Library: English | Get Covered: Choosing and using Medicare
Medicare is not a one-size-fits-all program—the choices you make affect your coverage and costs. This publication explains when and how to enroll in Medicare, what each of the “Parts” of the program cover, what to consider when making your coverage choices and where to find more information. Category: Insurance Medical/Healthcare on Nov 14, 2019
All Consumer Action publications are available online, with most also available as a PDF download. Government agencies, nonprofits and other community-based organizations who wish to distribute our publications for educational purposes can use the PDF file to instantly produce a professional-looking brochure using an office printer.
Library: English | Get Covered: Understanding your employer-sponsored health plan
Choosing the wrong health insurance plan can result in inadequate coverage and higher out-of-pocket costs, so it’s important to understand how to make the best choice. This publication explains how employer-sponsored health insurance works, how to approach the selection process, and what to know about enrolling and maintaining coverage.
Category: Insurance Medical/Healthcare on Nov 14, 2019Library: English | Get Covered: Navigating private and government health insurance
If you don’t have employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicare, figuring out your coverage options can be daunting. This publication explains the various sources of individual (not “group”) health insurance (including detailed information about the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace), how to purchase coverage, and what your options for health care are if you have very low income or are ineligible for certain programs. Category: Insurance Medical/Healthcare on Nov 12, 2019
Library: English | Tax Basics for Earners in the ‘Sharing Economy’
The sharing economy might enable you to put a little extra cash in your pockets in your spare time, or it could be your primary source of income. Either way, earning money will have an impact on your tax situation. This publication, while not tax advice, will help you understand how to report your income and expenses accurately, why you should take advantage of all the deductions you’re entitled to, how to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you file your tax return, and where to get more information and assistance.
Category: Money Management Taxes on Jan 02, 2019Library: English | Freeze Your Credit File: Leave ID thieves out in the cold
A credit file “security freeze” is a preventive tool to help you avoid identity theft and to block impostors from using your personal information to establish credit. This publication explains how to “freeze” your credit file, which prevents new credit from being established in your name until you temporarily or permanently lift the freeze.
Category: Credit Reports/Scores ID Theft on Oct 12, 2018Library: English | Security Freeze Backgrounder: Questions and Answers About Placing, Lifting and Removing a Credit Report Security Freeze
This publication answers common questions about how a credit report security freeze can protect you from ID theft, the pros and cons of a security freeze, and how to place, lift and remove a freeze. (It has been updated to reflect changes implemented on Sept. 21, 2018, under new federal law.)
Category: Credit Credit Reports/Scores Fraud/Scams Privacy Rights on Oct 10, 2018Library: English | Low-income Broadband Plans
The flyers in this package describe programs that offer low- and moderate-income households more affordable access to the internet. A companion brochure, Getting up to speed: Broadband internet for low-income households, explains the benefits of broadband internet access.
Category: Internet Money Management on Aug 30, 2018Library: English | Improving your financial health with FinTech: A beginner’s guide to personal finance apps
Financial technology (FinTech) is the use of modern technology, such as the internet and apps (downloadable mobile software), to develop powerful financial services tools for consumers and businesses. For those who are motivated to improve their finances and dedicated to working toward their goals, FinTech can make the process more convenient, efficient and even rewarding. This guide will introduce you to the types of FinTech tools available and how they can help you. It will also tell you what to consider when choosing an app and how to stay safe when using FinTech.
Category: Banking FinTech Internet Technology on Jun 28, 2018Library: English | Homeowners and renters insurance: What you need to know before and after a natural disaster
With the majority of U.S. residents living in areas at risk of a natural disaster, most households need to seriously consider how they would recover from the loss of their home and possessions. This publication explains which disaster losses are—and are not—covered under a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy, how to make sure you are adequately insured, what steps to take to recover your losses after disaster strikes, and what your options are if your insurance falls short.
Category: Credit Scores Housing Housing Insurance Insurance Mortgages on Jun 26, 2018Library: English | FEMA spells federal disaster relief for homeowners and renters
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a variety of programs to help victims of disasters repair, rebuild or replace their homes and possessions. This publication describes the types of FEMA assistance available to homeowners and renters and provides details about program eligibility and the application process. It also highlights the limitations of FEMA assistance and stresses the importance of purchasing adequate personal insurance coverage.
Category: Housing Home Repair Housing Insurance Insurance on Jun 26, 2018