Choose your home wisely. If you're getting ready to move to North Carolina, or are already a resident looking to relocate within the state, choose your home with care. Actually, choose the location of your home with care. Some parts of the state are susceptible to more severe weather than others, which means the homes in those parts are more susceptible to weather-related damage, too. For example, Wilmington residents are more likely to pay higher homeowner's insurance premiums than Charlotte residents. Why? They are closer to the water, i.e. closer to storms.
Safeguard your home against hurricane and storm damage. If you aren't willing to choose a home – or relocate – based on saving money on North Carolina homeowner's insurance, you can take steps to safeguard your home against hurricane and storm damage. Obviously having sturdy home and garage doors, as well as strong windows, helps. However, you should check local building codes to make sure your home is up-to-date with what's required. These building codes were most likely created with storm-resistance in mind. You may also want to talk to your neighbors about the kinds of safety precautions they take – especially if you're new to the area.
Be selective when it comes to the homeowner's insurance company. Most people don't want to be considered a snob, but when it comes to keeping a homeowner's insurance company from gouging your bank account, it's alright to be selective. Choose a reputable insurance company with a strong financial rating. Make sure the insurance company is licensed to sell homeowner's insurance in North Carolina; otherwise, you could end up losing more money than you save should you have claim and settlement problems with them. As long as the company is licensed in North Carolina, the state can assist you with any problems.
North Carolina Insurance Law
Similar to most traditional employer-sponsored and individual health plans, this plan covers a broad range of services, including preventive care, outpatient services, urgent care, a prescription drug benefit and other common health care services.
It offers several plan options from which to choose. Chose the plan that best meets your individual medical and financial needs.
Premiums for the plans vary based on gender, age and whether you are a smoker or not. You have the choice of Plan A, B or C.
Beginning January 1st 2009, you will be able to get coverage on INCLUSIVE HEALTH. (Actually, you can apply now, so that your coverage will be effective on January 1st.) The rates are reasonable, but not everyone is eligible.
Coverage Waiting Period:
The plans offered by the state of NC include a waiting period on coverage for pre-existing conditions. The length of the waiting period is six (6) months for all policies that go into effect between January 1 and June 1, 2009. Policies that go into effect on or after July 1, 2009 will be subject to a 12-month waiting period.
Who can Join?
You can qualify for coverage from the state if you:
(a) are a North Carolina resident and a legal resident of the United States;
(b) do not have access to group coverage as an employee or as a dependent of an employee;
(c) do not qualify for any government program such as Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP; an meet one of the following
If you
* Have been rejected or refused by an insurer for similar coverage for medical reasons
* Have been offered coverage by an insurer with a conditional rider limiting coverage
* Have only been offered coverage at a premium rate that is higher than Inclusive Health's rate
* Have existing non-group coverage in effect, but at a premium rate higher than Inclusive Health's rate
* Have a diagnosed condition from a list of high-risk conditions (also known as presumptive health conditions
* Are a federally HIPAA-eligible individual, including those who currently have this coverage through an insurer
* Are a resident eligible for federal Health Coverage Tax Credit under the Transitional Assistance Act (international trade-displaced workers and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation recipients)
Both Elizabeth Newberry & Richard Day are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.