The 50 Plus Generation, An Untapped Home Based Business Niche

Are You Looking For A Growth Market?

The number of U.S. adults over the age of 50 will soar over the next ten years. In fact, U.S. Census Bureau data shows that 50+ adults will be the only growth demographic - measured by age - between now and 2015. The Baby Boomer generation will enter its 50s and 60s and is set to be prime candidates for a work at home business opportunity.

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Some marketers think the biggest opportunity to add people to their home based business opportunity lies in the young consumer. Nothing could be further from the truth. Boomers are actively searching for new income opportunities; where as the young consumer can easily become overwhelmed in today's dynamic marketplace.

Many companies hesitate when it comes to marketing new ideas to the Boomer generation, especially ideas that have a focus on technology. Often they say older consumers are resistant to change and don't adapt well to new technology.

Baby Boomers are just as open to new ideas as younger consumers. The Boomer generation broke the mold during every stage of life, middle age is no different. As Boomers hit midlife, they're open to a wide range of new home business ideas and experiences.

Baby Boomers have always been at the forefront when it comes to embracing new ideas and technologies. During the course of their adult lives, Boomers have embraced PC's, cell phones, PDAs, e-mail, and voicemail, all new ideas that can be used in a work from home environment or an internet home based business opportunity.

When it comes to the Internet, the story is no different. Boomers are using the web at nearly the same rates as other age groups, and in just about the same way. The fact is 70% of adults age 50 to 64 are online today. This is only about 12% less than younger age groups. While fewer 50+ Internet users have access to a broadband Internet connection than the general online population, their overall usage patterns mirror other age segments. They're more likely than GenX'ers to use the web to gather information, nearly as likely to shop online, and they're avid consumers of business and health related information.

If today's trends continue, even more Baby Boomers will be online in the years ahead as the overall U.S. population ages. Over the next ten years the 50+ web audience will include more of today's younger Boomers and we will see many use those skills to develop an internet home based business in provide extra income. Social networking, multimedia and blog sites will also continue to gain popularity among the Boomer generation.

The opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the ever growing 50+ market in the years ahead will be enormous. It's not hard to imagine small or even large web-based businesses succeeding in this virtually untapped market. The key will be to provide a highly rated online business opportunity for the Baby Boomer generation. One that is easy to follow, appeals to a broad range of individuals and is not outrageously expensive.

God Bless and Always Remember To Make It A Great Day!!

Michael J Kohn

New Image Marketing Group, Inc.

The 50 Plus Generation, An Untapped Home Based Business Niche

Health Care Reform Act Affects Big Business, Employers and Employees

With the passing of the Health Care Reform Act, employers will be dealing with America's health brokers in a different way. Many of the provisions for larger business employers (over 100 employees) will remain very similar to the status quo, but there will be a few changes that may be beneficial to the employee.

SEC. 311. HEALTH COVERAGE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

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(3) CONTRIBUTION IN LIEU OF COVERAGE- Beginning with Y2, if an employee declines such offer but otherwise obtains coverage in an Exchange-participating health benefits plan (other than by reason of being covered by family coverage as a spouse or dependent of the primary insured), the employer shall make a timely contribution to the Health Insurance Exchange with respect to each such employee in accordance with section 313.

What this means is that the employee can opt to enroll in the business health insurance plan, or the employee can opt to seek a more affordable health insurance plan by seeking out a prospective deal through America's health care brokers via the exchange. The details of the exchange have not been thoroughly set, as of now, but the direction of it is leaning towards a state to state variance where many of America's health brokers compete to offer health plans at an affordable price.

It may be in the employee's best interests to enroll in an employee medical insurance plan, because group health insurance will always be more affordable than individual health insurance. Another alternative would be to collaborate with a group of individuals to create an affordable group health insurance plan through the exchange.

A key point of interest for employees who work for a large company (over 100 employees), and are seeking health insurance coverage, is that their health insurance premium will automatically be covered by "not less than 72.5% of the applicable premium" {SEC. 312(1)(A)}. For spouses and children, "Not less than 65% of such applicable premium of such lowest cost plan" {SEC. 312(1)(B)}. As far as family health insurance plans go, it may be difficult to find a medical benefit plan that through the exchange that can compete.

By the year 2014, it will be required by law for every U.S. citizen to have personal health insurance coverage. Those who do not conform will be penalized for it. In order to reduce the problem with big businesses, there is a section that requires auto enrollment by employers. With the progression of smaller businesses merging with larger corporations, there is security in knowing that health insurance benefits are ideal for larger corporations. No longer will pre-existing conditions be a cause for non-enrollment or discontinuation of an existing plan.

America's health brokers will have a much larger consumer base when the new law takes effect, which means that not only do the consumers win, but they do as well. In an era of sweeping change in the health care industry, group health plans will be beneficial to all who are involved. They will be beneficial to either a personal health plan as well as a family health plan. America's health brokers will have a number of new avenues, but the greatest prospect will still be with larger businesses.

Health Care Reform Act Affects Big Business, Employers and Employees