
Holiday Cybersecurity
Are you spending time online? While you’re shopping for holiday deals, cybercriminals are shopping for your credentials. Learn how to protect yourself from thieves by watching our short CYBERSECURITY VIDEO for Columbian Life agents. It may be the best “free offer” you get this year.
What You Need to Know About Long Term Care
Stand alone and hybrid policies can provide solutions to the “what ifs” of aging.
Check out the “What you need to know…” brochure below for information on talking to your clients about retirement and aging and how you can mitigate those risks.
For more information contact Andrea Graham or give her a call at 585-273-8530 ext 3012.
Long Term Care News
Proposed State Long Term Care Legislation
Some states are trying to implement taxes on employees in order to set up long term care benefits. So far, Washington State has not implemented their program (too many problems and questions), but that doesn’t stop other states from trying.
NY could do residents a favor by getting the State into the NAIC national Partnership program. It’s not as good as our total asset policies, but better than nothing, and if our legislature wanted to help reduce Medicaid expense, having a Partnership to buy wouldn’t hurt.

The Ides of March Long Term Care News
Et tu Brutus? Information, positive and not so much, on carrier premium rate increases, but first, “in like a lion” is the question! We’ve had a mild winter so far, and March can be tricky, especially around the Ides, Caesar’s ability to get an army to plow a driveway notwithstanding. We do have reasons to celebrate, to enjoy an adult beverage this month, starting with March 11, the third anniversary of Covid-19. Wonder if masks come in leather! Get out and enjoy, along with the national holiday dedicated to Guinness on the 17th and the kick off of March madness. Filling out pools is a lot easier when the love of the Orange doesn’t get in the way of supposed rational decisions 😊
–Andrea
The Right Choice
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Our Satisfied Customers
“Upstate Special Risk has been a vital part of my marketing plan for almost a decade. With imagination, insight and an appreciation for the importance of detail, the risk management experts at Upstate have been instrumental in my firm’s growth. Embracing a model of holistic planning has greatly benefited my clients, and has led to my company’s growth through an increase in referrals and introductions. While I can’t be an expert in every aspect of wealth management and planning, my partnership with Upstate Special Risk can bridge that gap and move my clients forward in their pursuit of financial security!”
“Upstate Special Risk Services offers prompt, friendly, professional services for my life insurance clients. I especially appreciate the regular follow ups to let me know how the applications are progressing. I have done business with USRS for years and am very happy with the services they offer to my agency and my clients.”
“I have worked with Upstate Special Risk Services for almost 5 years. The support has been amazing since our first meeting. The help and guidance of the folks at home office is second to none! They continuously help me grow my business and my knowledge through phone conversations and email. Their approach as fiduciaries and trusted advisors is refreshing and nothing short of exemplary. I am looking forward to our growth together over the next several years.”
“Ever since I have made the move to Upstate our Life and Disability production has quadrupled. We aren’t doing anything different but they are. Instant on line term quotes. Rock solid advice and markets for the harder to place risk. Superior support and knowledge. All of this allows me and my staff to feel 100% confident asking our clients for the business knowing that we will get great rates, fast turn around and phenomenal support. Thank you to everyone at Upstate.”
Liz Casper recently helped me with a life case and her efforts were outstanding. I’d met with a new client and together we completed a review of his family’s investment and insurance accounts. Together we decided on doing a 1035 exchange on his life contract to more closely align with his short and long term needs. I won’t get into all the messy details, but suffice it to say we ended up in quite a pickle. After a drawn out application and issue period it appeared that the old policy was irrevocably canceled and the new policy was about to be issued without the design and features we had initially intended. NO ONE was happy! There was a lot of discussion and Liz ended up expertly pleading our case to the new company. The outcome ended up better than our original plan design as the client was able to omit his 1st year premium. This helped tackle a near term cash flow emergency which had cropped up during the underwriting process. A lot of FMO’s might very well have thrown in the towel, and I would have ended up with egg on my face, but Liz didn’t quit. Three cheers for Upstate Special Risk for both their knowledge and determination!”