We were watching an interview with an actor the other day who was lamenting the perils of being typecast as a result of the role he was best known for. While we might run the risk of being typecast as a solid California health insurance resource for consumers here in the state because the name on the door might say it all – Vitality Health Insurance Services – we’d like to spend a moment noting that the team here at Vitality also has experience and expertise in a variety of other supplemental insurance products as well as California life insurance and annuity planning. For example we offer clients from around the state careful and considerate consultation in reviewing the viability of a California disability insurance strategy.

While no one wants to consider the possibility of a disability in their life, there are some disturbing statistics to consider: Illness rather than injury is the leading cause of disability; it is estimated that 1/3 of all Americans between the ages of 35 to 55 will become disabled for a period of 90 days or more, and lastly: disability that extends beyond 90 days will typically run into a length measured in years. It is also worth noting that a long term disability can devastate on two fronts: Physical and financial.

Okay, while those are some bleak statistics, it is important to remember that you may already have some measure of financial protection should disability strike: You may have disability insurance through an employer’s group disability policy; you likewise might also be eligible for disability benefits through work and might also qualify for Social Security benefits (Although these benefits only replace a limited portion of your income and their standard for qualification are notoriously strict.). Other potential sources of income that you may be able to depend on include a spouse or partner’s salary; short term or emergency savings you have accumulated to date; even financial assistance from family.

To be blunt, the economy has taken its toll on the family budget, and while savings rates have increased a bit and folks seem to have backed away from the proliferate spending and lack of strict adherence to a savings regimen that was a hallmark of the days preceding the ‘Great Recession’, the fact remains that for many Californians a disabling injury or illness wouldn’t take very long to wreck financial havoc on a family budget. So – for us – the free California disability insurance consultation we provide our clients is about helping you to be better prepared. We’ll help you understand what employee and group coverage benefits are already available to you, if any. We’ll also help you understand what your other options are. In short, we want to make certain that you leave a disability insurance consultation with Vitality with the peace of mind that there is a viable support system in place should disability strike and if there isn’t one there presently, you now have a strategy that will help you put one in place.

We just mentioned preparation and its benefits. We just had the good fortune to meet a California resident who was devoting himself to helping raise guide dogs for the blind. If you’ve seen the Vitality Page at Facebook, you know we are in a perpetual love affair with animals of all shapes, sizes, and kinds! We love ‘em! And we quickly fell in love with the 4 ½ month old black Labrador whom we met and who was being prepared for possible entry into a later and more formal Guide Dog training program that takes place in San Rafael at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Campus. After months and months of preparation, a Guide Dog is capable of providing amazing benefits to the person with whom it is partnered. Please take a moment and check out their website: We found it fascinating, enlightening, and heartwarming. We know you will too!