Health

There is a very good article in the New York Times on long-term care insurance . The article is largely in a question and answer format. It is non-technical and there are many comments and questions from readers that should prove very useful to anyone taking a look at long-term care insurance products for themselves or for a family member. There are good, basic questions such as "why should I buy long-term care insurance" and "don't Medicare and Medicaid cover long-term care?" Long-term care...

A recent study from accounting and tax advisory firm Grant Thornton indicates that many employers are pulling back on 401k plans in light of the difficult economic climate. Grant Thornton surveyed 283 companies. Findings include: 29 percent have modified or intend to modify their 401k employer matching contribution. 20 percent of all respondents plan to eliminate the employer match entirely. Larger employers are more inclined to make changes to their 401k plans. Companies in the health care and...

A recent study of a population with high levels of longevity indicates that a common feature of the group is a slightly underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid is a condition that, until recently, seemingly required medical attention. The study seems to indicate otherwise: Researchers tested the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in 236 Ashkenazi Jews, who were about 100 years old, and their children, most of whom were in their 70s. For comparison with people not related by blood,...

David Sinclair is Professor of Pathology at the Harvard Medical School. Professor Sinclair presented some of his research at a recent conference sponsored by the International Longevity Center . The research suggests that longevity genes can be leveraged to activate the human body's natural repair mechanisms and enhance longevity. In particular, Sirtuins are proteins responsible for the positive aging effects that accompany caloric restriction. Professor Sinclair and his team of researchers are...

A very balanced article in the Chicago Tribune discusses what consumers should consider when they are concerned about credit risk or the financial health of their insurance company. Dumping an existing life or annuity policy when reading headlines about the health of an insurer may not be the wisest idea. At a minimum, consumers should seek a couple of informed opinions before replacing an existing policy. There are fees and tax consequences that may come into play. In addition, there are...