doesn't take much for Richard Kreiner to get a painful reminder of how life has changed since the automobile accident a decade ago.
Too much time working on a ladder does it. So does trying to pick up a heavy load. For the 43-year-old self-employed carpenter from Lapeer County, hours on the job can trigger throbbing in his back, hips and legs.
Kreiner, who was hurt in a 1997 crash caused by another driver, has become the poster boy in a legislative showdown between the state's insurance industry and a coalition of trial lawyers, medical associations and two dozen other groups. They're battling over a 2004 Michigan Supreme Court ruling that made it harder for motorists to successfully sue the drivers who caused their injuries.
That ruling -- which bears Kreiner's name -- basically holds that only those who have suffered damage that keeps them from generally living their lives as before can win.
Since that decision, according to the coalition of advocacy groups, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled against injured motorists in 85% of the cases.
"I've really felt bitter about this over the years," Kreiner said last week. "Unless your doctor says you're totally disabled, they'll throw out your case."
Today, the state House Judiciary Committee is to begin hearings in Lansing on a bill to undo the Kreiner decision, signaling the opening round in a major lobbying campaign by the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault to amend state law and neutralize several controversial no-fault rulings by the Michigan Supreme Court's Republican-nominated majority.
The coalition includes the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Michigan Consumer Federation.
With Democrats regaining control in the House in the last election, the coalition says the time is ripe for such a change. But the insurance industry disagrees, saying the Kreiner decision has helped stabilize the insurance market by weeding out potentially frivolous suits and keeping costs down for Michigan drivers.
"We don't think Kreiner is extreme," said Peter Kuhnmuench, executive director of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, a Lansing trade group whose members are to testify at today's hearing.
If the Kreiner decision is somehow overturned, he warned, Michigan motorists could be hit with double-digit premium increases.
George Sinas, the coalition's lawyer and a no-fault insurance specialist, said it's shameful for the state to support a policy under which people with significant injuries can't recover damages.
"Kreiner is terrible public policy and extremely unjust to innocent accident victims," he said.
Proof of injury made harder
Michigan's no-fault system was created in 1973 to reduce accident suits. A model program nationally, it provided victims unlimited medical coverage, three years of wage-loss benefits and other support.
It was intended to keep premiums down, and to eliminate delays in payments by allowing drivers to collect from their own insurance companies, regardless of fault.
In exchange for providing drivers with the most generous medical benefits of any of the 12 states offering no-fault, Michigan's Legislature restricted motorists' ability to sue other drivers for diminished quality of life -- including pain and suffering, loss of social enjoyment and mental anguish -- unless the crash killed, seriously disfigured or seriously impaired a motorist.
Then in 2004 came the Kreiner decision, in which the state Supreme Court interpreted a 1995 amendment to the no-fault law by holding that a claimant must prove that his or her life is significantly altered -- be unable to generally live as before the accident -- to succeed.
Critics including Sinas said none of the requirements or key language used by the high court were part of the 1995 amendment to the law. The coalition also says that the state Court of Appeals has invoked Kreiner to dismiss at least 140 of 165 lawsuits bas
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
UniCare Sound Quotes
UniCare Sound Health Insurance Plans have a new home on the internet at www.soundhealthrates.com .
Sound health rates is the new address for the website replacing www.unicaresoundplans.com
Both addresses can take you where you want to go, but www.soundhealthrates.com is the top resource for understanding, and applying for UniCare Sound Health plans.
UniCare's Sound Health Plan is the perfect plan if you are single, between the ages of 18-40, and live in Illinois, or Texas. It is the perfect student health plan, the perfect plan while you are waiting for the next job, the perfect plan for when you are single, and it is real health insurance that limits your losses to the deductible.
Sound is Health coverage for your body, eyes, teeth. You know, the important stuff. Three simple health insurance plans, one just your flavor.
Apply online, that's it. No catches, no wasted time.
Brought to you by your tight bud's at UniCare Health Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Unicare Health Rates.
Sound health rates is the new address for the website replacing www.unicaresoundplans.com
Both addresses can take you where you want to go, but www.soundhealthrates.com is the top resource for understanding, and applying for UniCare Sound Health plans.
UniCare's Sound Health Plan is the perfect plan if you are single, between the ages of 18-40, and live in Illinois, or Texas. It is the perfect student health plan, the perfect plan while you are waiting for the next job, the perfect plan for when you are single, and it is real health insurance that limits your losses to the deductible.
Sound is Health coverage for your body, eyes, teeth. You know, the important stuff. Three simple health insurance plans, one just your flavor.
Apply online, that's it. No catches, no wasted time.
Brought to you by your tight bud's at UniCare Health Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Unicare Health Rates.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Michigan Health Insurance
Medequote is a licensed Michigan health insurance agency with over 18 years of experience in the health insurance industry. We proudly represent Humana, World, Celtic, Assurant, and UniCare in the state of Michigan.
We carry all types of individuals plans to fit your monthly budget. We offer PPO Copay plans, Deducticble only plans, and the newer HSA qualified health plans.
Please visit us at www.medequote.com, and www.medequote.net for more information on Michigan health insurance plans.
We carry all types of individuals plans to fit your monthly budget. We offer PPO Copay plans, Deducticble only plans, and the newer HSA qualified health plans.
Please visit us at www.medequote.com, and www.medequote.net for more information on Michigan health insurance plans.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Celtic Health Plans in Michigan
Celtic Insurance Company exclusively focuses on individual health insurance, receiving excellent independent evaluations of their products.CeltiCare Select PPO PlanCeltic Insurance Company's CeltiCare Select PPO provides some of the most outstanding health insurance benefits of any "individual" plan represented by MedPlan Access. In addition, Celtic offers competitive rates with an initial cost guarantee of one year.
Speedy and Convenient Online Application
Celtic also offers the convenience of an online application, which speeds up health insurance application processing time by at least one week. PHCS -- Extensive PPO NetworkThe CeltiCare Select PPO plan utilizes the PHCS PPO network, one of the most extensive health care networks in Illinois, in Michigan and throughout the country.
The CeltiCare Select PPO plan's outstanding benefits include:
A $10 office visit co-pay benefit
Optional 100% coinsurance coverage
An optional prescription drug card benefit with $10 co-pay benefit for generic drugs.
Optional preventive care coverage up to$200 per person per year.
www.medequote.net
Speedy and Convenient Online Application
Celtic also offers the convenience of an online application, which speeds up health insurance application processing time by at least one week. PHCS -- Extensive PPO NetworkThe CeltiCare Select PPO plan utilizes the PHCS PPO network, one of the most extensive health care networks in Illinois, in Michigan and throughout the country.
The CeltiCare Select PPO plan's outstanding benefits include:
A $10 office visit co-pay benefit
Optional 100% coinsurance coverage
An optional prescription drug card benefit with $10 co-pay benefit for generic drugs.
Optional preventive care coverage up to$200 per person per year.
www.medequote.net
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Shortage of meningitis vaccine in Michigan
A nationwide shortage of meningitis vaccine is causing concern among health care professionals across Metro Detroit with the start of the new school year just weeks away.
Physicians need the vaccine to immunize those at highest risk -- students entering high school and freshmen entering college.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease is rare, but can be deadly. Consequently, the vaccine is in demand.
That is why Alex Bartlett's mom made sure he received his vaccine last week. He will be entering Western Michigan University as a freshman in the fall.
"I had a best friend in elementary school that got meningitis when she got a little older," said Bartlett, 18, of Novi.
"She used to be very active in sports --better than the boys -- but when I went to see her in the hospital, she was on a respirator and looked so weak. So I knew what the disease could do. That's why I'm even telling my friends to get the vaccine."
The manufacturer of the vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur, of Swiftwater, Pa., cannot keep up with demand.
"One reason for the shortage is that we can only make so much at a time, and everybody wants it in August before kids go back to school," said Donna Cary, a spokeswoman for Sanofi Pasteur. "And the new vaccine, Menactra, was just approved in 2005, but we're actually shipping more than we did last year."
Doctors say the new vaccine is better, because it lasts eight years or more. The older vaccine, Menomune, while still available, lasts between three to five years.
However, Cary said, the manufacturer is limiting distribution of the new vaccine because of the shortage.
"They can't order more than 20 doses every 30 days," said Cary.
The disease, bacterial meningitis, is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and although rare, can lead to the amputation of extremities, or, in the worst cases, death. College freshmen living in dorms are six times more likely to contract the disease.
But physicians caution against panic. Metro Detroit is experiencing a spotty shortage. Some providers -- county health departments and the Visiting Nurse Association -- have sufficient supplies. And local hospitals have enough for their patients who may need it before surgeries, including the removal of a spleen.
But the Michigan Department of Community Health says it could use more.
Some private physicians don't have any vaccine.
Dr. Sander Lipman, a pediatrician at the Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Troy, wishes he could get even a single dose.
"I don't have any vaccine, and we've got long waiting lists," said Lipman. "We were told we would get it in batches of 20, but we're a big practice and 20 won't last very long.
"I've been doing this for 27 years, and this is the first time I'm sending students off to college without being immunized. I'm very frustrated."
To address the shortage, the CDC is asking doctors not to immunize 11 and 12-year-olds.
"By deferring the vaccine from 11 and 12 year olds, we will save the supply for those who are older and at higher risk," said Curtis Allen, spokesman for the CDC.
Physicians need the vaccine to immunize those at highest risk -- students entering high school and freshmen entering college.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the disease is rare, but can be deadly. Consequently, the vaccine is in demand.
That is why Alex Bartlett's mom made sure he received his vaccine last week. He will be entering Western Michigan University as a freshman in the fall.
"I had a best friend in elementary school that got meningitis when she got a little older," said Bartlett, 18, of Novi.
"She used to be very active in sports --better than the boys -- but when I went to see her in the hospital, she was on a respirator and looked so weak. So I knew what the disease could do. That's why I'm even telling my friends to get the vaccine."
The manufacturer of the vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur, of Swiftwater, Pa., cannot keep up with demand.
"One reason for the shortage is that we can only make so much at a time, and everybody wants it in August before kids go back to school," said Donna Cary, a spokeswoman for Sanofi Pasteur. "And the new vaccine, Menactra, was just approved in 2005, but we're actually shipping more than we did last year."
Doctors say the new vaccine is better, because it lasts eight years or more. The older vaccine, Menomune, while still available, lasts between three to five years.
However, Cary said, the manufacturer is limiting distribution of the new vaccine because of the shortage.
"They can't order more than 20 doses every 30 days," said Cary.
The disease, bacterial meningitis, is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, and although rare, can lead to the amputation of extremities, or, in the worst cases, death. College freshmen living in dorms are six times more likely to contract the disease.
But physicians caution against panic. Metro Detroit is experiencing a spotty shortage. Some providers -- county health departments and the Visiting Nurse Association -- have sufficient supplies. And local hospitals have enough for their patients who may need it before surgeries, including the removal of a spleen.
But the Michigan Department of Community Health says it could use more.
Some private physicians don't have any vaccine.
Dr. Sander Lipman, a pediatrician at the Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Troy, wishes he could get even a single dose.
"I don't have any vaccine, and we've got long waiting lists," said Lipman. "We were told we would get it in batches of 20, but we're a big practice and 20 won't last very long.
"I've been doing this for 27 years, and this is the first time I'm sending students off to college without being immunized. I'm very frustrated."
To address the shortage, the CDC is asking doctors not to immunize 11 and 12-year-olds.
"By deferring the vaccine from 11 and 12 year olds, we will save the supply for those who are older and at higher risk," said Curtis Allen, spokesman for the CDC.
Friday, July 28, 2006
World Health Insurance Strong in Michigan
World Insurance has been in business for over 100 years providing quality healthcare policies to its members. The company prides itself in providing customizable, affordable products. World Insurance is committed to high ethical standards and quality service.
World is a preferred Michigan health insurance provider with a long history of stabilty, and financial strength behind the company.Visit http://www.medequote.net/ to get a quote on World Insurance products.
World Insurance Products:
World Insurance offers several healthcare insurance products with different deductibles to meet the needs of families:
WorldCare Flex Advantage Major Medical covers a comprehensive range of medical procedures and hospitalization.
WorldCare Flex Advantage Limited covers hospital and surgical expenses.
WorldCare Value Advantage offers affordable healthcare coverage with a broad overview of benefits.
Short Term Major Medical enables people to have healthcare insurance for a short period of time. This is the perfect type of healthcare plan for those between jobs or students.
HDHP/HD Advantage is offered with the choice of several different deductibles, is a high deductible plan that allows members to use pre-tax dollars to pay approved medical expenses. This might allow members to save money on their income taxes.
World Insurance also offers a choice of dental plans to compliment its major medical policies.
For more information visit www.medequote.net
World is a preferred Michigan health insurance provider with a long history of stabilty, and financial strength behind the company.Visit http://www.medequote.net/ to get a quote on World Insurance products.
World Insurance Products:
World Insurance offers several healthcare insurance products with different deductibles to meet the needs of families:
WorldCare Flex Advantage Major Medical covers a comprehensive range of medical procedures and hospitalization.
WorldCare Flex Advantage Limited covers hospital and surgical expenses.
WorldCare Value Advantage offers affordable healthcare coverage with a broad overview of benefits.
Short Term Major Medical enables people to have healthcare insurance for a short period of time. This is the perfect type of healthcare plan for those between jobs or students.
HDHP/HD Advantage is offered with the choice of several different deductibles, is a high deductible plan that allows members to use pre-tax dollars to pay approved medical expenses. This might allow members to save money on their income taxes.
World Insurance also offers a choice of dental plans to compliment its major medical policies.
For more information visit www.medequote.net
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Michigan HSA's by Assurant
With Assurant Health, you'll get health insurance the way you want it with:
Up to an $8 million lifetime benefit maximum
Worldwide coverage, 24 hours-a-day
Your choice of doctors and hospitals from extensive networks
No referrals necessary to see a specialist
The Option to add a Health Savings Account
12 & 24 Month rate guarantees
Health Savings Account - The newest concept in the health insurance market will make health insurance more affordable by allowing consumers to save money in a tax-free account to pay for health care costs. Individuals with self-only policies can make an HSA pre-tax annual contribution of up to $2,700 and families can make an annual contribution of up to $5,450 into a HSA account in 2006. Learn More about the Assurant Health One Deductible HSA plan by visiting www.medequote.net
With a One Deductible Health Insurance Plan and a Health Savings Account (HSA), you get more than complete major medical coverage - you get potential premium savings and tax advantages* that can translate into extra money in your pocket.
Invest those extra funds in your HSA, and they're tax-deductible. Let your funds gain interest, and it's tax deferred. Withdraw the funds to pay for qualified expenses (like medical expenses, eyeglasses, braces, long-term care insurance premiums), and they're tax-free.
Leave your funds in your HSA and it works like an IRA. Explore www.medequote.net to see the many benefits of an HSA, and learn how easy it is to start and maintain this unique tax-favored account.
Michigan residents looking for an HSA need to consider Assurant health.
Up to an $8 million lifetime benefit maximum
Worldwide coverage, 24 hours-a-day
Your choice of doctors and hospitals from extensive networks
No referrals necessary to see a specialist
The Option to add a Health Savings Account
12 & 24 Month rate guarantees
Health Savings Account - The newest concept in the health insurance market will make health insurance more affordable by allowing consumers to save money in a tax-free account to pay for health care costs. Individuals with self-only policies can make an HSA pre-tax annual contribution of up to $2,700 and families can make an annual contribution of up to $5,450 into a HSA account in 2006. Learn More about the Assurant Health One Deductible HSA plan by visiting www.medequote.net
With a One Deductible Health Insurance Plan and a Health Savings Account (HSA), you get more than complete major medical coverage - you get potential premium savings and tax advantages* that can translate into extra money in your pocket.
Invest those extra funds in your HSA, and they're tax-deductible. Let your funds gain interest, and it's tax deferred. Withdraw the funds to pay for qualified expenses (like medical expenses, eyeglasses, braces, long-term care insurance premiums), and they're tax-free.
Leave your funds in your HSA and it works like an IRA. Explore www.medequote.net to see the many benefits of an HSA, and learn how easy it is to start and maintain this unique tax-favored account.
Michigan residents looking for an HSA need to consider Assurant health.
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