Critical Illness Insurance Association Launches Online Consumer Learning Center

Some 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Most will physically survive thanks to advances in medical treatments. But many will face financial devastation.

"Every day Americans are being diagnosed with cancer or they are having heart attacks and strokes," states Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance http://www.criticalillnessinsuranceinfo.org. "The vast majority survive but you can't say the same for their savings or assets."

According to Association data medical bills are the number one reason people declare bankruptcy each year. "The vast majority of individuals who declare bankruptcy had health insurance when the illness started but deductibles, co-payments and uncovered expenses wiped them out financially."

The greatest single financial risk faced by individuals between the ages of 30 and 55 is critical illness the Association points out. "Every 34 seconds an American will suffer a heart attack," Slome notes. "How will these individuals pay their mortgages for the year or two that it takes to recover and reassemble their lives?"

The trade group was established to educate consumers about options available that include both critical illness insurance and cancer insurance. The former more broadly covers a variety of dread diseases including heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Roughly one million individuals currently have critical illness insurance protection according to the organization. "The vast majority are unprepared and that's why we have launched a new online Consumer Information Center to provide current information and available options," Slome adds. The comprehensive center provides online information regarding risks, available insurance options and costs as well as a directory of Association members who can assist interested parties.

To access the Consumer Information Center go to: http://www.criticalillnessinsuranceinfo.org/learning-center/.

The American Association for Critical Illness Insurance http://www.criticalillnessinsuranceinfo.org is the national trade organization focused on educating individuals about the importance of critical illness planning. The Association's Consumer Information Center was voted the #1 source for information by consumer interest group rating and can be accessed at http://www.criticalillnessinsuranceinfo.org/learning-center/.

American Association for Critical Illness Insurance
3835 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Westlake Village, CA 91362

This release was published on openPR.