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Get Ready for Medicare.. See 7 Helpful Tools and Ideas for NH Seniors!

7/19/2019

by Stephen Donohue NH Medicare Insurance Specialist

If you are just getting started with Medicare- and you are looking for some information, here are 7 things that you can do:

Visit the MyMedicareMatters.org website. This website is helpful for new seniors (and also people who have been on Medicare for a while). It is sponsored by the National Council on Aging and has some great tools. My favorite page on this site is the MEDICARE CHECKLIST that outlines steps you should take 6 months, 4 months, and 3 months prior to your 65th Birthday. (Here is a PDF of the MEDICARE CHECKLIST if you want to download it!)
Get your Annual Physical Exam- BEFORE you are enrolled with Medicare! If you are on an employer sponsored plan - it is likely that the preventive care benefit you have NOW is RICHER THAN preventive care covered by MEDICARE. It is important to know that while Medicare DOES COVER PREVENTIVE CARE, the Medicare preventive care benefits are not as comprehensive. See Medicare's List of Preventive Care covered items here.
Consider your Options- Most seniors when initially are they are eligible for Medicare have 3 choices: If you need help comparing options, please give me a call 603-882-2909 I am happy to help!
1. Keep CURRENT HEALTH PLAN and defer electing Medicare A & B (Most people do take A because it's free..) The best decision for someone who is currently working, or covered on a spouse's employer benefits is to stay on the employer sponsored plan if the costs and benefits make sense.
2. Original Medicare A & B, Plus a Part D RX plan PLUS a Medicare Supplement
3. Medicare Advantage
Read the Medicare & You 2019 Handbook- No one is asking you to memorize it! But a review of it will help you better understand Medicare. You are able to read it online, order one to be mailed, or download the pdf here.
Attend a Seminar- Check your local senior centers, or libraries. Insurance brokers, insurance companies and other organizations offer no pressure Medicare Education seminars often.
Visit your Insurance Department Website Here in NH, the Insurance Department has a great publication called New Hampshire’s Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance . It lists the monthly premiums for all the NH MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT plans offered by 22 different insurance companies.
Meet with a Medicare Insurance Specialist- the favorite part of my job is meeting with seniors and helping them plan for Medicare. Often people are overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, but after getting to know your situation, I am often able to help you narrow it down- make it easier to understand and more manageable.

Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company is a licensed insurance agency on Main ST in Nashua, offering all kinds of insurance to Seniors thought New England and the Northeast!

Summer Road Trip Advice by Plymouth Rock NH Car Insurance

5/23/2019

Hit the holiday road with fun and great suggestions offered by NH Car Insurance Company Plymouth Rock Assurance- Nashua NH Auto Insurance Agent..

Family vacations can be a lot of fun, and maybe even a little relaxing. But before you get to your destination there’s inevitably a long trip in the car. Hours on the road can be torturous for kids – and you – if you don’t plan ahead.

After escaping the stress of work, the last thing you want on the first step of your vacation is excitable feet kicking the back of your chair and constant accusations of “he started it!”

That’s no way to start (or end) a vacation – and you don’t need to! Here’s how to keep kids happy in the car during those hours on the road.

Play games that won’t distract you from the road. While it’s difficult to jilt the classic I-Spy, anything could happen on the road in the time you spend trying to find your chosen object. Instead, play games like 20 Questions. Everyone can get involved, and the quick-fire nature of the questions means that you should never be spending too much time thinking instead of concentrating.
Have a singalong. The road trip singalong may be clichéd, but with the excitement of going on vacation the mood might just be bright enough for you all to tone those vocal cords.
Share a storytelling experience. Pre-plan and find an audiotape that everyone can listen to or if you’re feeling extra creative, try making your own tale. One person says one sentence; the next adds another, and so on.
Bring treats. Ideally ones that are low in sugar (to refrain from giving your kids even more energy). Think popcorn, carrot sticks, or even pistachios … just make sure you have a way to deal with all the shells.
Technology is your friend. With phones, laptops and DVD players at your disposal, it’s easier than ever to watch a movie on the go. Don’t forget car chargers!
Create a countdown. Segment your journey into half-hour periods with an activity every 30 minutes. If your kids know that they have any of the above activities to look forward to in only a matter of minutes, the true length of the journey will be diluted into easier-to-manage segments.
Plan a play date right before you leave. Enlist some of your friends to supervise playtime (make sure it’s full of high-energy playing). Not only will this make your journey easier, it will also give you some valuable packing time with minimal distraction.
Plan stops on your trip. A little legwork can go a long way to break up the monotony. Are there any funky attractions en route? How about some child-friendly museums or a picnic spot with great views? A break from driving will not only help to stretch the legs, but will also help you re-focus for the rest of the journey ahead.
Color! A classic kid standby. Need something to color? Plymouth Rock has you covered. Here’s a downloadable coloring book featuring our mascot Otto! Your kids will have a blast helping Otto navigate has way through the tricky maze to the Crashbuster van, spotting the difference between pictures and coloring everything in.

If you are planning a family road trip, make sure to brush up on your skills to prepare for the unexpected, like replacing flat tires, reviving dead car batteries, reporting an auto insurance claim and driving through a rainstorm.
Make sure you also have your auto insurance ID cards handy, too. Plymouth Rock customers can get electronic ID cards (if they are accepted in your state) by downloading our mobile app.

If you have more tips to keep kids happy in the car on a long road trip, share them with us and everyone else!

NH Medicare Supplement Plan G 2019- 7 reasons why Plan G is such a good value!

3/27/2019

by Steve Donohue NH Medicare Supplement Agent
Here in NH for the past the past decade the NH Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plan F has been the go-to plan for seniors looking for deluxe Medicare insurance coverage.

However starting last year we have seen a shift with the NH Medicare Supplement Plan G emerging as a great value for the following 7 reasons:

Medicare Supplement Plans allow you to use ANY doctor who accepts Medicare. This means that you have broad access to care locally- AND- throughout the US (...think snowbirds!)
Medigap Plan G is SIMILAR to the Plan F- I like to say that the Supplement Plan G is Plan F's nice looking younger sister. The Plan G covers hospital, nursing home, and MANY things the SAME EXACT WAY that the Plan F does. What is the difference..? The Plan G does NOT cover the Part B deductible of $185.
Plan G Supplement offers SIGNIFICANT Monthly Premium Savings- Today in NH the Plan G Supplement has premiums that are SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER than the Plan F. In 2019 Anthem's Blue Cross Blue Shield of NH Plan F for a Male Age 65 is $193.09 a month- the NH Plan G Medigap with Anthem is only $149.64 - that's a savings of $43.45/month or $521.40 annually.
Plan G Still Covers Excess Charges- Like the Plan F the Plan G DOES COVER EXCESS CHARGES!Now excess charges are not frequent- and also often not significant but conservative shoppers enjoy that extra protection.
Plan F is Going Away in 2020 - The CMS has announced that in 2020 the Plan F will no longer be offered to new enrollees (see article). People who ALREADY HAVE PLAN F can keep it after 2020 - but what historically happens when a plan is no longer offered is the cost for that discontinued plan tends to increase. (The Medicare Supplement Plan J is an excellent example of this.) So if Plan G is going to be available in the future it is likely that the rates may be more stable.
Set it and Forget It- As a NH Medicare insurance agent who has specialized in Medicare plans for over a decade I see seniors that are now in their 70's that still have the same Medicare Supplement plan they bought years ago. So for seniors looking for a long term solution- or plan that will fit for years to come- the Plan G supplement is an excellent idea.
Foreign Travel Benefit- When you buy the Plan G NH supplement you receive up to $50,000 in foreign travel benefit.

If you would like to learn more about the different NH Medicare Supplemental Plans that are available please give us a call at 603-882-2909.

See NH Medicare Supplement Plan G additional information & resources:
NH Medigap Plan G Benefit Summary
NH Plan G - who has the best Rates for 2019?
NH Medicare Supplement Quote
NH Medicare Blog 2019

Atlantic Insurance in Nashua helps seniors with ALL their insurance needs including special programs for home, car, umbrella, life insurance and of course Medicare Insurance plans.

NH Sr22 Same Day - Get Certificate Today

2/26/2019

by Steve Donohue NH Sr22 Insurance Agent
If you need an SR22 in New Hampshire Atlantic Insurance is here to help. We offer NH SR22's the same day. We realize that when our clients are looking for an SR22 that their time is important.

Getting your NH Driver's License back after losing it - or if your license has been suspended - often means taking time away from your work or family to go to the NH DMV. This can be a time consuming and frustrating process. Getting a NH Sr22 doesn't have to take a lot of time ! We make getting your NH SR22 NH Financial Responsibility Certificate fast & easy.

Here is how we are different than other SR22 insurance brokers:
-Our NH online SR22 quote request can be completed in less than 3 minutes
- We offer express same day NH SR22 certificates.
-We send SR22 Proof of Financial Responsibility Certificates DIRECTLY TO CONCORD NH within moments of you completing your application
-We do SR22 NH Applications online or over the phone
- We offer MANY payment options Cash/ Check/ EFT Bank Account/ Credit Card
-We let you buy over the phone- over the internet of visit our convenient Main St Nashua Location
-WALK INS are welcome

Whether you to just to find out how much a NH SR22 will cost-- or-- if you need an SR22 right now- we are here to help. Please call us any time 603-882-2909-or visit our NH SR22 Operators's quote page here.

NH Condo Insurance is Unique - 5 ideas to make sure your NH or MA Condominium Home Insurance fits your needs

2/1/2019

NH Condo Insurance
Why do you need Condominium Insurance?
In a sentence you need Condo insurance to protect what your HOA does NOT COVER. (NH Condo insurance is also called a NH HO-6 Insurance).

Condominium insurance is unique. Your NH HO-6 condo insurance policy covers your personal property and liability, as well as any additions, alterations and improvements you make to your unit that are your responsibility based on the condo association agreement.

As you might expect with any kind of insurance there are options for you to consider- here are 5 things that we suggest you consider when buying NH CONDO (NH HO-6) insurance coverage:

Optional loss assessment coverage is available to protect you against certain assessments that may be levied by the association.
Additional Living Expenses- You would be compensated for additional living expenses incurred should you need to vacate your condo after a covered loss.
Personal Property Enhancements Condo insurance provides coverage for your personal property and much more. For a few more dollars, you can elect to carry Full Value Personal Property which ensures that you are reimbursed full replacement value without regard for depreciation after a covered loss.
Additional Building/Dwelling Coverage If you have upgraded cabinets or put in hardwood floors, condo building item coverage protects these investments.
Computer & Smartphone Provides additional protection, including higher limits and additional covered causes of loss for computers, peripheral devices, and software.

Let Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company help you find the right amount of Condominium home insurance coverage to suit your insurance needs in NH and Massachusetts Call us today at 603-882-2909.

Be sure to consult your HOA agreement to determine what the Association policy covers and what you are responsible for. If common areas are damaged, your condo association may levy assessments against all the owners to pay the deductible on their association policy.

Various limits of loss assessment coverage are available. Be sure to consult the HOA agreement to determine the potential for such assessments. Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company can help you determine your coverage needs to make sure you’re properly covered. Call us at 603-882-2909 or request a NH Condo Insurance quote online here.

Atlantic Insurance & Benefit Company offering New Hampshire CONDO insurance quotes 24/7.

NH Medicare Supplement Plans- Who has the best rates for NH Medigap plans in 2019?

1/10/2019

by Steve Donohue Nashua Medicare Supplement broker
In New Hampshire there are 22 different insurers that sell Medicare Supplemental plans this year. So who has the best rates for you this year? See quick overview of the NH Medicare Insurance Market below:
Age 65 Female
Plan F $175.54 Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire
Plan G   $136.05  Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire
Plan N $114.95   First Health Life & Health Insurance Company

Age 65 Male
Plan F $180.00 TransAmerica Life Insurance Company
Plan G   $145.00 Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Insurance Company
Plan N $122.03   First Health Life & Health Insurance Company

To get a NH Medigap Quote Click here and complete the form- it takes less than 2 minutes. Or please give us a call at 603-882-2909.

Home Insurance Nashua, NH Agency - See Our Tips on Keeping your Home Safe in Summer

8/28/2018

This post brought to you by Trusted Choice the Big I and AIG

Summer. It brings to mind pleasing images of bright sunshine, beaches, pools, backyard cookouts, watermelon, vacation travel, ice cream, high temperatures and refreshing lemonade, among others. The hazards of summer include heat stroke, drowning, sunburn, bug bites, and food poisoning as food spoils faster in the heat. Protecting yourself from these and other hazards takes a few precautions.

Protecting your home is a little more complicated but not overwhelming. AIG has prepared a short list of steps towards protecting your home during summer months and beyond. Feel free to share these helpful tips with your clients

Water safety

If you have a pool, restrict access to the area with a gate or doors that automatically lock. Have your gate locks checked annually to ensure they are working properly.
For added safety, especially if there are young children at home, equip the door/gate with an alarm or sensors at the pool.
Consider a rolling pool cover, which can provide even more protection than a gate or fence.
If you are entertaining at your pool or on a lake, consider hiring a lifeguard to ensure someone is always watching those in the water.
Elaborate pool areas with rock formations and slides can enhance the risk for injury. Be sure areas are properly secured or restricted when needed.

Traveling

Don't post on social media that you are leaving town, and wait to post photos until after you return.
If you will be gone for an extended period of time, ask a private staff member, friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home and have your mail held at the local post office.
Put lights on timers to give the impression that someone is home.

Fire prevention

If your grill or outdoor kitchen is near your home or on a deck/porch attached to your home, it should be equipped with an automatic shutoff device. These devices have a timer installed in the gas supply line that automatically shuts off the gas supply after a predetermined length of time.
Never use chimineas or fire pits on decks, gazebos, covered patios or anywhere there are overhangs. They should be located at least 15 feet away from any structure.

General home maintenance

When cleaning gutters and roofs, remove debris and check for winter damage that should be repaired.
Make sure trees on your property are healthy to avoid toppling onto your home during high winds.
If you live in a wildfire-prone area, remove all dead materials from trees/bushes/landscaping to eliminate fuels in the wildfire, and keep grass areas short.

Get Nashua, Merrimack, Hudson, Hollis or Amherst Home Insurance Quote Here

NH Medicare Recipients- See what kind of Preventive Care Medicare Covers!

8/21/2018

If you are looking to sby Steve Donohue NH Medicare Insurance Agent August 20, 2018

If you are enrolled on Medicare you may be concerned about the kinds of preventive care that Medicare covers. As a NH Medicare Supplement agent and NH Medicare Advantage broker each year in order to sell certain kinds of Medicare plans I am obligated to complete a thorough Medicare training.

When studying this year I came across this list of Medicare Preventative Services and I thought it would be helpful to share with my clients and the world at large.

Medicare Preventive Services include:

One-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit

Please know that beneficiaries may have cost sharing if they receive non-preventive services during an appointment for preventive services. For example, if they receive diagnostic lab tests during their annual wellness visit.

If you are looking to see how much NH Medicare Supplements cost for you or a loved one- CLICK HERE to complete our online quote (it only takes a few minutes)- or please call us at 603-882-2909.

NH Home Insurance Covers your Treasured Stuff

8/9/2018

From expensive accessories to treasured heirlooms, we know how much your prized possessions mean to you.

That’s why it’s important to talk to your local agent to make sure that all of your valuables are fully covered in the event of damage, loss, or theft. By adding Valuable Articles Coverage to your current NH homeowners insurance policy, you will get the enhanced protection you need and peace of mind knowing the treasured items in your home are protected.

Concord Group Insurance has Attractive Endorsements for NH Home & Car Insurance Customers

7/6/2018

by Steve Donohue owner of Insurance Agency, in Nashua NH
The insurance industry is full of jargon- terms that companies use that to an outsider make no sense.

I remember when I was buying one of my first policies, the insurance agent said to me I put an endorsement on your policy. I didn't want to appear stupid so I just said thanks, but thought to myself "is an endorsement a good thing- or a bad thing?"

See definition:
Endorsement - an amendment or rider to a policy adjusting the coverages and taking precedence over the general contract.

For the most part endorsements are GOOD THINGS! The Concord Group has some attractive endorsements that take an ordinary home or car insurance policy and makes them better. See PDF's of the enhancements that each endorsement offers below- or give us a call and we can help you determine what coverage may be right for you.

Concord Group Home Insurance Endorsements:

Concord Group Car Insurance Endorsements

PACE
PACE +
Redi-Check Income Replacement
Extended Transportation to Rental Car Coverage

Let Atlantic Insurance a Car and Home Insurance Agency in Nashua, NH help you buy insurance today- call us at 603-882-2909 for a quote.

<<Previous

Get Ready for Medicare.. See 7 Helpful Tools and Ideas for NH Seniors!

Summer Road Trip Advice by Plymouth Rock NH Car Insurance

NH Medicare Supplement Plan G 2019- 7 reasons why Plan G is such a good value!

NH Sr22 Same Day - Get Certificate Today

NH Condo Insurance is Unique - 5 ideas to make sure your NH or MA Condominium Home Insurance fits your needs

NH Medicare Supplement Plans- Who has the best rates for NH Medigap plans in 2019?

Home Insurance Nashua, NH Agency - See Our Tips on Keeping your Home Safe in Summer

NH Medicare Recipients- See what kind of Preventive Care Medicare Covers!

NH Home Insurance Covers your Treasured Stuff

Concord Group Insurance has Attractive Endorsements for NH Home & Car Insurance Customers

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