Health and dietary records of over 570,000 individuals were used to compare the outcomes of those who consumed chili pepper to those who rarely or never ate chili pepper. The people lived in the United States, Italy, China and Iran.  According to the findings reported by ScienceDaily.com, the analysis found that people who ate chili pepper had:

• a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality;
• a 23% relative reduction in cancer mortality; and
• a 25% relative reduction in all-cause mortality.

Prior studies reported benefits of eating chili pepper which has an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and blood-glucose regulating effect.  The effect is due to capsaicin, something that gives cp its characteristic mild to intense spice when eaten.  As part of the work that will be reported, researchers screened 4,729 studies from five leading global health databases.  Their final analysis includes four large studies that included health outcomes for participants with data on chili pepper consumption.

The researchers noted that dietary factors  play an important role in overall health.  They note that the exact reasons and mechanisms that might explain their findings regarding health benefits of chili pepper are currently unknown. Therefore, they note, it is impossible to conclusively say that eating more cp can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer. More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled studies, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.”

Cancer Insurance Worth Considering In Your 40s and 50s

While the American Association for Critical Illness insurance  organization has the words ‘critical illness’ in our name, we acknowledge that for many individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s, cancer is the larger risk faced during those ages.

Critical illness insurance policies cover a multitude of conditions. Cancer is definitely one of the primary risks.  Better insurance policies available today offer consumers the option of ‘cancer-only insurance’ as well as the more comprehensive critical illness coverage.  The cancer only coverage will typically be significantly less expensive because it only covers the one condition.

Find latest cancer facts, data and statistics to help learn more about your risk.
During Medicare Annual Open Enrollment find local Medicare insurance agents by visiting the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance’s website at www.MedicareSupp.org.

Source: Science Daily, November 9, 2020
Photo Credit: Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

The post Chili pepper consumption may help you live longer appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

The good news is that most people diagnosed with cancer will survive.  We have modern medicine to thank for that.  And, hopefully you have a good health insurance plan (because no doubt that helps).

The bad news is that no matter how good your health insurance coverage, there are likely going to be costs.  They could be small.  But as prior articles have shown, the cost of cancer treatments, co-payments, deductibles and time off from work can create enormous financial pressure for individuals and families.

For that reason, the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance urges every man and woman over the age of 40 to take 30 seconds to use the critical illness insurance cost calculator.  With two clicks, you’ll be shown an instant estimate of what $10,000 of cancer-only insurance costs.  No personal information is needed to use the cost calculator and none of your personal information is accessed.

Cancer Insurance Is Protection Worth Considering

While our organization has the words critical illness in our name, we acknowledge that for many individuals in their 40s, 50s and 60s, cancer is both the larger risk.  It’s the one you likely are more concerned about.

Critical illness insurance policies cover a multitude of conditions, cancer being one of the primary risks.  But, today some insurance policies offer consumers the option of ‘cancer-only insurance’ as well as the more comprehensive critical illness coverage.  The cancer only coverage will typically be significantly less expensive.

If you are offered coverage at work, look to see if the offering provides both options.  If not, comparing your employer critical illness insurance offering could be well worth your time.

Find latest cancer facts, data and statistics to help learn more about your risk.

The post Critical illness insurance cost calculator offers cancer insurance rates appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“Critical illness insurance protection remains one of the most valuable and least publicized forms of protection for individuals between 40 and 60,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

CRITICAL ILLNESS AWARENESS MONTH: critical illness insurance policies. Five million Americans own a critical illness insurance policy.

“Critical illness insurance protection remains one of the most valuable and least publicized forms of protection for individuals between 40 and 60,” says Jesse Slome. Slome is director of the American Association for Critical Illness insurance. “Critical Illness Awareness Month begins next week and this is the first factoid that we wanted to release.”

What is critical illness insurance

Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum cash benefit upon diagnosis of a qualifying critical illness insurance. Cancer, heart attack and stroke are the three primary covered conditions. Today policies will cover a range of additional other health issues.

Many critical illness insurance policies offer an option for a cancer insurance policy. These generally are far more affordable. “For many women, a cancer-only insurance policy could be a very viable option,” Slome notes.

Here are some valuable links for consumers.
Cancer and critical illness insurance statistics and data.
Cancer insurance rates and quote.

Critical Illness Awareness Month Resources

The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance advocates for the importance of planning for health-related risks.

Jesse Slome is director of the Association and a leading insurance industry expert. He also serves as director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance as well as the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance. Prior to forming insurance trade organizations, he held senior positions with leading insurance companies include Aetna and Transamerica.

The post Five million critical illness insurance policies appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“As a nation we are rightly focused on the Covid-19 pandemic but we can’t overlook the impact of critical illnesses and Awareness Month is a perfect opportunity to increase understanding of the issue,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Awareness Month October 2020 Campaign Planned; September 28, 2020. The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance has announced a special awareness campaign to begin this October.

“October is Critical Illness Awareness Month in the U.S.,” shares JR Slome, director of the critical illness insurance organization.  The Association campaign is designed to create heightened awareness of the risks and consequences associated with illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

Awareness Month October ideal time to focus on issue

This year over 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer.  Some 790,000 individuals will have a heart attack and almost as many will have a stroke.  “As a nation we are rightly focused on the Covid-19 pandemic but we can’t overlook the impact of critical illnesses and Awareness Month is a perfect opportunity to increase understanding of the issue,” Slome adds.  “Like Covid, thankfully most people will survive a cancer diagnosis but survival often comes with a huge financial cost.”

According to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII) nearly 750,000 Americans filed for individual bankruptcy in 2019.  “A Harvard study reported that 62.1 percent of individual bankruptcies are the direct result of medical matters,” Slome notes. “Most of these people had health insurance in place when the health condition first started.”

Campaign to target ages 40 to 59

The campaign will target men and women between the ages of 40 and 59.  “That’s when the financial consequences of a cancer diagnosis or a critical illness are greatest,” Slome explains.  “Few people have heard of or considered insurance that pays a lump sum cash benefit upon diagnosis of cancer or if you have a heart attack.  We need to change that.”

The market for cancer and critical illness insurance is growing slowly Slome shares. “More than 5 million Americans currently have cancer-only or critical illness insurance protection and we believe the market is poised for some significant growth.”

Free Critical Illness Insurance Cost Calculator

Slome advocates for policies that offer individuals the option of either cancer-only or comprehensive critical illness insurance.  “Cancer-only coverage will be more affordable and generally is the greater risk people face prior to reaching age 65 or 70,” he notes.  The Association provides a Critical Illness Insurance Cost Calculator on their website that provides a rough estimate of cost for a $10,000 cancer-only insurance policy. To learn more about critical illness insurance rates visit the homepage.

Founded in 2009, the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII) advocates for the importance of critical illness insurance protection and supports insurance professionals who market CI products. To learn more about Critical illness Awareness Month visit the Association’s website.

Learn more about National Critical Illness Awareness Month from National Calendar:

Valuable resources for those 65 or older: Find local Medicare insurance agents who can compare your Medicare insurance options. Access lowest and highest 2020 Medicare insurance prices for U.S. cities. For best information and long-term care insurance quotes visit the American Association for Long-Term Care insurance website.

The post Awareness Month October 2020 Campaign appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“More than 300,000 people are hospitalized each year from broken hips, and 95 percent of these fractures are the result of a fall.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

HEALTHY HABITS NEWS: Big toe test can prevent falls; July 21, 2020. This one is fun reading. But it also offers a benefit especially valuable for seniors. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. One in four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year.

“Falls are a serious problem especially for seniors,” says Jesse Slome. Slome serves as director for both , director of the American Association for Critical Illness insurance as well as the American Association for Long-Term Care insurance. “While our Healthy Habits News reports primarily focus on health issues prior to age 70, this one is too relevant to overlook.”

Seven million seniors injured by falls

“According to the most recent data older Americans experienced 29 million falls, resulting in 7 million injuries,” Slome shares. “More than 300,000 people are hospitalized each year from broken hips, and 95 percent of these fractures are the result of a fall.” This data comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Big toe test

The big toe test was explained by researchers at the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University. The process involves pulling a small card from underneath the participant’s foot while asking them to grip with their big toe. Grip force of the big toe was previously found to be strongly linked to the strength of all muscle groups of the foot and ankle. This was linked to one’s ability to maintain balance.

“The paper grip test is a simple, clinically applicable test to detect muscle weakness in the foot,” shares Dr Aoife Healy, Associate Professor of Human Movement Biomechanics. “The current paper builds on our previous work and shows its usefulness in assessing strength and balance in this group of vulnerable patients.” The new enhanced test that replaces the pass/fail outcome with a continuous measurement of the pulling force that is needed to remove the card.

Women should start planning in their 40s

Commenting is the report appearing in Science Daily, Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies said the following. “Falls and fear of falling are a major issue in the management of older adults. Also, falling for the first time sets in motion a cycle of increased fear of falling, reduced activity and loss of strength. This leads to a higher risk for further falls. So, it is important to identify individuals who might fall and preventing the first fall is extremely important.”

The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance advocates for the importance of planning for health-related risks. Learn more and ways to compare critical illness insurance policies on our website. Access the research report published in Gait & Posture, July 16, 2020.

Valuable resources for those 65 or older: Find local Medicare insurance agents who can compare your Medicare insurance options. See 2020 Medicare insurance prices for U.S. cities. For long-term care insurance quotes visit the American Association for Long-Term Care insurance website.

The post Big toe test can prevent future falls appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“A woman age 45 may pay about $82-to-$90 a year for a cancer insurance policy providing a $10,000 cash benefit.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

HEALTHY HABITS NEWS: Breast cancer probability for U.S. women; July 14, 2020. The latest information citing the 10-year probability of a breast cancer diagnosis was shared today.

“This year some 270,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” says Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness insurance. “Many reports will cite the median age but that could mislead many women into thinking their risk is well into the future.”

Breast cancer probability starting at age 40 shared

According to the most recent data researched by the organization that advocates for cancer and critical illness planning, a 40-year-old woman has a 1-in-65 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer over her next 10 years. “A woman who is 50 now has a 1 in 28 chance of being diagnosed between now and when she turns 60. The likelihood grows from there,” Slome adds.

Lifetime risk is 1 in 8

Women face a huge risk of breast cancer and the consequences extend well beyond their health, Slome contends. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer according to the American Cancer Society.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is going to be rapidly followed by treatment and that will be costly,” Slome points out. “Even with health insurance the typical woman will face having to pay deductibles and co-insurance payments. That also assumes all costs and medications prescribed will be covered by insurance.” In addition, many women will take time off from work to undergo treatments and recovery. “The rent or mortgage and your cell phone bill don’t get postponed because you were diagnosed. That’s why pre-planning is so vitally important for women, especially those who are living on their own.”

Women should start planning in their 40s

The critical illness insurance expert recommends women start planning in their 40s. “Today, many insurance companies offer a cancer-only policy and that’s going to be more affordable than a comprehensive cii policy,” Slome explains. A woman age 45 may pay about $82-to-$90 a year for a cancer insurance policy providing a $10,000 cash benefit. “Insurers have the choice of charging non-smokers the same as smokers, even though their risk is higher,” Slome admits. The Association’s Cost Calculator shows a 45-year-old woman who uses tobacco products would pay $108 for a $10,000 benefit.

If your company offers employer critical illness insurance, read suggestions and tips for comparing shared by the Association. To learn more about how much critical illness insurance do I need, read the post.

$10,000 of cancer insurance for a 45 year old woman; Use the Cost Calculator for instant price estimate.

The post breast cancer probability appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“If you can’t contribute the maximum annually to your HSA, consider a very-low-cost alternate planning strategy. Shift some of the huge financial risk you face to an emergency cancer-only or critical illness insurance policy.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

High deductible health plans put more individuals at financial risk. Enrollment in high deductible health plans (HDHPs) continues to grow. They offer savings to workers that make them attractive. From 2007 to 2017, enrollment in HDHPs couupled with a Health Savings Account grew from 4.2% to 18.9% among adults between 18 and 64. HDHP plans without a Health Savings Account grew from 10.6% to 24.5%.

“The Covid-economy is likely going to increase the number of working age adults opting for a high-deductible health plan option during open enrollment for 2021,” predicts Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness insurance. “Individuals with HDHPs pay lower monthly insurance premiums. But they risk paying more out of pocket for medical expenses until their deductible is met.”

HDHP potential risk is rarely covered by your HSA account balance

The annual deductible for an individual with an HSA-qualified high deductible health plan was $2,476 (2019) according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. For family coverage the annual deductible would was $4,673. “In addition to meeting the deductible, most plans require you pay costs until you reach the out-of-pocket maximum,” Slome adds.

The out-of-pocket maximum for single coverage with an HSA-Qualified HDHP is $4,492. “Most people don’t contribute to their health savings account. When a crisis hits, they won’t have the needed emergency funds to pay the deductible and out-of-pocket costs,” Slome adds.

In 2018, the average HSA balance was $2,803, according to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. That’s up from the average balance of $1,991 seven years earlier. “Among HSA accounts with contributions, individual contributions in 2018 averaged $2,017,” Slome reports.

High deductible health plans alternate planning strategy

High deductible health plans are a great option when money is tight, Slome contends. “If you can’t contribute the maximum annually to your HSA, consider a very-low-cost alternate planning strategy. Shift some of the huge financial risk you face to an emergency cancer-only or critical illness insurance policy.” By emergency a plan should cover deductibles, co-pays and uncovered medical expenses which will fall into the $10,000 to $20,000 range.

“Cancer is clearly the greater risk generally before age 65 and 70 and cancer insurance is going to be far less expensive,” Slome notes. A $10,000 benefit might cost a 45 year old non-smoking male about $50 a year.

If your company offers employer critical illness insurance, read suggestions and tips for comparing shared by the Association. To learn more about how much critical illness insurance do I need, read the post.

What does $10,000 of cancer insurance cost? Use the Cost Calculator for instant price estimate.

The post Employee high deductible health plans appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“Both research teams say their findings support recommendations to increase fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption. A healthy diet can prevent type 2 diabetes,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Higher fruit diet, July 9, 2020. Eat more fruit, vegetables and whole grain foods. The benefit is a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The findings were published in The BMJ (the British Medical Journal).

The researchers in one study calculate that a 66 grams (2.3 ounces) per day increase in total fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). In 2015, ADA reported that 88 million Americans age 18 and older had prediabetes.

The number of adults living with diabetes continues to rise. The most common of diabetes is type 2. Some 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes in the United States have type 2. Just 5 percent of people have type 1.

A second study is included in the report. Researchers in the United States examined associations between total and individual whole grain food intake and type 2 diabetes. Their findings are based on 158,259 women and 36,525 men who were free from diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Participants and were taking part in the Nurses’ Health Study, Nurses’ Health Study II, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

Whole grain consumption resulted in 29% lower rate

The researchers adjusted for lifestyle and dietary risk factors for diabetes. Participants in the highest category for total whole grain consumption had a 29% lower rate of type 2 diabetes. That compared with those in the lowest category.

The researchers examined consuming one or more servings a day. Whole grain cold breakfast cereal or dark bread was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The numbers (19% and 21% respectively) compared with consuming less than one serving a month.

“Both research teams say their findings support recommendations to increase fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption. A healthy diet can prevent type 2 diabetes,” says Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “This is especially valuable for individuals who typically consume low levels as it could help to prevent type 2 diabetes.”

Healthy Habits News, published by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance

This Healthy Habits News report is published by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII). AACII advocates for the importance of planning for the financial implications of various health conditions.  The Los Angeles based organization maintains an extensive website. Consumers can access the latest information on cancer, heart attacks, strokes. Use the Association’s free cost calculator to find costs for $10,000 of cancer insurance coverage.  Jesse Slome is director. Slome also serves as director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. In addition he heads the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance.

• Higher fruit diet Source: Science Daily, July 9, 2020
  Photo Credit: Image by silviarita from Pixabay

Compare critical illness rates – click the advertisement on our website for instant access

The post Higher fruit diet linked to reduced diabetes appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“The percentage of Americans who are defined as gig economy workers will increase to 43%r,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Gig workers financial survey, July 7, 2020. The freelance or gig worker economy is growing three times faster than the traditional workforce in the United States according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII).  The organization launched its first survey of gig workers to determine financial concerns.

“According to the Bureau of Labor projections, the percentage of Americans who are defined as gig economy workers will increase to 43%,” shares Jesse Slome, director of the national organization.  “There are 57 million U.S. gig workers who work either   full-time or part-time and the Covid virus will only increase that number.”

Little is known about gig workers Slome explains.  The Association announced it will undertake a series of studies to better understand the financial situation and needs of gig economy workers.

To complete the survey, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/56QKTL8

Policy is exclusively available to consumers via Association’s website

“We know that many Americans are not prepared to handle an unexpected expense,” Slome notes.  “But surveys that include working age individuals with salaried jobs do not paint an accurate picture of gig workers.  We hope to get some greater insights that can be beneficial to all.”

Slome notes that many Millennials and GenXers who comprise the gig worker economy have never heard of critical illness insurance.  “They see ads that convey the importance of life insurance but these generations have different financial needs,” Slome contends.  “They have a greater chance of a critical illness before age 70 than dying.  That makes critical illness insurance far more important.” To read more about finding the best critical illness insurance coverage, go to the Association’s homepage.

About American Association for Critical Illness Insurance

The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance advocates for the importance of planning.  The Los Angeles based organization maintains an extensive website where consumers can access the latest information on cancer, heart attacks, strokes as well as critical illness insurance costs using the Association’s free cost calculator.  Jesse Slome is director and also serves as director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance and the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Compare critical illness rates – click the advertisement on our website for instant access

The post Gig workers financial survey launched appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

“Three coverage levels will be offered, $10,000, $15,000 and $25,000 with the product available for purchase by adults 59 and younger,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Compare critical illness insurance rates, July 2, 2020. A new initiative promotes easy access to quality cancer-only and comprehensive critical illness insurance coverage. The effort was announced today by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

Recognizing the financial consequences resulting from cancer and other critical illnesses, Overland Park-based Unified Life Insurance Company has launched a new critical illness insurance plan with US Alliance Life and Security Company.  The new plan will be offered exclusively through the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII).  The new policy will give consumers the option of either a cancer-only or critical illness insurance coverage.

The U.S. market for cancer and critical illness insurance is growing.  According to Gen Re’s Critical Illness Market Survey results from recent years, more than 5 million Americans currently have cancer-only or critical illness insurance protection with an estimated 1.6 million new individual policies or certificates added in 2018.

“We believe this is a most important way to benefit millions of individuals and families with affordable options that are easy to understand and easy to apply for,” said Kevin Dill, President of Unified Life Insurance Company.  “Critical illness can strike at any time and this new coverage provides a lump-sum cash benefits from $10,000 to $50,000 to help cover expenses associated with a qualifying serious illness.”                 

Policy is exclusively available to consumers via Association’s website

The policy will be available exclusively to consumers who connect via the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance website.  “This is an outstanding partnership with enormous potential,” declared Jesse Slome, director of the Association.  “Our efforts focus on increasing awareness of the real threat posed to so many individuals and their families.  In conjunction with the launch of the new product, we will initiate an intensive educational campaign targeting those between the ages of 35 and 55 when this coverage is not just affordable but also so vitally needed.”
                 
The new Unified Life product will become the sole critical illness insurance product advertised on the Association’s website.   “Unified’s commitment to affordable options that can be easily applied for directly online offered a superior combination of product value and simplicity that is so essential today for direct-to-consumer success,” Slome adds.

Three coverage levels will be offered, $10,000, $15,000 and $25,000 with the product available for purchase by adults 59 and younger, Slome explains.   The comprehensive critical illness insurance policy will provide lump-sum cash benefits upon a qualifying diagnosis for multiple conditions.

About Unified Life Insurance Company

Unified Life Insurance Company is built on Midwest values.  It was founded in 1986 by William and Jean Buchanan and has an AM Best rating of B++.  The critical illness insurance policy from Unified Life is now available in 35 states, with additional states to be announced later this year.

About American Association for Critical Illness Insurance

Founded in 2009, the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII) advocates for the importance of critical illness insurance protection and supports insurance professionals who market CI products.  Located in Westlake Village, California, Jesse Slome is director and also serves as director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance and the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance.

Compare critical illness rates – click the advertisement on our website for instant access

The post Direct to consumer critical illness insurance appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.