COBRA Federal Subsidy update

Although Congress has extended the COBRA subsidy four times as part of the amended ARRA they have failed to extend it a fifth time beyond May 31st, 2010. Therefore May 31st, 2010 is the last date someone can be terminated from employment and may be eligible for the federal subsidy. Anyone terminated after this date is currently NOT eligible for the financial assistance previously available.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates if an when anything changes.

Steve Blewitt, GBA Vice President of IFS Benefits Steve is licensed in Life and Health in many states. Steve is actively involved in the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Delaware Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware, Delaware Contractors Association, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Flood Insurance Back Online

Last night the Senate passed a temporary measure extending the federal flood program until September 30. The measure has been sent to President Obama for his signature.

Read the full story here.

Flood Insurance Program Set to Expire Again 6/1

The Nation Flood Insurance Program is set to expire May 31st at midnight. This will be the forth time this year the Congress has allowed the bill to expire- creating yet another interruption in the availability of new flood policies on the very start of Hurricane season.

Read details here.

The First IFS Outstanding Student Game is Tonight!

We are excited about the first IFS Outstanding Student game with the Blue Rocks this evening! Come out and see the kids get their awards and cheer on the Blue Rocks at Frawley Stadium. The game starts at 6:35pm.

More details about the program can be found here:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/team3/page.jsp?ymd=20090129&content_id=502855&vkey=team3_t426&fext=.jsp&sid=t426

IFS Outstanding Student Program with the Blue Rocks

For the 7th year IFS is proud to sponsor the IFS Outstand Student Program. The Outstanding Student rewards-based program has been running strong since its inception during the Wilmington Blue Rocks 2003 season. Area teachers nominate outstanding students for a night at Frawley Stadium which includes a reserved seat ticket to a game along with on-field individual recognition, introduction on our RocksVision video board and sound system, official certificate of achievement, and a free hot dog and soda. During one particular Outstanding Student night, the Blue Rocks hosted over 1,000 area children from area schools during a home game. Make sure your outstanding students are not left out! Schools may sign up for the 2010 Outstanding Student Program starting in February.

Teachers are able to get the enrollment form here.

The games will be held 5/24, 5/25, 6/7, 6/8, and 6/9.

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month

It is not the most fun thing to think about but it is a fact: disabilities do occur and can affect all of us. Here are some sobering statistics:

Three in 10 workers entering the work force today will become disabled before retiring.
Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet January 31, 2007

One in 7 workers can expect to be disabled for five years or more before retirement.
"Commissioners Disability Table, 1998," Health Insurance Association of America, the New York Times, February 2000

Disability causes nearly 50% of all mortgage foreclosures, 2% are caused by death.
Health Affairs, the Policy Journal of the Health Sphere, 2 February 2005

Close to 90% of disabling accidents and illnesses are not work related.
National Safety Council, Injury Facts 2008 Ed.

The good news is that Disability Insurance is available both on an individual basis and a group basis for companies. Moreover, these coverages are extremely affordable. Call us today and ask to speak to a Benefits Specialist about disability insurance at 302.239.2355

Its Volunteer Appreciation Week

IFS salutes everyone who volunteers their time to help our communities. Below is a short list of activities our IFS team is involved in:

Diane Rose, Account Manager/ Support Specialist - President of Leeds Elementary PTO in Elkton, Maryland

Mike Fallon, Account Executive – Volunteer Fireman at Christiana Fire Company, Cub Scout Den Leader for Pack 283

Kevin Thomas, Jr., Account Executive – Adopt A Highway Volunteer, All the Difference Inc. Volunteer, Sunday Breakfast Mission Volunteer and Volunteer on the ABC Cares Committee

Lori DiBattista, Account Executive - Long time volunteer for Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Certified as a Heart Truth Champion through the National Institute of Health and Christiana Care Health System. Parent volunteer for the Men's University of Delaware Track & Field team.

Bob Briggs, Account Executive - VIPS (Volunteer In Police Service) for the New Castle City PD. Member of the Delaware State Fire Police. 17 year active member of the Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company.

Kevin Campbell, AVP Marketing & Technology – 3rd year coach for Capitol Little League; managing the Minor B Pirates.

Steve Blewitt, VP IFS Benefits – Coaches Brandywine Little League Baseball for the past 5 years and also has volunteered for IHM activities and Brandywine YMCA youth sports programs.

Steve Burnett, Executive VP - Assistant varsity softball coach at AI DuPont High School and Volunteer on the ABC Cares Committee.

Rick LaPenta, President & CEO - Co-Chair Goodwill of Delaware fundraising committee.

We commends everyone who volunteers their time to help those in need and make your community a better place to live.