Q: Publishers Clearing House is all over my TV and computer. Does it really make that much money selling magazine subscriptions that it can afford to give away all that money in prizes? And if so, what are the odds of winning?
— Madeline Litt, Dunwoody
A: Publishers Clearing House (PCH) contests are legitimate, and all prizes are funded by company revenue, according to info.pch.com. PCH also sells "a wide variety of general merchandise, housewares, videos/DVDs, music, coins, collectibles, books, jewelry, horticulture, gift foods, inspirational items, and personal care products," according to the website. PCH has awarded more than $223 million since the contest started in 1967, and all prizes are guaranteed. No purchase is necessary to enter PCH's contests, which are free to enter. The estimated odds of winning $1 million a year for life or $100,000 are both 1 in 1.3 billion (contests end Aug. 13, 2015). The odds of winning $50,000 are 1 in 4.1 billion and the odds of winning $15,000 are 1 in 150 million (contests end Dec. 31, 2014). You can contact PCH at 800-645-9242 or at Publishers Clearing House, 101 Winners Circle Point, Port Washington, NY 11053-4016.
Q: Who appoints the officers of the State Health Benefit Plan? Who do they answer to?
— Michelle Barnett, Powder Springs
A: The State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) is managed and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health's SHBP's division, which consists of state employees, a spokeswoman told Q&A on the News in an email. The SHBP doesn't have officers.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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