Are you covered?

[SiteAdmin]

Sooner or later in this sport, as with most things in life, if you wanna dance you're gonna have to pay the fiddler. I'm curious, how many of you out there feel that you have made adequate provisions to cover the financial implications of a catastrophic injury resulting from dirt biking? Have you reviewed your medical insurance coverage? Set aside enough $$ in an emergency reserve account to cover your bills while you can't work (and meet your deductible)?

This topic is a bummer to think about but you might be glad you did. We will have more ideas and info posted on here soon to help with this aspect of an injury but for now...do a little wrenching on the risk management side before you hit the track or trail again. :wink:

[Gatlin5]

I have very good health insurance with my business and I have had disability insurance now for 2 years. No problem on the health insurance but on the disability insurance they were concerned about my offroad riding and put an exclusion in the policy if the cause of the diasbility is due to any organized or formal racing activities. I'm not sure of the exact wording but that's the gist of it.

[Wysong]

What a great subject. Somebody out there must have some experience with this, all I know is that when I got my last insurance policy they were very clear with their questions regarding weather or not I was racing or sky diving. I was currently not doing either at that very moment in time and did not intend to do either in the next moment in time, so I said no.

Things have now changed and I do both whenever I can. Could that be a problem?

[MxMom94]

I see this is an older topic, but one I have thoughts about. Neither my husband or I ride or race (Dad had to sell his bike to get the kid his second one), but my 12 year old son does.

We make sure we have the best health insurance policy that either of our companies offer, life insurance on the kids etc (I PRAY we never need it), and purchased a secondary "accident" policy for our son. It has already paid for itself when he suffered a compound fracture of his radius and ulna this year. That "secondary" insurance helped us with the co-pays and deductibles.

As many of you have read, Willie McCormick's dad, Bob, recently was injured and had to have his leg amputated. There have been some local forums in Washington and one post was about how the sole income provider for the family shouldn't set foot out of a door without a line of insurance, health, disability, life etc... I have to agree with that to some extent. I do see both sides.

We all know the risks associated with this sport. I honestly believe the reward is worth the risk, but we also need to be prepared as best we can for what could happen. The mental emotions that one has to go through with physical injuries are tough enough, when you add the factor of expense to that, it can be too overwhelming.

Ride Safe.
Dawn Bristlin

[Gatlin5]

Man, I really feel for them. To go through what they did with Willie then to have to face that on top of it. Bob must be one strong man.

I can appreciate his decision and fore sight on this matter. My wife lost her left leg just below the knee 2 years ago after spending 4 years in and out of Hospitals, numerous surgeries and infections, 24 hour a day IV treatments for 6 weeks at a time, wound centers, pain medications and on.... For him to be strong enough to do something like that and bypass all that other misery was a wise move. It is hard to understand that until you've been through it.

Insurance- I'm at a point in my life where I can afford to have good health insurance. But I remember when I was younger having to for go it because I had a young family and it was a luxury I couldn't afford with all the demands on our income. The funny thing is that it was during the time I was making a living as an Electrician in Colorado and the company I worked for did not offer any type of insurance what so ever. Thank god I started my business at a young age and because of the way we safriced with out it I made it appoint to always cover my employees. Over the years that has become an expensive proposition but we are still doing it today.

There are just to many people that don't have the opportunity to get themselves into a positon to get the proper coverage. That is another one of our Goals at RiderDown, is to create an organization of members that as a whole can get some level of decent insurance at a reasonable rate by our shear numbers. That's not just me talking that has been on every one of our members agenda.

I agree with you, somehow some way we need to get this subject in the minds of our riders as priority number 1.

Great subject!

[Tatonka]

Estate Planning - fun topic eh? As much as we all tend to avoid this issue like the plague it is one of life's certainties. Guaranteed - Death & Taxes. Well, you can minimize taxes with some proper planning but pretty much, if you wanna play, you gotta pay. Death - it's coming for all of us sooner or later. Precisely when or how most of us will never know, but what we can do is take some steps to make it easier on those around us. The last thing most of us want is our kids, spouses, parents or whoever may be left, struggling to figure out what we would have wanted.

Planning for this doesn't have to be hard, unnecessarily expensive or complicated, but it should be addressed. Aside from saying what you really should be saying to some people, you know, all those "I love you's" or "man, you really hurt me when you did this" kind of stuff, you can take control of your affairs. Take charge. Drafting a will, creating durable and medical powers of attorney, etc., are all things that allow your legacy to go the way you want instead of the state determining the path. Creating a personal memorandum that directs who gets what when it comes to the special, more personal items we've collected is a powerful exercise. It will focus your priorites real quick.

Don't wait. Just do it, make it a priority to get it done. You'll feel better knowing your affairs are in order and those you care about will appreciate it immensely. I guarantee it.

BV


*Disclaimer - This is in no way to be construed as an attempt to solicit business. I have been in the Financial Advisory & Planning business for the last 24 years, I am a licensed Securities & Insurance Professional. I am not an Attorney or Accountant nor do I wish to be. Please consult your own legal, tax and financial professional for advice concerning these matters.

[GaMotoGirl]

Article on AMA site, links to your state reps to let them know where you stand on health care benefit discrimination against us.....


AMA backs bill to end health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists

The AMA is urging motorcyclists to contact their members of Congress in support of two bipartisan bills that would end health-care insurance discrimination against motorcyclists, ATV enthusiasts, and participants in other legal recreational activities.

The bills were introduced in both the House and the Senate on February 15.

Help pass this bill
You can help the AMA build support for these bills in the U.S. House and Senate. Visit the AMA Rapid Response Center and tell your elected representatives where you stand on health-care discrimination against motorcyclists.
Reps. Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas) and Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) introduced H.R. 1076, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act," in the House, and Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) introduced identical companion legislation, S. 616, in the Senate.

The bills seek to bar employers from discriminating, in the health-insurance programs they offer their workers, against those who take part in activities such as motorcycling, ATV riding, skiing, snowmobiling or horseback riding.

During the 108th Congress, the full Senate unanimously passed this legislative language; the House, however, adjourned before enacting the legislation. As a result, the legislation was re-introduced again this session of Congress.

"This important legislation would prevent health insurance discrimination against citizens who take part in legal, recreational activities such as motorcycle riding and snowmobiling," said Stupak. "I look forward to continuing to work with the American Motorcyclist Association and other organizations on this issue."

Burgess also credited the AMA's advocacy. "The development of this bill could not have been possible without bipartisan congressional support and the hard work of the American Motorcyclist Association," he said.

In introducing the Senate bill, Collins referred to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) signed into law by President Clinton in 1996.

"While I was pleased that the rule prohibits health plans and issuers from denying coverage to individuals who engage in certain types of recreational activities, such as skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling or motorcycling, I am concerned that it would allow insurers to deny health benefits for an otherwise covered injury that results from participation in these activities."

"Folks who enjoy riding their Harleys should not be put at risk because of a health insurance loophole," said Feingold, whose state is home to Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion and with groups like the AMA to ensure outdoor recreation lovers have the peace of mind they deserve."

HIPAA originally prohibited employers from denying health-care coverage based on a worker's pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities, such as motorcycling. But later, federal bureaucrats reversed the law, writing rules to allow health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and others. Employees were guaranteed the right to health-care coverage, but not guaranteed any benefits under those plans.

Motorcyclists were outraged when federal bureaucrats went against the will of Congress, and the AMA immediately lobbied legislators to right this wrong. Others involved in the effort include the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the American Horse Council, the BlueRibbon Coalition, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and the National Ski Areas Association.

"This loophole written by federal bureaucrats must be closed once and for all," said Edward Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "We encourage AMA and ATVA members, as well as all motorcyclists and ATV riders, to contact members of their congressional delegations to support this important legislation."

http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp

[hcm1]

Well,

In the event you do not have insurance, as I am sure some of you do not, or the insurance you have will not be enough. You can contact us and we can help you review the bill and negotiate it for you.
www.hcmediation.com

[tcporter]

Brand new site memeber. I am actually doing this for my brother in law - Tom. He was injured Jan. 20, 2008 riding with his son's and my husband in California City, in the desert of SoCal. He has a spinal cord injury to C3/C4. I do not think any amount of insurance could cover you for what lay ahead. For Tom and his family. Currently working on getting him into rehab - heath insurance may last for 8 months to a year, after that Medi-Cal. We have a huge network of family and friends ready and waiting to do fund raising - question is how can you bring in money for Tom when/if he is on Medi-Cal??

[35 Mom]

Awesome topic I recently found out that my insurance's emergency medical was all that. He had an almost fatal wreck out practicing, and had to be life flighted. We spent 3 weeks @ an out of state hospital and 1 week in a rehab due to a brain stem injury. They payed all but they do ask you about lawsuits and every other detail. I told them I signed a release form and it was @ his own risk and no to the law suits. I also heard that if there is another accident god for bid they question it. What can someone do? Hes fine now and back @ it. The drs constantly tell him how lucky he is to be walking and playing again let alone riding.

[mommotox]

You must have nerves of steel!

I'm so glad your son healed up and is back in action. He must have the passion for it!

[35 Mom]

Yes he does but I get alot of comments about how can you let him do this. His Dr said let him have it. All the other specialists that treated him tell him to do something else. They did tell him he can not return to football for @ least 2 yrs worried about getting hit from behind.

[hcm1]

We do not really bring in money, we make it so not as much money has to be brought in.

We can take the existing bills and get them reduced. This way you do not have to pay the provider as much. Of course we like to make a couple nickles off this too. Our fee is 30% of the savings. So you keep 70% of what we can get knocked off the bill. If we cannot get anything, then you get your bill back and you owe us nothing



Brand new site memeber. I am actually doing this for my brother in law - Tom. He was injured Jan. 20, 2008 riding with his son's and my husband in California City, in the desert of SoCal. He has a spinal cord injury to C3/C4. I do not think any amount of insurance could cover you for what lay ahead. For Tom and his family. Currently working on getting him into rehab - heath insurance may last for 8 months to a year, after that Medi-Cal. We have a huge network of family and friends ready and waiting to do fund raising - question is how can you bring in money for Tom when/if he is on Medi-Cal??

[shawnhdz]

Well a little something i can add.Make sure your spouse and yourself know what insurance you have.I went through a little hospital stay cost was through the roof .I'm lucky i have Medical insurance from work,but i also had a accidental death and injury insurance.I guess i got a phone call and said sure sure put it on the credit card. Well i got a letter about a month ago and it stated my insurance was going to cancle me soon and need to pay the bill.Well i called and found out it was a million dollar policy. I was on my death bed, so i was told, i don't remember everything. Well could imagine it i would of expired and my wife didn't know about it. I guess what i'm say is don't be an idiot like myself.On the plus side they owe me 60% of my wages for 4 1/2 months and $142 a dy for the hospital stay.I was in there for 27 days.When i get it i will be donating a bit to Rider Down for all the help.

[Tatonka]

Insurance is one of those things most people don't want to think about, sorta like taxes or estate planning. The problem is when you really need it and then find yourself either without or woefully unprepared - not a good situation.

You wouldn't ride without a helmet (right?), don't ride without medical insurance!

[mx24mom]

Something I've found with health insurance..they will cover an accident during a practice or recreational ride...they tend to turn down claims that happened while "racing". This information is listed in your chart and used to determine if a claim is covered or not...what you do with this info is up to you. Also, insurance companies stay in business by paying as little as possible. If you have a claim denied, always appeal by certified mail and continue to appeal until it is paid.

[gdw57]

Anyone know of an insurance company that covers racing ?
I run hare scrambles.