Mind the Gap campaign: mature couple relaxing at home

Navigating the Social Security-Medicare Gap

By Anita Kulakowski, Integrated Benefits, Inc 1. Understanding the Wait Time for Medicare After Receiving SSDI Most people know that Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to individuals who are 65 years and older. But, did you know that people who have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least two…

Mind the Gap campaign: Group of mature friends enjoying the good life

How Disability Insurance Can Help Protect Financial Wellness and Holistic Health

By Daniel Iskra, of MetLife Given recent market volatility and economic uncertainties, it’s no surprise that many American workers are struggling financially and experiencing a decline in their financial wellness and mental health.1 In fact, only 55% of employees feel financially healthy and 65% of employees feel mentally well – down 9% and 3%, respectively…

Minding The Income Gap With Social Security Disability Insurance

Minding The Income Gap With Social Security Disability Insurance

By Steve Perrigo Editor’s Note: SSDI is an often-overlooked income benefit for individuals with disabilities or serious illnesses. Many Americans workers are unaware of this critical benefit that they earned while working. Employers and employees fund this federal program by paying Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll taxes. No one thinks it will happen to…

Mind the Gap campaign: Women Should Start Their Insurance Planning Now

Why Women Should Start Their Insurance Planning Now

Amber Stitt, Financial Consultant, Business Strategist, Speaker, Podcast Host Having the proper protections in place should be important to everyone, but early planning is particularly important for women. With a broader variety of female-specific needs, finding suitable insurance options to better secure the future can be challenging. I’ll share some key considerations to help explain…

How to Financially Protect Families With A Stay-at-Home Partner

How Can We Help Financially Protect Families With A Stay-at-Home Partner?

When talk of disability income insurance comes up, you probably understand how important it is to protect the breadwinner. Particularly in households where only one person earns an income, disability income insurance (DI) is critical coverage for those who want to financially protect themselves and their loved ones. Insuring a portion of your paycheck with…

Open Enrollment 2022: The financial risk of Alzheimer’s disease

The Financial Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

By Amy Fontinelle Editor’s Note: This blog post from The Council for Disability Awareness’ member company, MassMutual, defines how much of a problem Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are becoming as people live longer; points out how significant the direct and indirect costs of caring for someone with dementia are becoming; and recommends steps for estate planning and preparation that…

Open Enrollment 2022: Position individual disability income insurance effectively

Position Individual Disability Income Insurance Effectively

Scott McCarthy, Regional Vice President, Sales & Distribution, Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Managing and understanding risk is not a strength for many people. It’s also why financial professionals need to be effective at helping clients make changes that address long-term financial needs. Changing the conversation In discussions with colleagues, I frequently comment on the need…

Open Enrollment is a Great Time to Focus on Your Financial Wellness

Beyond Your Benefits Package: Why Open Enrollment is a Great Time to Focus on Your Financial Wellness

Alexandra Ginieres Head of Disability Marketing, Individual Markets Guardian Life Insurance Company of America®   Editor’s Note: It’s that time of year when many employees are reviewing their employee benefits, renewing their previous choices or selecting new options, and considering financial products they can (or did) buy on their own such as disability and life…

Open Enrollment 2022: Meeting about disability insurance offered through work

Understanding Disability Income Insurance Offered Through Work

By Tara Mallaley Editor’s Note: If there’s one lesson we took away from the pandemic is our salaries may not be replaced when we leave work with an illness. About 50 percent of employees have some form of income protection coverage available to them through their employers.  Typically, employers who provide disability insurance offer both…

Young professionals in a meeting at work

Disability Insurance Is Important No Matter Your Age —What To Consider

By John Feeney, vice president, group sales and market development for the Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America.   Attention Gen Z and Millennials: disability insurance is an important coverage for you, too. Some view employer-sponsored group disability insurance as an ancillary benefit reserved for older individuals, when in fact, disability insurance should…