Health insurance companies have many requirements, provisions and regulations that they must comply with and that they impose upon insured people. The residents of West Virginia need to be aware of these provisions and regulations as well as what their rights are to best protect their needs and the needs of their families. Also, West Virginia has many options for residents regarding health insurance.
West Virginia Health Insurance Requirements
Health insurance companies in West Virginia must follow the guidelines required by HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The act was enforced in 1996 by US Congress in an effort to better protect patient privacy rights. HIPAA basically requires that any health information or medical records cannot be released without obtaining a signed authorization.
West Virginia Health Policy Revisions
West Virginia health insurance companies comply with the guaranteed renewability provision which ensures that policies will be renewed at each renewal date providing the policy is paid current. Pre-existing conditions in West Virginia can be excluded permanently and a pre-existing condition is defined in West Virginia as a condition treated or diagnosed two years prior to the policy.
West Virginia Health Insurance Company Regulations
Health insurance companies in West Virginia can deny applicants coverage based on their health status. There are HMO’s in West Virginia that have an open enrollment period where anyone can purchase health insurance regardless of their physical health status. Premiums in Wisconsin can fluctuate greatly based upon age and poor health. If the policy covers dependent children, babies and adopted children are covered for a minimum of 31 days.
West Virginia Health Insurance Plans
West Virginia has a multitude of health insurance plans for residents. Many people are covered on group health plans provided by their employer. Another form on health insurance available is individual health insurance and there are also self-employed person and small employer plans. Additionally, the state of West Virginia offers plans for low-income residents who would otherwise not have the ability to get health insurance.
West Virginia Health Insurance Financial Assistance
Like many states, West Virginia offers financial assistance to residents who meet the required qualifications. The state of West Virginia provides Medicare, the West Virginia Children’s Insurance Pool (WVCHIP) and the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. Medicare provides benefits for low-income families, women who are pregnant, elderly and disabled, WVCHIP helps protect children and the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program provides qualifying women with cancer screenings.
Health insurance seems to be a topic of interest across the nation. For many West Virginia residents, health insurance is an important and necessary product. People need to know what is expected of them regarding health insurance products now; they need to know their rights and the rights of the insurance companies so that they can be best prepared to protect their interests.