It’s that time again. Not the holiday season – but flu season, which means there’s one more thing to add to your busy schedule: getting a flu vaccination.

For the majority of the population, the influenza vaccine has proven to be extremely effective in preventing the onset of flu. But even if you are among those who catch the virus, the vaccine may still play a vital role in minimizing its effects and reducing the risk of serious complications.

Despite the vaccine’s documented success, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that many of the people who are most at risk from the virus do not take this simple precaution. Included among the "high-risk" groups identified by the CDC are people age 50 and older who may be more susceptible to pneumonia or other related complications.

The reasons for low vaccination rates are varied – but misinformation is certainly a factor. Because your continued health is important to us, we would like to address several of these misconceptions in the hope that it will encourage you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and the ones you love.

INFLUENZA: FACT AND FICTION

“I’m not at risk, I’m very healthy and active.”
While good overall health will probably keep you from experiencing the more dangerous effects of the flu – it probably won’t keep you from catching the virus altogether.

“I’ve heard the vaccine doesn’t work – or worse, can cause influenza.”
While the vaccine is slightly less effective among the elderly in preventing the flu, it is very effective in reducing the severity of illness and the risk of severe complications. And as long as you receive your vaccination in the U.S., you don’t have to worry about catching the virus from it. There is only one type of influenza vaccine licensed in America, and it cannot cause influenza.

“I had a vaccination last year, so I don’t need it again.”
Since the influenza virus continually changes, it is important to have the most recent vaccine. In addition, the vaccine’s effectiveness declines over time, and is often low one year later.

“I’ve heard the side effects are worse than the flu.”
The majority of people who get the vaccine have no serious problems from it. The most common side effect is soreness at the point of injection that can last up to two days. Children who have never received the vaccine before may experience fever and body aches for 1-2 days. While severe reactions are rare, those allergic to eggs or who have had a previous reaction to the vaccine should consult with their doctor.

“The last time I asked, they were out of the vaccine.”
Your health care provider should have plenty of access to the vaccine during the optimal months of October and November.

For more information on the flu and flu vaccinations, please consult your physician. You can access the CDC website which provided the information for this article: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvac.htm

New York Life Aids In Recovery Effort

The tragic events of September 11th have had a profound effect on our nation. As a New York City-based company, we feel a special kinship to our friends and neighbors who lost their lives or were injured.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, New York Life’s primary concern has been to provide benefits as swiftly and compassionately as possible. We estimate that our financial exposure from this tragedy is in the range of $50 million to $75 million. New York Life is one of the industry’s strongest insurers with more than $40 billion in life insurance reserves and over $8 billion in surplus, so the exposure is minimal in light of our financial strength.

Yet we are going far beyond our responsibilities to policyholders. The New York Life Foundation has contributed $3 million to the September 11th Fund, a special fund to support the victims of the attack in Manhattan, administered by The New York Community Trust and the United Way of New York City. The New York Life Foundation has also pledged to match personal contributions made by employees to the American Red Cross, with a promise of no less than $1 million in matching gifts. These efforts will support the victims and the relief effort in all sites of the attack. In addition, nearly 4,000 employees in our New York headquarters participated in a special blood drive, and many have volunteered their time with local United Way offices, hospitals and other relief organizations.

New York Life’s core values – Financial Strength, Integrity and Humanity – are even more important to us today. We are confident that if there is a way to find strength in these difficult times, the American people will find it, and New York Life will continue to do its part faithfully and well.

No matter how unusual your question or concern may be, chances are our professional Customer Service Representatives have heard it before. On average, each one handles 70-75 service calls per day, so there’s a good possibility that the representative you’re speaking with has already helped someone else with the very same issue.

For your convenience, we have listed below a number of the issues clients ask about on a daily basis. We hope you find this information helpful, and that you will consider keeping this publication as a reference tool.

“I’ve lost my insurance certificate. Can I get a new one?”
All you have to do is ask, and New York Life will mail out a new certificate free of charge. You can request one by speaking to a Customer Service Representative, or through our Automated Customer Information Line, at 1-800-319-8021.
 

“My accountant, trust attorney, etc. needs a statement of value on my insurance plan. Can you send one?”
For your protection, we can only send a statement to the address of record. Once it is in your hands, however, you may pass it along to anyone you like.

“I have my premiums automatically deducted but recently switched banks. How do I change my bank information and make sure I don’t miss any payments?”
Just send us a voided check from your new account, along with a written statement authorizing us to make the change. If you are concerned about missing a payment in the interim, you may wish to enclose a check for your next payment as well.

Turn Your Telephone Into A 24-Hour Resource

Want the fastest, most convenient way to find out payment information or request a billing change? Look no further than your telephone. Now you can access a host of electronic features, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

With New York Life’s new Customer Information Line, you can hear when your last payment was received, when your next payment is due, request an address change or new beneficiary form and take advantage of other time saving conveniences. The system features an easy-to-follow touch-tone menu, and even allows you to make your selections by voice. Best of all, the Customer Information Line allows you to go back and correct any mistakes, or to speak with a Customer Service Representative if needed. To access the system, just follow these three easy steps:

1. Dial 1-800-319-8021
2. When prompted, select from the following options: "1" for automated billing and payment information; "2" to request any forms; or "0" to speak with a Customer Service Representative. (Customer Service is available M-F, 8am-10pm (EST); and Sat., 9am-5pm)
3. When prompted, enter your 7-digit certificate number following the letter “A”, as well as the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Then follow the instructions as needed.

The next time you want some information about your certificate, why not give the Customer Information Line a try? We think you’ll appreciate the added convenience and privacy it provides.

AARP LifeAnswers: Real-Life Solutions to Real-Life Problems

AARP LifeAnswers is an exclusive benefit designed to help AARP members find the resources available to help them cope with a variety of family and work concerns.* The service focuses on:

1. Adult/Eldercare Resource and Referral Services — Locating assisted living and other facilities nationwide.
2. ChronicMed^TM Support Services — Information on chronic medical conditions and home health care.
3. Online Career Services — Articles, skills assessments, and access to a career counseling phone service.

All AARP LifeAnswers information is provided by trained professionals whose expertise can be accessed via a free website.

For an optional fee of just $75 per case, the consultation service on Eldercare and ChronicMed^TM Support will provide up to 12 months of personal assistance, via telephone access, to anyone in need of direct advice. Both the website and consultation service are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

To learn more about the AARP LifeAnswers program, just visit the website, at: www.aarplifeanswers.com or
call 1-877-217-7800, ext. 101.

*AARP LifeAnswers is not affiliated with New York Life.

"Can I Increase My Coverage Amount?"

Along with increasing interest for spouse insurance (see article in this newsletter), we’ve received numerous requests from current policyholders for information on obtaining additional life insurance. Our Customer Service Representatives are specially trained to help you decide if additional coverage is right for you. After reviewing your existing plan, they will let you know how much insurance you can purchase without exceeding program limits, and depending on the issue date of your certificate, whether or not additional underwriting will be required. And finally, they will review the plans and prices available to you, so that you may select the one that meets your needs and budget.

Representatives can be reached by calling our toll-free number,
1-888-963-7219 to discuss the opportunity to increase your coverage. Please call with any questions that you may have.

Insuring Your Spouse

The article that appeared in our last edition generated so much interest we thought you would appreciate a more in-depth look at the various merits – and methods of covering both marriage partners.

Spouse coverage makes particularly good sense for dual-income families because it helps make sure their lifestyle is protected against the loss of one wage-earner. And because two policies may allow you to leave behind twice as much money, it also makes sense for those couples who want their children to enjoy a more substantial inheritance.

Dual coverage can also be an effective strategy when planning for a specific expense, such as a child’s wedding or education. In many cases, the spouse may want to purchase an affordable term life plan that gives the family extra protection until the event has passed.

Not surprisingly, most spouses tend to select the exact same amount and type of coverage as their partner – but this is not required. Your spouse may apply for the same plan with a different benefit, or an entirely different plan altogether. And while members can apply at age 50, spouses may apply beginning at age 45 even if the eligible member does not.

As you can see, spouse coverage can be an easy and effective way to increase your family’s overall financial protection. If you would like to know more, simply give us a call, at 1-888-963-7219.

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