It's all of your business. (Professional Resources).(insurance for self-employed music teachers)

Insurance Checkup

After a period of relative stability throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, health care costs in the United States have been on the rise. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly HCFA) report that total health care expenditures have increased from an annual figure of $887 billion in 1993 to more than $1.2 trillion in 1999, with the common factor of double-digit annual increases in health care costs.

Consumers are bombarded by the media about the rising insurance premium rates, but often get very little information about the underlying factors that generate rate increases. These factors include pharmacy and hospital costs, new medical technology, government legislation and the aging population. To help reduce health care costs, the nation's top-ranked health carriers are changing the benefit structure and allowing more flexibility in plan designs to accommodate the individual purchasing the coverage. This affords the insured specialized coverage that meets his or her personal needs.

Directors and officers of companies face unique liability exposures including, but not limited to, liability from other companies or the public. Between 1996 and 2001, the director and officer insurance industry experienced approximately a 200 percent increase in exposure. Past company actions and board members will become even more meaningful as we move forward to reduce this trend. Similarly, as a music professional, your most valuable form of protection may only be in the form of professional liability and/or general liability coverage. A careful analysis of your overall insurance needs will keep you on target and provide your family with security and peace of mind.

Today, more than ever, consumers are requesting advice and direction on all services ranging from retirement planning to corporate finance to life insurance. Fiduciary advisors and plan sponsors are becoming increasingly concerned that consumers do not have access to or do not use the appropriate educational or advisory services. Obtaining educational information and comparing coverages at ...