644-2489. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 20. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy (thru mail order) and call centers.
Navitus Health Solutions --
www.navitus.com 480-838-1105. More than 55K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 100. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Outlook RX --
www.OutlookVision.com 800-342-7188. More than 55K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. No disease management programs. Has call centers, but no mail order or internet pharmacy.
Partners Rx Management --
www.PartnersRx.com 480-624-9400. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Minimum number in group: 25. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Prescription Solutions --
www.RxSolutions.com 760-215-3639. More than 62K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Prime Therapeutics --
www.PrimeTherapeutics.com 651-414-4198. More than 58K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. Disease management programs thru Prime's clinical program PrimeImpact. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Restat --
www.restat.com 800-926-5858. More than 60K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. No minimum number in group. No disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
ScripNet Inc. --
www.ScripNet.com 818-878-0296. More than 58K pharmacies in network. Available in all states. Designed for groups that spend over $500K annually on workers' compensation prescription drugs. Disease management programs. Has mail order, internet pharmacy and call centers.
Seven Practical Icebreakers that you can use during your next meeting
Looking for ways to break the ice at your next office meeting? Here are some surefire winners.
- Have participants write down one question that they would like to have answered during the training session. Have them introduce themselves and read their question.
Have participants introduce themselves and explain one thing they have learned the hard way about the topic you are covering. Post the "Lessons Learned" on a flip chart and refer to them throughout the session.
Use a quiz as an icebreaker. Ask questions that the participants may all know. Sample questions: What are the names of the planets, starting from the one closest to the sun? Name the seven continents of the world?
Ask each person who they would most like to have dinner with and why.
Explain that many companies have slogans or mottos about their corporate values. Ask each person to write (or borrow) a slogan to describe himself or herself and share it with the group.
Ask each person to share one thing that makes him or her unique.
Ask for volunteers to share something good or new that they have experienced in the last 24 hours.
Alphabetical List of Providers of 401k Plans
The following is a list of carriers and administrators that offer 401k plans. It is up to date as of Fall 2008, but we do not guarantee that it is an all-inclusive list. Please consult with your certified financial planner regarding specific features of plans that will best fit your needs. Providing this list does NOT imply endorsement, and none should be assumed. You must determine which company's plans best suit you. The data is accurate as of October 2008; my apologies for not getting this up sooner.
401kBrokers.com and 401kAdministrators.com --
www.401kBrokers.com. 800-474-3826. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: 0.25% and no extra charge for setup, loans, termination, tax returns, agency or placement fees. For COMPANY 401k plans, the charge is 0.25% plus $1000. Distributions upon request.
Advanced Benefits Consulting --
314-539-0836. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies with complexity of plan.
Alliance Benefit Group --
www.abgNational.com. 800-242-2356. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Quotes are per plan, and are based on average account balance. Distributions within 8 days of request.
Alliance Pension Consultants --
www.AlliancePension.com. 847-291-9440. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Quotes based on plan specs and parameters. Daily retirement distributions.
American United Life Insurance Co. --
www.OneAmerica.com. 866-313-7355. Available in all states except New York. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies by product. Daily retirement distributions.
Assurity Advisors Inc. --
www.AssurityAdvisors.com. 800-284-8576. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies. Daily retirement distributions.
Belanger and Co. Inc. --
www.BelangerandcCompany.com. 610-239-9750. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: $1850 plus an additional $10 per participant. Setup fees: $750 plus $150 per participant per year. Billed monthly.
Benefit Consultants --
www.bcionline.net. 888-968-2422 x22. Available in AL FL GA MS TN. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Vary based on assets. Distributions subject to plan designs.
BenefitStreet Inc. --
www.BenefitStreet.com. 925-328-4547. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: $450 setup, $500 conversion.
Century Benefits Consulting Inc. --
www.Benefits-shmenefits.com. 415-647-8144. Available in all states. Offers plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies with plan structure.
Charles Schwab --
www.scrs.schwab.com. 877-456-0777. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Quotes on case-by-case basis.
CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc. --
www.cpiqpc.com 800-279-9916 x765. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies depending on plan selected.
Daily Access Corp. --
888-535-4322. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee:$85 loan set-up fee; $50 annual maintenance fee.
EBS Benefit Solutions, Inc. --
www.ebsbenefitsolutions.com. 585-421-4400. Available in all states. Strictly an administrator, does not offer rollovers etc. Fees depend on product plan, support or “open mutual fund architecture”.
Employee Benefit Systems Inc. --
www.ebspesnion.com. 570-223-8402. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: $1000 set-up; on-going $900 plus $30 eligible.
Entrust New Direction IRA Inc. --
www.NewDirectionIRA.com 303-546-7930. ONLY in CO HI MT WY. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies depending on assets. Set-up fee: $350; Annual fee $300 plus investment costs.
Expert Plan --
www.ExpertPlan.com 866-929-2525. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Set-up fee: $75-$750; Annual recordkeeping fee: $75-$750; Annual participant fee: $0-$36 depending on assets.
Future Benefits of America –
www.fb401k.com 901-843-7799. Available in all states. Set-up fee: $1200; $1000 base fee; $35 per participant with balance.
Great West Retirement Services --
www.gwrs.com 877-630-4015. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: not specified here, but it does charge fees for loan origination and annual maintenance fee for each loan.
Guardian Ins. & Annuity Co Inc. --
www.GuardianRetirement.com 866-390-7268. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Setup: $750; $1250 conversion; other fees depend on assets.
Harbor Insurance Marketing --
www.HarborIns.com 866-424-2167. Available in all states EXCEPT NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with size of plan.
ING --
www.ingretirementplans.com 888-238-6243. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with assets, number of participants, and/or if there is a TPA involved.
Insurance Designers of Houston, Elite Mktg. Gp. --
www.EliteMktg.com 800-477-3548. Available in all states EXCEPT AK, DC AND HI. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with size of account.
Iron Corporate Retirement Services --
888-396-4766. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size and number of participants.
Lafayette Life Insurance Co. --
765-477-7411. Available in all states EXCEPT AK AND NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: if one participant $250; all others $1000.
Lincoln Financial Group --
www.lfg.com 877-533-9710. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
MassMutual Financial Group --
www.MassMutual.com 866-444-2601. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size and complexity.
Mercer --
www.mercer.com 866-454-6477. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies by plan.
Milberg Consulting --
www.milbergconsulting.com 800-965-0988 x101. Available in all states. Offers no rollovers, but does offer plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: setup - $1750-$3,500; ongoing fee - $2,000-$5,000.
Mutual of Omaha Retirement Services --
www.GetRetirementRight.com 877-401-7253. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size.
Newport Group --
www.Newportgroup.com 800-230-3907. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan participants and assets, funds, etc.
Ohio National Financial Services --
www.OhioNational.com 877-999-6637. Available in all states EXCEPT AK, HI, NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: setup $375; annual $675.
Online 401k --
www.TheOnline401k.com 877-775-4015. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Setup fee: from zero to $495.
Paychex Inc. --
www.Paychex.com 877-283-9520. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: starts at $95/month and $5 per participant.
Principal Financial Group --
www.principal.com 800-952-3343. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size.
Putnam Investments --
www.putnam.com 800-719-9914. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: setup starts at $250 and $500/year annual administrative fees.
Revzon Consulting Group --
www.RevzonConsulting.com 877-254-7085. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
Securian Financial Group Inc. --
www.SecurianRetirementCenter.com 877-876-4015. Available in all states EXCEPT NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
The Standard --
www.retirement.standard.com 877-805-1127. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
Sterling Trust --
www.Ster.lingTrustCompany.com 800-955-3434, option 5. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: base fee of $1250 for up to 20 participants; $1500 for 20+. Lots of features available.
Symetra Life Insurance Co. --
www.symetra.com/401k. 800-706-0700. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: None for the product. Symetra partners with Third Party Administrators to provide plan administration.
TGA, The Green Agency --
www.GreenAdvisory.com 508-224-9646. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: $900 bundled plan for less than 100 participants.
Transamerica Retirement Services --
www.TA-Retirement.com 888-401-5826. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: no setup fees, other plan fees vary with size.
Unified Trust Co. --
www.UnifiedTrust.com 859-296-4407 877-411-8781 Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: vary depending with services. Fees are online.
Wells Fargo Bank --
wwwWellsfargo.com/retirementsolutions 800-368-1225. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: setup is only $75.
401kBrokers.com and 401kAdministrators.com --
www.401kBrokers.com. 800-474-3826. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: 0.25% and no extra charge for setup, loans, termination, tax returns, agency or placement fees. For COMPANY 401k plans, the charge is 0.25% plus $1000. Distributions upon request.
Advanced Benefits Consulting --
314-539-0836. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies with complexity of plan.
Alliance Benefit Group --
www.abgNational.com. 800-242-2356. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Quotes are per plan, and are based on average account balance. Distributions within 8 days of request.
Alliance Pension Consultants --
www.AlliancePension.com. 847-291-9440. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Quotes based on plan specs and parameters. Daily retirement distributions.
American United Life Insurance Co. --
www.OneAmerica.com. 866-313-7355. Available in all states except New York. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies by product. Daily retirement distributions.
Assurity Advisors Inc. --
www.AssurityAdvisors.com. 800-284-8576. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies. Daily retirement distributions.
Belanger and Co. Inc. --
www.BelangerandcCompany.com. 610-239-9750. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: $1850 plus an additional $10 per participant. Setup fees: $750 plus $150 per participant per year. Billed monthly.
Benefit Consultants --
www.bcionline.net. 888-968-2422 x22. Available in AL FL GA MS TN. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Vary based on assets. Distributions subject to plan designs.
BenefitStreet Inc. --
www.BenefitStreet.com. 925-328-4547. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: $450 setup, $500 conversion.
Century Benefits Consulting Inc. --
www.Benefits-shmenefits.com. 415-647-8144. Available in all states. Offers plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies with plan structure.
Charles Schwab --
www.scrs.schwab.com. 877-456-0777. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Quotes on case-by-case basis.
CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc. --
www.cpiqpc.com 800-279-9916 x765. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies depending on plan selected.
Daily Access Corp. --
888-535-4322. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee:$85 loan set-up fee; $50 annual maintenance fee.
EBS Benefit Solutions, Inc. --
www.ebsbenefitsolutions.com. 585-421-4400. Available in all states. Strictly an administrator, does not offer rollovers etc. Fees depend on product plan, support or “open mutual fund architecture”.
Employee Benefit Systems Inc. --
www.ebspesnion.com. 570-223-8402. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: $1000 set-up; on-going $900 plus $30 eligible.
Entrust New Direction IRA Inc. --
www.NewDirectionIRA.com 303-546-7930. ONLY in CO HI MT WY. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Varies depending on assets. Set-up fee: $350; Annual fee $300 plus investment costs.
Expert Plan --
www.ExpertPlan.com 866-929-2525. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Set-up fee: $75-$750; Annual recordkeeping fee: $75-$750; Annual participant fee: $0-$36 depending on assets.
Future Benefits of America –
www.fb401k.com 901-843-7799. Available in all states. Set-up fee: $1200; $1000 base fee; $35 per participant with balance.
Great West Retirement Services --
www.gwrs.com 877-630-4015. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: not specified here, but it does charge fees for loan origination and annual maintenance fee for each loan.
Guardian Ins. & Annuity Co Inc. --
www.GuardianRetirement.com 866-390-7268. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: Setup: $750; $1250 conversion; other fees depend on assets.
Harbor Insurance Marketing --
www.HarborIns.com 866-424-2167. Available in all states EXCEPT NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with size of plan.
ING --
www.ingretirementplans.com 888-238-6243. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with assets, number of participants, and/or if there is a TPA involved.
Insurance Designers of Houston, Elite Mktg. Gp. --
www.EliteMktg.com 800-477-3548. Available in all states EXCEPT AK, DC AND HI. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with size of account.
Iron Corporate Retirement Services --
888-396-4766. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size and number of participants.
Lafayette Life Insurance Co. --
765-477-7411. Available in all states EXCEPT AK AND NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: if one participant $250; all others $1000.
Lincoln Financial Group --
www.lfg.com 877-533-9710. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
MassMutual Financial Group --
www.MassMutual.com 866-444-2601. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size and complexity.
Mercer --
www.mercer.com 866-454-6477. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies by plan.
Milberg Consulting --
www.milbergconsulting.com 800-965-0988 x101. Available in all states. Offers no rollovers, but does offer plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: setup - $1750-$3,500; ongoing fee - $2,000-$5,000.
Mutual of Omaha Retirement Services --
www.GetRetirementRight.com 877-401-7253. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size.
Newport Group --
www.Newportgroup.com 800-230-3907. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan participants and assets, funds, etc.
Ohio National Financial Services --
www.OhioNational.com 877-999-6637. Available in all states EXCEPT AK, HI, NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: setup $375; annual $675.
Online 401k --
www.TheOnline401k.com 877-775-4015. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Setup fee: from zero to $495.
Paychex Inc. --
www.Paychex.com 877-283-9520. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: starts at $95/month and $5 per participant.
Principal Financial Group --
www.principal.com 800-952-3343. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies with plan size.
Putnam Investments --
www.putnam.com 800-719-9914. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: setup starts at $250 and $500/year annual administrative fees.
Revzon Consulting Group --
www.RevzonConsulting.com 877-254-7085. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
Securian Financial Group Inc. --
www.SecurianRetirementCenter.com 877-876-4015. Available in all states EXCEPT NY. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
The Standard --
www.retirement.standard.com 877-805-1127. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: varies.
Sterling Trust --
www.Ster.lingTrustCompany.com 800-955-3434, option 5. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: base fee of $1250 for up to 20 participants; $1500 for 20+. Lots of features available.
Symetra Life Insurance Co. --
www.symetra.com/401k. 800-706-0700. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: None for the product. Symetra partners with Third Party Administrators to provide plan administration.
TGA, The Green Agency --
www.GreenAdvisory.com 508-224-9646. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: $900 bundled plan for less than 100 participants.
Transamerica Retirement Services --
www.TA-Retirement.com 888-401-5826. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: no setup fees, other plan fees vary with size.
Unified Trust Co. --
www.UnifiedTrust.com 859-296-4407 877-411-8781 Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Annual administrative fee: vary depending with services. Fees are online.
Wells Fargo Bank --
wwwWellsfargo.com/retirementsolutions 800-368-1225. Available in all states. Offers rollover plans, plan consolidation, and benefit statements. Administrative fee: setup is only $75.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
