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Inside
This Issue:
New York Life Aids in Recovery Effort
| Answers | 24-Hour
Resource
LifeAnswers | Increase
Coverage | Insuring Spouse
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Don't
Get Bitten By The Flu Bug
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Its
that time again. Not the holiday season but flu season,
which means theres 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 vaccines 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
Im
not at risk, Im very healthy and active.
While good overall health will probably keep you from experiencing
the more dangerous effects of the flu it probably wont
keep you from catching the virus altogether.
Ive
heard the vaccine doesnt 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
dont 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 dont need it again.
Since the influenza virus continually changes, it is important
to have the most recent vaccine. In addition, the vaccines
effectiveness declines over time, and is often low one year
later.
Ive
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
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New York Life Aids In Recovery Effort
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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 Lifes 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 industrys 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
Lifes 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.
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Been
There, Solved That!
NEW YORK LIFE ANSWERS THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED
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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 theres a good possibility that the
representative youre 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.
Ive
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
dont 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.
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Turn
Your Telephone Into A 24-Hour Resource
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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 Lifes 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:
- Dial
1-800-319-8021
- 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)
- 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 youll
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:
- Adult/Eldercare
Resource and Referral Services Locating assisted living
and other facilities nationwide.
- ChronicMedTM
Support Services Information on chronic medical conditions
and home health care.
- 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 ChronicMedTM 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.
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"Can I Increase My Coverage Amount?"
Along
with increasing interest for spouse insurance (see article
in this newsletter), weve 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.
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Insuring Your Spouse
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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 childs 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 familys overall financial protection.
If you would like to know more, simply give us a call, at
1-888-963-7219.
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Download
a printable version of this newsletter in PDF format*
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To view our archived newsletters, click on a links below: Celebrate Life Archive Fall 2000 Celebrate Life Archive Spring 2001
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*Requires
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view and print. Click
here to download Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.
New York Life is a registered service mark of New York Life
Insurance Company. Other brands and products are trademarks
of their respective holder.
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