Hospital data breaches continue to grow

From Business Wire:

Identity Force today released its Spring 2010 National Survey of Hospital Compliance Executives. More than 200 compliance executives from AHA member hospitals in 43 states indicated data breaches and medical identity theft continue to grow despite new regulations like the Red Flag Rules and the HITECH Act, designed to protect against the theft and loss of personal information.

“Successful organizations will implement organization-wide training programs that create a ‘Breach-Free Culture’ and help eliminate patient ID misuse and fraud. These programs usually pay for themselves many times over by lowering risk and making breaches much less frequent. Avoiding one substantial breach can save millions of dollars in costs.”

“It turns out that addressing the problems of data breaches and medical identity theft is proving more complex and time-consuming than hospitals counted on. It’s interesting that many compliance experts now call into question whether or not even the new Healthcare Reform Law will ultimately help on these issues,” said Steven Bearak, CEO of Identity Force. “We are simply copying, digitizing and disseminating personal information faster than we can control it.”

Identity thief tells judge she was just doing her job

A Hawaiian identity thief facing the possibility of life in prison admits she has worked for an "organization on the mainland" since 1996, and considers what she does to be be her "job." She and her partner currently had six loan applications pending under other people's names.

Wachovia mails 1099s to identity thieves

Wachovia mails 1099s containing account information and social security numbers to identity thieves, exposing several of the Robert and Patricia Brady's bank accounts.

Data breach of 24,000 Swiss bank customers announced

Swiss bank account information on 24,000 clients was stolen in 2006 and 2007 by former employee Herve Falciani. Data breaches and ID theft are international.

Free, confidential health insurance quotes for residents of GA, TN and AZ

Now that your government insists you purchase health insurance, why not buy it from someone you know? Georgia, Tennessee and Arizona residents and business-owners: Get a free, confidential quote on your health coverage.

More than 20 major banks have had data breaches so far in 2010

Already in 2010, there have been 22 major data breaches by banks! Your info is out there in the hands of thieves.

Man sentenced to 20 years after raking in $200 million from ID theft

A 28-year old man responsible for over $200 million in identity theft losses has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. He had buried over $1 million in cash in his parents' backyard.

3.3 million student loan records hacked in massive data breach

Do you have an outstanding student loan? If so, your personal info just got hacked. along with 3.3 million others. Names, addresses, birthdays and SSN's of 3.3 million borrowers are now in the hands of identity thieves.

Woman lives, marries, under another's ID for 17 years

In 1992 a woman stole another's ID, got married under the assumed name, and has been living under the victim's ID for 17 years.

Pre-Paid Legal: Give yourself a "balance of power" when facing legal issues

You owe it to yourself to discover how you can have peace of mind by having your own top-notch law firm on call to advise and protect you, to give yourself a "balance of power" when — not if — a legal matter arises in your life. Let me send you a link to a very short video explaining how you can have attorneys standing by to help you for only $26/month. Email me.

Man gets $18,000 overdraft notice on account he didn't open

Man gets $18,000 overdraft notice on checking account he never opened.

Atlanta Fire Dept. employees' data breached

Atlanta Fire Department employees received a letter last week telling them their names, addresses social security and other identifying numbers had been "leaked on the Internet."

Mass. police say identity theft is on rise

"I only anticipate it [identity theft] getting worse. It’s on the rise," Det. Monica Himes of the Provincetown, Mass., police department said recently. It took one of her fellow officers three years to get his identity back, she said. The Federal Trade Commission says over 10 million Americans annually have their identity stolen. Kroll's Identity Theft Shield can help you restore yours.

Facebook friend hit by identity theft, bank account emptied

Think identity theft only happens to someone else? An Atlanta friend posted this on her Facebook page last week:

I have just experienced identity theft. Anyone on here have experience with what I need to do?? My bank account was wiped out on Monday with a fake driver's license that had my SS#, and they had my bank acct....#. They withdrew all funds at a Wachovia in Greenwood, S.C.

Since that time, the thief has also tried to open a Sears charge card.

I've discussed this issue on my Facebook group page for months. I am an agent for Kroll, one of the world's largest data security agencies. We can help my friend, and we can help prevent this from happening to you, and RESTORE things if it does. Call me at 404-358-1170.

California health care agency mails 50,000 envelopes with social security numbers printed on them

Nearly 50,000 envelopes with the recipients' Social Security Numbers printed on the labels were mailed out in early February by the California Department of Health Care Services health care agency, according to a story appearing in the Feb. 9, 2009 issue of the Sacramento Bee and repeated on many Internet sites.

The agency blamed an "internal error" and an outside vendor.

Here comes another rash of identity thefts.

ID theft in 2009 costs Americans more than $54 billion

According to the newly-released 2010 Identity Fraud Study by Javelin Strategy & Research, over 11.1 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2009, resulting in a financial loss of over $54 billion.

James Van Dyke, president and founder of Javelin, said fraudsters are becoming increasingly technology-savvy and are using personal information stolen in data breaches to open new accounts or to make changes to existing non-card accounts.

Through a partnership between Kroll, the world's largest security company, and Pre-Paid Legal, provider of legal plans to families and businesses for over 37 years, you can obtain the best protection against having your identity stolen, and will have the best companies working for you to restore your identity should it be compromised. Click here for more information and to become a member.

342,000,000 sensitive records stolen in past five years

Since January 2005, there have been at least 342,000,000 records containing sensitive personal information involved in security breaches in the U.S. Credit card numbers, social security numbers, and all the rest of the information that identifies you as you are out there in the hands of criminals.

See PrivacyRights.org for the list of breaches.

Kroll's Identity Theft Shield is your best protection. And the only company that can restore your identity should it be stolen.

Call 404-358-1170 or email me for more information. Or simply enroll now.

Peace of mind for you and your spouse/significant other costs $13 or less a month. Not having protection can cost you everything.

Which Reality do you choose? Answer to a boss, or be your own boss?

Which Reality do you want?

• Answer to a boss
• Commute
• Face job insecurity
• Punch a clock
• Worry about the future
• Do what you're told

• Be the boss
• Work from home
• Build residual income
• Have no set hours
• Control my future
• Love what you do

Learn how to change your Reality. Click here.

Pre-Paid Legal: Offering the most comprehensive legal service plan available

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc... offering your employees the most comprehensive legal service plan available today.

Preventive Legal Services
• Toll-free phone consultations on any subject matter
• Legal correspondence on member's behalf
• Legal document review
• Will preparation and maintenance

Motor Vehicle Legal Services
• Moving violation representation
• Defense of criminal charges
• Driver's license services
• Personal injury collection assistance

Trial Defense Services
• Defense of civil actions and job-related criminal actions
• Pre-trial and trial assistance
• Coverage increases each year

IRS Legal Services
• Consultation
• Representation at audit
• Representation at trial

Preferred Member Rates
• 25% discount from the attorney's corporate hourly rate for legal services not otherwise covered by the plan, including preexisting conditions.

Pre-Paid Legal Services legal plans are available for families, either directly or through a payroll deduction plan through an employer. For more information, email me or call 404-358-1170.

Court appearance twice as likely as hospital stay

The average person is more likely to find him or herself in court than in the hospital, yet most people have health insurance, but no plan for legal problems. — Hospital Statistics: Emerging Trends & Examining the Work of State Courts

Employees miss work to handle legal issues

Almost half the employees who take time off from work do so to deal with problems that are either legal or legal-related. — LSK Associates Study

ID Theft Prevention: 'I lost my purse... now what?'

"When my purse wasn't returned, suddenly my world was a different place."

I hope you never have to say that. Ms. Gupta discovered after leaving her purse in a movie theater that in her "new world," she had "no tangible evidence to prove who [she really was. She] lost all my key identifiers — driver's license, AAA, insurance, credit and debit cards, health insurance, library card, frequent flyer mile and quite a few individual store credit cards."

But worse — all those key identifies she lost could easily be used by someone else to "prove" they were Ms. Gupta.

Read her story here.

There are two very time-consuming steps involved if you lose your identifiers as Ms. Gupta did: Taking inventory — what did you lose? — and taking action.

Ms. Gupta did not have an identity theft protection program in place.

But you can, with the Identity Theft Shield from Kroll and Pre-Paid Legal Services. The Identity Theft Shield plan monitors your identifiers and notifies you of any misuse... but more importantly, the Identity Theft Shield immediately begins restoring and repairing any damage done by identity thieves who use your identity.

This extends not just to credit cards, but to social security number misuse, driver's license theft, health insurance information theft, and criminal/character identity theft.

For more information on, or to enroll in, the Identity Theft Shield from Kroll and Pre-Paid Legal Services, visit our website or call me at 404-358-1170.

Private data of 800,000 medical doctors stolen from Blue Cross/Blue Shield

The personal and business information of 800,000 medical doctors — nearly every practicing M.D. in the nation — is at risk after a laptop computer containing the doctors' names, addresses, social security numbers and more was stolen from a a Blue Cross/Blue Shield employee's car in Chicago in October, 2009, the Chicago Tribune reported.

American jobs won't be returning, says former Labor secretary

Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, recently warned that we should not be optimistic that high-paying jobs will be making a comeback as the economy "recovers." In other words, the types of jobs Americans have had in the past won't be returning.

Now more than ever it's important for you to develop multiple streams of income. And there is no better way to do that than through network marketing. Yes, I scoffed at that idea most of my life, too. Until I became a Pre-Paid Legal Services associate.

Choose a network marketing company that offers a product that provides customers with something a value. Chose a company where you can make a living selling something of value, EVEN if you were to never do the MLM thing of getting other people to join.

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., is such a company. It is a 37-year old company traded on the New York Stock Exchange. It offers products of substantial value to its customers: Affordable access to the legal system.

If you are feeling the economic pinch that many Americans are, re-think your attitude about "multi-level marketing." Network marketing is today probably the last economic solution available to anyone, no matter their background or work history, who is willing to work to improve their family's financial future.

To learn more about the opportunity available with Pre-Paid Legal Services, visit my Pre-Paid Legal Services website.

Enroll in Pre-Paid Legal Services' Identity Theft Shield from Kroll

Anyone can be a victim of identity theft.

It can happen in minutes, and take years for the fallout to stop.

More and more people from every walk of life are victimized each day. The results can be overwhelming; a loss of time and money spent by victims trying to put their lives and finances back in order.

Pre-Paid Legal's Identity Theft Shield is an affordable solution to combat a growing crime that knows no boundaries.

Identity Theft Shield

The Solution:

Your IDT membership includes:

• An up-to-date Experian credit report, including your personal credit score calculated and analyzed by an independent service. A review of your credit report and credit score is a step that can make or break your financial future.
• Continuous monitoring of your credit file at Experian so you will be alerted if new activity is added to your credit report. If the activity is not initiated by you, it can point to identity theft.

Identity restoration means that licensed investigators are on your side working to correct damage caused by identity thieves. This includes working with law enforcement, the government and credit cards companies on your behalf. Also, fraud alerts will be sent on your behalf to all three credit bureaus and affected companies and agencies.

You are covered as soon as your application is processed by Pre-Paid Legal. Your membership packet contains simple steps that authorize monitoring of your credit report, plus crime preventions tips that identity thieves don't want you to follow.

Assistance is as close as a toll-free number to report any potential problems in your credit report. If a discrepancy is identity theft, a Fraud Restoration package will be rushed to you and our expert investigators will assist you in steps to correct inaccuracies.

SAFEGUARD for Minors — With this additional benefit you can add selected services for your minor children.

Click here to enroll in Pre-Paid Legal Services' Identity Theft Shield from Kroll.

Pre-Paid Legal Services business opportunity

This business has been designed so that ANYONE with a sincere desire for success can do it — regardless of background or experience.




How does this business work?

The Pre-Paid Legal Services business is designed so that ANYONE with a sincere desire for success can do it — regardless of background or experience.

What if I don't have a sales background?

This is a business about showing, not selling. Marketing Pre-Paid Legal Services is about sharing the membership with those you talk with every day. As a Pre-Paid Legal Services Independent Associate, you'll more than likely find your efforts directed more at educating and explaining the service rather than convincing people to buy something they feel they may not need.

Regardless of your background or education level, this is a business that can work for you. Pre-Paid Legal Associates come from all walks of life and professional backgrounds...

• Education
• Real Estate
• Direct Sales
• Advertising
• Insurance
• Accountants
• Law Enforcement
• Printing
• Stay-at-home Parents
• Postal Employees
• Students
• And others...

Will I receive support and training?

YES! Our Certified Field Training program is designed to give you "hands on" experience in learning how to present the membership and share the opportunity with others.

What would I actually be doing?

A number of marketing options are available to fit your lifestyle and schedule, but in a nutshell:

1. You show others the Pre-Paid Legal plan.
2. You sign them up.
3. You send the enrollment to the corporate office for processing.
4. You can get paid every day.*

When the membership information is received, commissions are deposited into your bank account. This is not another "get rich quick" scheme. But, if you submit new business every day, you can get paid every day!*Commissions are paid daily as membership sales are made. Daily direct deposit is available upon request.

How can I make money with this opportunity?

Pre-Paid Legal Plans are timely and in demand!

Altogether, seven in ten U.S. households (71%)** report experiencing some event in the past twelve months that might have led them to hire a lawyer. The most common events are:

• Real estate transactions
• Mortgage refinancing
• Damage to property or automobile
• Creating of wills or estate plans
• Inadequate health care
• Moving traffic violations
• Trouble with creditors

**Public Perceptions of Lawyers Consumer research findings, 2002, Published by section litigation — American Bar Association.

You are more than twice as likely to be in court than you are to be hospitalized. — National Center for State Courts, 2002/American Hospital Association, 2002


What does it cost to start?

It costs $249 $72 to start your own business with Pre-Paid Legal.

This includes:

• Sales aids and materials to help you get started immediately.
• Certified Field Training.
• Support from those on your team.
• Home office support via our Marketing Services Team.
• Access to a wide range of marketing supplies.
• Online Associate Services, including communications and business documents.
• First three months of your own e-service website.

What if this doesn't work out?
You're doing research now by learning about what this opportunity is all about. If you decide to invest $72 into your future, we believe we can provide you with a legitimate opportunity to make a living while making a difference.

However, consider this: If this were a large franchise offering an opportunity to own your own business, you might consider it. If it cost $72,000 to start, you'd have to ask yourself, "What if it doesn't work?"

At just $72 to start your Pre-Paid Legal business, most people ask themselves, "What if this DOES work?" It's not by luck that you will succeed at this business. If you work your business as if you've invested $249,000, you can succeed by your efforts and the proven business model presented to you through training and support.

I am interested... I want to know more!

Why you need Pre-Paid Legal Services membership

There are hundreds of reasons you might need to talk with an attorney...

...but with most attorneys billing hundreds of dollars per hour, do you just sweep potential legal problems under the rug?

For $26 or less a month, you and your family can have peace of mind knowing that with your Pre-Paid Legal Services Plan, your attorney is just a phone call away!



A Pre-Paid Legal Life Events Legal Plan gives you access to quality law firms for $26 a month or less.

Have you ever...

• Been overcharged for a repair?
• Received a speeding ticket?
• Been audited?
• Purchased a home?
• Tried to return a defective product?
• Lost a security deposit?
• Signed a contract?
• Prepared a will?

Even though most people find themselves in these situations, the majority do not seek the advice or help of a qualified lawyer. Why?

• It may cost too much.
• They may not know where to begin.
• The process is intimidating.

You only get as much justice as you can afford. If you don't know your rights, you simply don't have any! The top 10% of income earners can afford to have a lawyer on retainer and are accustomed to asking their lawyer for advice before making decisions. What about you?

With Pre-Paid Legal:

• You know who to call.
• You're treated like the firm's most important client.
• A one year membership costs $312 or less.
• You are empowered by knowing your legal rights.

Without Pre-Paid Legal:

• You may try to handle it yourself.
• You'll likely receive as much justice as you can afford.
• You may pay hundreds of dollars for ONE HOUR of a lawyer's time.

If you don't know your rights, you don't have any!

Pre-Paid Legal "levels the playing field" in the justice system. With a Pre-Paid legal plan you can say, "I'm going to talk to my lawyer about this." — and mean it!

Life Events Legal Plan

Pre-Paid Legal Services gives members access to professional legal counsel not only for traditional legal problems, but for everyday events such as:

• buying a house or a car
• creating a will
• handling a problem with an insurance company
• dealing with identity theft...

...and much more where legal review should be routine, but rarely is. These events can be among the most important events in a person's life, yet there is a tendency for them to take place without proper legal review. For Pre-Paid Legal members, access to legal counsel is only a toll-free phone call away.

Identity Theft Shield

Pre-Paid Legal markets the Identity Theft Shield to help you stay ahead of the curve. One of the most talked-about and fastest growing white-collar crimes in history, identity theft is a problem you can't afford to ignore.

Learn more about Identity Shield from Pre-Paid Legal

We've increased the benefits you receive from your Pre-Paid Legal Membership! Now, with access to over 60,000 legal forms at our Forms Service Center, the document you need may be only a few clicks away. The process is simple and easy. And remember, your membership gives you the power to do what only the wealthy could afford to do until now. You can have your personal legal document of up to 10 pages reviewed by an attorney and receive advice for your protection — BEFORE you sign.

Pre-Paid Legal makes it possible for Pre-Paid Legal members to prepare a Living Will at no additional charge through the Pre-Paid Legal Forms Service Center.

Preventive Legal Services

Phone Consultations on Unlimited Matters

As a member, you can consult with your Provider Law Firm toll free by phone on any personal or business-related matter. Just call your Provider's toll-free number during regular business hours when you have a legal problem or question.

Phone Calls and Letters

A phone call or letter from your Provider Lawyer can get you the results you want fast. Your Provider Lawyer will recommend a letter or phone call when that is the best step for you. One call or letter per personal subject related matter is free with your membership. Plus, you'll receive two business letters each year at no additional cost! Additional assistance for same subject at 25% discount.

Contract and Document Review

You can have an unlimited number of personal legal documents, up to ten pages each, reviewed by your Provider Lawyer. Included each year is one business document review at no additional cost! Your Provider Lawyer will analyze the documents and suggest changes for your benefit before you sign.

Wills for You and Your Family

A Will for you at no additional charge, not just a "simple" Will, but one that meets most Americans' needs — with free yearly reviews and updates. Wills for covered family members are just $20 each; changes and updates $20. Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount.

Motor Vehicle Legal Expense Services

Minor Legal Expenses

Your Provider Lawyer will represent you or your covered family members against moving traffic violations at no additional cost to you. Now you can have help with traffic tickets and not have to worry about the cost of representation.

Major Legal Expenses

Your Provider Lawyer will defend you or your covered family members when you are charged with Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, or Vehicular Homicide at no added cost to you.

And add up to 2.5 hours for help with...

• Damage recovery service
• Driver's license assistance
• Personal injury legal expenses

Trial Defense Services

Lawsuits cause tremendous emotional and financial stress. Your Pre-Paid Legal membership offers assistance when you need it most.

Up to 75 hours of lawyer time...

During your first membership year, you have up to 75 hours of your Provider Lawyer's time at no additional cost when you or your spouse is named defendant or respondent in a covered civil or criminal action filed in a court of law. The criminal action must be one which arises out of the direct performance of the covered person's employment activities. Your Provider Firm can advise you of the documents required to determine coverage under this benefit.

Of these 75 hours, up to 17.5 hours may be used for all legal services rendered in defense of the covered suit prior to actual trial. Up to 57.5 of the remaining hours are available for actual trial time including covered criminal preliminary hearings.

Your hours of service increase...

When you renew your membership, your hours of lawyer time increase as follows:

2nd year renewal: Up to 140 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 23 hours of pre-trial time.

3rd year renewal: Up to 205 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 28.5 hours of pre-trial time.

4th year renewal: Up to 270 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 34 hours of pre-trial time.

5th year renewal: Up to 335 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 39.5 hours of pre-trial time.

IRS Audit Legal Services

Your Pre-Paid Legal membership will help you defray the costs of an IRS audit and give you the legal support you need.

Up to 50 hours of lawyer time...

You have up to 50 hours of your Provider Lawyer's time available at no additional cost when you or a covered family member receives written notice of an IRS audit or are requested to appear at IRS offices regarding your tax return. Your 50 hours are available as follows:

Up to one hour for consultation, advice, and assistance when you receive written notice from the IRS of audit or appearance.

If there is no settlement within 30 days, you have up to 2.5 hours for audit representation, negotiations, phone conversations, and settlement conferences prior to litigation.

If there is no settlement without litigation, up to 46.5 of the remaining hours are available for actual trial appearance if the IRS sues you, or you pay the disputed tax and sue the IRS.

Other Legal Services

Your Provider Lawyer will render assistance at a 25% reduction to his or her standard hourly rate* for you or your spouse should you need legal services not covered by this plan. A retainer may be required for services being rendered under this benefit. Five days are required for preparation for court representation.

*Hourly rates for Referral Lawyers and court appearances may vary.

Additional Information & Exclusions:

Due to regulatory requirements, benefits and rates vary in certain states and provinces. The information contained on this material is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of plan coverage; only a plan contract can give actual terms, coverage, amounts, conditions and exclusions.

Phone Consultation: Nevada residents limited to 50 hours of telephone consultation per year.

Letters and Phone Calls: A letter or phone call per subject matter is available if advisable in your Provider Law Firm's sole discretion.

Contract and Document Review: Nevada residents limited to 5 personal legal documents reviewed per year.

Will Preparation: Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount. A standard Will with yearly updates provided for the primary member at no additional cost. Covered family members can also have their Will prepared for $20 each, with yearly updates for only $20.

Motor Vehicle Legal Services: These services are available 15 days after enrollment. Representation under this benefit is provided when the member has a valid driver's license and is driving a properly licensed motor vehicle. Any fines and court costs are the member's expense. Pre-existing conditions, charges of DUI/DWI related matters, drug-related matters, hit-and-run related charges, leaving the scene of an accident, and unmeritorious cases are excluded. Commercial vehicles with more than two axles are not covered. These services are limited to two and one-half (2-1/2) hours of lawyer time per claim and do not include the filing of a lawsuit and exclude personal injury and property claims that exceed $2,000. However, you may receive a 25% discount and consult with your Provider Law Firm under the toll-free consultation benefit for any exclusions under this benefit.

Trial Defense Services: This coverage applies only to the named member and spouse. Divorce, separation, annulment, child custody or other divorce-related matters, bankruptcy, charges of DUI/DWI, drug-related matters (whether prescribed or not), hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident and civil or criminal charges occurring as a result of operating a commercial vehicles with more than two axles are not covered under this benefit, but are covered by the preferred member discount. Additional exclusions under this benefit: Being named in a civil lawsuit or having criminal charged filed against you because you are listed as an owner, management or associate of the business and you had no direct involvement with the act or matter that gave rise to the lawsuit or criminal charge. Those charges are covered with your preferred member discount. If the lawsuit was filed because of something that occurred prior to your membership or because of conditions that were reasonably anticipated or foreseeable prior to your enrollment, then the lawsuit is excluded from your Trial Defense benefit.This exclusion applies even if the lawsuit is filed after you become a member. These lawsuits are covered with your preferred member discount. Class actions, interventions or amicus curiae filings in which the covered member is a party (or potential party) are excluded. Also, this coverage does not include garnishment, attachment or any other appeal. Your Provider Law Firm has the right to determine whether or not your claim or defense to a matter will prevail in court or is frivolous or without merit. This includes deciding whether or not to appeal any judgment or decision. Your Provider Law Firm also has the right to present your claim or defense according to their independent professional judgment. Pre-Paid Legal will not influence or attempt to modify how your Provider Law Firm provides their professional services.

IRS Audit Legal Services: Does not cover business tax returns, garnishment, attachment or any other appeal, class actions, interventions or amicus curiae filings, charges of tax fraud or income tax evasions, Trust returns, payroll and information returns, partnerships, corporation returns or portions thereof that are included in the member's tax returns, pre-existing conditions - where member has been notified by the IRS prior to enrollment, and services rendered by an enrolled agent. Coverage includes the return due on April 15th of the first membership year.

Preferred Member Discount: Depending on your legal needs, a retainer may be required by your Provider Law Firm prior to services being rendered under this discount. Your Provider Law Firm is responsible for determining the amount of the retainer and any other anticipated costs. Other costs you may incur include fines, court costs, penalties, expert witness fees, bonds, bail bonds, and any out-of-pocket expenses. These costs are your responsibility and are not included as part of membership benefits. Your Provider Law Firm cannot provide any legal services until payment of the retainer and other costs have been made. If you need representation in court, you must notify your Provider Law Firm at least five business days in advance so they may prepare for your case.

Enrollment is simple, and can be done online. Become a Pre-Paid Legal member and start enjoying the peace of mind of having an attorney always on your side and by your side.

101 Reasons you might need Pre-Paid Legal Services

101 Reasons Why You Might Need Pre-Paid Legal Services

1. You don't have an up-to-date-will.
2. You don't understand the difference between a trust and a will.
3. Members of your family challenge your parents' will.
4. Your deceased spouse didn't have an up-to-date will.
5. The IRS selects you for an audit.
6. Your parents die and name you the executor of their will.
7. You need an attorney's advice on any matter.
8. You need a letter written on your behalf by an attorney.
9. You need a phone call made on your behalf by an attorney.
10. You receive a speeding ticket.
11. You are buying or selling a home.
12. Your driver's license is suspended.
13. Your landlord raises your rent in violation of your verbal agreement.
14. Your teenage son is accused of shoplifting.
15. You decide to change your name.
16. You are cited with DWI/DUI charges while taking medications.
17. Creditors threaten to take action against you for an ex-spouse's
debts.
18. A neighbor reports you for child abuse.
19. You decide to adopt.
20. A friend is injured on your property and sues you.
21. You dogs bites an elderly passerby.
22. A friend owes you money and files for bankruptcy.
23. A stranger calls and demands money or damaging information will be released.
24. A hit-and-run driver damages your car.
25. You accidentally back over a neighbor's garbage can that was not in its proper place.
26. A hairdresser damages your hair with harsh chemicals.
27. Your car is repossessed unjustly.
28. You are subpoenaed.
29. You're called to jury duty.
30. Your long drive off a golf tee injures another player.
31. You need a lease agreement reviewed.
32. Your son is injured in a football game.
33. A neighbor trips over a rake in your yard.
34. A jeweler sells you faulty merchandise.
35. A car dealership gains illegal access to your credit history.
36. You're struck by a bottle at a baseball game.
37. A tenant falls down stairs and sues you.
38. Your dog is poisoned.
39. You are injured when you slip on a wet floor in a public building.
40. Your cattle trample a neighbor's garden.
41. A neighbor's dog barks for hours every night.
42. Your teenage daughter gets a speeding ticket.
43. Your landlord enters your apartment without permission.
44. Your son throws a baseball through a neighbor's car window.
45. A neighbor's dog attacks and kills your pet.
46. Your boat is damaged while in storage.
47. You landlord refuses to refund your cleaning deposit.
48. You lose an expensive watch in a hotel and the manager claims no liability.
49. A speeding car nicks your car bumper because you're parked in the street.
50. A merchant refuses to honor a guarantee.
51. You have an accident while operating a friend's boat.
52. Your spouse claims a right to your earnings.
53. A record club sends merchandise after you cancel your membership.
54. You are refused service at a restaurant.
55. A property manager refuses to rent to you.
56. You are denied credit for no apparent reason.
57. You're fired without just cause.
58. The auto repair shop threatens small claims court for money you do not owe.
59. Your car insurance is cancelled when your teenage son is involved in an accident.
60. A neighbor's child is injured playing in your yard.
61. You've made a sizable gift to charity.
62. Angry words result in a slander suit.
63. You need a patent for an invention.
64. You need a copyright for your manuscript.
65. You are wrongly accused of committing a crime.
66. Your right to privacy has been invaded.
67. You car is vandalized in a parking lot.
68. A postal carrier slips on your icy walkway and breaks his leg.
69. Your daughter is seeing someone you don't approve of and you want to know how much authority you have under the law to prevent them from dating.
70. You're stopped for speeding and a friend is in possession of marijuana.
71. Your son wrecks the car and a friend is injured.
72. Your daughter backs over a friend's mailbox.
73. A store will not sell you an article.
74. You are cheated by a door-to-door salesman.
75. A repairman charges more than a given estimate.
76. A creditor tried illegal collection tactics.
77. A year-old accident results in a personal injury.
78. You're scheduled to appear in small claims court.
79. Your new house has bad plumbing and a leaky roof.
80. Your teenage son runs over a friend's foot in the high school parking lot.
81. A minor is caught breaking into your home.
82. You have a fender-bender while driving a friend's car.
83. You have liability questions in launching a new business.
84. A former employer refuses to pay your final salary.
85. A neighbor's dog bites your child.
86. You have a property line dispute over a newly installed fence.
87. You're asked to testify as a witness to a robbery.
88. You need a prenuptial agreement.
89. You're buying or selling a car.
90. Your cat scratches a neighbor's child.
91. You bank sends a foreclosure notice after one house payment is late.
92. A retail store won't accept the return of defective merchandise.
93. A pool repairman won't stand behind his work.
94. A trespasser is caught poaching on your land.
95. You are leasing acreage.
96. Your spouse dies without a will and the state wants to control your assets and children.
97. A bank turns you in to a credit bureau unjustly.
98. You need advice concerning a divorce.
99. You need advice concerning grounds for adultery.
100. A neighbor's tree limbs are in your yard.
101. Your spouse uses force against you.

LIFE IS FULL OF LEGAL RISK.

Isn't it time YOU decided where PLPP fits into YOUR financial program?

Contact David Ross for more information and to become a member of Pre-Paid Legal Services, and start protecting your family and your assets with this great program today!

You can also check out this short online video that explains the Pre-Paid Legal Services plan in detail.

$300,000 accidental death coverage for around $30 a month

For around $30 a month, you can have the coverage you need to protect your family and investments with our Accidental Death Benefit insurance. Our product covers you in case of death resulting from an accident within 90 days of the accident.*

Accidental Death Benefit coverage is available from ages 20 through 65 with a limit of $300,000. Full benefits are paid until age 70 and then are reduced to 50% of the face amount until the policy expires at age 80.

For additional peace-of-mind, coverage can be extended to spouses and dependent children and features our unique Family and Inflation Riders.

This coverage is ideal for people who don't qualify for regular life insurance due to health conditions, and for people who work in hazardous occupations or who enjoy extreme sports such as hang-gliding, skydiving, scuba diving, racing, etc.

There are no health questions. In fact, if you can answer this question "yes," then you qualify: "Are you a U.S. citizen or legal resident?"

Call or email me for details.

*Some exclusions apply such as death by suicide, drug/alcohol-related accidents, war and military service.

ObamaCare: Goodbye health insurance, hello socialism?

ObamaCare: Goodbye private health insurance, hello socialism?

Shocking video of our Commander in Chief....

Health care Never-Never Land

Bob Barr's Atlanta Journal-Constitution article on current health care plans circulating through Congress:

Health care Never Never Land
by Bob Barr
as published in The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Monday, July 20, 2009 at 9:00 AM

In "Sicko," iconoclastic filmmaker Michael Moore extols the virtue of health care in such liberal "paradises" as the United Kingdom and Cuba. Leaving his audience to wonder where he would choose to go for treatment if he were facing a life-threatening illness — the People's Hospital in Havana or the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. — Moore exhibits the same Alice-in-Wonderland delusion that has settled over the Obama administration.

A majority of members of Congress, too, seem to believe that if only enough bureaucracy and taxpayer dollars are thrown at the health care "crisis," then everyone in the country will have their every medical need met, when they want it, and at much reduced cost. Such a mind set turns Peter Pan's Never Never Land into a reality show.

For starters, advocates of the House legislation might want to talk to governors of those states, like Massachusetts, that have already implemented "universal" coverage plans. Increasing program costs, coupled with decreased state revenues as a result of the economic downturn, are causing serious fiscal problems and are forcing those states to consider cutbacks in coverage.

However, witnessing the irrational, "gotta-do-this-now" push in our nation's capitol to pass comprehensive health care "reform" within the next few weeks, it is obvious the proponents of Obama-care are not interested in anyone throwing the cold water of fiscal reality on their parade.

The House version of the legislation, unveiled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last week, includes substantial mandates on American businesses (including a severe, 8 percent payroll tax on any business that fails to offer health insurance coverage to its employees). Still, the Pollyannaish Pelosi claimed (with a straight face) it would "lower costs to businesses." This is government logic at its finest — you lower the cost of doing business by raising taxes on those businesses.

Pelosi's obvious inability to grasp even the most basic of economic concepts was further displayed when she claimed that the "costs to consumers," too, would be lowered. Apparently, this would be accomplished by placing a new surtax on those American consumers whose income exceeded the levels deemed worthy by the legislators.

Analysts of the 1,000-plus page legislation calculate its 10-year cost to exceed $1 trillion. Other experts fear such a figure greatly underestimates its true cost. Even the Congressional Budget Office calculates that the government subsidy for health care coverage will amount to some $6,000 per person within the next decade, which figures to more than $1.8 trillion.

Pelosi's bill would also create a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers. Such a scenario, of course, is never a fair "competition," because the government "owner" can always print money, spend borrowed money indefinitely, operate without regard for cost-benefit analysis, and threaten legal sanctions for those who fail to comply. None of these remedies are available to businesses (except, of course, for the "new" General Motors).

The smoke-and-mirrors approach is evident also in the fact that high-income taxpayers, who would already be taxed in order to pay for the "universal" coverage for their less-well-off compatriots, would face escalating taxes if the government fails in the years ahead to achieve targeted "savings" in Medicaid and Medicare. In other words, the government will set "savings targets," but if it fails to meet them, it is taxpayers who will pay the penalty, not those members of Congress or federal bureaucrats who decide how much to spend on the entitlement programs.

Other industries, including pharmaceuticals, will face increased taxes as well, in order to pay for this "reform." The more successful drug makers will pay a higher percentage tax than their smaller, less successful colleagues. Once again, success in the business arena is punished in the government arena.

Truly, this bill is a monstrosity.

Why you need me as your health and life insurance consultant

Hardly anyone wakes up in the morning thinking, "Today I'll go shopping for health insurance," or "I think I'll buy some life insurance today."

Unfortunately, too many people never think of either type of insurance at all until they see a friend or loved one need hospitalization or pass away.

Some life insurance companies use radio and television ads that play on our fear that when we die there won't be any money in our estate to pay for our funeral expenses.

In many cases, that's exactly what will happen. The deceased didn't plan for the expenses death ultimately brings. A few dollars paid in premium each month would have been returned many times over if the now-deceased simply had purchased a whole life or universal life insurance policy.

The untimely death of a young or middle-aged father or mother can lead to incredible hardship on a spouse and children, especially if the one who dies was the breadwinner or co-breadwinner for the family. The surviving spouse may be forced to take a job, or a second job, and the family's plans for their children's education, for example, may evaporate, or the survivor's ability to continue paying mortgage and other household expenses may be strained or overwhelmed.

In the above case, term life insurance on both husband and wife would have been a simple solution.

About a year ago, an online acquaintance and Masonic brother in California passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness. He was in his early 50's. A few weeks after his death, a plea for financial help for his family went out from his Lodge. The request said that his family had been "unable to find" his life insurance policy. My guess is they couldn't find it because there was not one to find.

That's utterly sad. Not even a group as charitable as Freemasonry is going to be able to raise for an individual brother the $100,000 to $200,000 that an inexpensive life insurance policy would have provided his family.

"I'm covered at work"

Having health and/or life insurance coverage through your job is a great benefit, but not one all employees may have.

Even if you are fortunate enough to have work-paid (fully paid or partially paid) life and health insurance, there are certain pitfalls to consider.

If you lose your job, what happens to your coverage? You may be eligible under COBRA to keep your health insurance for 18 months, but you'll have to pay the entire amount that your employer was paying, plus an administrative fee. And after 18 months, your coverage disappears.

Most healthy people could find a less expensive individual policy, if they knew where to look. But many people don't look; they either pay the high premiums for COBRA, or refuse COBRA and go without coverage, thinking when they get a new job, they will again be provided employer-paid health benefits.

Here's something people don't typically think of: We're all potentially one doctor visit away from being non-insurable.

What? Non-insurable?

Health insurance isn't a right. Insurance companies can and do decline to provide coverage to certain people. They can choose who they wish to cover. Insurance — life, health, buildings, automobiles, whatever — it's a matter of what risks the insurance company is willing to accept.

My point here regarding COBRA, or going without health insurance "temporarily" while you're looking for a new job, is that you are risking becoming non-insurable. A diagnosis while you're on COBRA may lead an insurance company you apply to after your COBRA expires to give you a "rate up," a condition-specific higher deductible, a condition-specific exclusion, or even to decline coverage altogether.

It's better to control your own destiny with your own individual health insurance policy.

"I already have individual health coverage"

That's great! You're smart! And fortunate. More than fifty million Americans currently don't have health insurance.

But are you paying too much? Do you have the right kind of coverage? Does it have limitations you aren't aware of? I've talked to people who proudly showed me their policy, saying, "See? It's says I'm covered for this or that 100 percent!"

I pointed out the fine print that said, "Covered 100% up to $400 a day."

For four hundred dollars they might not even take you out of the ambulance!

Not all policies are like that, but some are. In many cases, people were paying more for a low-benefit policy than they would have buying my full bells-and-whistles policy.

Even if you already have a great policy, you might be paying too much.

I was talking with a 37-year old business owner about his health coverage one day, and when he told me about a rare and potentially life-threatening health condition he had, I knew that he should stay with the company he was with, expensive though it was, as his condition was one that most health companies wouldn't cover.

He said, "I can't even get life insurance!"

Au contraire. It took me a few days, but after several phone calls I found a life insurance company that welcomed him, offering up to $150,000 in coverage.

My point? You need an expert that cares on your side.

The real reason for health insurance

Keep in mind that health insurance isn't really designed to take care of every little ache and pain, every "three hour wait to see a doctor for two minutes" kind of doctor visit. Yes, many policies offer "doctor visit copays," but that's not the reason you need health coverage.

It's called "major medical" for a reason. The average stay in a hospital is over four days, and the average cost — not including doctor's fees — can be over $20,000.00 even for what you might think would be "routine."

Getting sick can bankrupt you. That is the reason you need health insurance.

Imagine what that would do to you, to you family, and if you own a small business, what that might do to your employees and their families as well.

So why do you need me as your insurance consultant?

Who else is gonna tell you these things?

I know which companies offer what benefits, at what price. After consulting with you about what features and benefits you want on your health plan, I know what companies or what policies within a company to recommend. After discussion with you about your goals regarding life insurance, I can recommend the right company and the right policy. I know which companies do or do not require physical exams; I know which company to suggest if you're super-healthy, or if you have particular health challenges. I know which health companies offer two- or three-year rate guarantees, and which ones will bump up your rates after six months or a year, even if you haven't submitted a claim. I know how to have lower rates through higher deductibles yet erase those deductibles if you're hospitalized for an accident or life-threatening critical illness.

I'm the kind of person who will work for you and with you; I don't just "work you" as a potential source of commissions. Sure — I work for money just like you do, and selling insurance is how I earn money.

But if you're not satisfied with what you buy, what's the point?

Whether you have health and/or life insurance coverage right now or not, let's talk. I can probably either save you money on your health coverage, or get you more benefits for the same money.

And please, tell your friends and relatives about me. My business is fueled by referrals.

Ask your loved ones if they feel they are adequately covered with life insurance. Are your kids now young newlyweds? If so, now is the time they can lock in very low rates for up to 30 years of term life insurance. Are your aging parents adequately covered for their final expenses. Don't be embarrassed to find out.

Take a moment to complete my confidential questionnaires about your insurance needs. I'll get back to you within 24 hours with my suggestions, and we can talk further about how health and life insurance can help protect your and your family's future.

My health insurance questionnaire can be found here.

My life insurance questionnaire can be found here.

'Young Invincibles' at risk without health insurance

A growing number of young adults are going without health insurance, says the Commonwealth Fund, a center for health care policy. Their study found that 13.7 million people ages 19 to 29 did not have health insurance in 2006. The total number of uninsured that year was 47 million, which means "young invincibles" composed almost one-third of all the uninsured in the U.S, according to a recent article by CNN.

"It is a big mistake not to get insurance," said Dr. Alan Garber, director of the Center for Health Policy at Stanford University. "There may be a tendency on the part of young people to underestimate how likely they are to have an accident or some severe illness."

The young invincibles may not be so invincible. Accidents account for 70 percent of deaths among those 18 to 29.

"Health insurance is not one of the things that younger adults are focused on," said Dr. Ken Thorpe, a professor of health policy at Emory University. "In cases where somebody who doesn't have health insurance shows up in the emergency room, we all end up paying for it. Taxpayers pay for it. People with private insurance pay for it. Somebody's picking up the bill.

"We've got to find ways to get younger adults to purchase health insurance," Thorpe said.

He suggests that "young invincibles" purchase a high-deductible plan that at least covers catastrophic events, such as major accidents, as a temporary remedy to the soaring cost of health care.

We have health benefits plans to meet every budget. Call us today at 404-358-1170 to find out how we can help you protect your health, your assets and your future with an affordable health care plan. Limited health coverage plans begin as low as $55 per month, depending on your age.

COBRA or private health insurance?

President Obama's stimulus plan contains provisions to help laid-off workers maintain health coverage, but the new rules remain confusing. Perhaps new info expected later this week will help to clarify the matter.

Meanwhile, laid-off workers can expect to continue to pay 102% of whatever premium your former employer was paying for your or your family's health coverage.

See the recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle for more clarity — or confusion — on the issue.

For details on individual and family health plans we offer, click here for our one-page flyer in .pdf format.

Find an alternative to COBRA health insurance

Today's Dallas News points out the need for newly laid-off people to maintain their health coverage.

There are three alternatives:

• "Hop on your spouse's insurance plan. If you lose health coverage because of a job loss, it's considered a "qualifying event" under federal tax law, and your spouse would be able to enroll you and the family on his or her plan...."


• "Take COBRA health coverage. COBRA is the acronym for a federal law that allows many laid-off workers to remain on an employer's group health plan for 18 months. When you're covered by a group health insurance plan, your employer usually pays some or all of the premium. When you go on COBRA, you are usually required to pay the full premium on your own, plus a 2 percent administration fee."


• "Get an individual health policy. If you're in good health and don't have any pre-existing medical conditions, you may be able to find less expensive options than COBRA. The average COBRA premium costs 60 percent more than comparable individual coverage...."

This is where I can help you.

Individual health coverage is crucial in today's world. There are plans available for everyone's budget. Typically, the younger you are and the healthier you are, the lower your monthly premium.

Full-blown major medical policies with little or no deductibles are available; however, plans with higher deductibles keep your premiums lower.

There are also plans with lesser, though still considerable, benefits available at extremely low cost. I also offer basic emergency room coverage, doctor visit coverage, basic hospitalization coverage, and even a guaranteed-acceptance program for people with ongoing health issues.

Call me today at 404-358-1170 to discuss your health coverage needs and options. To preview what we have to offer. Or tell me about yourself and your health insurance needs via this simple form, and I'll get back to you within 24 hours with personalized recommendations.