Kreidler achieves settlement with health insurers - approves 10 more Exchange plans

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has reached settlements with Community Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest and approved their 10 plans for sale in Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange, the Washington Healthplanfinder.

 Consumers in Washington will now have 41 choices in the Exchange when open enrollment begins Oct. 1. Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) will have three plans available in 26 counties.

 Kaiser will offer an additional seven plans in Clark and Cowlitz counties.

 Kreidler said the additional 10 plans meet the same high standards held for the other approved companies. They also ensure continuity of care for Medicaid enrollees and create more competition in the marketplace.

 The Exchange set an initial July 31 deadline for the Insurance Commissioner’s review and approval of plans for inclusion in the Exchange, where subsidies for health coverage will be offered as part of the federal Affordable Care Act.

“We had 31 health plans approved by the Exchange’s deadline. Washington consumers now have an additional 10 quality plans to choose from,” Kreidler said.  “We took the initial deadline seriously, but we also followed our own legal process and it worked. The Exchange cannot delay any further. It must take action and approve these plans by Sept. 5.”

Read the full release.

Production of SIU Documents

When seeking production of documents from a non-party, it is important to remember that it is not sufficient to only show relevance; it must also be unfair to proceed to trial without the documents.

In Boucher (Litigation Guardian of) v. Charles, 2013 ONSC 3120 (S.C.J.), the plaintiffs brought a r. 30.10 motion to obtain documents from a non-party, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).  The action arose out of an accident between a cyclist and a police motor vehicle.  The SIU conducted an investigation and concluded there were no grounds to lay criminal charges against the officer.

In a r. 30.10 motion for production of documents from a non-party, the moving party must satisfy a two-part test: 1) the document must be relevant to a material issue in the action and, 2) it would be unfair to proceed to trial without having discovery of the document.  The test sets a high bar and is permissive rather than mandatory (i.e. if it is met, the Court may order production).

The SIU conceded relevance of all of its documents except for statements from two civilian witnesses who did not witness the event.  Master McAfee held that the documents were relevant, but the plaintiffs were not able to meet the second part of the test.  The witnesses had not consented to release of their statements, and the statements of witnesses given to police officers had been produced in the police file.  Master McAfee also considered the public interest.  The efficacy of the SIU's investigative process and its ability to discharge its mandate depends on maintaining the confidence of witnesses. 

Master McAfee ordered production of a statement by a deceased witness as he would not be available to testify at trial or to provide consent to release the statement.  The plaintiffs were not able to show that they would be prejudiced by proceeding to trial without the remaining documents.

New online tool shows you what individual health insurance costs next year in WA

We've built a new online tool to help you find out what health care plans will cost next year. Simply click on the map -- premiums vary by where you live -- and it will tell you which insurance carriers are offering coverage in your area. You can click on each company to see its rates, which vary based on your age.

A couple of caveats: These rates are mainly for the individual market, meaning people who have to buy insurance for themselves, and don't get it through an employer, Medicare, etc.

Also, the rates do factor in the subsidies that will be available to some people. Those subsidies will reduce the cost of coverage substantially for many people. You can estimate how much you'll pay, with subsidies taken into account, by using this online calculator from the Washington HealthPlanFinder.

Lastly, the list of health plans is likely to grow over the next couple of months. We are still reviewing plans, for example, for multiple insurance carriers that have filed to sell coverage outside the state exchange. And some plans that were rejected for the Exchange have filed appeals. So stay tuned.

An open letter from Mike Kreidler about insurance plans filed for Washington's exchange

An open letter from Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler

In January, the biggest changes under health care reform – or “Obamacare” – will take effect. Many health plans, which now have to comply with federal standards, will be significantly better. And hundreds of thousands of low- and middle-income Washingtonians will qualify for subsidies to help pay for coverage.

This fall, Washington’s new Health Benefit Exchange will open for business, giving consumers an easy way to compare health plans, sign up, and see if they qualify for the subsidies.

Many kinds of insurance policies, before they can be sold, must be reviewed and approved by my office. This is a very important consumer protection, designed to ensure that prices are fair and that insurers can deliver on their promises.

I’m pleased to report that based on state and federal law, we were able to approve 31 health insurance plans, from four carriers, for the Exchange. People shopping on the Exchange will have broad choice and significantly better coverage, starting Jan. 1, 2014.

Unfortunately, we had to reject applications from five other insurance carriers. These were not decisions I made lightly. I am a strong supporter of competition and consumer choice, and a longtime supporter of health care reform.

As the state’s insurance regulator, however, I have a duty to protect consumers and to hold all insurers to the same standards. There were substantial problems in the plans we rejected.

Health insurers must have adequate networks of doctors and other health care providers. And there were major problems with the networks of most of the rejected plans. One didn’t offer any pediatric hospital.

Another had no approved retail pharmacy. Certain plans didn’t have adequate access to transplant surgeons, or to HIV/AIDS specialists.

One network would have required people to drive more than 45 miles to see a cardiologist, and more than 120 miles to see a gastroenterologist. That would be like living in Tacoma but having to see a doctor in Bellingham.

These were not minor technicalities. They were major problems.

Some people have pointed out that three of the carriers whose plans were rejected are currently serving people on Medicaid. They worry that people whose incomes rise, making them ineligible for Medicaid, will have difficulty moving to a regular commercial plan, or would lose important continuity of care offered by the community clinics. Many of these community clinics offer important services, such as language assistance or transportation.

Rest assured: The plans I approved for the Exchange include a substantial number of community clinics throughout the state. In many cases, Medicaid patients who want to remain with the same clinic will be able to.

The Affordable Care Act requires all carriers participating in the Exchange to contract with an adequate number of “Essential Community Providers,” or ECPs. These are defined as health care providers that serve high-risk, special needs and underserved individuals. Many Sea Mar clinics, for example, have contracts with the commercial carriers who were approved for the Exchange.

My staff and I worked very hard to try to get all carriers and all plans across the finish line in time. We had dozens of meetings, and 14 webinars to try to walk them through the process. I called one CEO after another, laying out the key issues and timelines. On the final night, July 31, we had staff waiting at their desks until midnight, in order to give the companies every possible minute to succeed.

But some carriers – particularly those new to the commercial insurance market -- simply couldn’t meet the standards this time.

We knew this first big year of health reform implementation would be a bumpy ride, and it has been. But I remain optimistic about the future. We will continue to work with all carriers to help them get ready for the next year, when I fully expect more insurers to succeed.

In the meantime, consumers have a broad number of choices. The insurance is meaningful, the networks robust, the subsidies significant. Again, the process has been bumpy. But it’s a very promising start.

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner

The Onus at Status Hearings

The decision of Master Hawkins in 1745361 Ontario Ltd. v. St. Paul's Investments, 2013 ONSC 4642 (S.C.J.) reminds us that the onus at a status hearing is on the plaintiff.

In this case, there was a delay of between 13 and 25 months, depending on whether or not the plaintiff had served an affidavit of documents (the parties disputed whether it had been served).  The plaintiff also failed to comply with the Master's Order that it deliver material for a status hearing.

Master Hawkins emphasized that Rule 48.14(13) places the onus on the plaintiff to persuade the court that the action should not be dismissed for delay.  The plaintiff must demonstrate that he, she or it has an acceptable explanation for the delay, and that if the action is allowed to proceed, the defendant will suffer no non-compensable prejudice.

The plaintiff's affidavit used at the status hearing provided no explanation for the delay and was silent on the issue of prejudice to the defendant.  On the contrary, the defendant delivered an affidavit setting out that two critical witnesses had disappeared.  Accordingly, the plaintiff had failed to discharge its onus under r. 48.14(13) and the action was dismissed.

Although the onus is on the plaintiff, one has to assume that the affidavit filed by the defendant setting out the prejudice it suffered as a result of the delay was helpful to the Court.

Military Payday Loans

What is a payday loan? This is a small short-term loan for employees who are categorically perceived as those belonging to the lower socio-demographic class because they have no other financial options except to apply for a cash advance payday loan. The borrowers apply payday loans to bridge the cash flow gap between their paydays. Or sometimes, advanced cash payday loan usually provides cash for occurrences of emergencies in time of cash flow problem. This type of loan is typically handed out to the borrower in the form of cash and secured only of the borrower's postdated check which may amount to the original loan principal and as well as the accrued interest. Payment is processed through in the maturity date by a traditional check or through electronic withdrawal from the client's checking account. A military payday loan is one very common type everywhere in the world.
Military payday loans are intended specifically for the military men and women. No matter what is the rank or grade, those who served the armed forces are eligible for the application of a military payday loan. If a military man needs cash but payday is still far, he can apply for an instant military payday loan. An advantage of military payday loans is that application can be obtained wherever a military man may be. Many countries have already contracted online services to make payday loan services more accessible. So that whenever a military man resides, he can go online and fill out necessary forms and then send the application. If approved, cash advance may be received through an electronic funds transfer. Instant military payday loans are quick and easy because funds were provided specially for the military men and women's emergency financial needs. Online application is secured and protected so transactions are safe and kept in privacy.
Another advantage of payday loans for military is its lower rates than other types of cash advance loans. Also, the military are also given option for choosing repayment schedule. If they cannot afford to pay it with one payday check, they can always pay back the loan with the next paychecks. Military loan companies are everywhere. Most of them understand the needs of the military man/woman and families. They knew how can a military man or woman affords so they these military payday loan companies how to equate the interests for their cash advance loans. Other military loan companies offer kind of loans that will aid servicemen to acquire new home, cars, or other things that might require higher expense. These companies offer easy and affordable mortgage plans. Basically, instant payday loans will afford military men and families an easier and keep finances in order.
Application for an instant military loan is also offered through phone line and is directly assisted with military loan consultant. Most reputable and reliable military loan companies are available for the customers. Military cash loans are not only available for active military men. There are also military corporate consumers loans companies who offer this same service to the retired military men. Retired armed forces men normally want to apply for a fast cash loan when circumstances of sudden need of large amount of money is needed like unexpected bills. Like the aforementioned type of instant cash payday loans, retired military loans also do not discriminate the ranks and grades of the former servicemen. As long as they have served the country and meet other related requirements, these men are also eligible for an application. And, likewise, best military cash loans provide lower interest rates than any other type of cash lending companies.
A military profession is a job that has stable and security guarantees. They are typically given grants and greater benefits than other employee types but one disadvantage is that they are not well compensated much like other working class. That's why loan companies have sprouted all over the world to answer financial difficulties a military man usually encounters. To alleviate these men from difficulties, they only need to provide lending institution the necessary papers like military ETS, personal information, and of course checking account number. After approval, cash would be in their hands to improve their financial condition.

Excess Insurance

Excess insurers may be interested in the recently reported decision of ACE INA Insurance v. Associated Electric & Gas Insurance Services Ltd., [2012] O.J. No. 6500 (S.C.J.).

ACE insured Toronto Hydro, which was sued over an explosion that occurred in the underground parking of a high-rise apartment building.  AEGIS was the excess insurer.  Although there was no explicit duty to defend under the AEGIS policy, ACE brought an application that AEGIS had a duty to pay defence costs pursuant to the doctrine of equitable contribution.

The AEGIS policy was an "indemnity policy" rather than a "liability policy".  Under its policy, AEGIS limited its indemnity obligation where there is other insurance, and limited its duty to indemnify to defence costs incurred by the insured, not those incurred by a third-party such as ACE.  Defence counsel had been appointed by ACE rather than the insured.  AEGIS's obligation was only to indemnify defence costs at the end of the litigation, where the costs were not covered by other insurance.    

Justice C.J. Brown rejected the argument that AEGIS had an equitable duty to contribute to defence costs despite the clear wording of the policy.  There is no equitable obligation to defend where an excess policy precludes a duty to defend.  In addition, a relevant factor was that any defence costs paid by AEGIS would reduce the policy limits available to the insured so there was potential prejudice to Toronto Hydro. 

Loans Guide

Many people are confused by the different types of loans available. Here is a helpful loans guide of the most common loans available today.
Bad Credit Personal Loan
A Bad Credit Personal Loan is a loan designed for the many people with a bad credit rating. However created, your past record of County Court Judgements, mortgage or other loan arrears can live on to deny you access to finance that other people regard as normal. If you are a home owner with equity in your property, a Bad Credit Personal Loan can bring that normality back to your life. Secured on your home, a Bad Credit Personal Loan can give you the freedom, for example, to do the home improvements or buy the new car you really wanted. With a Bad Credit Personal Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 and up to 125% of your property value in some cases.
Bridging Loan
A bridging loan as the name implies is a loan used to "bridge" the financial gap between monies required for your new property completion prior to your existing property having been sold. Bridging loans are short term loans arranged when you need to purchase a house but are unable to arrange the mortgage for some reason, such as there is a delay in selling your existing property.
The beauty of bridging loans is that a bridging loan can be used to cover the financial gap when buying one property before the existing one is sold. A bridging loan can also be used to raise capital pending the sale of a property. Bridging loans can be arranged for any sum between £25000 to a few million pounds and can be borrowed for periods from a week to up to six months.
A bridging loan is similar to a mortgage where the amount borrowed is secured on your home but the advantage of a mortgage is that it attracts a much lower interest rate. While bridging loans are convenient the interest rates can be very high.
Business Loan
A business loan is designed for a wide range of small, medium and startup business needs including the purchase, refinance, expansion of a business, development loans or any type of commercial investment. Business loans are generally available from £50,000 to £1,000,000 at highly competitive interest rates from leading commercial loan lenders. They can offer up to 79% LTV (Loan to Valuation) with variable rates, depending on status and length of term.
They are normally offered on Freehold and long Leasehold properties with Bricks and Mortar valuations required. Legal and valuation fees are payable by the client. A business loan can be secured by all types of UK business property, commercial and residential properties.
Car Loan
The main types of car loans available are Hire Purchase and Manufacturer's schemes. Hire purchase car finance is arranged by car dealerships, and effectively means that you are hiring the car from the dealer until the final payment on the loan has been paid, when ownership of the vehicle is transferred to you.
A Manufacturers' scheme is a type of loan that is put together and advertised by the car manufacturer and can be arranged directly with them or through a local car dealership. You will not be the owner of the vehicle until you have repaid the loan in full, and the car will be repossessed if you default on repayments.
Cash Loan
Cash Loans also known as Payday Loans are arranged for people in employment who find themselves in a situation where they are short of immediate funds.
A Cash Loan can assist you in this situation with short term loans of between £80 and £400.
Loans are repayable on your next payday, although it is possible to renew your loan until subsequent paydays. To apply for a Cash Loan you must be in employment and have a bank account with a cheque book. A poor credit rating or debt history is initially not a problem.
Debt Consolidation Loan
Debt consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one - giving you one easy to manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest.
Secured on your home debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, HP, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment - one calculated to be well within your means. With a Debt Consolidation Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 and up to 125% of your property value in some cases. It can reduce BOTH your interest costs AND your monthly repayments, putting you back in control of your life.
Home Loan
A Home Loan is a loan secured on your home. You can unlock the value tied up in your property with a secured Home loan.
The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home loans can be used for any purpose such as, home improvements, new car, luxury holiday, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation.
With a Home Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000.
Home Improvement Loan
A Home Improvement Loan is a low interest loan secured on your property. With a Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan.
A Home Improvement Loan can help you with a new kitchen, bathroom, extension, loft conversion, conservatory, landscaping your garden or new furniture. You can even use it on non-house expenditure like a new car or repaying credit card or other debts.
Home Owner Loan
A Home Owner Loan is a loan secured on your home. You can unlock the value tied up in your property with a secured Home Owner loan. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home owner loans can be used for any purpose such as, home improvements, new car, luxury holiday, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation. With a Home Owner Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000.
Payday Loan
Payday Loans also known as Cash Loans are arranged for people in employment who find themselves in a situation where they are short of immediate funds.
A Payday Loan can assist you in this situation with short term loans of between £80 and £400.
Loans are repayable on your next payday, although it is possible to renew your loan until subsequent paydays. To apply for a loan you must be in employment and have a bank account with a cheque book. A poor credit rating or debt history is initially not a problem.
Personal Loan
There are two categories of personal loans: secured personal loans and unsecured personal loans - See individual titles below. Homeowners can apply for a Secured personal loan (using their property as security), whereas tenants only have the option of an unsecured personal loan.
Remortgage Loan
A remortgage is changing your mortgage without moving your home. Remortgaging is the process of switching your mortgage to another lender that is offering a better deal than your current lender thereby saving money. A remortgage can also be used to raise additional finances by releasing equity in your property. You can borrow from £25,000 up to £500,000. Rates are variable, depending on status.
Secured Loan
A secured loan is simply a loan that uses your home as security against the loan. Secured loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured loan; or, have a poor credit history. Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to secured loans, making a secured loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured loan. Secured loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime. You can borrow any amount from £5,000 to £75,000 and repay it over any period from 5 to 25 years. You simply select a monthly payment that fits in your current circumstances.
Secured Personal Loan
A Secured Personal Loan is simply a loan that is secured against property. Secured personal loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured personal loan; or, have a poor credit history. Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to Secured personal loans, making a Secured personal loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured personal loan. Secured personal loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime. You can borrow any amount from £5,000 to £75,000 and repay it over any period from 5 to 25 years.
Student Loan
A student loan is way of borrowing money to help with the cost of your higher education. Applications are made through your Local Education Authority. A student loan is a way of receiving money to help with your living costs when you're in higher education. You start paying back the loan once you have finished studying, provided your income has reached a certain level.
Tenant Loan
A tenant loan is an unsecured loan granted to those that do not own their own property. A tenant loan is always unsecured because in most cases, if you are renting your accommodation, you do not have an asset against which you can secure your loan. Tenants sometimes find that some loan companies will only lend money to homeowners. If you are a tenant you need to look for a company, bank or building society willing to give you an unsecured loan.
Unsecured Loan
An unsecured loan is a personal loan where the lender has no claim on a homeowner's property should they fail to repay. Instead, the lender is relying solely on the ability of a borrower to meet their loan borrowing repayments. The amount you are able to borrow can start from as little as £500 and go up to £25,000. Because you not securing the money you are borrowing, lenders tend to limit the value of unsecured loans to £25,000.
The repayment period will range from anywhere between six months and ten years. Unsecured loans are offered by traditional financial institutions like building societies and banks but also recently by the larger supermarkets chains. An unsecured loan can be used for almost anything - a luxury holiday, a new car, a wedding, or home improvements. It is good for people who are not homeowners and cannot obtain a secured loan for example; a tenant living in rented accommodation.
Unsecured Personal Loan
An Unsecured personal loan is a personal loan where the lender has no claim on a homeowner's property should they fail to repay. Instead, the lender is relying solely on the ability of a borrower to meet their loan borrowing repayments.
The amount you are able to borrow can start from as little as £500 and go up to £25,000. The repayment period will range from anywhere between six months and ten years. An Unsecured personal loan can be used for almost anything - a luxury holiday, a new car, a wedding, or home improvements. It is good for people who are not homeowners and cannot obtain a secured loan for example; a tenant living in rented accommodation.

How to Get Cheap Home Loans with a Bad Credit

It's been years since you made any major improvements to your home and it's about time. Your spouse and children are also urging you to give the house a facelift. So, what do you do? Dip into your savings? Great! But that's only if you've enough stashed away in there. Go in for a regular loan? But you can't, because you've a bad credit history, a difficult to prove income and just no down payment capability. And besides, regular loans are only meant for house construction and not for renovations. So what're you to do?
Those with bad credit understand how difficult it can be to try and get a loan for buying a home or refinancing an existing home mortgage loan. Although, most loan companies may tell you that if they can't help you, no one can, that is simply not true. People with adverse credit history may need to put in a little more effort to search out the right home loan, especially with a decent interest rate. Every mortgage loan company varies in its offer for a home loan. A program that is impossible for one company can be very much possible for another. Some mortgage loan companies specialize in home loans for people with less than perfect credit and have more lenient qualifications than others. The key to getting approved for a loan with poor or bad credit is persistence!
Defining home loans
Home loans are not much different from the average loans extended by mortgage loan companies. They've interest rates, points and fees. They can be compared online, and they've seasonal trends. The only real difference is that, as a borrower with a less than stellar credit record, you may have to pay a slightly higher rate for this loan to negate the mortgage loan company's increased risk.
Some home loans are specifically designed to help you fund essential home improvement projects. By encouraging you to make improvements to your home, the mortgage loan company helps increase the market value of your property. But, how does a mortgage loan company stand to gain by extending such a loan? Simple, it makes money through additional interest that you pay for this loan.
Thus, it is important to prepare yourself with information about home loans and compare the offers of various mortgage loan companies to make sure you get the best deal.
Advantages of mortgage loan companies
There are a few things you need to know about mortgage loan companies. These companies specialize in providing home loans for people like you, who are in less than ideal situations. For this, a mortgage loan company takes risks that the average bank refuses, namely offering home loans to people with bad credit. If you have bad credit or declared bankruptcy, a mortgage loan company takes a big risk by extending this loan. People with bad credit are seven times more likely to default on loans. As a result, these companies make up for this risk by levying higher interest rates and fees and also ensure they make a profit. But the end result is that you get the loan, which you may not have raised from other avenues. However, the smart thing to do is to cast your net wide while short-listing such mortgage loan companies.
Searching the best mortgage loan companies
It's important to remember that just because you've bad credit, doesn't mean you should accept the first home loan offer that comes your way. Interest rates and fees on a home loan vary from one company to the other, so it pays to shop. The best way to compare a home loan is to go online. While comparing, remember to enter the same information for each mortgage loan company, since different loan amounts, down payments and income levels affect the rates. This also helps to get a quote for the same risk level.
If you're planning to purchase a home for the first time or refinance an existing mortgage despite an adverse credit history, you may do well to compare the offers of the various mortgage loan companies before you accept a home loan offer. Certain companies specialize in offering home loans to people who have a high-risk credit history in return for charging higher rates and fees. How much is charged on these loans varies and offers can be quite competitive. Therefore, it is best to compare the rates.
There are several ways by which you can discern which home loan will suit your purpose. A few pointers are:
Check online: Web sites of mortgage loan companies offer a convenient way to gather home loan quotes. Since mortgage loan companies are in competition with each other, they offer their best quotes. In addition, they also extend facilities like online applications and the like. So, spend some time on the net to get the best quotes, it would be time well spent.
Compare rates: The interest rates charged by a mortgage loan company on a home loan are bound to be higher than any other type of home loan, where credit, income and down payment are all optimal. And they can vary greatly. There're some mortgage loan companies that, for the same set of qualifications, offer an interest rate of 7 percent, which is a bit over the bar, and then there are others who may quote 9 to 12 percent or more. Now, if this is all for the same qualifications, you could be shelling out hundreds of extra dollars a month in payments, just because you didn't search properly. Make sure not let the mortgage loan companies take advantage of your situation.
Look at the fees: When a mortgage loan company offers you a home loan, be sure to add up the fees from each financing package and compare those with the interest rates. You should also compare closing costs and other fees in the financing package, which at times does add up to hundreds of dollars. Although, adverse credit is likely to result in some fees, it should not be excessive. As a general rule, fees should be included in the price of the home loan. You should expect to pay up to five points for most home loans. There are always exceptions to this, but comparison-shopping should give you an idea of what is reasonable. It is good to remember that fees and terms can be better for borrowers during the off-season.
Cater for down payment: No mortgage loan company will offer a home loan to a person with a bad credit record without a down payment. The larger the down payment, the easier it is for you to secure a home loan. A down payment for a home loan between 5 percent and 20 percent is usually required for people with a credit score of less than 600. A down payment of 20 percent or more will save you from the expense of PMI.
Read the terms: Once you have finalized a home loan offer, make sure you know what type of deal you are getting into. So, be clear about the terms and conditions by reading the fine print. Some mortgage loan companies charge high fees for late or missed payments. While late fees are common, they should not be extreme. You can also get the documents vetted by a lawyer. The point is that you should be comfortable with all the terms before you sign. If you've any questions, don't hesitate to contact the mortgage loan company for clarifications.
Applying for a home loan
The best way to apply for a home loan is through mortgage loan company services. These services can be accessed online. What they do is to take your application and resubmit it to multiple mortgage loan companies. Each application is usually sent to hundreds of such companies asking for the desired home loan. The response varies, but at least four home loan offers are assured for each application. These online mortgage loan company services can help people in almost every state from Florida to California.
The advantage of this process is that most of these mortgage loan companies won't even pull your credit when you apply for a home loan, which is good since multiple inquiries on your credit report can drop your credit score a bit, and if you have bad credit to begin with, you certainly need to score as high as possible.
Once a mortgage loan company processes your information and finds everything in place, it will forward the documents for your final approval and signature. The whole process is completed in a matter of days.
If you are patient and persistent, you can hope for a home loan from a mortgage loan company that has the least interest, even if you score low on credit.

Secured Loans House the Most Positivistic Consequences of Loan Borrowing

One of the most enduring myths of loan industry is that secured loans are perhaps the most favorable loan type available. And guess what this myth is in fact one of the most enduring truths ever. Secured loans amass all that is good and positive about taking a loan. The score card of secured loans is improving day by day in the face of the fact that borrowing money has increased in popularity in recent years. With a tool like secured loans in your hand, borrowing money is very easy.
It is not without reason that secured loans are prevalent. A secured loan connotes affordability and value for money. Sounds like a good financial deal - well, secured loans certainly is. Secured loans offer a great deal of financial freedom. In fact with a secured loan, the borrower has the upper hand. The terms and condition are flexible and very appropriately planned to accommodate the need of the homeowner.
Need for secured loans can be triggered due to any reason. You might need to make home improvement, or perhaps you want to buy something substantial like a car or property. For most people who want to buy property or want to become homeowners there is no other option except taking loans. Secured loans are a very healthy substitute for financial dearth.
A Secured loans binds both the lender and the borrower in a symbiotic relationship. In this mutual admiration association both the borrower and the loan lender have various benefits. It is not without reason that the loans lenders provide secured loans with lesser interest rates. The fact that you place collateral in return of the loan claim makes it simpler for loan lender to offer his money. Secured loans require collateral to be tied in the form of lien which means that the loan lender has the right to your property until and unless you fulfill the obligation. Secured loans are guilty of the possibility of taking over of your property if you fail to repay.
If you are regular with your secured loans payment repossession might seem as just a clause in the whole agreement. In case this is hovering over your mind then you can even apply for payment protection. Payment protection with secured loans protects your monthly payment against problems like being invalid due to ill health or losing your job. Payment protection with secured loans is very economical and is added to your monthly payment. Also Payment protection with secured loans is absolutely non-compulsory.
Striking secured loans deals is easier however making a success of it is not easy. Before taking out a secured loan check out your various options. You have to concentrate on the amount you require. Taking secured loans that is beyond your scope would mean added burden on your finances which is under no circumstances recommended.
Every secured loan implies repayment. Repayment of secured loans should be planned keeping in mind your monthly budget. In case you stretch your budget beyond your limits you might make an error and mar your credit report. If you have difficulties repaying your secured loan immediately contact your loan lender. You can get advice from your loan lender, debt advisor or local Citizen's Advice Bureau. This advice will prevent any extreme action being taken against you.
Research with respect to secured loans is pivotal. While researching for secured loans it is important to look for interest rates, any additional charges, early redemption penalties, cost of compulsory insurance (if any) and total amount repayable.
Awareness about secured loans is the key. Be cautious with advertisements that make mighty promises. Don't go after companies you have not heard about. You can get a much better secured loans deal elsewhere. Make sure you understand he procedure of secured loans and various costs. If not, ask questions and clear your doubts before you move forward with your secured loans deal. Don't take out the first secured loan being offered to you. Give yourself the responsibility of finding yourself the best available secured loan online.
Secured loans are a safe bet and use latent equity in your home. You need money, you have a home. You place your home as a guarantee and get a home loan. Secured loan is available online, easy and straightforward. There is payment protection to save your monthly payments. Credit score is not an issue with secured loans and interest rates are really low. The range of secured loans option is abundant. With so many advantages, it is vigorous challenge not to find a secured that will fail to please you.

Auto insurance and pizza delivery

We get a lot of calls from parents -- and usually those calls are after the fact, unfortunately -- about whether their child delivering pizzas needs additional auto coverage.

Sorry, but the answer's usually yes. Most personal auto insurance policies won't cover you if you're getting paid to use your own car to transport people or property for business purposes.

In general, you'll need to buy a business or commercial auto insurance policy if you are a health care worker who occasionally uses your own car to take clients to appointments. The same is true if you use your own car to deliver flowers, newspapers, pizzas, etc.

If you have questions about your coverage -- and policies do differ -- contact your agent or insurance company directly.

Expert Evidence at Trial

The Divisional Court has released an important decision with respect to expert evidence.  In Westerhof v. Gee (Estate), 2013 ONSC 2093 (Div. Ct.), a jury awarded the plaintiff $22,000 in general damages and $13,000 for loss of income.  The trial judge, however, dismissed the claim on the basis that it did not meet threshold.  The plaintiff appealed, arguing that the trial judge erred by restricting the plaintiff's expert witnesses.  A number of treating practitioners were not permitted to give evidence about diagnosis or prognosis, two accident benefits assessors were not permitted to give opinion evidence, a neurologist was not permitted to give evidence regarding psychiatric or psychological issues, and opinions contained in MRI reports were redacted.

The appeal was dismissed.  The Court discussed a number of cases dealing with r. 53.03 and r. 4.1.01, which provide a framework for the duties of experts.  The key distinction is whether the evidence is factual or opinion evidence; if it is opinion evidence, compliance with r. 53.03 is required.  As a result, it was correct for the trial judge to exclude the evidence.  A treating physician could offer evidence with respect to observations of the plaintiff or the treatment provided, but once such a witness seeks to offer opinions on the cause of the injury, its pathology or prognosis, the evidence enters into the realm of opinion evidence requiring compliance with r. 53.03.

Westerhof provides much-needed guidance regarding expert witnesses.  It will be interesting to see whether the number of treating practitioners testifying decreases as a result of the ruling.  The plaintiff's treating practitioners will now be held to a higher standard, and there may be an opening to argue that a practitioner is an advocate rather than impartial witness.

Health insurance questions: Preventive colonoscopies and polyps

Until fairly recently, when consumers had routine preventive colonoscopies, they often faced a substantial bill for surgery if a polyp was discovered and removed during the procedure. But current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor, under the Affordable Care Act, protect consumers from these extra charges for polyp removal.

Q5: If a colonoscopy is scheduled and performed as a screening procedure pursuant to the USPSTF recommendation, is it permissible for a plan or issuer to impose cost-sharing for the cost of a polyp removal during the colonoscopy? 

No. Based on clinical practice and comments received from the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, polyp removal is an integral part of a colonoscopy. Accordingly, the plan or issuer may not impose cost-sharing with respect to a polyp removal during a colonoscopy performed as a screening procedure. On the other hand, a plan or issuer may impose cost-sharing for a treatment that is not a recommended preventive service, even if the treatment results from a recommended preventive service.

In addition, the federal guidelines help people with a family history that put them in a high risk group for certain diseases. They will now be able to get more frequent preventive care without additional costs.

Q7: Some USPSTF recommendations apply to certain populations identified as high-risk. Some individuals, for example, are at increased risk for certain diseases because they have a family or personal history of the disease. It is not clear, however, how a plan or issuer would identify individuals who belong to a high-risk population. How can a plan or issuer determine when a service should or should not be covered without cost-sharing? 

Identification of "high-risk" individuals is determined by clinical expertise. Decisions regarding whether an individual is part of a high-risk population, and should therefore receive a specific preventive item or service identified for those at high-risk, should be made by the attending provider. Therefore, if the attending provider determines that a patient belongs to a high-risk population and a USPSTF recommendation applies to that high-risk population, that service is required to be covered in accordance with the requirements of the interim final regulations (that is, without cost-sharing, subject to reasonable medical management).

If you're having problems with your health insurer over these sorts of issues and you live in Washington state, feel free to contact our consumer hotline at 1-800-562-6900 or email us. 

Signature Loans: A Signature Can Relieve Stress Of No Collateral And Bad Credit

The dynamics of loans borrowing procedure has brought new ways of borrowing in the forefront. Signature loans are remote from traditional forms of loans borrowing which requires collateral to be placed as the guarantee of the loan borrowed. Signature loans are provided entirely on the receipt of a signed activation letter. Therefore, you do not need a co-signer or collateral for it. Signature loans also have another name for them - character loans.
Signature loans with bad credit can be applied for any purpose. Student college loans, home remodelling, dream vacation, debt consolidation - all can be funded by signature loans. The maximum amount on a signature loan is £10,000. Loan lenders can offer you a loan amount of £15,000, if your circumstances concur with the requirements. The loan amount also depends on the borrower's ability to repay. The term for signature loans is usually 60 months.
Signature loans are offered for a specific purpose. Signature loans can offer excellent aid for the purpose of education. Signature loans for students can offer financial funding to meet the increasing cost of education. Signature loans for student can be combined with Federal Stafford loans, if they need additional money. This can prove to be a low cost alternative. Signature loans with bad credit are available to graduates, undergraduates and graduate in health care.
Signature loans are usually provided keeping in mind good credit history. An unblemished credit history with a positive credit report will be the leading contender for signature loans. Signature loans simply require a signature. A good credit history will ensure you get the loan with no collateral. Business which have good credit and generate profits can easily file for signature loans. Also, if a company can demonstrate good management skills, they can access a signature loan. Getting a signature loan would add to your good credit. Your collaborators and your suppliers would deduce your financial well being from the fact that the loan lender has supplied you the loan simply on your signature.
Good credit can open numerous gates for signature loans. However, that does not mean bad credit signature loans are not possible. Signature loans are a good option, even if you have bad credit. Bad credit, everywhere, is associated with higher interest rates. Higher interest rates usually increase the pressure on your financial situation. But with considerable planning and thinking, bad credit signature loans can and are known to solve many financial impediments. Any bad credit including bad credit signature loans also improve your credit standing. When you pay your debt on time, it will show in your credit report. This is what is required to improve your credit status.
With bad credit signature loan, the first step to know where you stand financially. Make realistic goals with respect to debt. So that you can actually achieve these goals. If your debt condition is alarming, talk to credit managing agencies for help. You can consolidate your debts with bad credit signature loans. Make short term or long term plans depending on your financial situation. This will guarantee that your bad credit signature loans borrowing is a success. Ensure that you make bad credit signature loans payment on time. Otherwise your debt condition will deteriorate and you will find you are further slipped into debt.
Signature loans are becoming popular by the hour and have increased a lot over the years. Signature loans being unsecured take away the burden of having collateral to get a loan. But the fact that you can get cash on your hand may tempt you to make some unnecessary expenses. If you are taking a signature loan with good or bad credit try not to forget that it is a debt. You may get it easily but still it needs to be repaid. But instead of making signature loan an added burden, make it the basis of a strong financial future.

WA Supreme Court: Insurer can be held liable for agent's actions

In a case that’s been closely watched by the insurance industry, Washington’s State Supreme Court on Thursday affirmedthat insurers are liable for the illegal actions of their agents.

“The ruling is a big win for consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, whose decision the case was challenging. “If you allow someone to do business on your behalf, it only stands to reason that you can be held responsible for what they do.”

The case involved violations of the state’s insurance laws in 2006 and 2007 by an insurance agency appointed by Chicago Title Insurance Company. That agency, Land Title Co. of Kitsap County, Inc. repeatedly offered illegal inducements to get business. The violations included illegally “wining and dining” real estate agents, builders and mortgage lenders with free meals, donations for a golf tournament, monthly advertising, and Seattle Seahawks playoff game tickets.

Although Land Title was Chicago Title’s exclusive agent in the Washington counties at issue in the case, Chicago Title argued that it was not responsible for its agent’s actions. In a consent order signed in 2009, the company agreed to pay a $48,334 fine if it did not prevail in court.

“Chicago Title’s arguments were contrary to a century of insurance law,” said Kreidler. “In order to effectively regulate insurers and protect consumers, it’s important to hold insurers responsible for the actions of their agents.”

Title insurance practices have long been a concern to Kreidler, whose office in 2005 scrutinized 18 months of employee expense reports and ledgers for the largest title companies in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. The examination found many cases in which the companies were providing gifts, golf tournament sponsorships, parties, ski trips, sports tickets, meals and other inducements to get business.

“Few people shop for title insurance, although they certainly can,” said Kreidler. “It tends to be included in the large stack of documents that homeowners are handed to sign. So title companies and others in the industry are positioned to steer business to particular insurers.”

New rules took effect in March 2009, clearly outlining what can be given. There are limits on advertising, donations to trade associations, meals, training, leasing workspace and gifts.