Input: I Just Lost My Job, Which Provided Health Insurance For Me. What Can I Do Now?

Output: I 'm sorry to hear about the loss of your job . I hope you are able to find another soon . If your company was providing health insurance they should have provided you with information about COBRA ; a way for you to continue the coverage but now you would be responsible for paying 100-101 % of the premium . If the premium is too much for you to pay , then you should look for a more affordable plan on your own . Under the Affordable Care Act there is a specific time period called Open Enrollment , which in general occurs between November and February . This is the time when individuals can enroll in a new health plan , effective January 1 . However if you have a qualifying event you can enroll in a health plan no matter what time of year . Loss of employment is a qualifying event . But you only have 63 days to take action . Get in touch with your state 's Health Connector or an insurance agent and they should be able to assist you . If you 're in Massachusetts please feel free to contact me , I 'd be happy to help . Best of luck with everything .


Input: I Just Lost My Job, Which Provided Health Insurance For Me. What Can I Do Now?

Output: Job loss is always a unsettling period in our lives and having to address your health insurance concerns only compounds things . The first thing you should look into is the feasibility of continuing your coverage through your former employer 's health plan under either your state 's continuation of coverage provisions or , if your employer has 20 + employees , under the Federal COBRA continuation guidelines . Unless you were terminated with cause your former employer should have provided you with information regarding your rights in this area . If you have a spouse who is employed and has health insurance coverage available through their employer this is a qualifying event for you to be added as a dependent on your spouse 's plan or for you and your spouse to both enroll in the spouse 's employer 's health plan if you had both been enrolled under your former employer 's health plan . If your spouse has access to coverage through their employer this will almost certainly make you ineligible for subsidies through the government health insurance marketplaces . Some people , especially those with family coverage , may find paying the entire premium for the former employer 's health plan to be cost prohibitive or may not want to continue be covered under it for other reasons . Losing coverage from an employer 's group health plan is a `` Qualifying Event '' that grants you a `` Special Election Period '' under the Affordable Care Act . You have a 60-day window after losing coverage to purchase individual health insurance either directly from an insurance carrier or through the state or Federal Health Insurance Marketplace in your state . The only good reason to purchase your coverage through a government health insurance marketplace is if your income level for 2015 would qualify you for a premium subsidy and possibly for cost sharing reductions . Currently a person 's qualification for these subsidies is based upon the applicant 's projected FAMILY income for all of 2015 . So , your situation is not an uncomplicated one . SEEK OUT AN EXPERIENCED HEALTH INSURANCE BROKER WHO REPRESENTS MULTIPLE INSURANCE CARRIERS AND WHO IS LICENSED TO SELL COVERAGE IN THE GOVERNMENT MARKETPLACE FOR GUIDANCE ON THESE MATTERS . If you are in good health and pre-existing condition coverage is not a concern for you , then in the event that the options I 've listed above do n't fit your financial needs , you can consider Short Term Major Medical insurance coverage as bridge coverage if you anticipate getting another job in the weeks or months ahead . These policies are usually less expensive -LRB- sometimes significantly so -RRB- than the options discussed above and can provide protection from financial ruin in the event an illness or injury occurs while the Short Term Medical policy is in effect . PLEASE NOTE : Short Term Medical policies do not meet the criteria under the Affordable Care Act for avoiding the individual mandate tax penalty so there could be tax ramifications if you are covered under such a policy for more than 90-days . This does not mean that a Short Term Medical policy is an option you should not consider but it is an option that you should choose only with a full understanding of the positives and negatives associated with this choice . Which is another reason you should seek the guidance of an experienced Health Insurance Broker .


Input: Will Medicare Pay For Foot Orthotics?

Output: No , unfortunately , Medicare will not pay for foot orthotics . The only similar item that Medicare will pay for is soft sole inserts for the shoes of persons with diabetes under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill . These inserts are not the same thing as orthotics . Also , Medicare will pay for an orthotic if it is part of a shoe that is attached to a leg brace and the whole thing is covered by Medicare .


Input: Is Eye Test Covered By Medicare?

Output: That is a great question ! Unfortunately , Medicare is very unhelpful when it comes to vision or dental coverage . It will help pay when there are serious issues , but does n't cover preventative or routine visits . Hopefully one day that will change . Your best bet is to find a stand alone policy that will help cover those costs . If you have diabetes however , you are entitled to a once a year eye exam to test for diabetic retinopathy . If you would like help finding a stand alone policy , please feel free to contact me , I 'm happy to help . Thank you for asking !


Input: Is Eye Test Covered By Medicare?

Output: Medicare does n't cover routine examinations . Part B can provide coverage for some preventive and diagnostic eye exams for people at high risk of certain conditions -LRB- e.g. diagnosing retinopathy in diabetics or mascular degeneration for age-related conditions -RRB- . You can check out the medicare.gov website for more specific information regarding condition/risk requirements for Medicare to pay benefits . If you 're looking for coverage for routine eye exams , glasses , contacts , etc. , you would need to secure a vision insurance plan . Please feel free to contact me for assistance or if you have any other questions . Thanks very much .


Input: What Is Critical Illness Insurance And Why Might Someone Need It?

Output: Critical Illness Insurance pays a lump sum to a person who is diagnosed with a serious health condition such as cancer , stroke , or other life threatening illnesses . When faced with that type of diagnosis , there may be a loss of income . At the same time , bills are incurred for health care , child care , travel , and other costs associated with becoming ill . The lump sum of cash provided by critical illness insurance can alleviate the trauma somewhat .


Input: What Is Critical Illness Insurance And Why Might Someone Need It?

Output: Critical illness insurance is like the popular cancer insurance plan except much more broad in scope . A critical illness plan will pay a benefit -LRB- usually on first diagnosis -RRB- for any one of the named conditions listed in your policy . Critical illness may have a dozen or more conditions including cancer , heart attack , stroke , etc. .


Input: Can You Have A 401K And A Roth IRA At The Same Time?

Output: The existence of a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- does not stop an individual from taking out a Roth IRA . The limitation on Roth IRAs has to do with the amount of adjusted gross income the individual has , or the combine incomes of joint filing couples . The 401 -LRB- k -RRB- will be fully taxable upon retirement whereas the Roth IRA will be income tax free . The combination allows for better planning in the retirement years .


Input: Can You Have A 401K And A Roth IRA At The Same Time?

Output: Yes , it is possible to have a 401k and a Roth IRA at the same time . They are completely separate accounts . If you are contributing to your 401k at work -LRB- and hopefully there is a company `` match '' as well -RRB- , you can also contribute to your own Roth IRA outside of work . When it comes time to start drawing on these two different retirement funds , the money taken out of your 401k will be taxable at that years ' ordinary income tax level . You will be assessed a 10 % early withdrawal penalty if you do not wait until age 59 1/2 to begin your withdrawals . There are a handful of exceptions that can allow you to begin withdrawals from your 401k prior to age 59 1/2 . Beginning April 1 of the year following the year in which you turn age 70 1/2 , you are required to begin Required Minimum Withdrawals from your 401k . Talk to your CPA about how this is calculated . Roth IRA 's require that you or your spouse have earned income and your adjusted gross income can not exceed certain levels . The contributions you made to your Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time , tax free because you have already paid tax on this money . However , in order to withdraw your earnings from your Roth IRA account tax and penalty free , you must be at least 59 1/2 years old and the contributions to your Roth IRA must have been made at least 5 years before the withdrawal date . If you withdraw your Roth IRA earnings earlier than 5 years after the contributions , the earnings would not be considered a qualified distribution . The calculation on the `` 5 years '' is not quite as straight forward as you would think looking at a calendar and you should discuss this withdrawal with a qualified financial professional .


Input: How Much Does Life Insurance Cost A Month?

Output: There are a lot of factors that affect the price of life insurance . How old are you ? Do you smoke or use tobacco ? What is your gender ? Have you had any serious health conditions ? How much life insurance coverage do you need ? How long do you want the coverage to last ?


Input: How Much Does Life Insurance Cost A Month?

Output: To see what the best life insurance prices are for persons of your age and build , you can go to websites that offer instant life insurance quotes and input different face amounts and term lengths . Keep in mind that these prices will most likely be higher if you have health conditions or want permanent insurance . A few websites do quote you life insurance even if you have a health condition , but it will still be necessary to talk to an agent to be sure your quote is accurate for your health details .


Input: Can An 80 Year Old Get Life Insurance?

Output: While it 's possible for an 80 year old to get life insurance , it can sometimes be a bit of a process . At 80 one might still qualify for certain simplified issue policies . Simplified issue simply means that the normal medical underwriting requirements might not be quite as invasive as they would otherwise be . If the individual is in superlative health , he or she can also entertain a fully underwritten policy , meaning he or she will undergo pretty extensive medical underwriting in order to qualify for the life insurance policy . This would be the cheaper option per dollar of death benefit purchased , but requires the proposed insured to be in excellent health . If someone this age is considering life insurance time is of the essence as many carriers cutoff eligibility after age 80 and many more cutoff at age 85 . Very few will go up to age 90 , which is where almost all stop issuing policies .


Input: Can An 80 Year Old Get Life Insurance?

Output: Yes , many companies allow you to purchase life insurance to age 85 . Depending on your health the premiums will vary . Some may have a graded death benefit , meaning that your beneficiary would receive a reduced amount during the first 2 or 3 years the policy is in force .


Input: Can An 80 Year Old Get Life Insurance?

Output: Yes , an 80 year old person can get life insurance if they do not have a very serious health condition . There are final expense policies that can be purchased at age 80 , which are whole life and usually have a maximum face amount of about $ 25,000 . There are also medically underwritten policies up to any amount that can be bought by seniors of pretty good health .


Input: Will Renters Insurance Cover A Dog Bite?

Output: The renters or tenants policy is the correct place to find coverage . If you are legally liable for a dog bite , that is covered by a tenants policy . However , many companies endorse their policy to restrict the amount of coverage for an animal . The endorsement may even deny coverage for certain breeds . If you have pets you should read your policy closely .


Input: Will Renters Insurance Cover A Dog Bite?

Output: Renter 's Insurance normally includes Liability Insurance coverage , which would pay for acts of a pet . There are some policies with sub-limits for acts of pets -LRB- means they pay less than your regular liability limit if a pet causes someone to sue you -RRB- , and some with exclusions for acts of pets , so it really depends on your policy . Keep in mind that if your dog bites someone , your insurance will normally cancel the policy if you keep the pet as they believe that a dog who has bitten before will likely bite again . I do n't necessarily agree with that logic but I have seen a lot of families have to put a pet to sleep because it has bitten someone - either due to insurance requirements or law enforcement requirements .


Input: What Is Medicaid Health Insurance?

Output: Medicaid is a Federal government health insurance program established under Title XIX of the Social Security program in 1965 . It is administered and largely funded by the individual states . It 's original and primary purpose is to provide health insurance to low income persons . Though , as is the case with virtually all government entitlement programs it has been expanded in various ways over the years so now there are provisions for coverage in certain circumstances for pregnant women and even illegal aliens among other provisions . Whether or not your family is eligible for Medicaid will be subject to several different criteria such as your employment , how much annual income you make , and how many dependents you have along with some other requirements .


Input: How Much Does Car Insurance Cost For A 23 Year Old?

Output: Insurance Companies price their product without truly knowing what the costs will be . In doing that they look at hundreds of variables to determine a pricing outcome to present to you.In fact it is not uncommon for a specific carrier to have millions of price points in a state . So with that caveat let me try to be more specific . An important piece of the rating will be how long have you been driving ? Any tickets or accidents you have ? Whether you live on your own and rent , or are part of a family account with your parents , Or married or single . So it is best to try and get an agent or company to understand your personal situation and then the vehicle that you need to insure.Don ' t overlook the use of the vehicle . This a very important rating factor . If you commute , be sure your agent or company knows how often you do that . and how far away form your residence you travel . And if you are a student be sure to mention that you have a grade average of a '' B '' or better , if you do . Advise as well , about any drivers training you took in the last several years . What we see today is greater segmentation of blocks of similar , but different exposures and one thing that you might not realize is that carriers often even price your age in six months increments , meaning you get a better price at 23 than 22 and one half .


Input: How Much Life Insurance Should I Have On A Nurse's Salary?

Output: How much life insurance should you have on a nurse 's salary ? Well are you married ? Single ? Have kids ? Have debt ? want to own something that builds equity ? Lots of questions to your question actually . So the answer is going to be depends . ;-RRB- What would you like the policy to do ? Cover debt , build cash values , take care of your animals , donate to your school where you picked up your nursing degree ? The thing is there really honestly is n't a single answer for your question until you figure out what matters to you and what you want to happen if you 're not here or come home everyday for decades .


Input: How Much Life Insurance Should I Have On A Nurse's Salary?

Output: The answer to your question needs to take into account several other parameters besides your income ! What are your goals and needs that a life insurance policy would be addressing for you ? Are you married ? Do you have children or are you planning to start a family ? What are your debt liabilities ? Who would be financially impacted by your demise ? What level of income would you want to provide for them and for how long ? As you can see there are many questions to be answered first in order to determine how much insurance you should have . You need to have a conversation with an experienced Insurance Adviser .


Input: How Much Life Insurance Should I Have On A Nurse's Salary?

Output: There are a number of factors that should be considered , among them are the reasons for coverage and the affordability of that coverage . All carriers have financial guidelines that are based on your annual salary and age at application . The younger you are , the more coverage you can qualify for , and the less it will cost assuming your health is good . Before you apply ask yourself what this insurance must do if you were to die prematurely . Are you single , or married with children ? Obviously the need for coverage will be different in each situation . How long should that coverage remain in force ? These are questions to discuss with a good independent agent that can also help with information , and that can lead you to questions that may not have occurred to you .


Input: How Much Life Insurance Should I Have On A Nurse's Salary?

Output: The typical rule of thumb for anyone regardless of their occupation is : 1 . 8-10X your annual salary 2 . Pay off mortgage and any debt like car loans , credit cards etc 3 . 4-5 Yrs of college for any children If you take and add all of those numbers you will be real close to what your amount should be . I would recommend Term Insurance yr 1 then yr 2 or later convert that to a Universal Life plan .


Input: How Much Life Insurance Should I Have On A Nurse's Salary?

Output: The easiest way to come by a calculation on how much life insurance you will need comes down to three factors . First , do I need life insurance . Who would suffer if I died today financially ? Who depends on my income to live and who would assume any of my debts ? Second , what is the total of all of my debt ? Car loans , credit card debt and mortgage , how much to pay it all off today ? How much will I need for children 's education or their living expenses ? Third , take your current nurses salary times ten . Why ten ? The idea is to be able for your beneficiary to invest that amount and draw your replacement salary without touching the principle . Take those numbers and add them together along with the time period that all of that needs to be covered and you will have your face amount and term life years clearly set . I recommend using an experienced independent life insurance broker to help you navigate the market and find you the best product at the best price for your unique situation . Good luck !


Input: How Much Life Insurance Should I Have On A Nurse's Salary?

Output: That is a great question ! One that is kind of hard to answer though , -LRB- to be best for you -RRB- without some more specific information . Things that would be helpful to know to give you an accurate idea are physical , like age , sex , smoking preference - smoking/non , health history , and family health history , for example . A 22 year old woman with no health issues would have different options than say a 44 year old man who smokes and has high blood pressure . Other things to consider are more financial planning type things - for example , do you have dependents that you wish to provide for , are you looking to just cover expenses , would you like to transfer wealth ? These are considerations that a good agent would want to cover with you . I 'd strongly suggest that you look up a good independent agent in your area -LRB- independent means they are not tied exclusively to a brand name , allowing them to have several companies to use for comparing -RRB- and walk through your scenario with them . You are certainly welcome to contact me , I would be happy to help if you would like . Think these things over either way , so that you have answers , and set an appointment with an agent or two before you decide . I 'm sorry that I could not give you a solid number , but it would not have been the right thing to do . Thank you for asking !


Input: Is Commercial Auto Insurance Cheaper Than Personal?

Output: The short answer is , `` usually not . '' Commercial auto policies are in place to provide liability and collision coverage for work related vehicles . Insurance companies view commercial autos as instruments necessary for work , which means they will be used on a daily basis . This means there will be more driving and greater exposure . Think about it this way , when you are getting personal auto insurance the insurance company will ask what is the purpose of having your vehicle and how far will you be driving . For commercial auto policies it is assumed this will be increased . I hope this helps .


Input: Is Commercial Auto Insurance Cheaper Than Personal?

Output: There was a time when it was much less but in many cases the auto were not rated correctly for the business use and also at that time the liability did not extend to other autos driven . Now days it cost more but there is a good reason for that if you are having a commercial auto policy your limits usually are much higher more like $ 1 million in liability limits or higher . Most personal auto policies do not have that high of limits . Now you can have a personal auto with Business use on it which will make your personal auto a little more expensive But it really depends on the type of business and the use . If you have your business name pained on your personal auto then this would not be a good fit for a personal auto policy . Each carrier has VERY specific guideline just like a pizza delivery driver needs a commercial auto policy most carriers on a personal auto would not cover you if you were doing that type of work and had personal auto coverage only . Talk to your agent and make sure that you are covered correctly each carrier and state has it 's own rules and rates make sure yours is rated as it should be .


Input: Who Qualifies For Medicare A?

Output: To qualify for Medicare Part A without having to make payments to Social Security you need 40 quarters of employment where you were paying into the Social Security system . If you do not have 40 quarters of employment then you can pay payments to Social Security system for Part A . These payments would be in addition to the Part B payments that you would pay for Part B coverage.Then if you are going to have Part D-prescription Drug coverage you would have a premium for that as well


Input: Who Qualifies For Medicare A?

Output: People who qualify for Medicare Part A must first of all be US citizens , or lawfully residing in the US for at least 5 years . They must be age 65 , or else can qualify for Medicare Part A at a younger age if they have ALS , ESRD , or have been on Social Security Disability for at least 2 years . To get free Part A , they must have worked at least 40 quarters in which they paid Social Security taxes , or be/been a spouse of someone who did . These are the general guidelines . For specifics , call 1-800-medicare .


Input: How To Reduce Homeowners Insurance?

Output: The most effective way to reduce the cost of a homeowners policy is to increase the deductible . Shifting that risk from the company always results in a reduction . Much is made of deductions for central station alarms , and other home modifications . These adjustments are often disappointingly small . The one thing that you should never do is reduce the amount of liability coverage .


Input: How To Reduce Homeowners Insurance?

Output: The cost of Homeowners Insurance can be controlled and/or reduced in several ways . You can generally obtain a cost reduction by having update inspections such as a 4 point , wind mitigationinspections , protective devices added such as a monitored alarm , storm shutters and in some cases increase your deductibles to offset the overal policy cost . If you live in a home that is over 20 years old , it is beneficial to have any updates documented by means of an inspection and share that with your insurance carrier . If your home is newer most of your policy credits may already be built into the policy but you may not need to carry the increased law & ordinance coverage and you may want to consider a higher dedcutible .


Input: How Does A Renters Insurance Deductible Work?

Output: The deductible on a renters policy only applies to the personal property . If you suffer a fire , for example and some or all of your belongings are damaged , the company will estimate the value of your lost property and pay you that amount minus the deductible .


Input: Does Geico Renters Insurance Cover Flood?

Output: Renters insurance -LRB- and Homeowners Insurance -RRB- does not cover flood . It will cover water damage due to sewer backup if the appropriate endorsement is in place . It may also cover water damage due to pipe breakage depending on the cause of the break . If you live in a flood zone you need to look into your State Flood Insurance program .


Input: Does Geico Renters Insurance Cover Flood?

Output: Flood Insurance is a separate coverage from Renter 's or Home and is backed by FEMA , a government run program . Renter 's and home insurance will cover certain water damage such as water back up or the damage caused by a pipe breakage . My experience is if you live in an area that is near water or an area that can collect pockets of water based on the terrain , consider a Flood policy in addition to your home or renter 's policy .


Input: How Much Will My Medicare Cost?

Output: For most individuals , Medicare Part A will be premium-free . This happens if you 've hit your 40 quarters -LRB- 10 years -RRB- of working life and paying FICA taxes . If you do n't hit this , the premium will be up to $ 426 per month . In 2014 , Individuals with Medicare Part B will pay anywhere from the minimum $ 104.90 per month -LRB- this is most individuals -RRB- , up to the maximum of $ 335.70 per month , depending on your income level -LRB- individuals with higher incomes pay a higher premium due to the high-income penalty on Part B premium calculations -RRB- . So for those with only Parts A & B , the `` average '' person will likely be paying $ 104.90 per month between the two . If you want to add prescription drug coverage or a Medicare supplement plan , you will have additional premium expenses -LRB- the premiums will also be based on the plan you 're applying for , your age , and other factors -RRB- .


Input: What Are The Highest Paying Annuities?

Output: The highest paying annuities should be assessed by category : guaranteed fixed rate , indexed crediting rate , etc. . Annuity interest rates can change so always check your annuity brokerage company for the latest crediting , but as of mid-May 2013 , the fixed rate for 5 years was just around 3 % and indexed caps around 5 % . The low interest rate environment is creating innovation with income riders that can pay on distribution up to 7 % . Remember all these rates can change .


Input: What's The Purpose Of Life Insurance?

Output: The purpose of life insurance is providing economic protection again losses resulting from chance happenings like illness , accident or death . It provides peace of mind by providing a practical solution to economic uncertainties and losses . Life Insurance specifically replaces the uncertainties of risk with guarantees , and promises to replace the unknown with a sense of security .


Input: What Is Life Insurance Face Value?

Output: Life insurance face value is the death benefit paid by the life insurance policy . In Term life insurance , the face value is the amount of life insurance that was taken out . In Permanent life insurance that has cash value , the face value is , again , the amount of coverage purchased . Face value is not the same as cash value .


Input: What Car Would Have The Cheapest Insurance?

Output: Great question . While there are many factors that effect the rate on each car . Each insurance company has diffrent rates on each car . There is a annually report on the most stolen cars in the USA . If your car ranks low in that report your insurance rate will be low as well .


Input: If My Employer Provides Me With Health Insurance, Do I Have To Take It?

Output: You do not have to accept group coverage through your employer as you always have the option of purchasing an individual health insurance plan on or off the health insurance exchanges -LRB- if you qualify for a subsidy , you may want to look at on-exchange plans first - subsidies can not be used towards off-exchange plans -RRB- . If you have group coverage available to you through your employer and your spouse has group coverage through their employer and you only want to go on group coverage -LRB- and not buy individual coverage -RRB- , you generally would need to accept the coverage through your employer and would not qualify to be covered under your spouse 's group plan through their employer . You should be able to contact your company 's HR department to get a definitive answer regarding your specific circumstances because some rules for group coverage can vary depending on whether you 're a part time or full time worker , whether coverage meets ACA requirements for minimum essential coverage , and other factors . If you 're getting married , you would have a qualifying event for a special enrollment period to purchase an individual health plan . I hope the information is helpful - please feel free to contact me for help and if you have any other questions . Thanks very much .


Input: Who Has The Cheapest Critical Illness Insurance In Nevada?

Output: Due to fact that critical illness is priced based on health and age of the proposed insured and because insurers all seek different degrees of risk , it is not possible to categorically declare on insurer or one plan as being the cheapest within a geographic area like a specific state . You should seek out the assistance of an agent who is licensed in the state of Nevada to compare the prices of numerous critical illness insurance policies .


Input: How Much Does An Auto Insurance Agent Make?

Output: Great question ! The best answer I can give you is : that depends upon the agent . Most insurance agents are paid on commission , meaning they get paid based upon what they sell . The individual company may or may not provide some form of salary , or provide benefits , but the bulk of the agent 's income will come from his or her efforts at getting the product sold . If the agent is not motivated to work hard , the income is lower than one who is more motivated . I think that is why some people look at insurance agents like they are `` used car salesmen '' -LRB- no disrespect to used car salesmen intended -RRB- as some of them use the same high pressure tactics to make their sale . There are a great number of agents out there that do not act that way , and I am sure that you will find one . If I can help further , please contact me , I 'll be happy to help . Thanks for asking !


Input: What Are Annuities Paying Today?

Output: Annuity interest rates can change so always check your annuity brokerage company for the latest crediting , but as of mid-May 2013 , the fixed rate for 5 years was just around 3 % and indexed caps around 5 % . The low interest rate environment is creating innovation with income riders that can pay on distribution up to 7 % . Remember all these rates can change .


Input: What Are Annuities Paying Today?

Output: There are websites that you can visit to immediately compare what annuities are paying today . However , as with most financial products , you must be sure you understand the features of the product and compare `` apples to apples '' in order to arrive at an accurate assessment . It is best to visit with a financial representative who sells annuities to find the annuity with the best features and best payment .


Input: Why Should Everyone Have Health Insurance?

Output: Your question boils down to a matter of social and self responsibility . Life presents all of us with unknown risks that a reasonable person should seek to manage to the best of their ability . An unexpected illness or injury and the costs associated with treating those conditions is one of life 's risks . Health insurance is a risk management tool that a person should use to mitigate their personal financial exposure in such situations and to not pass off on to their fellow citizens the costs for providing your personal health care needs . Of course , there will always be those people whose personal financial situation or pre-existing medical conditions make it impossible for them to to take proactive steps to manage the financial burden of their health care . Traditionally , these people have been helped by friends and family , charities , religious organizations and our government safety net programs such as Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program -LRB- CHIP -RRB- . But in simple terms , it should be your individual responsibility to prioritize your life to be as self sufficient as possible and to not be a burden to your fellow man . Health insurance is a crucial tool in achieving this objective .


Input: Is Whole Life Insurance Considered An Asset?

Output: Whole life insurance is a permanent cash value policy . It is considered an asset in simple accounting terms , as it can be sold and exchanged for another asset . When qualifying for government benefits it is sometimes counted as an asset . In order to qualify for Medicaid in states that did not expand , you may not have more than $ 2,000 in assets . The same criteria apply for Medicaid long term care benefits in all states . Whole life insurance cash values do count towards that total . The free student financial aid form does not count cash value life insurance as an asset . This is a big advantage for using life insurance to fund college savings .


Input: Is Tree Root Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

Output: Because tree root damage is a process that happens over a period of time tree root damage would not be a covered loss . Covered losses would fall under sudden and accidental . Tree root damage is neither sudden nor accidental . In fact the damage is actually preventable if the tree is properly maintained or removed if necessary . Keep in mind , a tree is just a plant and your plants needs to be kept up . As beautiful as they are sometimes you have to take the ax to the tree .


Input: Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Food Loss?

Output: Your homeowner 's policy would cover your `` food '' the same way it would cover your couch or TV . The problem is if you have a standard homeowner 's policy , only damage caused by specific named perils ; Fire , Theft , Wind , etc. would be covered . Coverage on your personal property , furniture , clothing , dishes and yes food , should be the same as the coverage on your home . `` Any direct damage '' should be covered . Now all policies will have deductibles and specific limitations or exclusions butit will make it a lot easier to understand what you are or are not covered for . If your insurer does n't offer this `` Special Coverage '' on personal property or charges you a significant premium for it , you may want to consider another insurer .


Input: Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Food Loss?

Output: It may , but of course , check with your Insurance Professional about the specific terms and conditions of your policy . Assuming there is coverage , it must be caused by a covered peril . In CT , the most common cause is extended power outage caused by a storm or ice build up that causes tree limbs to snap and take down power lines . In those cases , most policies do provide some limited coverage for food lost from freezers and refrigerators , usually up to $ 500.00 . This is , of course , subject to your deductible .


Input: Who Is Covered By My Auto Insurance Policy?

Output: The easy answer for this would be `` Anyone you give permission to drive your vehicle . '' The exception to this would be anyone who is specifically excluded from your insurance policy . For example , a client of mine has a 17 year old son . Their son had a valid learners permit and went through the process of completing Drivers Ed , but never took the final exam and was never issued a license . Even though his permit has expired , based on his age and the fact that he had a permit , I recommended to my client they included him on their policy , but list him as an excluded driver . Because he is excluded , the insurance company does not rate him on the policy , and the premium did not increase . Outside of their son , anyone they give permission to drive their car would be covered , even if the person who borrowed the vehicle did not have their own insurance policy . You do run the risk of increased monthly premium payments should an uninsured driver borrow your car with your permission and be involved in an accident where they are liable however . So be careful of who and how often you do lend your vehicle out .


Input: Can You Lie About Smoking For Health Insurance?

Output: Well , of course you can , you can lie about virtually anything . The question should be is it ethical to lie about smoking for health insurance ? I suspect that in your heart you know the answer to that question is `` No . '' I presume you are asking this question in regard to the smoker 's penalty that can be applied to individual health insurance rates and that some employer 's utilize . At this time individual health plans are not requiring a screening test to determine if someone is a tobacco user and are relying on the honor system for applicants to self-report their usage . There are some employers that take a more strict approach to this matter and may screen you if they require a pre-employment physical . To be clear , if you are a tobacco user and you apply for health insurance asserting that you are not then you are engaging in fraud . Technically this could result in policy termination but my current understanding is that if the fraud is uncovered then the individual policyholder will be back billed at the tobacco user rate and expected to pay all the extra premium due . However , just because the Affordable Care Act allows for a tobacco use premium penalty does not mean that the health insurance carriers are compelled to apply it . So , you have some carriers that for administrative purposes at this time who are n't bothering with applying the tobacco use penalty and others who are . I would inquire with your insurance broker or the insurance carriers you are considering as to what their current rating approach is to tobacco use . In the employer setting the penalties could be more severe depending upon what their personnel policies are . Honesty is the best policy .


Input: Can You Lie About Smoking For Health Insurance?

Output: It is possible to hide your smoking from the insurance company . Chances are the underwriter is not going to poll your neighbors to find out if they 've seen you smoking . However , when you apply for your policy the company will require you to give a blood and urine test . Most of the time they are checking for cotinine with is a metabolite of nicotine . Lying about your smoking on a life insurance application is a material misrepresentation . Life insurance companies can challenge paying claims in cases of fraud . Some courts have determined that lying about smoking usage to get a lower rate is fraud .


Input: How Much Does Insurance Cost For An In Home Daycare?

Output: Great question . A typical renters or homeowners policy will cover the cost of a small in home daycare for 40-100 dollars a year , by a simple endorsement -LRB- change to your existing home or renters insurance -RRB- What I mean by small , and each company will have their own rules so always call your insurance provider , is by havingfour or less children under your care that are not related to you . The cost for a larger in home daycare would need to be covered by a commercial insurance agency and would require a lot more information , number of children , hours of operation , food preparation , staff and certification .


Input: How Much Does Insurance Cost For An In Home Daycare?

Output: In home daycare is a commercial risk . To get a quote contact a commercial insurance agent . I am confident that there are special packages for in-home daycare . You can contact other day care providers and see where they secured coverage . There are associations that also offer packages . If all else fails , go to a large broker and ask about a package and see what they can put together .


Input: What Is A Medicare Physical?

Output: As of 2011 , Medicare started covering an initial `` Welcome to Medicare '' exam and annual `` Wellness '' exams . Neither of these require the patient to undress and do not include a full physical exam from head to toe . Sometimes an EKG or scan for abdominal aortic aneurysm done at these exams will be covered by Medicare . A `` Preventative '' exam is most like what is normally considered to be a physical . Medicare does not pay for preventative exams .


Input: What Are Medigap Excess Charges?

Output: There is much misinformation spread about this topic . The former answer at least implies that a doctor can just `` decide '' whether to accept Medicare assignment or not . It is important to understand that this is only true if a doctor has signed a non-participating agreement with Medicare . Most doctors -LRB- approx . 97 % -RRB- are contracted with Medicare as `` participating physicians '' , and as such must accept Medicare assignment , i.e. the Medicare approved amount for the service as payment in full . Participating physicians are not permitted to bill any Part B excess charges . Next , the former example given is simply incorrect : `` if you had an exam completed that they billed $ 500 for . Medicare says that a reasonable and customary charge is $ 400 . This means that Medicare will pay $ 400 for the exam that was completed . If the doctor accepts assignment , they take the $ 400 as payment in full . If they do not accept assignment , they can bill you up to 15 % of that $ 400 amount as an excess charge . In this example , the doctor could bill you for another $ 60 -LRB- $ 400 x 15 % = $ 60 -RRB- . '' The truth is that if the doctor is contracted as `` non-participating '' with Medicare and chooses not to accept assignment , they are first penalized 5 % of the Medicare approved amount -LRB- $ 400 x 5 % = $ 20 penalty -RRB- . Medicare will only reimburse $ 380 for this example -LRB- $ 400 - $ 20 penalty -RRB- . The doctor can bill you up to 15 % of the $ 380 as an excess charge in this example , or $ 57 . In not accepting assignment , the doctor may bill/collect $ 437 -LRB- $ 380 Medicare reimbursement + $ 57 excess charge -RRB- . This gives the doctor the opportunity to receive $ 437 instead of the $ 400 Medicare assignment , which in effect is a 9.25 % increase in revenue . Non-Participating physicians can decide whether to accept Medicare assignment on a case by case basis , and often do accept assignment , because if they do not , Medicare reimburses the claim to the beneficiary -LRB- consumer -RRB- , and the physician then must collect the reimbursement and the excess charge from the consumer in full . This adds administrative and collection costs that many non-Par physicians do not want to deal with . The former answer states that If you live in one of the states banning Part B excess charges , then the Medicare Part B excess charge benefit of Medigap plans F and G will not be major concern unless you move out of the state . But the truth is that Part B excess charges are not a concern , let alone a major concern , regardless of what state you are living in . For the reasons stated , Part B excess charges are rarely billed . Ask any Medicare beneficiary when was the last time they received a claim payment directly from Medicare -LRB- required if doctor was non-Par and refused assignment -RRB- . You will be hard pressed to find anyone answering yes .


Input: What Are Medigap Excess Charges?

Output: If you 're on original Medicare -LRB- Medicare Part A & Part B -RRB- , and go to a doctor and that doctor does not accept Medicare assignment -LRB- accepting the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full -RRB- , the doctor reserves the right to bill you an `` excess charge '' . An excess charge is an amount up to 15 % above and beyond the medicare-approved amount for the services provided by the doctor . For each type of service , examination , procedure , etc. , Medicare has an approved amount they deem as a reasonable and customary charge - this is known as the `` Medicare-approved amount '' . If the doctor accepts assignment , they are accepting the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for services provided . If the doctor does not accept assignment , they can bill you an excess charge . For example , if you had an exam completed that they billed $ 500 for . Medicare says that a reasonable and customary charge is $ 400 . This means that Medicare will pay $ 400 for the exam that was completed . If the doctor accepts assignment , they take the $ 400 as payment in full . If they do not accept assignment , they can bill you up to 15 % of that $ 400 amount as an excess charge . In this example , the doctor could bill you for another $ 60 -LRB- $ 400 x 15 % = $ 60 -RRB- . If your Medigap plan covers excess charges , the Medigap insurance carrier will pay it for you . If the plan does not cover excess charges , you will be responsible for the payment of the excess charge . The two Medigap plans that cover excess charges are plans F and G. All of the other Medigap plans do not offer this benefit . So if you 'd like to have this benefit and do not already have a plan F or plan G , you may want to consider applying for one with a carrier . Remember , Medigap plans are standardized , so the only difference between insurance companies Medigap plans are the price they charge for it . Please note , certain states do not allow excess charges -LRB- due to the Medicare Overcharge Measure law -RRB- . The states that do not allow excess charges are Connecticut , Massachusetts , Minnesota , New York , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island and Vermont . If you live in one of these states , then the Medicare Part B excess charge benefit of Medigap plans F and G will not be major concern unless you move out of the state . Please note , those living in these states may want to consider Medigap plans C and D for price comparison to Medigap plans F and G as they provide the exact same coverage , just without the excess charge benefit , and may provide you some savings on your premiums . I hope the information is helpful - please feel free to contact me for help with your coverage and if you have any other questions . Thanks very much .


Input: How Does A Long Term Care Insurance Work?

Output: Long term care insurance will pay you a monthly income -LRB- a previously specified amount -RRB- if you you need assistance with the basic activities of daily living . Of course there are many different degrees although not being able to dress , bathe , eat or walk probably means you need long term care . A full-time broker or financial planner can provide the best expert advice along with the best rates available from top-rated carriers .


Input: How Does A Long Term Care Insurance Work?

Output: Based on the terms of the long term care insurance policy you purchased , you need to determine if your plan is reimbursement or indemnity . Then you need to determine what type of extended care you going to use , for example : assisted living at home or nursing home care . Finally , how much does the monthly benefit pay and how long will it last .


Input: Is Term Life Insurance Recommended?

Output: There are two basic types of life insurance : term and permanent . Term is for temporary needs , permanent is for lifetime needs . Term is recommended in situations where the coverage need is short term - generally anything less than 30 years . If you are not sure , but want to buy term , work with a life insurance professional to choose a convertible term product with favorable conversion features so that you can change to your choice of the term company 's permanent policies later , even if you are no longer insurable ,


Input: Is Term Life Insurance Recommended?

Output: Is term life Recommended ? For short term needs absolutely . That 's what term insurance was designed for . As a long term choice or a lifetime choice term can be more expensive than permanent . If your choice is term insurance as a younger person , be sure to purchase `` convertable '' term as there may comea day where you realize that you `` need '' coverage longer than you thought and the ability to `` convert '' a term policy may be the best thing you can do . The super preferred you were able to get as a young person , might help you when as an older person , you 're not so healthy anymore .


Input: Is Term Life Insurance Recommended?

Output: Term insurance , as stated before , is for a specific period of time that usually coincide with life events . For example , after the birth of a child , you will need enough coverage to provide for him/her if you died before he/she reached adulthood . That is usually 18 or so years . After that time , you would n't need to provide for that child in the same manner because the idea would be for the child -LRB- who is now an adult -RRB- to care for themself . As the other professionals have already stated , you would want to convert a term policy into a whole life policy prior to the end of the policy term if you have a continued need for life insurance . Converting your policy is better than purchasing a new one because policy approvals and premiums are based on current age , health status and other factors . When you are young and healthy , your premium payments are lower and it is easier to get approved . The older you are and the more health issues arise , the higher the premiums . Also approvals are harder to achieve .


Input: Is Herpes Automatically Checked With Blood Work Or Is Consent Needed?

Output: Life insurance blood tests do not test for herpes , so there is no need to give consent for that . They often will , however , ask about STD 's on the life insurance application , and if you are taking herpes medication they will see that .


Input: Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Theft?

Output: It is always best to check in with your Insurance Professional to discuss the specific terms and conditions of your policy , but you will find that in most cases , yes , your Homeowners ' policy will include coverage for loss due to theft . In many cases theft of items directly from your home may be covered differently than from away your home . For theft away from your home , you may find that the policy limits total coverage to about 10 % of the stated personal property coverage listed on your policy . There may also be stated `` inside limits '' to coverage for certain items such as computers , jewelry , firearms etc. . Talk to your insurance professional about insuring your valuable items specifically for their appraised value for broader protection .


Input: What Is The Age You Can Get Medicare?

Output: This is a great question . You can get medicare at age 65 years old , most people will receive their cards 3 months before their 65th birthday others will have to apply with social security . However , people of any age can get Medicare if they have certain disabilities .


Input: How To Get Health Insurance With MS?

Output: -LRB- Old question but it looks unanswered -RRB- One of the ` essentials ' of the Obamacare programs is that there are no pre-existing conditions and you ca n't be turned down because of your health issues . That 's HUGE ! I 'd contact an agent/broker and have them find theplan that works best for you -LRB- coverage and price -RRB- .


Input: Is Skilled Nursing Care Covered By Medicare?

Output: Treatment in a Skilled Nursing Facility -LRB- SNF -RRB- may be covered by Medicare under certain conditions . You must have been admitted to the SNF following a qualified stay in a hospital -LRB- usually 3 days or more -RRB- and discharged to the SNF . Your doctor must certify that you need nursing care for a condition related to your hospitalization .


Input: What Should I Pay For Life Insurance?

Output: You should pay for your life insurance what you can comfortably afford to pay , so that you do not need to drop your policy when small financial problems arise . Life insurance that is allowed to lapse due to being unable to pay premiums does not do any good at time of death . Contacting a website that allows you to compare premiums will show you what the best rates in the country are for the type and amount of life insurance you desire .


Input: What Should I Pay For Life Insurance?

Output: There are two key issues to this question . How much coverage do you need and how long do you want the coverage to last . Aside from underwriting issues these two factors are the primary determinants of the premiums being charged . The true cost though , of life insurance is that measure of the loss suffered by those you love at your passing . If life insurance steps in and provides what they need , it is a bargain !


Input: Does Farmers Do Renters Insurance?

Output: Great question ! The answer is yes , they do . They are actually one of the top insurers in the business . Call your local agent for quotes and coverage , and be sure to check out a couple of other companies just to compare what they offer . A tip - ask about replacement cost , vs. actual value . If you would like to know more , please feel free to contact me . Thanks for asking !


Input: Can You Hold Two Life Insurance Policies?

Output: Yes , you can hold two life insurance policies or as many as you desire , as long as you are financially qualified for that amount . A general rule of thumb is that you can have life insurance that totals about about 20 times your annual income -LRB- age and net worth figure in so could be higher or lower than this -RRB- .


Input: Can You Hold Two Life Insurance Policies?

Output: I have seen drawers full of life insurance policies . Some people buy life insurance policies for designated reasons . They will write the name of the beneficiary on the front . Life insurance is bought for such a variety of reasons . You might have a policy that benefits your church , another than pays funeral expenses , another that will help a grandson through college and another to make sure your alma mater puts a plaque on a building saying what a wonderful student you were .


Input: Will Health Insurance Premiums Go Up?

Output: The current realities that are being faced by insurance companies , doctors , and hospitals are going to unfortunately going to shape the United States healthcare economy for years to come . However when viewing the current trends against the historical forces that have served to mold and evolve the healthcare system I am confident that the free market forces are all persuing courses of action that will slow the current trend of healthcare costs rising at an exponential rate vs. the natural rate of inflation . So in short YES you should expect to see health insurance premiums to continue their current trend over the next several years . There are some finer points relating to healthcare costs and PPACA however I am just giving a brief overview of the industry .


Input: Do Fixed Annuities Make Sense?

Output: A fixed annuity addresses the major concern of most retirees , living too long and running out of money . A fixed annuity eliminates market risk and guarantees safety of payments for the rest of your life . A fixed annuity has a rate of return that many find quite attractive . It is the simplest piece of the retirement income puzzle and should at a minimum provide an economic floor for you .


Input: Do Fixed Annuities Make Sense?

Output: A fixed annuity makes sense depending on a person 's situation . What it does provide is steady income on a regular basis when the income period is turned on , and safety of principal during the growth period . The most important thing about a fixed annuity is the rating and claims paying ability of the carrier that offers it because they are making a promise to provide the annuitant -LRB- i.e. that person who receives the benefit -RRB- a `` paycheck '' at a specified time as well as a `` fixed '' rate of return prior to the income phase . If you are worried about market risk , this may be an alternative . I would recommend that you buy and read a book by Tom Hegna , `` Paychecks and Playchecks '' . It explains why people should consider an annuity as well as other products and then consult a qualified financial advisor .


Input: Can I Get Disability Insurance In Nebraska If I'm Pregnant?

Output: Many people want to get Disability Insurance to cover time off for pregnancy and childbirth , in Nebraska and every other state . Unfortunately , the only way to have a normal pregnancy covered is to receive short term disability through your employer , or to purchase it as an individual policy , BEFORE becoming pregnant .


Input: How Much Would It Cost To Cash In 401K?

Output: Withdrawing money from a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- can be quite complicated and could be quite expensive . Since your employer has established the 401 -LRB- k -RRB- the plan documents that govern your plan are in his office . The first thing to find out is whether in service withdrawals are allowed by the plan . Often there will be allowed withdrawals but the withdrawal must meet certain conditions . It is important to determine if you have the right to withdraw money from the 401 -LRB- k -RRB- if you are still an employee . The rules also change if you leave your employer , whether voluntarily or involuntarily . You will probably find that your access to the 401 -LRB- k -RRB- is much greater if you have left your job . If your employer is contributing to your 401 -LRB- k -RRB- there is probably a vesting schedule that is a part of the plan documents . The vesting schedule tells you the percentage of the employers contribution that is actually yours . Normally these vesting schedules run out several years so money that is received by the account may not actually be yours for a number of years . Your deposits will remain yours . These are the employers contributions that have a vesting schedule . If the money in a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- has been deferred from current income tax you will be responsible to pay income tax as ordinary income in the year that you receive the money . If the money is in a Roth 401 -LRB- k -RRB- the withdrawal will be treated as a return of your contribution until you exhaust you basis -LRB- the total amount that you contributed . -RRB- The next major issue is your age . The rules vary a great deal if you are younger than fifty-nine and a half years old . If money can be withdrawn from a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- and you are younger than fifty-nine and a half years old you will be subject . Generally speaking withdrawals from a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- prior to age fifty-nine and a half are also treated to a special penalty tax of ten per cent . This is changed in addition to the ordinary income tax on the distribution . You can not avoid paying income tax on the money received but there are ways to avoid paying the ten per cent penalty tax . There are several general reasons . The first reason is if the amount is being withdrawn because the participant has died . A beneficiary will receive all of the distributions of the inherited 401 -LRB- k -RRB- free of the penalty tax . This can become complicated if the beneficiary is a spouse , please see a retirement income adviser or competent tax advisor prior to finalizing a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- to a spouse . Another circumstance under which money can be taken from a 401 -LRB- k -RRB- without paying the penalty tax is if the money is need due to the disability of the participant . This can also be true if money is needed to pay deductible medial expense . There is also a method of withdrawing money that can avoid the penalty tax . This can be quite complicated but the gist is to take the money in substantially equal period payments . If you think about a retirement annuity you will understand this concept . The payments should be designed to cover the lifetime of the participant . It is necessary for the participant to leave employment to use this technique . The computations for these payments are complicated but there are advisors who can help you should this be necessary . It is important to note that the penalty tax is only applicable until you reach age fifty-nine and half and the payments under this plan do not need to be continued after that point . Other retirement programs have additional exceptions that are more liberal than a 401 -LRB- k. -RRB- IRAs , SEPs and SIMPLEs allow a $ 10,000 exemption to first-time homebuyers -LRB- this means anyone who is purchasing a home and hasnt owned a home for two years . -RRB- These plays also provide exceptions for higher education expenses -LRB- these must be taken in the year they are incurred , not the year that they are paid . -RRB- These plans offer exceptions for health insurance premiums for the unemployed . There is also a special rule for participants who are separating from their company and are more than fifty-five years old . There are ways to avoid the penalty tax but this requires careful tax planning .


Input: What Is Non Industrial Disability Insurance?

Output: Non-Industrial Disability Insurance is administered by the California Employment Development Department -LRB- EDD -RRB- for certain State employees who are disabled due to non-work related illness or injuries . It provides up to 26 weeks of benefits and typically has a 7 day waiting period before benefits will begin to be paid .


Input: When Is The Best Time To Switch Auto Insurance?

Output: Probably the `` best '' time is at policy renewal just because one policy can easily pick up where the other leaves off without you having to wait for reimbursements etc. . That having been said , you are able to switch at any time . Talk to your Insurance Professional about your particular situation .


Input: When Is The Best Time To Switch Auto Insurance?

Output: In most circumstances it probably doesnt make any difference when you switch auto policies . Cancellations are treated on a pro-rata basis by many insurance companies . Doing a switch at renewal might be easiest , though . When considering a switch there are two things to consider . The first is the effect dropping coverage with one company might have on the premiums of other insurance policies that might have been bundled . The second is that switching frequently to save a few dollars does not allow you to develop any relationship with the agent , who might be your best friend at the time of a claim .


Input: How Important Is It To Have Life Insurance?

Output: If you have people who count on you for financial support , and no other way to provide them any financial support if you were to pass away , then it is very important to have life insurance . All you need to do is talk to one person whose loved one left them life insurance at a vulnerable time , and talk to one whose family was forced to get along without the person and the paycheck upon whom they relied . You will immediately see the importance .


Input: Does Home Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

Output: Bad dog ! Fido ! How could you do that ? No Beggin Strips for you for a year and you can forget about that brand new diamond-studded flea collar . And ... you 're sleeping in the garage tonight , not in your bed upstairs ! OK ... Back to the question . Often , the liability portion of your policy covers damage that your pet may have caused to other persons outside of your home .


Input: Does Home Insurance Cover Pet Damage?

Output: As with most insurance questions , the answer includes read your specific policy . There are different policy forms which include different `` levels '' of coverage for both the home itself and the property inside . Basic and Broad form policies only cover you against a specific list of perils . Pet damage is not on this list . Special form policies , however , typically cover the home against any perils not specifically excluded . Most carriers do not exclude pet damage and therefore it would be covered . Unless specifically endorsed , the property inside the home may still be covered under the broad form list of perils even if the home is covered by special form . This leads to a scenario where the home would be covered for pet damage but the property inside would not . As always , the loss would be subject to your deductible so only losses exceeding that amount would be paid .


Input: What Does A Life Insurance Drug Test Test For?

Output: Some life insurance companies have been increasing their drug screening to the Drug 5 Panel/Drug 8 Panel in response to the increasing use of illegal drugs . The 5 panel drug test detects cocaine , PCP , marijuana , opiates , and meth/amphetamines . They also test for nicotine/cotinine and alcohol . No Exam policies do not conduct blood or urine tests .