What to Do After a Head Injury

 …’a CT scan of the head showing an empty space marked by the arrow were the damage originally occurred’… (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you or any member of your immediate family has been affected by head or brain injury the first thing to do is deal with the injury and start on the road to recovery. The next step on that potentially long road is to either personally seek advice from a specialist head injury solicitor, or for your next of kin to seek professional advice. Almost every incidence of head injury or brain trauma is the result of the action, inaction, negligence or criminal activity of a third party. If you are unsure in any way who to turn to in order to seek legal advice, the person treating the victim for head injuries is often a good place to start. 

Head injury advice and where to get it

The first place anyone who has been affected by head injury and brain trauma should seek advice from is the person involved in the immediate treatment and aftercare. They are involved in dealing with incidents of head and brain injury every day and probably have details of a specialist law firm to hand which can offer head injury advice.

I say a specialist law firm because brain trauma advice and head injury advice are way above the normal personal injury claim, and require specialist knowledge and a strong legal team behind the claim. Not only will the entire team have specialist training, they will also have the backup of specialist accident and injury investigators. Investigating the exact cause and reason for the injury isn't enough.

Investigating the lead up to the injury, the circumstances surrounding the events which caused the injury and the after events are all crucial to any subsequent compensation claim. Not only should the head injury advice from the care team be taken into consideration but expert witness statements from specialists such as neurosurgeons  psychiatrists and nursing and after care experts such as physiotherapists, can all add weight to a valid claim for compensation for injuries.

Long term care and ongoing costs

Many victims of head injury and brain trauma make a full recovery but there are also a vast number of victims whose injuries mean their lives are irrevocably changed. They may be unable to return to their job because the injuries preclude them from physical work as a result of injuries and subsequent disability. It may be that the injuries sustained have changed their personality and they are unable to concentrate, are reduced to outbursts of anger or maybe worse. The victims of head and brain trauma are individuals and the ways in which injuries affect one person are as unique as the person affected.

Ongoing costs for care and medication are also compounded by the routine of everyday bills and living expenses, especially if there are mortgages to pay, children to educate and the myriad costs the average person has to face during their lives. No amount of financial compensation can turn back the clock, but it can take the worry out of what may be an uncertain future.

Graham Green is a freelance writer and has frequently written about and investigated the myriad circumstances which cause head and brain injury in the hope that head injury advice offered helps the victims face the future with confidence.

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How the Affordable Care Act will Affect Seniors

During this presidential election, both candidates seem to have all the answers about how to improve the healthcare system, and so much attention has been placed on Medicare that some people have begun to panic. In all the political fireballs that have been thrown around about how much each candidate's plan will cost seniors, there has erupted a kind of "mediscare" – that isn't really necessary. 

Making Sense of the Costs

Medicare is a social insurance program that spreads the financial risk associated with illness. The government created Medicare in 1965 in order to guarantee health insurance to certain groups of people who were more vulnerable to medical conditions – such as Americans past the age of 65 or those with disabilities. Before Medicare, for-profit private insurers could hike premiums or deny coverage to people who were older or who had poor medical histories, leaving many people uninsured.

Today, Medicare faces major financial challenges, but any claim that Medicare is going bankrupt is a big exaggeration. Seniors can expect to see changes in Medicare over the next decade, but will not be stripped of coverage. Politicians have proposed a variety of options to balance the Medicare budget, most of which include cutting spending as well as raising taxes.

In order to insure some high-risk Americans who choose to receive services via private plans through Medicare Advantage, the government has been paying extra subsidies to private companies. This, in turn, has created a higher cost for seniors. The $716 billion dollars that the ACA will cut from the Medicare budget can be found in the 14-20% that the government is currently overpaying to private companies.

This reduction will occur over 10 years as the government decreases payments to drug companies, hospitals and other providers; but does not cut payments to Medicare beneficiaries. In fact, the plan promises to lower Medicare costs and premiums through implementing these cuts. Though this approach makes healthcare more affordable to the consumer, some are anticipating that hospitals and clinics will begin restricting its services for Medicare patients.

It is, in fact, Medicare's hospital coverage (Part A) fund that is depleting the most rapidly. Medicare's hospital fund is financed through payroll taxes; and the history of Medicare has seen an almost constant increase on the workforce and employers to maintain the fund. The Affordable Health Care Act will add a new tax on high-income earners that will contribute to the fund. Beginning in 2013, single taxpayers with an income of over $200,000 and married couples with a combined income of $250,000 will pay an additional 0.9% in payroll taxes in contribution to the Medicare fund.

Resources:

A Campaign Full of Mediscare

Whose Plan Destroys Medicare – Obama's or Romney-Ryan's?

A cut or Savings? The $716 Billion Question

Keeping People and Companies Accountable

The Affordable Health Care Act is making changes to protect the consumer from insurer abuses. The ACA requires that insurance companies use 80% of premiums on medical care and quality. Those companies who fail to meet the criteria will be obligated to return the difference to the American public in the form of rebates. This law was created in response to the increasing premium rates that have been fueled by rising administrative costs within the insurance industry, such as marketing and CEO salaries. The law regulates the industry's focus to a contribution to the care of patients and the health of consumers.

The ACA also hopes to bridge the gap in quality of care by providing financial incentives to hospitals. Currently, almost 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted within 30 days, which results in billions of wasted funds on preventable hospital readmissions. Hospitals that reduce these rates will receive some form of financial incentive. An additional measure to promote quality is a new regulation that will require rates of infection developed in hospitals to be disclosed to the public.

Though the ACA works to keep companies accountable, it has no set policy to keep fraudulent claims at bay. Jim Capretta, Director of e21's ObamaCare Watch Project, cited the Government Accountability Organization statistics that reveal the annual cost of fraud and abuse in the Medicare system at $60 billion. Though the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are currently working to develop a system that combats fraud, the GAO has released reports that say progress has been made, but that more needs to be done. Thus, seniors and all beneficiaries of Medicare could expect stricter regulations in terms of identity protection and claim legitimacy in the future.

The ACA also includes an Elder Justice Act that will provide community education programs that will help seniors identify local scams or online fraud. This piece of legislation will also provide for victim assistance for abused or neglected elders. The ACA will provide funding for the prosecution of those who victimize seniors through fraud or by overcharging for services.

Resources:

The 80/20 Rule: Providing Value and Rebates to Millions of Consumers

Does ObamaCare cut or save $716 billion in Medicare? Depends on who you ask

Affordable Care Act: What you Don't Know could Help You

Managing Prescription Costs

A report released in August by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cited 5.4 million Medicare patients had saved more than $4.1 billion on prescription drugs in 2011. These savings came from a 50% discount on covered brand-name drugs and a discount on generic drugs. The initiative is the first step of a 10-year course that will provide 100% of prescription drug coverage for seniors on Medicare. This course of action is referred to as "closing the donut hole".

Resources:

People with Medicare Save More than $4.1 billion on Prescription Drugs

Understanding the IPAB Board

Recently, the IPAB Board has come under scrutiny of those who oppose the ACA. This new government agency is the Independent Payment Advisory Board. It was created in accordance with the ACA in 2010, and its primary agenda is to regulate Medicare spending without affecting coverage. The IPAB Board is explicitly restricted from recommending rations to healthcare. It cannot decide to raise premiums, increase deductible, coinsurance or co-payments. It also cannot change eligibility requirements, restrict benefits or make recommendations for revenue accrual.

So what can this board do? The IPAB board will make broad policy decisions that will affect Medicare's overall cost. The board can reduce how much the government pays health care providers. It can reduce payments to hospitals with high readmission rates. The board can also recommend ways to cut wasteful spending.

The IPAB has the big task of keeping Medicare on budget while also keeping the quality of care up to par. The IPAB can, in no way, determine what types of services or treatments are offered by Medicare. The anticipated issue continues to be that by restricting payment to doctors and hospitals, these institutions will lose money and will resist receiving Medicare patients. This means it may become more difficult for patients to find a hospital that accepts Medicare.

Resources:

Paul Ryan said "15 Unelected, Unaccountable Bureaucrats" could "Lead to Denied Care for Current Seniors”

Brenda Watson is a former HR coordinator who currently writes for healthinsurancequotes.org. When she's not writing, you can find Brenda quilting or baking casseroles. To reach Brenda, you can leave her a comment! She loves hearing from readers.

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Why a Business Credit Card is So Important

credit cards (Photo credit: [s e l v i n])

Among the so many varieties of credit cards, one of the most underestimated is the value of a business credit card. Many people do not choose to apply for a business credit card because aside from having a definite target market— the business owners or business executives—it seems to be complicated to use. 

Although a business credit card has more requirements and has higher interests compared to other types of credit cards there is, contrary to the common conception, t can be very helpful if used properly. 

What is a business credit card?

Basically, business credit card is for the business people’s consumption. Compared to the regular credit card, a business credit card has a high limit plus low interest rates. Depending on the manner of choosing, a business credit card may also bring a lot of automatic benefits.
Since it is targeted towards businessmen or those people who are heading towards building a business, a business credit card can definitely benefit these small businesses. A business credit card helps the budding business by extending payments while improving the cash flow. Aside from bearing the image of a dependable credit card, business credit card boasts of having detailed reports and giving quality customer service as its major trademarks.

Aside from having limits and low interest rates, a business credit card provides many alternatives and numerous credit options for small businesses. A business credit card also caters to large corporations that are crafted to aid those people who are starting with their own business to grow while closely monitoring the baseline of credit. 

Simplifying business credit cards

It really pays to go to the bank when one applies for a credit card to get the chance to answer all immediate inquiries. But since business credit card is for business people who are always on the go, many business credit card issuers offers online applications for business credit cards. When one applies for a business credit card, there is no need to visit the bank. There is also no need to wait in the queue just to talk to a bank representative. 

When you apply business credit card online, all you have to do is to select the business credit card option that would perfectly suit your small business or corporate credit requirements right from the comforts of your home or office. 

Aside from offering safe, secured, and simple processes that are designed help you take care of your starting business, most business credit cards online offer accessible features for the convenience of the business credit card holder like the online payment and reporting. Customized company logos and access to instant cash are also available on line. Other business credit card online offers detailed reporting features for easy monitoring and access.
Most business credit card applications offer free fee for the first year and no pre-set spending limit or finance charges. Other business credit card offers viable membership rewards program that enables the member to earn points towards travel, merchandise and other rewards for his or her business. 

Some of these business credit cards offer small businesses a line of credit up to $100,000 at a competitive APR as low as prime + 1.99% for both cash and check purchases; 100% of the line is available as cash and no collateral is required. The business credit card holder or customer might receive fee-free checks as well as a card to access the account. 

Everyday savings or exclusive savings, express approvals, no annual fee, up to 5 percent rebates on all qualified purchases, and 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases during first half of the year of card membership are some of the great offers of most business credit cards. 

Although majority of the business credit card issuers offer great value deals, it is very important to research first what does your business needs. Whether your business credit card is meant for investing in inventory or just for payroll, it is significant to look for a flexible business credit card that can handle almost anything. 

Whether you opt to go directly to the bank or apply for a business credit card online, a number of premier business credit card suppliers are there to help you find the right credit card product as easy and convenient as possible.

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Holiday Shoppers Using Layaway Plans to Stay Debt Free

Layaway Now for Christmas (Photo credit: eric731)

The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. Shoppers wanting to stay debt free are using layaway plans.  Layaway allows a shopper to reserve an item and make interest-free payments toward the purchase of that item. The consumer receives the product when it is paid off.

"Layaway can be an option to survive Christmas shopping without going into credit card debt and paying high interest payments," says Bill Hardekopf of LowCards.com. "But consumers have to guard against impulse buys even on layaway purchases. You need to determine if you can make all the payments before the deadline. Don't use layaway if you can pay in cash."

When using layaway plans it's best to be aware of the many rules and fees associated with them. Layaway is not free, but retailer competition is forcing service fees to be decreased or even eliminated. Toys R Us waived its $5 service fee on layaway orders made by October 31. Walmart lowered its service fee from $15 to $5, but you can get this back as a gift card after your final payment. Sears is dropping the service fee--$5 for an eight-week contract and $10 for a 12-week contract--for orders placed through October 29 and from November 2 to December 3. Kmart's fee is similar to Sears' and it is being waived through November 15.

Be aware of the rules concerning layaway plans:

• Layaway plans aren't specifically regulated by federal law so consumers need to get the layaway terms of the store in writing before purchasing an item. 
• Know all of the details and conditions of the plan. Know when you have to pay off the item and the dates that each payment is due. Ask what happens if you are late or miss a payment, or if you no longer want the item after making a few payments. Know what occurs if the item goes on sale after you've started the layaway plan. 
• Be familiar with the refund and exchange policies for an item on that specific layaway plan.

Rules specific to stores:

Toy R Us - Toys R Us requires a deposit of at least 20% of the total price of your order plus all applicable taxes. 50% of the total price of your order must be paid within 45 days and the total price of your order must be paid within ninety days or by the "Holiday Cutoff", whichever is sooner. Your contract will be automatically cancelled and ordered merchandise will be returned to stock if you have not made payment of 50% of the total price of your order within 45 days or your balance is not paid in full within ninety days.

Sears - Sears layaway is available on purchases made September 29 through October 29 or November 2 through December 3. It requires a down payment and biweekly payments. Four payments of balance due are required after down payment for an eight-week contract and six payments of balance due are required for a twelve-week contract. All fees are nonrefundable.

Walmart - Walmart requires a $10 or 10% down payment. The minimum total purchase must be over $50 and individual items must be $15 or more. Layaway is available through December 14 and final payment and pick up must be made by that date. If your account is cancelled, the items will be returned to inventory and a $15 fee will not be refunded.

Best Buy - Best Buy layaway is available year-round with a 25% initial down payment plus a 5% nonrefundable layaway fee. The items must total $250 or more. Consumers must make a payment every two weeks until your balance is paid in full.

Target - Target does not offer layaway.

This year would be a good time to try layaway plans. It will help you stay within your budget and keep you from going into debt again this year.

What You Need in Order to Set up a High Interest Savings Account

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In this day and age, where jobs are only safe today and incomes fluctuate wildly, saving is perhaps one’s best bet at securing a future and also making one or two long-held wishes come true along the way. The problem is that the practice and habit of savings is changing as the world around us changes, too, and technologies are updated. 

Another deciding factor in this respect is what to look for in such an account. An inexperienced banking service client can even end up making poor decisions in such a scenario. The ideal picture, when you’re looking to save money, is that you will also be making money out of your good idea and wise caution. How so? 

Essentially because you will be helping to make the bank more secure, by providing it with much-needed liquidities. As such, before signing on with any particular bank, it’s wise for you to look into several options, read up on current trends on http://business-cafe.org/ and decide for a quality product, such as a high interest savings account. In what follows, we will be telling you all you need to know before opening such an account. What do you need? What factors should you be taking into consideration? Read on to find out. 

Personal Identification Documents

As with setting up any type of account, be it a banking account or an online platform account, you will need to provide certain types of identification information. As per usual, banks require you to provide one form of identification with a picture, or, alternatively, a primary source of identification with a picture and one without. You will need to fill in forms with all your personal details. If you’re setting up an account which also allows for another holder, you will also be required to provide their details, too. The most valuable piece of information required in this stage is your tax file number, also known as the TFN, which will allow you to no longer pay the withholding tax on your new account. Also, if you plan on linking several accounts, you will have to provide information on all the other accounts, too. 

Setting up the Specifics

The main question you need to ask yourself before setting up the savings account is how much money you’re willing to set aside each week, and, respectively, how much money you want to see piling up in your account by the time your savings span is over. These two factors are interconnected and require some preliminary thought. You can’t jump in head first and hope everything is going to be all right when it comes to money—not even when it’s about saving money, instead of spending it. 

You need to know precisely what your monthly costs are, from bills to rent to what you spend on food and other current items. Once you’ve established your margins, you’ll be able to set yourself much more at ease with such an important decision. You will be able to focus exclusively on your high interest, which you need to remember is the main perk of such an account. Remember never to set up a savings account with a given bank if you believe a different institution could give you a better interest rate.

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Funding Your Floridian Dream Post Retirement Financial Strategies

Retirement doesn't automatically mean that you get to live off your savings and investments. Many people use post-retirement financial strategies to fund their Floridian dreams.

Invest in Gold

Via Wall Street Manna

The value of gold tends to increase as other areas of the economy decline. Stock market crashes and monetary inflation can cause the value of gold to skyrocket. Investing in gold, therefore, hedges you from other strategies that might fail. Plus, you can always exchange gold for money.

If you want to learn more about making money from gold investments, read The Gold Video articles often. The site can teach you about everything from spotting fake gold to finding great hiding places in your home so you can avoid bank fees.

Start a New Career as a Consultant

Via Bloomsburg Businessweek

You developed a lot of useful skills during your career. You can keep using those skills on an independent basis by working as a consultant. The amount that you earn will depend on what skills you have and how much you want to work. A senior business consultant could earn more than $100,000 a year.
Young businesses might not want to hire retirees as full-time workers, but many of them will spend good money to learn important lessons. As a consultant, you can offer that service. You even get to set your own hours so you can enjoy your retirement even while you work.

Become a Foster Parent

Via FamilyFormation.com

If you love children, then you should consider becoming a foster parent. Not only will you help the thousands of children who need foster care, but you can also make a little money. Foster parents typically get paid between $446 to $667 a month. They might get more if they take care of children with special needs.
The government provides this money to support the foster children, but it can also make your retirement lifestyle more affordable. Part of that money, after all, goes to housing expenses. You can use it to pay your mortgage or rent without feeling guilty.

Learn to Become an eBay Maven

Via Toy N Bee

As a retiree, you have at least one big advantage over everyone else: you have plenty of time. Many retirees have used their free time to become eBay mavens. They spend their afternoons visiting thrift stores for great deals, then they auction off the best items for a profit.

eBay claims that anyone can make $100 a week on their site. Don't feel intimidated by the technology. eBay has a rather simple user interface that works well for experienced and inexperienced computer users alike. If you feel anxious by the very thought of selling things online, contact your local library about computer education classes that can help you feel more comfortable.

You can make your Floridian dream a reality when you think creatively and use your best assets to make money well into your retirement.

Author bio: Natalie Bracco is a freelance writer and an amateur baker. When she's not busy in the kitchen, you can find her writing about technology, travel, food and finance. Follow her on Twitter @nataliebracco.