Craig-Howard Insurance

07/31/2026

Help Your Employees Avoid the Most Common Enrollment Mistakes

Most employees spend less than 30 minutes choosing their health insurance each year.

That decision affects their health and finances for the next 12 months.

Here's what tends to go wrong, and what employers can do about it:

1) Employees pick the lowest premium without looking at the deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

2) They assume their doctors are in-network.

3) They don't check if their prescriptions are covered.

4) They have no idea an insurance advocate exists to help them.

None of this is their fault. Most employees just don't have the information they need to make a good decision.

That's where employers can make a real difference… Not by choosing for them, but by giving them the tools to choose well.

💡Show them a side-by-side plan comparison of plan options.
💡Walk them through a worst-case cost scenario for each plan type.
💡Tell them how to look up their doctors and their prescriptions before they enroll.
💡Make sure they know your broker or benefits team is available to help, not just during open enrollment, but all year long.

Employees who understand their benefits use them better, stress less, and trust their employer more.

Health benefit selection is a communications opportunity. We can help you use that opportunity well.

07/29/2026

Warm, golden, and full of possibility. ☀️

07/24/2026

Is your dog one of the best things to happen to your mental health? For millions of Americans, the answer is yes. 🐾

Studies suggest that dogs can help lower stress hormones, ease loneliness, encourage daily structure, and even get us moving more. The simple act of coming home to a wagging tail at the end of a hard day is something dog owners know well, and it turns out the science backs it up.

But here is something worth thinking about. While our dogs give us so much, caring for them comes with real responsibility and real costs. A single emergency vet visit can run into thousands of dollars. Without the right coverage in place, that can become a serious financial stressor.

Pet insurance exists to make sure that when your dog needs care, the decision is about what is best for them, not what you can afford in that moment.

Have you ever faced an unexpected vet bill that caught you off guard? Drop your experience in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

If you have questions about pet insurance and want to understand your options, reach out to us today. We are here to help you find coverage that genuinely fits your life and your budget. 🐶

07/22/2026

Watermelon Limeade is a perfect refresher to go with your summer parties or evenings at home.

- Freeze 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon.

- Make a simple syrup: Bring 3/4 cup each sugar and water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold.

- Puree 4 more cups cubed seedless watermelon; strain into the pitcher.

- Stir in 1 cup lime juice and 2 cups cold seltzer. Add the frozen watermelon and some lime slices.

Enjoy!

07/20/2026

Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare’s coverage for skin cancer screenings is different from its coverage for other preventive services like mammograms, colonoscopies, and lung cancer screenings. Understanding what Medicare does—and does not—cover can help you make informed decisions about your skin health. Take a moment to read this week's blog post and learn more.

Understanding Coverage for Skin Exams and Care Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and the risk increases with age. Years of accumulated sun exposure can raise the likelihood of developing skin cancer, making prevention and early detection especially important for Med...

07/17/2026

Did you know your health insurance probably covers preventive care for $0? No copay, no coinsurance, and you don't even have to meet your deductible first.

Most plans cover things like:
🩺 Annual checkups and well visits
💉 Flu shots and other vaccines
🩻 Some cancer screenings like mammograms
🩸 Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings

The main catch: Be sure to see an in-network provider, and make sure your visit is billed as a screening and not a diagnosis. When in doubt, just ask before your appointment.

That yearly checkup you've been putting off might already be covered. Want to know what your plan includes? Send us a message and we'll help you find out.

07/15/2026

If premiums, deductibles, and prescription costs feel like a lot on a fixed income, there are several federal and state programs that may help lower those expenses.

👉 Medicare Savings Programs are available in some areas, and can help cover Part A and Part B costs.
👉 Extra Help is a program that offers assistance to cover prescription drugs.
👉 State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) or can help pay for certain medications in some states. Check the Medicare.gov site for SPAP listings.
👉 Depending on your state and financial situation, Medicaid may help pay for long-term or nursing care.

Many people who qualify never apply, often because they assume they won’t be eligible or they don't know what's available in their state. Want help finding out what you might qualify for? Reach out and we'll walk you through your options. A little assistance can add up to real savings over the year.

07/14/2026

Every year, we host a client appreciation BBQ at our Meridian office, and every year it is our biggest event! We are excited to share the date and time with you all. Mark it off your calendars now and come join us for free food and fun!

07/10/2026

🏠 Smart Home Tech for Seniors: What Helps at Home

The right devices can make life at home safer for older adults — and give family members peace of mind. Here's what helps most:

🤖 Robot vacuums — Keep floors clear of dust and clutter that cause trips and falls, with no bending or heavy lifting.

💡 Motion-sensor night lights — Falls are the #1 injury for older adults, and low light makes it worse. Add lights that switch on automatically to guide the path from bed to bathroom. Cheap and easy to set up.

🚨 Medical alert systems (PERS) — A wearable button, automatic fall detection, or two-way voice device can call for help fast. Some are even built into smartwatches.

💊 Medication reminders — Smart speakers, locking pill dispensers, and reminder apps help you stay on track and can alert a caregiver if a dose is missed.

🔥 Stove shut-offs — Unattended cooking is the top cause of home fires. Devices like FireAvert and iGuard cut power automatically and install in minutes.

So what does Medicare cover? Here's the straight answer:

✅ Original Medicare & Medigap: Do NOT cover these devices.

✅ Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some plans offer extra perks, like help with a medical alert system — but it varies by plan and may cover only part of the cost. Always check plan details before enrolling.

👉 Start with your biggest worry. Worried about falls? Begin with lighting and an alert system. Struggling with prescriptions? A pill dispenser may matter most. You don't need every gadget — one or two that fit your routine can make a real difference.

Questions about your Medicare options? We're here to help. 💙

07/08/2026

💡 Your Life Insurance Can Work for You—While You're Still Alive

Most people think life insurance only pays out after they're gone. But if you own a permanent policy, it may also be a valuable, working asset. Here's what yours might do for you right now:

💰 Build cash value — Part of what you pay grows over time, tax-deferred. It's like a savings component built quietly into your protection.

🏦 Borrow against it — Need cash for an emergency, tuition, or a business opportunity? You can borrow against your policy with no credit check and little paperwork. Repay it or let it ride—your choice.

🔄 Swap for income — No longer need the coverage? A Section 1035 exchange lets you trade your policy for an annuity—tax-free—turning an asset you don't need into steady income.

🌴 Supplement retirement income — Years of funding a policy can leave you with substantial cash value, with no early-withdrawal penalties and no required minimum distributions like IRAs and 401(k)s.

The bottom line: life insurance protects the people you love, but a permanent policy can also build value, offer easy access to cash, and even help fund your retirement.

Let's talk to see how life insurance can work for you. 💙