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.
Monday, March 8, 2010
How To Get Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance
Just take a look around you. Look at your family, your friends, even your neighbors and co-workers... and others you come into contact with daily.
I'm sure you'll agree that many are unable to find quality health insurance. And you may be in the same boat. For some it is primarily due to the high cost of obtaining health coverage, but for others it's simply a result of a pre-existing condition. The insurance companies have declined them for the healthcare coverage they seek.
Today many health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, high cholesterol and stroke, are just a few of the pre-existing conditions that prevent millions of Americans from obtaining health insurance. You and I both know that without quality health insurance a family can be financially destroyed by a medical emergency.
A guaranteed acceptance health insurance policy can offer some health insurance coverage that these folks so badly need. Some guaranteed acceptance health insurance policies have an initial wait period before the pre-existing condition is covered. Some plans require a one year waiting period until the pre-existing condition will be covered. If you have recently been covered by another plan such as a group plan where you worked and have a certification of creditable coverage then you maybe be eligible to reduce or eliminate this waiting period.
A certification of creditable coverage is a statement showing the date you were covered. This letter acts as a "receipt" for your health insurance coverage and is automatically given to any covered person by the health plan administrator when the person loses his/her coverage.
One particular guaranteed acceptance health insurance plan that we know of is HIPAA compliant. They reduced or eliminated this wait time if you have the certification of creditable coverage.
A guaranteed acceptance health insurance policy covers many aspects of medical attention, including inpatient, outpatient, doctor visits, and hospital visits.
Learn more about: Health Insurance For Preexisting Conditions
Get information on: Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance
I'm sure you'll agree that many are unable to find quality health insurance. And you may be in the same boat. For some it is primarily due to the high cost of obtaining health coverage, but for others it's simply a result of a pre-existing condition. The insurance companies have declined them for the healthcare coverage they seek.
Today many health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, high cholesterol and stroke, are just a few of the pre-existing conditions that prevent millions of Americans from obtaining health insurance. You and I both know that without quality health insurance a family can be financially destroyed by a medical emergency.
A guaranteed acceptance health insurance policy can offer some health insurance coverage that these folks so badly need. Some guaranteed acceptance health insurance policies have an initial wait period before the pre-existing condition is covered. Some plans require a one year waiting period until the pre-existing condition will be covered. If you have recently been covered by another plan such as a group plan where you worked and have a certification of creditable coverage then you maybe be eligible to reduce or eliminate this waiting period.
A certification of creditable coverage is a statement showing the date you were covered. This letter acts as a "receipt" for your health insurance coverage and is automatically given to any covered person by the health plan administrator when the person loses his/her coverage.
One particular guaranteed acceptance health insurance plan that we know of is HIPAA compliant. They reduced or eliminated this wait time if you have the certification of creditable coverage.
A guaranteed acceptance health insurance policy covers many aspects of medical attention, including inpatient, outpatient, doctor visits, and hospital visits.
Learn more about: Health Insurance For Preexisting Conditions
Get information on: Guaranteed Acceptance Health Insurance
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Health Insurance For Preexisting Conditions!
Are serious health issues causing you to be labeled as uninsurable?
Cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and obesity are all too common in today’s world. These health concerns are causing thousands to be declined for health insurance. It is a challenge for individuals with pre existing conditions to find uninsurable health insurance. Sometimes, even being over-weight is enough reason for some insurance companies to decline your healthcare coverage.
Individuals who are uninsurable will find their health insurance choices very limited. Pre existing conditions provide the insurance companies with reasons to decline your application for health insurance. However, there may be ways you can obtain healthcare coverage. You can greatly reduce the potential financial strain on you and your family by using creative insurance planning. Knowing and understanding what is available will also benefit you greatly. Do your research and acquire the knowledge. Then make a decision on your future healthcare needs.
If you can find an insurance company to provide this needed health insurance coverage, you will notice that this insurance is not going to be cheap. The coverage will probably be somewhat limited. My advise to you; it’s probably best to take it until something better comes along.
If you are uninsurable, take a look at the following option. This may be a good plan for your individual situation.
Learn more about: Health Insurance For Preexisting Conditions
Get information on: Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
Cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and obesity are all too common in today’s world. These health concerns are causing thousands to be declined for health insurance. It is a challenge for individuals with pre existing conditions to find uninsurable health insurance. Sometimes, even being over-weight is enough reason for some insurance companies to decline your healthcare coverage.
Individuals who are uninsurable will find their health insurance choices very limited. Pre existing conditions provide the insurance companies with reasons to decline your application for health insurance. However, there may be ways you can obtain healthcare coverage. You can greatly reduce the potential financial strain on you and your family by using creative insurance planning. Knowing and understanding what is available will also benefit you greatly. Do your research and acquire the knowledge. Then make a decision on your future healthcare needs.
If you can find an insurance company to provide this needed health insurance coverage, you will notice that this insurance is not going to be cheap. The coverage will probably be somewhat limited. My advise to you; it’s probably best to take it until something better comes along.
If you are uninsurable, take a look at the following option. This may be a good plan for your individual situation.
Learn more about: Health Insurance For Preexisting Conditions
Get information on: Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Health Insurance After Cancer - Learn How to Get the Best Coverage
Being labeled as a cancer survivor can spell trouble when it comes to employment and getting medical coverage. Thousands of individuals did not have the luxury of healthcare before their cancer diagnosis. Now these same individuals are facing an even bigger challenge... obtaining health insurance after cancer. And if they are unable to work they can not participate in an employer-sponsored health plan.
Quite often the door to medical insurance is slammed in the face of cancer survivors by the insurance companies who label them as "uninsurable". Because of their pre-existing condition, these individuals are going without any healthcare coverage. It seems the insurance companies only want to insure those who are young and healthy.
Group insurance is usually better than individual insurance plans. This is especially true for those with cancer who need health coverage. The surest way to gain access to group insurance is to get employed by a large company. We know this is not always possible. A licensed insurance agent can assist you in finding an individual health package.
One thing to be aware of … if you join a new healthcare plan... you may face the "pre-existing condition exclusion period". What this means is you may have to wait as long as a year before the insurance company will pay any medical costs associated with the pre-existing condition. The solution is to look for a healthcare plan that is HIPAA compliant (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). This feature allows a person who has had healthcare coverage for at least 12 months and with no more than 63 days loss of coverage, to change plans and be guaranteed healthcare coverage. There may be no waiting period at all because the pre-existing condition exclusion period is reduced or eliminated. Most employer-sponsored group plans are HIPAA compliant; however, you will need to look long and hard to find an individual policy that is HIPAA compliant and will cover pre-existing conditions.
Learn more about: Health Insurance After Cancer
Get information on: Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
Quite often the door to medical insurance is slammed in the face of cancer survivors by the insurance companies who label them as "uninsurable". Because of their pre-existing condition, these individuals are going without any healthcare coverage. It seems the insurance companies only want to insure those who are young and healthy.
Group insurance is usually better than individual insurance plans. This is especially true for those with cancer who need health coverage. The surest way to gain access to group insurance is to get employed by a large company. We know this is not always possible. A licensed insurance agent can assist you in finding an individual health package.
One thing to be aware of … if you join a new healthcare plan... you may face the "pre-existing condition exclusion period". What this means is you may have to wait as long as a year before the insurance company will pay any medical costs associated with the pre-existing condition. The solution is to look for a healthcare plan that is HIPAA compliant (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). This feature allows a person who has had healthcare coverage for at least 12 months and with no more than 63 days loss of coverage, to change plans and be guaranteed healthcare coverage. There may be no waiting period at all because the pre-existing condition exclusion period is reduced or eliminated. Most employer-sponsored group plans are HIPAA compliant; however, you will need to look long and hard to find an individual policy that is HIPAA compliant and will cover pre-existing conditions.
Learn more about: Health Insurance After Cancer
Get information on: Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
Friday, March 5, 2010
Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance May Be a Good Choice
A Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance plan provides coverage to individuals who may be ineligible for other types of health insurance. For those with a pre-existing condition such as stroke, heart disease, AIDS, cancer or diabetes, then a Guaranteed Issue Health Policy may be the best option.
Guaranteed issue policies may have an initial waiting period of up to 12 months before the pre-existing conditions are covered. Other policies may require proof of employment to qualify.
A Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance plan will usually cover most of your healthcare needs including doctor visits, hospital care, and inpatient and outpatient care. Known as a “mini-med” plan, these plans provide a considerable amount of healthcare coverage; however, they are not basic health insurance or major medical insurance. They offer what is known as “limited benefit health insurance”. Simply put, the plan pays a defined amount for a medical service or procedure.
Usually these plans cover doctor visits, emergency room visits, hospital charges, surgery, accidental death, etc. The cost for premiums will depend upon the type of plan selected and if the coverage is for an individual, an individual and spouse or for the entire family.
There may be other options you would prefer to investigate before securing Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance. If so, you could look at group health insurance, but this will usually require an employer sponsored plan. You could even look into joining a professional organization which offers a group health insurance plan to its membership. Neither of these options may be available.
You may be able to obtain individual health insurance even if you have certain pre existing conditions but most likely the insurance company will want to totally exclude most of the serious preexisting conditions.
State high risk pools offer an alternative solution but certain requirements must be met and the premiums can be very expensive. For individuals with pre existing conditions, a guaranteed issue health policy may still be your best option.
Remember these healthcare plans were typically designed for individuals who cannot obtain traditional medical insurance due to medical issues or maybe someone who needs coverage for pre existing conditions.
Want to learn about the guaranteed issued health insurance plan that Rudy recommends? View the details at: ==>
http://www.UninsurableHealthSolution.com
Guaranteed issue policies may have an initial waiting period of up to 12 months before the pre-existing conditions are covered. Other policies may require proof of employment to qualify.
A Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance plan will usually cover most of your healthcare needs including doctor visits, hospital care, and inpatient and outpatient care. Known as a “mini-med” plan, these plans provide a considerable amount of healthcare coverage; however, they are not basic health insurance or major medical insurance. They offer what is known as “limited benefit health insurance”. Simply put, the plan pays a defined amount for a medical service or procedure.
Usually these plans cover doctor visits, emergency room visits, hospital charges, surgery, accidental death, etc. The cost for premiums will depend upon the type of plan selected and if the coverage is for an individual, an individual and spouse or for the entire family.
There may be other options you would prefer to investigate before securing Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance. If so, you could look at group health insurance, but this will usually require an employer sponsored plan. You could even look into joining a professional organization which offers a group health insurance plan to its membership. Neither of these options may be available.
You may be able to obtain individual health insurance even if you have certain pre existing conditions but most likely the insurance company will want to totally exclude most of the serious preexisting conditions.
State high risk pools offer an alternative solution but certain requirements must be met and the premiums can be very expensive. For individuals with pre existing conditions, a guaranteed issue health policy may still be your best option.
Remember these healthcare plans were typically designed for individuals who cannot obtain traditional medical insurance due to medical issues or maybe someone who needs coverage for pre existing conditions.
Want to learn about the guaranteed issued health insurance plan that Rudy recommends? View the details at: ==>
http://www.UninsurableHealthSolution.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Health Insurance for Someone with Pre Existing Conditions
If you have you been rated up or declined for health insurance it’s probably because you have a pre existing condition.
Thousands of uninsured, underinsured and uninsurable individuals are facing serious health issues like heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, cancer, stroke, liver disease, AIDS, pregnancy, depression and kidney disease. Any of these pre existing conditions can cause them to be declined for health coverage. Today, you may even be declined if you are over-weight.
It’s a real challenge obtaining health insurance for someone with pre existing conditions. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, here are some questions we need to address.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any injury or sickness for which diagnosis has been made, treatment has been recommended, treatment has been rendered, or expenses have been incurred within a set amount of months prior to the effective date of coverage (usually 3, 6 or 12 months and this can vary by state). It includes any condition manifesting itself in symptoms which would cause a prudent person to seek medical advice.
What is a pre-existing condition exclusion period?
Insurance companies try to discourage people from waiting until they get sick to purchase medical insurance. This is accomplished by imposing what is known as a preexisting condition exclusion period. This simply means, if you have a medical problem which exists at the time you purchase insurance, the insurer will deny the claims pertaining to that medical problem for a certain period of time.
The rules governing preexisting condition exclusion periods in individual health policies vary widely from state to state and are very much different from the rules of an employer-sponsored plan. If you have or recently have had health coverage, you may be able to apply this creditable coverage to offset a preexisting condition exclusion period.
Why all the hoopla over a pre-existing condition?
The biggest stumbling block with private individual medical insurance is the problem with preexisting conditions. Plain and simple… insurance companies don’t like preexisting conditions. They know in the long run… it will cost them more money to insure you. Frankly, insurers prefer to insure people who are not very likely to need the insurance.
But stop and think! Who doesn't have some kind of health or medical issue? It may be something as simple as asthma or as complex as cancer. Some pre-existing conditions can be managed and these individuals can live a relatively healthy and normal life.
Yet, insurers can and do turn down “high risks” individuals for coverage because of an existing or previous illness. Even if coverage is found, the premiums charged are often unaffordable. Sometimes the individual may end up with a modified policy paying more because of their medical history or having to take a policy that excludes their pre existing conditions.
Are there things I can do to get healthcare coverage?
Here are some choices for obtaining health coverage. See if any apply to your situation.
(1). Employer-sponsored group health plan
(2). Join a professional organization (e.g. Chamber of Commerce)
(3). Individual health insurance
(4). State risk pool (if one exist in your state)
(5). Discount health cards
(6). Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
Whether covered by insurance or by some other means, the total cost of health insurance for someone with pre existing conditions is high enough to dramatically impact that person’s lifestyle.
Today it is important for all of us to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, if you already have a preexisting condition that is keeping you from getting affordable health coverage, you should investigate the 6 options listed above to see which would work best for you.
Want to find out more on the best guaranteed acceptance health insurance plan that Rudy recommends? All the details are available at: ==>
http://www.UninsurableHealthSolution.com
Thousands of uninsured, underinsured and uninsurable individuals are facing serious health issues like heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, cancer, stroke, liver disease, AIDS, pregnancy, depression and kidney disease. Any of these pre existing conditions can cause them to be declined for health coverage. Today, you may even be declined if you are over-weight.
It’s a real challenge obtaining health insurance for someone with pre existing conditions. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, here are some questions we need to address.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any injury or sickness for which diagnosis has been made, treatment has been recommended, treatment has been rendered, or expenses have been incurred within a set amount of months prior to the effective date of coverage (usually 3, 6 or 12 months and this can vary by state). It includes any condition manifesting itself in symptoms which would cause a prudent person to seek medical advice.
What is a pre-existing condition exclusion period?
Insurance companies try to discourage people from waiting until they get sick to purchase medical insurance. This is accomplished by imposing what is known as a preexisting condition exclusion period. This simply means, if you have a medical problem which exists at the time you purchase insurance, the insurer will deny the claims pertaining to that medical problem for a certain period of time.
The rules governing preexisting condition exclusion periods in individual health policies vary widely from state to state and are very much different from the rules of an employer-sponsored plan. If you have or recently have had health coverage, you may be able to apply this creditable coverage to offset a preexisting condition exclusion period.
Why all the hoopla over a pre-existing condition?
The biggest stumbling block with private individual medical insurance is the problem with preexisting conditions. Plain and simple… insurance companies don’t like preexisting conditions. They know in the long run… it will cost them more money to insure you. Frankly, insurers prefer to insure people who are not very likely to need the insurance.
But stop and think! Who doesn't have some kind of health or medical issue? It may be something as simple as asthma or as complex as cancer. Some pre-existing conditions can be managed and these individuals can live a relatively healthy and normal life.
Yet, insurers can and do turn down “high risks” individuals for coverage because of an existing or previous illness. Even if coverage is found, the premiums charged are often unaffordable. Sometimes the individual may end up with a modified policy paying more because of their medical history or having to take a policy that excludes their pre existing conditions.
Are there things I can do to get healthcare coverage?
Here are some choices for obtaining health coverage. See if any apply to your situation.
(1). Employer-sponsored group health plan
(2). Join a professional organization (e.g. Chamber of Commerce)
(3). Individual health insurance
(4). State risk pool (if one exist in your state)
(5). Discount health cards
(6). Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance
Whether covered by insurance or by some other means, the total cost of health insurance for someone with pre existing conditions is high enough to dramatically impact that person’s lifestyle.
Today it is important for all of us to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, if you already have a preexisting condition that is keeping you from getting affordable health coverage, you should investigate the 6 options listed above to see which would work best for you.
Want to find out more on the best guaranteed acceptance health insurance plan that Rudy recommends? All the details are available at: ==>
http://www.UninsurableHealthSolution.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)