Health in the Workplace Environment

 Keeping workers healthy in the workplace environment is a goal of many companies.  

It serves the employees well to reap the benefits of good health especially when they are able to use their vacation days for actual vacation time and not sick days.  It serves business owners in the sense that when people feel well their job productivity is increased.

Who doesn’t love a win-win arrangement? Companies across America take initiatives to create a good atmosphere for their employees. It is documented that there is a lower turnover of workers when a business owner cares for their employees, strives to make the workplace agreeable and provides good health benefits.

Having long-term employees is another win-win situation because it offers workers:

• Job security
• Familiarity with coworkers
• Pride in accomplishment
• Intellectual stimulation
• An income to invest in their future
• Finances to pursue their dreams

For the business owner the win-win shows in:

• Workers able to accomplish more
• Workers better able to contribute ideas leading to more productivity
• More profitable teamwork projects
• Less disruption in productivity output
• Less resources in constant retraining new employees
• More cooperative employer/employee relationships

If your company wants to go the extra mile, provide them with access to the best employee health benefits available at Healthestimates.com, an agency that has a BBB top rating for excellent service and works hard to offer savings that make a difference.

Here are some creative inspirations you can incorporate in your company:

New Ideas – your employees understand your company in a way that is different from yours. Tap into their insight for new product ideas, better ways to do business, solve a problem, increase sales, or increase productivity.  Offer a prize to the employee who offers the best idea; gift baskets, diner gift certificates, kindle, iPad, etc. Think about your employees to determine a gift that appeals to them. If you decide on a “cash bonus” include a physical trinket (amusing stuffed animal, mug, picture frame, etc) that will serve as a reminder of their accomplishment.

Perfect Attendance – this one is not announced. Recognize an employee who has not missed work for an extended period of time (barring vacation) with a simple card of appreciation and coffee gift card or similar. Appreciating and noticing an employee’s extra efforts or faithfulness benefits all staff.

Weight Loss Challenge – this is an optional participation in enjoyable competition.  Everyone who wants to participate contributes a token amount between $5 - $10 and the company kicks in a higher contribution.  (It’s more about the activity than the money) Everyone is weighed in and documented. After a period of 60 – 90 days there is another weigh in and the person who has lost the most weight wins the “jackpot.” Getting everyone thinking about better health rewards everyone. To add a little more thoughtfulness, keep a secret and recognize second and third place winners with a token gift such as a healthy meal cookbook, pedometer, or other small health related gift.

Gift Horse – A little pre-planning and lots of fun. This can range from serious to silly, depending on your crew size and their level of good ‘naturedness.’  You get 12 identical small objects (toy figures or other item,  about 2 inches tall, miniature rubber ducks or frogs are easy to find) A nice touch would be if you could make the object humorously work relevant. Number each one. Place them in odd, inconspicuous places (corner of window sill, supply cabinet, lounge refrigerator, etc) Send out memo or make announcement that there are several “toy ???” that have been misplaced and if anyone finds them to please bring them to office. Each toy’s number will correspond with a small gift. Gift items can be themed (different types of candy bars), trinkets (scented candle, unusual snacks, handy items).  If done quarterly, you can have coworkers conspire and add silly personal touches. For instance all gifts consist of a Reese’s peanut butter cup and added contributed items such as “A hug from Sarah”  “A bowl of John’s homemade chili” “Ruthies homemade cookies” “Eric’s favorite movie on DVD.”

All businesses want loyal employees that take an interest in furthering the companies aim. A business owner that creates a work environment that values employees will have workers that value their job.

COME INVESTIGATE OPTIONS

For Group Health Insurance

That Gives You an Advantage

at Health Estimates

or

Call Us

(708) 754-5300

Small Business Insurance: Special Rates Save 30%

An insightful new small business insurance program offered by Farmers Insurance Sopko Agency helps businesses protect their investment. 

Take time to visit with an expert and learn how to acquire a business insurance policy that not only saves you money, but recognizes the best way to protect the business you have created.

If your just starting out, give us a call and we can guide you through the process. We can help you recognize what type of insurance will protect you best and insure you meet all state and federal regulations necessary for your particular business.

 BBB Accredited 

Businesses play such an important part in the economic community and we are proud to support your business in its efforts to operate and grow.

Call Today:

Debi Sopko

(708)754-1221

jsopko@farmersagent.com

Protect your business with a trusted industry leader.
  

Medicare Supplement Insurance: Best Service at Medicare Store

GOOD NEWS!

for Seniors looking for Medicare Supplement Insurance, Advantage Plans, Prescription drug plans & Answers to Health Insurance Questions.

The Medicare Store is available to help anyone approaching 65 or older with plans that cover what is most important to you.  Avoid the confusion and hassle of sifting through the overwhelming information that is out there.

Our friendly experts will sit down with you and listen to your health care concerns and help you pick a plan that is a right fit for you. We will  alert you to the best plans, new plans and help you understand the pros and cons of each. You make an informed decision! 

• No Restrictive Physician or Hospital Networks
• No Need for Referrals
• Flexible and Affordable Plans
• Simple Application Process
• Virtually No Claim Forms to Fill Out
• Personal and Friendly Service Whenever You Need It

You can count on our simple and thorough process to match you with a plan that works for you. Take advantage of our over 35 years experience so you can get back to whats on your plate. 

With personal service you won't have to deal with call centers and people who are unfamiliar with your needs. Help is a phone call away.

NOVEMBER 7, 2016

Is the Deadline 

for New Policies, Updating or Changing Your Policy

Call Us Today!

(800) 324-1004

At No cost to you, we will review your plan and alert you to any plans, changes or processes that will save you money or increase coverage for same amount. We will make sure your  affordable Health Insurance Plan is something you can rely on.

Free Low Rate Quotes On Motorcycle Insurance

Ready to Shake Off the Dreary Winter? 

Motorcycle season is here! Time to play in the fresh air.  Stop in for your Free Motorcycle Insurance Review. See how you can insure your motorcycle with a policy that can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Specialists will take the time you need to help you get a low rate on excellent coverage. We will help you plan either short term insurance or comprehensive coverage that includes your motorcycle, medical and roadside assistance,

Save even more when you bundle your insurance with home, auto or other recreational vehicles.  Looking for some sweet cruise ideas, we have you covered.

CALL US TODAY FOR YOU FREE QUOTE

FREE REVIEW OF CURRENT POLICY

800.324.1004

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER AFFORDABLE INSURANCE 

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Medicare Store in Illinois & Indiana

Shop the Medicare Store

Now Open in Illinois the Medicare Store, which also serves senior citizens in Indiana.  For supplemental health care insurance, prescription drug plans and Advantage Plans.

Featuring one-stop shopping with access to all the major carriers.  CMS certified Specialists offer consult at no cost to you, so you can compare a wide array of insurance supplements with experienced guidance.

"This is the easiest way to to get the answers you need, the process was easier than I thought" shared a Matteson, IL retiree.  

The Free help for finding the best  for medicare supplement plans addresses a major concern for senior citizens who may get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information that one has to wade through.  Often it causes seniors to have more questions that cannot be answered by reviewing information on websites or printed information packets. 

Sit with out friendly agents and let them guide you through the process. They will ask you the pertinent questions that will help tailor a plan that will meet your needs and fit your budget. They will be able to answer your questions on the spot, so you can shop with ease.

Contact us Today and let us help you through the process, so you can rest assured you have the best plan at the best possible price.

"The Medicare Store is One Stop Shopping with Experienced Guidance At No Cost to You, Quick and Easy"

(800) 324-1004

Over 35 years of experience with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Trusted health insurance tailored to meet your needs.

Best Health Insurance Rates Offering Local Enrollment in Illinois & Indiana

Local Enrollment Center

For South Suburban Chicagoland

     If your are preparing to find the best rates for health insurance in Illinois or Indiana, we serve as a one-stop service insurance agency. You can get the best price THE FIRST TIME and have Certified Agents explain your policy to you, answer any questions you may have and make sure your plan fulfills the new health care requirements.

     You can also compare a wide range of plans in one place. We make it easy to obtain a policy without the confusion that usually makes insurance shopping an intimidating process.

ENROLL NOW

FREE ASSISTANCE

By CMS Certified Agents

Quick & Easy Enrollment

Medical Insurance Market Place

Private Medical

Obamacare

Medicare Supplemental Insurance

BY PHONE:  (708) 754-5300             ON LINE:  Healthestimates.com

IN PERSON:      3333 Chicago Road, Steger, IL

Subsidies for Those Who Qualify

Certified For All Programs Available

NEWS ALERT: Discount Auto Insurance & Home Insurance Offered To Fire Fighters and Police Officers

We Value Those Who Give of Themselves
 to Serve and Protect

 We would like to extend a hearty thanks to Fire Fighters and Police Officers in Matteson, Illinois who were on the first line of defense. They were kept busy around the clock during the recent tornados that hit the area. These tornados spurred downdrafts, microburst, dangerous winds, down power lines and flooding in surrounding areas. The cities of Frankfort, Country Club Hills, Matteson, Richton Park, Chicago Heights, Park Forest, University Park, were hit by this severe weather.

As we recognize the important and selfless work of these emergency responders; we would also like to make them aware of a new program available in this area. Discount auto insurance and discount home insurance are available to those who are employed in these fields.

FIRE FIGHTERS qualify if they are a full-time, currently active firefighter or paramedic commissioned by a city, state or federal fire fighting agency recognized in the state.

If you currently know a firefighter or paramedic please pass on this information to them.

POLICE OFFICERS are eligible for auto insurance discounts and home insurance discounts if they are active, full-time sworn law enforcement officers commissioned by a city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency recognized in the state.

Please pass on this valuable information to any law enforcement personnel you may know.

We appreciate these men and women who serve and protect. We are pleased to offer quality auto insurance and home insurance protection to offer a little more security for their lives. 

Phase I and Phase 2 coverage for Illinois cities is in effect. Many Illinois cities not listed above are in coverage area for law enforcement and fire fighters eligibility.  Not available in all states.

Free Quotes available.

Protect Yourself from Scam Artists

Local insurance company warns community about IRS scams.  A local Steger resident received a call saying that he did not pay his taxes and police would be arresting him soon.  He went to the Steger Police Department and gave them the number to call.  The police traced the call to a McDonald’s in  Washington D.C.

     Remember, the IRS does not call you outright in this manner.  All communication from the IRS begin with a letter to your home.  In this way you contact them directly to clear up any discrepancy.  The IRS does not operate in the function of quickly arresting people.  All processes must go through the court system and if anyone found to be in extreme violation a warrant would be issued for a person’s arrest which would be served by a county Sheriff’s Police Officer.

     BE ON THE ALERT as tax returns will be filed, there is an increased in scams of all types.  Protect your filing status and identity carefully this tax season.  Other tricks follow below.

Not all Thieves Are This Obvious

6 Current Scams Popping Up in Your Area

It is simply a shame that such things even exist. You wonder why someone would put the effort into hurting someone, instead of putting the effort into making an honest living. Following are six common scams we are seeing in this area. Please make others aware because when people catch on, PREVENTION ruins the scam artist’s game.

1.  Predator Targets Senior Citizen – An elderly person gets a phone call that a loved one is in trouble. They need to send a “money gram” right away to help. The trouble could be a false arrest, car breaking down while “out of town on an emergency,” they were beat up and dropped in an unfamiliar area, incurring expenses for help and now they need to get home, etc. The stories are endless but the pattern is the same; create panic (which causes confusion), seed a story (that tugs on the love strings) and can’t be verified, and prey on the person’s natural instinct to help.  A local woman recently received such a phone call from her supposed nephew; he gave his name and made references to family members. Speaking to her in her most used language in Spanish, he succeeded in creating panic. He would call back with information where to wire the money. Her son happened to stop by just then and she told him what happened. Suspecting something, her son waited for the phone call. When it came, he spoke briefly with the supposed nephew and then told the man on the other end that he was calling the police. The call ended abruptly. He later explained to his mother, “Mom didn’t you realize that your nephew doesn’t speak fluent Spanish?” She knew this well, but in “panic” mode; the thought of her nephew in danger would have moved her to do anything. Scammers know to create confusion, so logic gets dumped.

2. Concert or Event Tickets – This is a growing trend with two different endings.  A consumer orders and pays for tickets for a concert or event; either they never come in or the tickets are fake ones. The Chicago Better Business Bureau reported that 32,000 consumers have contacted them in the past 12 months for pre-purchase information about ticket sales/event companies.

3.  Door to Door Scams – The most common door to door scam can include magazine subscription sales, meat sales, “free” energy audits, outdoor home maintenance, medical wellness checks and voter surveys. Many of these lead to identity theft.  The BBB recommends: when in doubt keep strangers out!

4.  Moving Companies – There are many good ones out there. Beware of the ones looking to take more than your belongings for a ride. 2013 showed an increase in unlicensed and dishonest scammers, the BBB received over 1.6 million moving related inquiries and 7,900 complaints including lost or stolen belongings, damaged items, significant price increase over quoted estimate, late deliveries and goods being “held hostage” for additional payment.

5.  Travel Scams – direct mail offers for trips and cruises including look-a-like boarding passes and travelers checks. Some offers claim to include free airfare and destination vacations by simply calling a 1-800 number. Watch out for slick talkers, there are often hidden fees ALWAYS read the fine print.

6.  Seasonal Job Scams - A tell-tale sign of these scams are fake postings that offer unusually high pay for little or no effort. Some use fake interviews or job fairs that require payment by you in order to get the job. Never pay to get a position. Beware of commission only jobs, keep in mind seasonal job scams are often a front to steal your identity.

Scam Protection Alert brought to you by Jeff Sopko Insurance Agency

Contest for Teachers

     Teachers play a vital role in our country. Countless teachers spend a good part of their lives not only teaching the basics of education to children, but also pouring wisdom and expanding children's ideas. Many of the things a Great Teacher imparts to a child do not come from the books they study. Instead, they pour a little bit of themselves into each child that shapes and expands a child's creative boundaries.
     Farmers Insurance is recognizing Great Teachers by offering a $100,000 prize for their school. If you are a Teacher you can enter at www.thankamillionteachers.com  Others can use this same link to vote for a proposal for a teacher and also to thank a teacher. Take the time today to help a Teacher be recognized for the hard work they do and the blessing it will pour on the children they are connected with.
     As we celebrate teachers, it may not be commonly known that teachers can receive discounts on auto insurance, home insurance and life insurance through our Occupational Affinity Groups. We find it a great way to serve the teachers who serve others.

Day Care Insurance

     Shopping for Day Care Insurance for the best rates? Select a Daycare Package that insures you meet all the Illinois or Indiana state requirements. We offer business owner insurance that allows you to get the best protection for the most affordable price.

     Protect your Child Daycare Center and your precious clientele. Our company specializes in the unique needs that come with operating a daycare center. While most business need only to have minimal business and liability coverage, working with children imposes more strict regulations.

     It is important to protect your clientele and your investment. Each state has different regulations that must be covered. It may not have crossed your mind to have the option of protecting your company in the areas of food preparation, dispensing medication, and off-site field trips. That is why we encourage you to speak with experts in daycare insurance.

     Our agency not only specializes in child care insurance, it also offers distinctive coverage not commonly available from general insurance companies. Following are just a few questions you need to ask yourself

in planning to protect your investment:

1.  How much insurance do I need to protect my business property?

2.  What sort of protection am I required to cover in respect to the children that I serve?

3.  What happens if circumstances beyond my control make me unable to operate my business

      for a week, or a month?

4.  How do I protect my business and myself if one of my employees does something wrong?

5.  If I add transportation pick-up and drop-off to my services, what type of coverage do I need?

     You provide a valued service to your community and we know it takes a strong commitment to be steady in what you do. Through our network, we can also provide AT NO COST TO YOU, a plan you can offer your employees for health insurance. Through this plan, you do not have to have a large group to get great discounts on health care for your employees. They can SELF-PAY for an insurance plan, but receive a group rate discount as smaller companies pool their employees together to attain the discounts large companies are able to receive. A trusted insurance company will review your needs individually and that could lead to saving big bucks.

A Girls Guide to Shopping for For Car Insurance

  While the thought of SHOPPING usually makes us upbeat, the idea of hunting for the bestcar insurance policy seems like a drab in comparison. Naturally, as a seasoned shopper you want to get the most for your money. Saving money on auto insurance gives you that extra so you can buy something cute for your car.  After all, owning a car definitely adds to the fun we are privileged to have.

    First things first, you need a company you can trust. The better business bureau is an agency that gives rankings according to what is known about the company and how they operate their business. You can check to see if they are registered with them.  An established company is always safer than a new start-up. Through experience they have learned the best ways to serve their clients. They most likely have gone through the ups and downs of doing business, so they understand they need to make a good deal to get and keep a customer.

   A Good Agent will sell you only what you need. He will make you aware of other types of insurance so you will be educated and explain under what circumstances you may need more insurance than you first thought. As years go by, most people add insurance to fit their lifestyle changes. I use my car for business and therefore carry extra insurance to cover my laptop, files and related electronics to my business. Road service is important as I travel without my husband when I’m doing field research, no one every breaks down at a convenient time.

  The law of the land states now that if you have a vehicle it must be minimally insured. Each state has minimum coverage amounts that you must carry in order to legally drive.

Naturally, you want the best affordable car insurance that protects you well. Your policy must include coverage for bodily injury and property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical expenses. Extended coverage offers items you can add to your policy. For instance, comprehensive coverage; pays for damage to your car not covered by collision insurance this can include damage from fire, vandalism, windstorms, falling objects, animals, water or flood and theft. Other extended coverage includes: auto glass replacement, towing and road service, and loss of use. 

There's More To Car Insurance Than You Think

     The right auto insurance can save you money and the more you understand the better protected you will be. Over the years the car insurance industry has gone through many changes.  At one time one auto insurance policy was little different from any other.

     Today, as consumers become more interactive in how they invest their money, they realize not all insurance companies serve them well. It is important to go over your policy thoroughly so you know in advance what you covered for and what is not covered.  The sad event of a collision or other type of accident is the worst time to discover you were not insured as fully as you thought.

     For example, today’s vehicles are now loaded with options and custom features added after the initial insurance policy was instated. What are the protections for your navigation system, custom rims, airbrushed graphics, custom paint job, added brush guard, custom grill, fog lamps and other enhancements you have added to your vehicle to make it your own. In addition, our high tech world has led many to use their cars for business. Does your policy cover items that may be damaged in an accident such as laptops, kids DVD players, smart phones, work equipment, or that brand new TV you just bought and were bringing home?

     As a consumer you are at an advantage to customize your auto insurance policy to fit your lifestyle and needs. Sopko Insurance Agency at www.sopkoinsuranceagency.com  offers a wide variety of protection that gives you peace of mind and in the event the unexpected happens, you can sigh and say “I’m covered.”

     Test your knowledge, how many of these terms are familiar to you? 

Auto rental                 bodily injury coverage                      businessauto insurance

collectible auto           collision coverage                              comprehensive coverage

motor homes             safety apparel coverage                    glass repair/replacement

liability coverage       fault/no fault insurance                   towing services

                                    personal injury coverage                  medical payments coverage

*optional/add on equipment coverage              * uninsured & underinsured motorist coverage

     Remember it is important to review your auto insurance policy at least every two years. If you have added custom work or your teens have started driving, it’s time to review your policy now.