From the Department of Fish and Game

Avoid Unwanted Encounters With Bears at Tahoe
 
The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds people enjoying the Lake Tahoe Basin to take precautions to avoid bear encounters. This area is prime black bear habitat, and many of these wild animals are not afraid of humans. Recently, a bear had to be killed after a man in his tent was injured as the bear tried to break in.
 
Bears are constantly searching for food, which humans inadvertently make obtainable to them. It is important for everyone to avoid creating odors that attract bears. They are attracted not only to food but also perfume, cologne and containers that once held food.
 
Last year DFG staff logged more than 5,200 hours handling black bear nuisance calls in the Lake Tahoe region alone.Bears’ attempts to obtain human food cause the majority of public safety incidents involving bears. California’s growing black bear population is now estimated at more than 30,000.

Access to human food or garbage, whether it is overflowing from a campground or residential dumpster or in the form of snacks in a tent, is the most common bear attractant. When wild animals are allowed to feed on human food and garbage, they lose their natural ways – often resulting in death for the animal.
 
Feeding wildlife or allowing wildlife access to human food provides unnatural food sources, habituates animals to humans and can change animal behavior from foraging for food in the wild to relying on human food sources in or near urban areas, which can lead to bears breaking into cars or houses to seek out food. It is also illegal to intentionally
feed wildlife in California.
 
Bear Country Precautions:
●     Keep a close watch on children and teach them what to do if they encounter a bear.
●     While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.
●     Never keep food in your tent.
●     Use bear-proof garbage cans whenever possible or store your garbage in a secure location with your food. Garbage should be packed out of camp if no trash receptacles are available.
●     Never approach a bear or pick up a bear cub.
●     If you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal,
      make noise, try to appear as large as possible. If attacked, fight back.
 
California Department of Fish and Game Contact:
Jason Holley, DFG Supervising Wildlife Biologist, (916) 212-1663
Please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.htmlfor more information

One of the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is the requirement that states
create “exchanges” for the public to shop for health insurance, or the federal government will create their own state exchange. Nevada and California have decided to create their own exchanges.

What these exchanges will look like is still to be determined, but the structure is loosely defined by the federal government.  In Nevada, the public will not be required to shop or purchase their insurance through the exchange, rather they can continue to work one on one with their broker for client needs analysis, explanation of policy structure and post issue service.  In California, it is not clear what will be the role of the health broker.

It is touted that a benefit of shopping through the exchange is the disclosure to shoppers of which welfare programs
and subsidies one may qualify for, that are not being currently disclosed by brokers.  Yet in Nevada, there is no plan to require that ‘facilitators” in the exchange to be licensed or to know anything about health insurance, so it is questionable how much assistance and support a shopper would get in determining the best plan for themselves andtheir family, or what service such as claims and billing assistance they will receive without a broker.

Many states have chosen not to create a health insurance exchange under the notion that the law is unconstitutional
and to protect their state treasury.  Nevada has benefited from a million dollar grant that was part of the $105 billion illegally voted into the PPACA bill in March last year.  It is unknown what the state of Nevada will do should the funds be cut off in any of the upcoming budget battles in congress.

Healthcare Reform Update

House Republicans held a vote last week to repeal the landmark healthcare reform legislation passed last year.  Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has no plans to allow a vote in the Senate so many felt the legislation was purely political posturing.  Only time will tell.  In the meantime, the House Republicans plan to hold hearings on the negative impacts of the health reform law, while Senate Democrats staged their own hearing in an attempt to defend it.

 Many of you may not be aware of the plans the House Republicans had voiced in the last session, as they were not allowed to bring them to a vote in the Democrat controlled house.  The Republican House indicates they will be more open than their counterparts last year, so there should be some lively debate to come.  There does appear to be consensus on repealing the 1099 provision that requires businesses to issue 1099s on any vendor they pay $600 or more in a year.  Republicans also oppose new limits on flexible spending arrangements, the new deductible tax on the sale of medical devices by the manufacturer.

 Hearings were also held challenging the argument touted by Democrats that the healthcare reform bill will reduce the cost of health insurance. Medicare Actuary Richard Foster was questioned about the true costs of implementing the healthcare reform legislated Medicare reimbursement cuts.  Foster said Medicare savings can’t be used both to strengthen Medicare’s solvency and pay for expanded coverage under the health law, even though current accounting rules make that appear to be the case. He estimated that 7.4 million beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans would be unable to continue their current coverage, which Republicans say is evidence that refutes President Obama’s statement that under the health law Americans can keep they coverage they now have.

The hearings will likely serve as the foundation for a Republican version of healthcare reform.

“Snow storms and icy conditions present a particular set of driving hazards,” said Mike Menath, Owner of Menath Insurance. “Preparing your vehicle for the winter and knowing how to react in severe conditions or if stranded are the keys to safe winter driving.”

Menath Insurance recommends that the following measures be taken to avoid an accident during the cold winter months:

 Be prepared before a storm hits:

 • Have a mechanic check your car’s battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil), as well as the heating and exhaust systems to ensure that your car is in good, safe working condition.

• Try to keep your gas tank full during the winter months. Don’t allow the gas to go below half a tank. Not only will this prevent damage from freezing, you’ll avoid running out of gas if you’re stuck in a traffic jam during the dead of winter.

• Install snow tires or all-weather radials with adequate treads.

 • An adequate supply of windshield washing liquid is critical to wash away the mud and melted snow that can severely limit visibility.

• Prepare for an emergency. Keep blankets, flares, a sack of sand for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, towrope, booster cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in your trunk. You should also stock your car with material for survival, such as waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, a first aid kit, dry clothing and a brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna).

When driving under adverse winter conditions:

• Take care pulling out of streets blocked by mountains of snow. It’s often difficult to see who or what is coming.

 • Back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out.

• Be aware of joggers on the street. Often sidewalks are impassable and die-hard joggers venture onto the street for a clearer path. Unfortunately, they may not see icy spots or other hazards hidden below the slush.

• When waiting to make a left-hand turn, keep wheels pointed straight ahead. If wheels are turned to the left in anticipation of making the turn and you’re rear-ended, your car will be pushed into the path of oncoming traffic, which could result in a head-on collision.

• If your car does not have anti-lock brakes and you start skidding on the ice, try not to slam on your brakes. Gently pump your brakes to maintain better control and prevent your wheels from locking.

• If your car does have anti-lock brakes, slam on your brakes when skidding on the ice. Pumping your brakes prevents the anti-lock system from taking over.

If you must travel during a severe storm:

 • Don’t travel alone. Notify someone of your estimated time of arrival as well as your primary and alternate travel routes.

• If stuck, stay in the car and wait for help. Run the engine and heater sparingly. Also make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ventilate your car so that carbon monoxide fumes won’t poison you.

• Keep your energy. Eat food that provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Replenish your body with fluids to prevent dehydration. Don’t eat snow; it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

Established in 1981, Menath Insurance is an independent insurance agency offering a full range of insurance products including: auto, home, life, health, and commercial.

For information and quotes on insurance coverage, please visit Menath Insurance at 333 Village Blvd Ste. 203 Incline Village, NV or call 775-831-3132.

About Travelers

 Travelers understands that life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve agents and policyholders is to deliver insurance that evolves to stay in-synch with life and business as they change. For more information on being in-synch, visit www.travelers.com.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading property casualty insurer selling primarily through independent agents and brokers. The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in both the personal and commercial settings, including automobile, homeowners, construction, small business, oil and gas, ocean marine, surety and management liability, global technology and public sector services. Travelers is a Fortune 100 company, with 2007 revenues of $26 billion and total assets of $115 billion. The company has approximately 33,000 employees.

The first wave of changes came in September of 2010, and all carriers will have implemented the first phase by January 1^st 2011 or on the health plan renewal.  In addition to federal changes, California required additional changes.  The legislation became a lightening rod for the November 2010 elections and as result, a new congress will undoubtedly try to make further changes to the new laws.

Here is a brief summary of the key healthcare reform changes that occurred in 2010.

- Lifetime maximum benefit limitation was removed, but certain coverage benefits can still be limited.

- Preventative Benefits are covered at 100% for all plans at no cost to the insured. What is a preventative service has been defined by the federal government.

- Dependents up to age 26 can remain on or be added to a health plan

- Dependent children under age 19 will not have a pre-existing limitation restriction.

- A tax credit is available until 2016 for businesses that provide qualified health coverage.  Credits and eligibility vary depending on the size of your business, average employee pay and premium contribution:

1. Firms with 10 or fewer employees can deduct 35% of the premium cost.  Firms 11 to 25 employees, they can deduct less.  Firms over 25 employees are not eligible for the tax credit.  Tax-exempt firms have yet another schedule of deductibility.
2. Employers must pay the employees $25,000 or less to be eligible for the full credit.  The credit is reduced for businesses with higher average wages.  If the average pay reaches $50,000, then the business is no longer eligible for any of this tax credit.
3. Lastly, employers must pay for at least 50% of the health insurance cost of the employee.  Most group plans already have this as a requirement.  And in 2014, you must purchase your plan from the state exchange (more on that later)

For 2011, there are additional changes to be imposed

-In California, AB119 requires that carriers use a gender-neutral rating strategy.  Males and females will be charged the same amount based on their age.  Plans that have implemented this rating strategy will see increases.

-Employers are required to be report the value of employee health benefits on the  employees W-2.

-Prescriptions are required for over-the-counter drugs in order for them to be deductible on FSAs and consumer-driven policies like HSAs.

-The penalty for non-qualified purchased for HSAs doubles to 20%.

There are other changes scheduled for 2012 through 2016 such as; employers being required to send Form 1099 to all business to business transactions totaling $600 or more;   fines on employers who do not pay their share of health insurance premiums for their employees – up to $2000 or $3000; fines (taxes) proposed on individuals who do not pay their share for insurance.  Many of these provisions will be challenged by the new congress and possibly a new administration, in addition to the current lawsuits brought by the states. 

Until the law changes, the health carriers must plans as if it will be implemented, but many businesses believe it is pre-mature to plan for full implementation.  As recently as December 13, 2010, a federal judge ruled that it is unconstitutional for the federal government to require individuals to purchase healthcare.  

I will let you know the direction the legislation takes as it begins to solidify over the next few years.  However, if you have any questions, please contact me: Gene Furr Mike Menath Insurance 831-3132 x1124

With winter still looming and showing no signs of going away any time soon, do you know what all the weather advisories mean? Or would you know what to do if the power goes out during a heavy storm? The Red Cross has been helpful enough to not only give you a power outage checklist but also a definition of what each winter advisory means and how to prepare. Here is the link for the power outage checklist:  Red Cross Power Outage Checklist

Below are some helpful definitions so you can know the difference the next time you see a winter advisory.

Winter Storm Outlook
Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Weather Advisory
Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch
Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Storm Warning
Life threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Going from single to married really does affect your insurance so make sure to call us and we’ll take care of everything for you. Here are some things you’ll want to discuss:

1. Auto and Home Insurance Discounts! You may qualify for discounts now that you’re married. Make sure you don’t miss out on these opportunities. Besides going from married to single, it might be time to combine policies to qualify for multi-policy discounts as well.
2. Life insurance: Life insurance is something you really want to consider purchasing for your new family. We hope you live long and wonderful lives together, but it’s also really important to prepare.
3. Already have life insurance? Make sure you both have the correct beneficiary information on your policies! Also make sure you have enough coverage now that your situation has changed.
4. Covering your belongings properly: Your homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy has a specific limit for your personal belongings, including jewelry. Many policies have limits on jewelry set at around $1500-2500. If your new engagement or wedding band gets stolen or goes missing you may only receive a portion of the ring’s value from your insurance company if you are not covered properly. Check your policy and make sure you have the proper limits and ask us about scheduling the item on your policy.
5. Health Insurance: Call us to find out what the best options for health insurance are for your family. It may be best to add one spouse to the other’s group policy or to get a family plan instead.

Looking for wedding insurance? We’ve got that too! Give us a call at 775-831-3132.

We wish you a long and happy life together!

We strongly believe in supporting our business partners through our agency partners program. Do you have a business and want to find out more about becoming a partner of Menath Insurance? Just click here to contact us! Not only do we provide the most competitive business insurance quotes, but we are committed to helping you grow!