Five Tricks: Setting New Contacts

You have about five seconds before a person decides, subconsciously, whether they like you or not. In that short period of time we don't exchange a lot of words,our judgment is mostly based on nonverbal communication.

How do you get someone who doesn't know you to feel comfortable talking?

This is not the time to play hard-to-get, keep a distance, or play mysterious. Instead, take the initiative in creating a welcoming impression. People are wowed by social decisiveness when its' offered with compassion and warmth. How another person perceives you is determined by a number of things you do before you utter your first word.

1. First, give the person a hearty smile. It says, "I'm approachable."

2 Maintain a good balance of eye contact. If you maintain an unblinking stare 100% of the time, that qualifies as leering and that's plain scary. If you keep eye contact less than 70% of the time, you will seem distracted and rude.

3. Unfold your arms and relax. Crossing your arms can make you appear defensive or closed. It also signals tension. Relax! People will pick up on your body language and react accordingly.

4. Nod your head and lean in. Meanwhile, we cautious about invading the other person's space. You just want to show that you are engaged and interested.

5. Learn to touch people. touching is a powerful act. Most people convey their friendly intentions by shaking hands, some go further by shaking with two hands. My favorite way to break through the distance between me and the person I am trying to establish a bond with is to touch the other person's elbow. It conveys just the right amount of intimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions on Health Care

Many clients have called in to ask how health care reform would affect them. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Is it true that everyone has to buy health insurance?

Not until 2014. All Americans will be required to obtain coverage or face an annual penalty starting in 2014. The initial penalty will be $95. By 2016, the penalty will be the greater of two alternatives, a flat fee of $695 or 2.5% of income. There is an exemption for low income people.

2. Do carriers have to accept everyone now?

The big changes in the law, the ones that could affect tens of millions of people, don't kick in until 2014. Those include insurance marketplaces called "exchanges", rules requiring carriers to accept all applicants, even those with health problems, and an expansion of state Medicaid programs.

3. I own a small business. Am I now required to provide health insurance for my employees?

Businesses that do not provide coverage will be assessed a $2,000 per employee fee starting in 2014. The fee will be assessed on the company's entire workforce, minus an allowance. Companies with 50 or fewer workers are exempt from the requirement. A small business tax credit will be available to help provide coverage for workers.

4. I heard there will be subsidies to help people buy health insurance. Is that true?

Aid will be made available to households on a sliding scale based on the federal poverty level.

5. Does this mean we have a government run health plan?

No, starting in 2014, people purchasing coverage through the exchanges will have the option of signing up for national plans overseen by the same federal office that manages the health plan available to members of Congress.

If you have some questions you would like to submit, please feel free to send them to me and I will do my best to answer your questions and concerns.

We at Copple Insurance Group stand ready to help individuals and small businesses with their insurance needs, feel free to let us know how we can help.

Health Care Reform Scams

Enactment of the new health care reform law has spawned fraud schemes by which individuals are seeking to sell bogus policies through 1-800 numbers and by going door to door. They may try to tell you that, under the reform law, you will need to buy new health insurance. These pitches may come to you in the form of phony emails, fraudulent online ads, door to door or by way of pushy telemarketers.

The scams may promise a variety of bogus benefits. They may include fake coverage, where you end up making huge payments for a worthless piece of paper with totally worthless benefits. Some may even offer enticements such as medical discount cards, which are also worthless.

There will be new insurance options in the near future, including a high-risk pool for those blocked out of insurance coverage due to preexisting conditions and new insurance protections that begin in September.

Consumers also should beware of deceptive policies that are time-limited, offer limited benefits or advertise themselves as required by health insurance reform.

It always pays to do business with someone you know and trust to make sure you have the right plan for the right premium and be with People You Can Count On!

At Copple Insurance Group we only provide protection through quality insurance carriers who are here to help you protect the way you live.

Law of the Land

The Law of the Land is now here. Yes, National Health Care has been passed and we now all have to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly of it. Individuals and small businesses should benefit the most from these changes. If you are an individual purchasing health insurance, beginning soon, you won't have to qualify for coverage, you will get an unlimited major medical plan and the insurance carrier won't be able to cancel your policy if your health changes. If you are a small business under 50 employees, you could receive a tax credit if you provide group insurance for your employees.

Stay tuned for some additional discussion on this issue, such as tax increases, day it is implemented and when you can provide your family with these benefits.