Finding affordable health insurance is of major concern for most Americans.
With the economy in the tank, this year has not been good for those seeking a health insurance plan. In fact, for many uninsured, uninsurable and under insured individuals, it's quite a challenge to find affordable health insurance. If you work for a company that offers health insurance… then you may not have to worry about finding individual health care coverage. However, if you work part-time or if you are currently are without health coverage, then you may find yourself up against a real challenge.
We all have our own idea of affordable health insurance, yet many of us still can not secure essential coverage. Depending on your age, your health and your habits – you may end up paying more or less than someone else. Your neighbor may have gotten insurance from a certain company for what seems like an incredibly low cost. However, after checking with that same agency you find that your rate will be much higher. They've taken into consideration that you smoke and are a few years older than your neighbor and suddenly you get a quote that's twice what he's paying. Now this really doesn't seem fair.
Your best choice in finding affordable health insurance is to shop around. Don’t expect to check with the first insurance company and find a great deal. You’ll need to get at least three different quotes from different companies.
Depending on what you are expecting – a low deductible, low co-pay for doctor visits or prescription plans, you might find exactly what you're looking for if you are somewhat flexible. You may get a great price quote but your current doctor won't accept the plan. In this case, you would have to decide if you want to change your doctor or change to a different plan. It is little decisions like this that can have the biggest impact on your future health care cost.
Searching the internet is a great way to find and compare different health insurance choices. However, comparing various insurance companies and their health care offerings can be very confusing. Should you find an online site that allows you to compare various companies, then you may soon have several different individuals calling to give you health insurance quotes. They may have exactly what you need or they just end up harassing you until you finally speak with them. However, shopping around and getting the best quotes possible is still your top priority.
Another solution and perhaps your best may be to find a local insurance agent to discuss your situation. The agent can listen to your requirements then search several different insurance companies until they find a plan that fits your needs. Using a local agent and putting them to work for you may be a very wise decision in finding affordable health insurance.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Health Care Reform and Your Pre Existing Condition
It is no secret that pre existing conditions account for a large number of uninsured Americans. These are individuals who can not obtain affordable health insurance due to some type of health related problem. Health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart attack and stroke, are just a few. A family can be financially destroyed by a medical emergency unless they have quality health insurance.
But all that is about to change with the passage of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. One of its major components is the elimination of pre existing condition requirements currently imposed by health plans.
Children will be the first to gain affordable coverage. Starting in September 2010, insurers will no longer be able to exclude children from being on a family policy because of a pre existing condition. This applies to new policies and for families who already have a health insurance policy.
So much for the good news. Looks like adults will have to wait until 2014 for their health coverage to honor the new exclusion protection granted to children. However, there is one ray of hope. For the next 3 1/2 years, those adults with pre-existing conditions can find some relief in a new federal backup plan entitled 'Plan B".
This is how "Plan B" is suppose to work.
Currently approximately 35 states have high-risk pools, some of whom may still be open for new enrollees. Check with your state insurance agency to see if your state currently has such a pool. But remember, these existing pools are not the insurance pools that will be established under the new law as "Plan B". States are being asked if they want to start or continue providing a risk pool for their state. If your state does not currently have or does not plan to set up a high-risk pool… no problem. The Department of Health and Human Services will establish and administer a pool for your state.
So starting in mid-year 2010, this temporary backup plan will be established for those uninsured individuals who have existing health problems (particularly individuals who do not have a risk pool in their state or who could not obtain coverage in their state pool). This new plan will be created as a short-term, national high-risk insurance pool. Any US citizens or legal immigrants with health problems and who has been uninsured for at least six months will be eligible to enroll into this high-risk pool.
This federal health insurance pool will be significantly more affordable than currently state run high-risk pools; however, some individuals may still have premiums of up to 125% of the health insurance cost for a healthy individual. Per year, the maximum out-of-pocket cost sharing for enrollees should be no more than $5,950 for individuals or $11,900 for a family. Premium subsidy assistance may be available.
This federal health insurance pool will continue through 2013. It will then be dissolved in 2014 when health insurance companies are required to offer health insurance coverage to everyone regardless of their health condition.
But all that is about to change with the passage of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. One of its major components is the elimination of pre existing condition requirements currently imposed by health plans.
Children will be the first to gain affordable coverage. Starting in September 2010, insurers will no longer be able to exclude children from being on a family policy because of a pre existing condition. This applies to new policies and for families who already have a health insurance policy.
So much for the good news. Looks like adults will have to wait until 2014 for their health coverage to honor the new exclusion protection granted to children. However, there is one ray of hope. For the next 3 1/2 years, those adults with pre-existing conditions can find some relief in a new federal backup plan entitled 'Plan B".
This is how "Plan B" is suppose to work.
Currently approximately 35 states have high-risk pools, some of whom may still be open for new enrollees. Check with your state insurance agency to see if your state currently has such a pool. But remember, these existing pools are not the insurance pools that will be established under the new law as "Plan B". States are being asked if they want to start or continue providing a risk pool for their state. If your state does not currently have or does not plan to set up a high-risk pool… no problem. The Department of Health and Human Services will establish and administer a pool for your state.
So starting in mid-year 2010, this temporary backup plan will be established for those uninsured individuals who have existing health problems (particularly individuals who do not have a risk pool in their state or who could not obtain coverage in their state pool). This new plan will be created as a short-term, national high-risk insurance pool. Any US citizens or legal immigrants with health problems and who has been uninsured for at least six months will be eligible to enroll into this high-risk pool.
This federal health insurance pool will be significantly more affordable than currently state run high-risk pools; however, some individuals may still have premiums of up to 125% of the health insurance cost for a healthy individual. Per year, the maximum out-of-pocket cost sharing for enrollees should be no more than $5,950 for individuals or $11,900 for a family. Premium subsidy assistance may be available.
This federal health insurance pool will continue through 2013. It will then be dissolved in 2014 when health insurance companies are required to offer health insurance coverage to everyone regardless of their health condition.
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