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Fender-Bender Faux Pas

_o8f1289a1In the heat of the moment, following a car accident, we sometimes use poor judgment. With the adrenaline pumping, the temptation is to say too much. In a recent MSN Money post, we are given 4 great ‘Do-not’ pointers. Keeping these points in mind can save you hours of headache (both figuratively & literally):

What not to do after a car accident:

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. It can be used against you later on. You want to control your case and the release of information. Insurance companies must ask you for your permission in order to record an interview.

Do not make friendly conversation with adjusters. Stick to business and only tell them the “who,” “what,” “when” and “where.” Don’t even tell them the how at this point.

Do not give out any information about your family. Do not give out the names of your doctors.

Do not sign a medical release. Federal law protects your medical records. The insurance companies may use this release to dig through all your medical history, even things not related to the car accident.

via 5 things never to tell your insurer – MSN Money.

A Boyfriend With (Health) Benefits

Although fff doesn’t recommend boyfriends as a source of healthcare benefits, this is still very funny.

The Other Side of the Healthcare Crisis

In October ’08, reason.tvs Nick Gillespie proposed a solution to the ‘healthcare crisis’. He proposal: buy insurance. Watch & see.

Maybe there is some truth to the Gillespie plan.

According to “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States,” a Census Bureau report published last August, 45.6 million persons in the U.S. that did not have health insurance at some point in 2007. This ’45.6 million’ number has made its way into numerous President Obama speeches. But as an article by Investors.com points out, that number is wildly misleading:

  • Of that 46 million, 9.7 million were not U.S. citizens, according to a Census Bureau report.
  • Also among the uninsured are 10 million Americans who live in households where the annual income exceeds $50,000.
  • Also among the uninsured are 7 million Americans who live in households where the annual income exceeds $75,000.
  • 40% are between ages 18 and 34
  • 60% of the total group reported being in excellent health or very good health.
  • Most uninsured Americans are only without coverage for a short time