Monday, January 15, 2007

California Low Income Health Insurance

By Steve Valentino

There is a substantial rise in the number of young people suffering from ailments owing to various factors such as improper lifestyles, stress, and lack of exercise. The medical field has progressed rapidly. There are solutions for most of the physical disorders. But at the same time, health insurance expenses are continuously rising, making it increasingly difficult for people belonging to low-income groups to seek timely medical help. Many people believe that obtaining a health insurance is beyond their means. Health insurance offers financial security to people in case of sudden health problems. There is a plethora of health insurance companies in the state of California, making the market extremely competitive. It is mandatory by law for every individual in California to have some form of medical coverage. The state has health insurance programs to provide affordable insurance to people belonging to low income groups.

In California, low-income individuals can opt for the Medicaid program. This program is developed by the federal government to bring maximum number of uninsured people under the health insurance cover. The state and the federal government provide funds to run this program. Individuals can obtain an application form from the office of Division of Family services. Individuals are required to provide some documents to qualify for this program. This program takes care of various health insurance requirements of the individuals and their families. Some employers do not provide insurance to the families of their employees. Medicaid program is a viable option for such employees.

California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) strives to provide affordable and quality health insurance to people. The Healthy Families Program (HFP) of MRMIB offers inexpensive health, dental and vision coverage to children belonging to low-income groups. The state and federal government financially supports this program. The Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program of MRMIB offers affordable health insurance coverage to uninsured pregnant women from low-income groups. Their infants are also covered under this program.

It is advisable to do some research to find the best affordable health coverage plan before opting for one.

California Health Insurance provides detailed information on California Health Insurance, California Health Insurance Quotes, California Health Insurance Plans, California Health Insurance Policies and more. California Health Insurance is affiliated with Arizona Health Insurance Quotes.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Best Student Credit Cards

By Jacob Joseph

UNDERSTANDING STUDENT CREDIT CARDS
Utilizing a credit card while in school offers many advantages. Finding the best credit card for your needs is not the simplest thing to do. Detailed in this article is information that will aid you in selecting the best student credit cards.

Different Types of Available Credit Cards for Students
Individuals with decent credit should submit an application for a regular, unsecured credit card. If you have no credit, or bad credit, a secured credit card is more appropriate. A secured card will require you to leave a deposit that is approximately the same amount as the card's available limit. Interest rates associated with these credit card types are higher. These types of cards also have high annual fees. However, once you exhibit a positive credit history with your secured card, you should apply for an unsecured offer with low interest rates and no annual fees.

Familiarize Yourself With All of the Interest Rates and Terms Before You Apply!
There is nothing you can do to avoid paying interest rates. Every credit card has one. That is how the card issuers make most of their money. However, it is very common for credit cards to have an introductory rate with a 0% interst rate for the first 3-15 months of membership. It is important to understand that if you miss a payment, or are even late, you will lose the introductory rate offer. Usually, interest rates for student credit card offers are between 7-20%. There are also annual fees and costs associated with student cards.

**Comparing the fees and interest rates of several different card offers before you apply is a good idea.

Look for Credit Cards with Rewards!
Most student credit cards have some sort of reward tied to them. The reward offers are quire different for the different card offers, ranging from discounts on book and clothes, free movie tickets and rentals, DVD's and CD's. There also cards that offer cash back as an incentive. Also, nowadays you can even earn points from your purchases that can be used for buying a new car!

You will usually earn one point for every dollar charged with your credit card. You will likely earn different reward rates for the different types of purchases you make. Meaning, you will always earn at least one point for every dollar spent, but you can also earn as many as five more points for the different purchases you make.

Be Rewarded for Good Grades!
It has become common practice by credit card issuers to offer rewards to students for their good grades. Suppose you maintain a B average, you will be rewarded 2,500 points for that semester! So if you maintain a B average for the year, you will earn an additional 5,000 points!

Student Credit Cards Help Build Credit!
Most of the student credit card offers available are specifically designed to help develop a positive credit rating. In order to accomplish this, you must use your credit card wisely and pay your bill on time every month!

Jacob Joseph is a financial expert for http://www.starloanservices.com. At Star Loan Services you can apply for credit cards for people with bad credit. Many low rate offers for student available!

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

State Banking Officials Probe Mortgage Lender

By Stephen Singer
State banking regulators are investigating the viability of a mortgage lender that has brokered billions of dollars in mortgages to people with poor credit histories, after it stopped funding loans and accepting new applications.

Middletown-based Mortgage Lenders Network USA laid off at least some of its employees this week, said James Heckman, spokesman for the state Department of Banking. Investigators are looking into the company to see “that they're still able to conduct their business,” he said.

Bank investigators acted after receiving tips, Heckman said. He would not disclose what information the tips conveyed, but said officials learned that the company laid off workers on Tuesday.

The company, which bills itself as one of the country's top subprime mortgage lenders, said this week that it is “currently exploring strategic alternatives” for its wholesale business lines, according to telephone recordings at least two of its wholesale lending offices.

A call was placed to Steven Olearcek, MLN's senior vice president and general counsel, seeking comment.

MLN, which opened in 1997, rapidly grew to employ more than 1,300 people, broke ground in May on a 300,000-square-foot complex in Wallingford. It said its 2006 goal was to produce more than $12.1 billion in loans.

Heckman said MLN has halted its wholesale business, which accounts for about 85 percent of the company's operations.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development has halted a proposed $4 million state assistance package for MLN until state officials “understand the impact” of the layoffs, said James Watson, a spokesman for the state agency.

The assistance package was to help MLN build the sprawling Wallingford complex that was projected to create 1,000 jobs, Watson said.

Agency officials have tried to contact MLN, but their calls have not been returned, he said.