Combined Insurance Encourages Consumers to Evaluate Heart Disease Risks During February’s Heart Health Month

GLENVIEW, Ill., Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Combined Insurance, a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health, and life insurance products, and a Chubb company, encourages consumers to evaluate heart disease risks for themselves and their loved ones during February's National Heart Health Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular health.

The John Hopkins Medicine Health Library estimates that approximately 84 million people in the United States suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease—with direct and indirect costs associated with it totaling more than $300 billion.

"Heart Health Month provides us all the opportunity to reflect on our lifestyles as it relates to heart health," states Doug Abercrombie, Chief Agency Officer at Combined Insurance. "It is also an opportunity to review finances and determine whether or not you are adequately prepared for the financial impact a heart attack could have on you and your family."

A 2016 report from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that reviewed data of insured people from 2009-2013 found that the average out-of-pocket costs for heart attack-related stays at a hospital rose 37 percent—to an average of more than $1,500. Furthermore, the American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that a person who suffers a heart attack may miss anywhere from two weeks to three months of work, depending on the severity.[1]

"Aside from the emotional toll a heart attack has on a family and individual, the financial toll is very important to consider as well. Families and individuals should determine whether a disability insurance policy might make sense should the unthinkable occur," said Abercombie.

Combined Insurance's SickPay Plus®, a disability insurance product, aims to serve the needs of Americans who do not receive a single paid sick day when they are sick, hurt or cannot work. Released nationwide in 2016, SickPay Plus® offers coverage starting the first day an individual can't work and is under the care of a doctor.  Benefits of up to $2,000 a month are paid directly to the policyholder for up to six months, depending on the plan selected. Other insurance policies may require a waiting period, making it difficult to stay on top of the many bills that come with heart attack care.

To learn more about SickPay Plus®, visit combinedinsurance.com/sickpayplus. 

Combined Insurance has an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating by A.M. Best, one of the world's top insurance rating firms. The company has also been recognized for seven consecutive years on Ward's 50® Top Performing Health-Life Insurance Companies list.

About SickPay Plus®
SickPay Plus® is a supplemental insurance policy that provides a monthly benefit to help replace lost income when you have a covered sickness or accident, are under a doctor's care, and cannot work.  Accident only coverage is available. This policy contains exclusion and limitations, see policy for details of coverage. SickPay Plus® is underwritten by Combined Insurance Company of America in all States except New York. In New York, SickPay Plus® is underwritten by Combined Life Insurance Company of New York. 

About Combined Insurance
Combined Insurance Company of America (Chicago, IL) is a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products and a Chubb company. Combined Insurance is committed to making the world of supplemental insurance easy to understand. With a tradition of nearly 100 years of success, Combined Insurance has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, is one of Ward's Top 50® Performing Life-Health Insurance Companies, and was named a Top 10 Military Friendly® Employer in 2017 by G.I. Jobs—marking the fifth consecutive year that Combined Insurance has made the Top 10 employer list and third consecutive year in the Top 5. 

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About Chubb
Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.  As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline.  We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly.  The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally.  Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.  Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: chubb.com.

[1] American Heart Association FAQ, July 2015, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/LifeAfteraHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Recovery-FAQs_UCM_303936_Article.jsp#.WI-0Y1UrKM8

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SOURCE Combined Insurance