Archive for the ‘Health Insurance Advice’ Category.

The first stages of the Health Insurance Reform Act has only recently gone into effect, and many people find themselves confused about what it means to them. This new legislature will affect every American differently, and it is important to find out what changes may be necessary to stay in accordance with the new laws. One of the biggest ways the act may affect people is through health insurance rates nationwide.

Lower Premiums for Low-Income People

People who live near the poverty level can expect to get the greatest benefit out of the Health Insurance Reform Act, especially where health insurance rates are involved. They can expect lower premiums and out of pocket costs as well as better health care offered at each visit with the new incentives being implemented for doctors in every hospital in America. Middle class families may save as much as $2,300 a year in health insurance costs.

More Care Provided for the Price You Pay   

No matter what your current premium is, the Health Insurance Reform Act will require your insurer to provide more care. For example, annual wellness visits and other preventative services will be mandatory in all health plans with no out of pocket costs necessary for people who choose to take advantage of these services. These out of pocket costs include both copayments and deductibles.

No More Limits

With the Health Insurance Reform Act in place, insurance companies will no longer be able to impose limits on the amount of coverage provided over a lifetime. This will stretch insurance dollars even farther than before, when it was possible for those with ongoing illnesses to exhaust the amount of care they were able to receive due to the limits on their insurance policies.

Easier Appeals Process

For the premium paid each month for health insurance, the Health Insurance Reform Act requires providers to make it easier for their customers to dispute coverage and plan denials. In a case where a health insurance provider refuses to offer coverage for medical care that a customer feels should be included in their plan, it will be easier than ever to make a claim against the company, even with the help of the state.

New Maximums for Insurance Premiums

The price people are expected to pay for health insurance in both premiums and out of pocket costs will be tied directly to their income, especially for those who are near the federal poverty level. Insurance companies are also being required to offer more services and benefits for their prices, especially those who provide for their customers through businesses, to improve the quality and level of health care available.

Of all the changes that will go into effect as a result of the Health Insurance Reform Act, people need to be most informed on how it will affect them individually – and the rates they pay each month. Those who are entitled to lower premiums and out of pocket costs need to make sure they are receiving the care for the price providers are required to by law to give them.

Health insurance benefits are important for all individuals to receive because it can be extremely expensive and sometimes cost prohibitive to seek life-improving or necessary medical care. Special health insurance is available to war veterans, who sometimes need special benefits.

How is War Veteran’s Insurance Different?                                                                                           

Many health insurance companies are not willing to insure the types of injuries that are acquired during a war veteran’s career. These injuries often require treatment for the rest of the veterans’ lives. Veteran’s health insurance is prepared to handle these line-of-duty injuries. Veterans will not be turned away from this health insurance due to their injuries.

Why Does the Military Offer this Insurance?

The military provides insurance for veterans because the Veterans Association wants to maintain and increase high veteran satisfaction. The country owes it to those that have served the country to protect them once they have completed their jobs. Veterans deserve the best health insurance and accessibility possible.

Who Qualifies for Veteran’s Health Insurance?

The most basic and important qualification to receive veteran’s health insurance is that the applicant must be a veteran. No individuals filing alone that are not veterans will be accepted by the plan. Some of the other questions include whether the applicant was honorably discharged or released and whether Reservists or National Guard members were called to active duty and whether they completed the full call-up periods.

Insurance for a Veteran’s Family

Sometimes veteran’s health insurance packages are able to include a veteran’s family. It might not be the best option for the veteran or his or her family, but it is worth evaluating because it might just be the best option. If the veteran’s health insurance is able to cover the family, check to make sure that the insurance will cover any special health needs of the family members.

How to Get Veteran’s Health Insurance

To see if a veteran qualifies for the veteran’s health insurance, contact the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). VHA is a subsidiary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The staff at VHA provides services such as finding local VHA doctors and locating specialists for veterans in need of treatment.

How to Apply for Veteran’s Health Insurance

To apply for veteran’s health benefits, submit the VA Form 10-10EZ online at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/. For help, applicants can call the help line at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). The application can also be submitted by phone at this number Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM EST. The form can also be printed out and submitted in person or by mail to the veteran’s local VA Medical Center or clinic. These options are also available for renewing benefits.

War veterans owe it to themselves to apply for veteran’s health insurance benefits to protect their health and financial security. Many veterans do not need to postpone expensive medical treatments because they qualify for quality insurance that will provide them the means and the specialists required to restore their health and peace of mind.

Traveling to a foreign country is just as full of risks as it is excitement. There are a lot of things that can go wrong on a vacation, but the right precautions can ensure a fun trip for the entire family. One of the biggest questions raised is whether or not regular health insurance will cover medical issues that occur on a trip abroad.

Will My Health Insurance Cover Me On Vacation?

In short, no, your regular health insurance plan will not normally keep you medically covered if you take a vacation outside the country. There are always exceptions to the rule, however. The U.S. Department of State urges Americans to talk to their health insurance providers before leaving the country to find out exactly what is covered under their current policy for an overseas trip. Medicare in particular has no provisions for overseas policyholders, so it’s usually a really good idea to get a second temporary insurance policy before leaving on your trip.

How Do I Get Coverage for My Vacation?

The simplest way to ensure that you are completely covered during your vacation is to take out a short term traveler’s insurance policy. These are inexpensive and will cover the costs of overseas medical care. In some countries foreign patients who are uninsured can be refused service and in other countries the hospital will require up-front payment for any medical procedures or medications. However, in the case of a genuine emergency where someone’s life is at stake, any hospital in any country should be bound by the medical profession’s morals to give life-saving treatment.

What Does Traveler’s Insurance Cover?

This depends largely on the particular traveler’s insurance policy that you take out, but generally they will cover everything that your normal domestic health insurance covers. This includes operations, clinic visits, medication, and usually they will cover an emergency evacuation to the United States if the situation calls for it. That alone can cost more than $10,000 dollars in some cases. The actual cost of an evacuation depends wholly on your location and the condition, because certain conditions require more in-flight care than others.

How Do I Get Traveler’s Insurance?

The easiest way to purchase traveler’s insurance is through a travel agent, but if you are not using one you can also speak with your current health insurance company, who should be able to recommend a company. Also check with your credit card company, bank and online at travel sites, which often offer travel insurance on services booked through their sites. There are different types of traveler’s insurance available, so consider the place that you are visiting to ensure you have appropriate coverage which will last the duration of your trip.

Taking out a traveler’s insurance policy prior to going on vacation will set your mind at ease if any medical or other problems arise during your vacation. Many foreign countries have excellent healthcare, but it can be difficult to even get treatment if you are not insured.

Getting into a car accident is a frightening prospect. No matter who caused the accident the first matter of concern is the health of anyone involved. When someone is injured in the accident there is often the question of if those medical bills will be covered by their health insurance or their auto insurance.

The Role of Health Insurance in a Car Accident

If you are in a car accident and must receive immediate treatment it will be covered by your regular health insurance policy. That will get the treatment underway, which is especially important if the injuries sustained are life-threatening. After this initial treatment authorization the health insurance company will usually investigate the accident to determine the cause. Depending on their findings they will likely seek reimbursement for the money paid out in hospital bills. Once this happens it is up to the auto insurance to cover the bills.

The Role of Car Insurance in a Car Accident

As long as you have Personal Injury Protection on your car insurance the car insurance company will be responsible for your medical bills up to $10,000. Once this mark is reached the bill is passed back over to your regular health insurance provider. They will pay any remaining expenses as well as continued care and follow-up appointments. With health insurance you will most likely be responsible for co-payments and deductibles. The PIP coverage is a requirement in some states and other states strongly recommend it when setting up a car insurance policy.

When Would a Health insurance Company Deny Payment?

There is a strong chance that your health insurance provider will refuse to cover medical bills if the injury was sustained during a car accident. They may also deny claims for continuing medical service if they see fit to do so. The best way to handle this is to work with an attorney who can advise you on the best course of action. If the car accident was caused by another person and you sustained injury their insurance will be responsible for your medical bills. This rule does not apply in states with “no fault” car insurance, in which case each driver’s insurance is responsible for its policyholder.

What if I Am a Passenger In a Car Accident?

If you’re simply a passenger in a car accident then the responsibility for your medical bills will go to the driver who was at fault in the accident. It is possible to make a claim to your own insurance company, but keep in mind that your insurance rates will probably increase because of that claim. In the unlikely event that neither driver had auto insurance you can file a claim with your car insurance company. You will also have the option to sue the driver who was at fault in the accident.

The intricacies involved in paying for medical costs resulting from an automobile accident are myriad. The general rule of thumb is that the driver at fault will be responsible for any injuries sustained during the accident. Health insurance rarely comes into play unless the medical bills are over $10,000.

The laws, rules, and benefits surrounding health insurance can be extremely confusing. Most health insurance programs will cover a wide range of things including medical care, hospice treatment, and prescription drug costs, but a lot of people wonder if it will cover their disability expenses as well. This article covers the difference between disability insurance and health insurance.

Disability Insurance and Health Insurance

The difference between disability and health insurance is that disability insurance qualifies the individual for payments that cover what they would be making if they were still able to work while health insurance pays for medical costs. Both kinds of insurance require the insured to pay premiums. Disability insurance does not pay for the actual hospital care and medications required by the disability; it only covers cost of living expenses up to a certain point. Disability insurance is different from workman’s compensation, which covers medical costs incurred by an accident while on the job.

The Cost of Disability Insurance Compared to Health Insurance

Health insurance is notoriously expensive for Americans. The monthly premiums can be several hundred dollars, and this is coupled with co-pays and costly deductibles. Disability insurance, on the other hand, has a relatively low monthly premium, which is the only required expense monthly. The difficulty arises in the waiting period for benefits. A disabled individual may have to wait 90 days before seeing any tangible benefits or payment. This waiting period can be shortened or eliminated completely for many policies, but there will be a higher monthly premium.

What Health Insurance Covers

Health insurance deals with any actual medical expenses incurred, whether for a disabled person or otherwise healthy individual. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and anything else that involves direct medical care. Actual coverage varies from policy to policy, so it’s important to check with your health insurance provider to make sure that they will cover anything that you might need. There is usually a co-pay for doctor visits or outpatient procedures which is typically between $5 and $25. Premiums are much higher than those for disability insurance.

What Disability Insurance Covers

In most cases disability insurance will cover up to 80% of the individual’s wages during the time that they are unable to work. Some disability insurance providers will set the payout on a monthly basis while others will pay based on a daily working average. The waiting period before benefits are provided is referred to as the elimination period. Any time there is a pre-existing condition present there is a good chance that disability benefits will not be paid. The same thing might happen if an injury occurs on the job site, which is covered by workman’s compensation.

It is important for people to know the difference between disability insurance and health insurance so that they do not have incorrect assumptions about coverage. Knowing that health insurance will not cover most disability expenses can save a lot of surprise and headache in the event of an accident.

Getting the right health insurance can be a confusing process.  Having the right health insurance policy in place can mean the difference between having the expenses for an illness covered and being forced to pay high out-of-pocket costs.  Finding the best plan is important and there are many different choices available.  Here are the top 5 health insurance companies in the U.S. according to the number of customers and policies written.

1. Aetna

Aetna health insurance is one of the top insurance companies in the U.S.  They sell HMOs, PPOs, Point-of-Service (POS) plans, health savings accounts and traditional indemnity coverage.  They also supply dental, vision, behavioral health and Medicare supplemental plans.  Under their group insurance umbrella they also sell life insurance, disability insurance and long term care insurance.  There are over 15 million people covered under their health insurance plans in the United States.

2.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a major player in the health insurance market.  They have about 50 chapters that provide coverage to over 90 million people in the U.S.  Their coverage include indemnity insurance, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Point-of-Service (POS) plans and Fee-for –Service plans,  They also help to administer government Medicare and Medicaid plans in several states under various names. BCBS is one of the oldest and biggest American insurers and has a very good reputation.

3.  CIGNA Corporation

CIGNA covers over 9 million people with their various types of insurance plans.  Their health policies include PPO plans, HMO plans, POS plans, indemnity plans and several consumer directed products.  They also provide dental, vision, pharmacy and mental health plans, as well as group accident, life and disability.  They work with the government, unions and Medicare subscribers.  CIGNA also has an international presence selling life insurance, accident insurance and supplemental health insurance.

4.  United Health Group

United Health Group is the second largest health insurance company in the U.S.  They have four separate segments that provide health care plans and varied services.  Their policies include HMOs, PPOs and POS plans.  They also work with Medicare and Medicaid.  AARP members can get a discount when they utilize this insurance as well.  In addition, United Health Group provides group insurance for large companies and Specialized Care Services for vision, dental and other products.  They also perform clinical research and drug marketing.

5.  WellPoint

WellPoint is the largest health insurance company in the nation based on the number of current, active policies.  They provide health care coverage under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Unicare name to over 34 million members.  They offer several managed care programs including PPOs, HMOs, indemnities and hybrid plans.  Working with employers, individuals and Medicare and Medicaid recipients, they also provide administrative services to self-insured groups.

Getting the best rates and picking the right health insurance company is easy.  The top five health insurance companies are an excellent place to begin your search.  By completing our brief questionnaire, you will receive quotes from some of the best insurance companies available to ensure that you are getting the best deal.  Compare and review the policies, determine which policy best fits your needs and purchase the policy online.  Not having health insurance can be a risky financial proposition, find a health insurance plan today.

Health insurance is an important protection to have, but many people do not realize that an insurance policy is not a magical paper that will pay all of their bills. Even the most comprehensive medical insurance plan has restrictions and limitations on its coverage. Insurance companies may be very choosy about providing coverage for procedures above and beyond the routine. Reading the fine print in a health insurance plan before signing up can prevent applicants from making big financial mistakes.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurability is calculated according to risk factors. Therefore, applicants with pre-existing medical conditions can either be deemed completely uninsurable by the insurer or they may have to pay higher premiums for coverage. In the case of a health insurance coverage lapse of more than 63 days an applicant with a pre-existing medical condition might have to wait as long as a year for new coverage. A short term individual policy could prove to be beneficial at times like these to ensure uninterrupted health coverage.

Cosmetic Surgeries

As a general rule purely cosmetic surgeries are not covered by health insurance. This means that face lifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty and other vanity surgeries must be paid for out-of-pocket. However, there are some cases in which cosmetic surgery can be covered. For example, reconstructive plastic surgery following an accident or injury may be covered. Other cosmetic surgeries which are medically necessary to correct problems such as birth defects like a cleft palate or to repair a deviated septum can be covered as well, at the recommendation of a doctor.

Alternative Treatments and Medications

Non-traditional treatments and procedures used in lieu of conventional medicines are not typically included in a health insurance plan, nor are complementary medicines which are combined with the conventional treatments. Some of these treatments not covered by insurance include yoga, massages, acupuncture and sometimes even chiropractic treatment. This is due to the fact that such treatments are considered by health insurance companies to be experimental, non-traditional or both.

Private Home Care

Private in-home medical and nursing care costs are some of the most expensive health expenses not covered by insurance. There are nearly one and a half million patients using in-home health care and the average rehabilitating patient requires at least two months for their recovery. Without a good health insurance plan that can at least help offset the high treatment costs, private in-home medical care can be devastating to the finances and cause the patients and their loved ones to go into bankruptcy.

Mental Health Treatments

Mental health coverage is an evolving area for health insurers. Some plans cover in- and out-patient treatments for substance abuse, eating disorders, and various mental illnesses requiring intensive therapy. However, a referral from the applicant’s regular doctor is required in order to gain access to these services. It may also be a good idea to check your employer’s health program for mental health and substance abuse coverage, such as spending caps and number of treatments covered.

Health insurance is not a cure-all or an unlimited fund for each and every medical issue. Insurers are companies which operate for profit and by established rules and guidelines for coverage. Although supplemental policies can be written for all of these examples the customer should always determine their needs prior to contracting for health insurance coverage.

Doctors normally do all they can to prevent the need for surgery, but sometimes it is inevitable. Surgeries can be expensive and although health insurance will usually pay for them, the treatment must be pre-approved. Following are 5 basic surgeries and how much they usually cost on average.

Cataract Surgery

As humans age the body naturally deteriorates in different places, such as the eyes. The most common eye condition related to aging is cataracts. Cataracts are cloudy white obfuscations over the eye’s lens which can only be removed from surgery. Cataract surgery is painless and involves the replacement of the natural lens with an artificial lens. The success rate of cataract surgery is over 90% and there are usually very few complications after the surgery, making it one of the safest procedures known. The average cost of cataract surgery is $3,900.

Abdominal Hernia Repair

A hernia is a medical term for when an organ puts too much pressure on surrounding tissue and causes it to tear and bulge. Hiatal hernias must be repaired by a simple surgery to the diaphragm. If a hernia is not repaired some internal organs can become tangled in the intestines, which will cut off the blood supply and cause damage to the organ. A hernia can be caused by something as small as straining during a bowel movement. The average cost of a hernia repair is $5,800.

Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is the procedure used to surgically remove the tonsils from the back of the throat. The procedure was first used by the Romans several thousand years ago. Usually the tonsils are removed after they become infected several times and the surgery is most commonly done during childhood in a simple inpatient procedure. However, anyone can opt for the surgery for other reasons. A tonsillectomy can remedy issues such as extreme snoring, sleep apnea, and airway obstruction. The average cost of a tonsillectomy is $3,800.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery, also known as arthroscopy, repairs damage to a joint. The procedure involves the use of an arthroscope to repair the tissue damage without fully opening up the joint or making a large incision. An arthroscope is a flexible tube with a very small camera that transmits a video feed to the surgeon to guide them. The surgeon only needs to make a small incision for the scope and another for the reparation tool. The procedure is usually performed on the knees, wrists, shoulders, or spine. The average cost of an arthroscopy is $7,000.

Sinus Surgery

This type of surgery is used to treat nasal polyps and sinusitis. It’s also one of the most common methods of removing diseased tissue from the nasal passageways. This is a non-invasive surgery, which means that there are no cuts made to the skin. Instead, an endoscope is inserted into the nasal passageway which allows the surgeon to see what he or she is doing. As the sinuses are located extremely close to the brain this is a very delicate procedure. The average cost of nasal surgery is $5,700.

Surgery is never pleasant, but knowing the cost of your procedure can reduce some of the stress going into the procedure. It’s also important to pay attention to the recommendations of the surgeon so that you minimize your chance of complications.

People can purchase insurance coverage for nearly everything in the United States. They can insure their cars, their homes, their valuable possessions, their health and even their very lives. In the realm of health and medical insurance there are various areas of specialized coverage for certain types of people or health issues. In the past only physical health and symptoms have been treated, but today mental health awareness and acceptance is growing steadily. Insurance for mental health is an issue of growing concern among the American population.

Mental Health Treatments

There are many different types of clinics and treatments that exist for the care of patients’ mental health and many of them do accept private insurance. Professional counseling, behavioral and social therapies, and medications useful tools in encouraging and maintaining mental wellness, but these treatments and therapies are costly and are not always fully covered by insurance. Rehabilitation centers for mental health and substance abuse can be very effective if the patient has sufficient time in the program. Insurance can help offset the cost of these treatments and visits.

Mental Health Insurance Laws

Mental health coverage is a relatively new concept. It has only been in the last few decades that mental health issues have begun to lose some of the stigma previously attached to the field. Insurers are required by most states to include mental health coverage of some kind in their policies. Psychiatrist and psychologist therapy sessions, psychotropic and anti-depressant medications, in- and out-patient treatments for eating disorders, drug addiction and other such conditions are covered by standard insurance. The big question is how much treatment the company will pay for.

Changing Times

Patients who were diagnosed with mental health conditions have suffered many restrictions regarding insurance coverage. Strict limits have been placed on number of therapy visits, inpatient treatment durations, and types of therapy covered. However, since the recent passing of laws governing health insurance parity in several states and federal reforms, mental health patients can now have access to fair coverage. Check the laws in your home state to find out what regulations and rules there are regarding mental health insurance coverage policies and their limits.

Independent Mental Health Insurance

Stand-alone mental health insurance is a very new concept which has very limited availability at this time. However, there are a few insurers which are strictly devoted to mental and behavioral wellness and insurance. At this time these companies mainly market their services to employers whose group health plans are lacking in the mental health area, acting as a supplementary type of coverage similar to independent dental and vision insurance. If you are interested in this kind of coverage speak to your human resources department about including mental health insurance coverage.

Mental health and wellness is something that everyone is concerned about, especially in light of recent studies that have shown 1 in 4 people being susceptible to some degree of mental disorder. The need for mental health insurance coverage is rising and the United States insurance industry is picking up on that. Health insurers have steadily augmented their coverage of mental health issues and soon will be required to make even further increases under the new health care reform laws.

Travelers all over the world are taking advantage of international health insurance in order to protect themselves while in a foreign country. There are several different types of international insurance for travelers’ protection, each with their own pros and cons and specific rules and regulations. International health insurance makes it possible for any traveler to take a trip, whether for business or pleasure, with the same peace of mind they have at home.

International Travel Medical Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most common types of international coverage and is often used by leisure travelers who desire to protect themselves while on a trip. Some of the expenses covered by international travel insurance include transportation tickets, hotel reservations and any medical issues which arise when in a foreign country while covered under the travel policy. A good international travel insurance plan will have not only liability and property protection built in but will also have medical, disability and even death benefits for the insured.

International Health Insurance

An international health and medical insurance policy exists to provide adequate coverage for a short period of time when the policy holder is outside their home country and is designed to be convenient and easy for travelers. An international health insurance policy can be purchased for terms between five days to three years. These plans are simple: the coverage takes effect immediately and a physical exam is not a requirement for approval. Some of the events covered by international health insurance include routine doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries and prescriptions.

Why is International Health Insurance Important?

Regular health insurance policies do not normally provide coverage for medical treatments in foreign countries. Even when they do, they may not cover things like the cost of cancelling a trip, emergency transportation back home, or child care while staying in a foreign hospital. National programs like Medicare or Medicaid do not provide international protection either. Not having international health insurance in case of issues like these can be detrimental not only to your finances, but also to your emotional, physical and mental well-being.

How to Get International Health Insurance

It is worth a shot to contact your current domestic health insurance provider to determine whether they offer coverage while you travel in another country. Before making the calls determine how long the trip is expected to be, which countries will be visited, and how many trips will be made. Many international health insurance plans only cover single trips, though others provide coverage for one year no matter how many trips are taken during that time. If they won’t cover you then you should obtain travel insurance or a stand-alone international health policy.

When traveling outside the country you should keep your health in mind—actually, think about it before you ever leave. International health insurance could be the one thing you forgot about when planning your trip, and it could be the one thing that could save your life in the event of a health emergency while abroad. Get international health insurance prior to taking your vacation to ensure you can enjoy your time away from home in safety.