Monday, May 12th, 2008
If there’s anytime, that you would suddenly lose health insurance, either because you’re a new graduate looking for a job, or someone who just got a job and your health insurance benefit comes into the scene three months after. If you fall somewhere within these types, then you might be interested in looking for a health insurance that will temporarily cover you and/or your family.
Most short-term health insurance has a coverage ranging from 180 days to 12 months tops. It’ll cover accidents or sudden illnesses. You’ll be in charge of picking your own doctor or clinic, and get in and out patient services as well.
The negative side of it all is that it won’t offer all permanent plan benefits. It won’t include pre-existing conditions, routine medical exams, preventive care, optical or dental care, or pregnancy and childbirth expenses.
Source
Saturday, May 10th, 2008
Parents’ health insurance plans unfortunately doesn’t always cover their college student children. In fact, there’s 5 million who aren’t covered at all. In this case, colleges usually assist the parents by implementing their own insurance for the kids. But this doesn’t mean it’s all ok now. Businessweek.com advises that parents should read the details before signing on the dotted line:
- Maximum Benefits vs. Deductibles. Most college plans have a very low benefits ceiling—often $30,000 or less. This won’t cover large medical issues such as cancer or injuries suffered in a car accident.
- Interior Caps. Some college insurance plans are structured so it is nearly impossible to take advantage of all the benefits.
- Prescription Drugs. Most plans put a cap on the coverage for prescription drugs. These caps, however, can vary from $400 to $5,000-plus.
- Exclusions. At the bottom of most insurance plans is a list of exclusions—medical issues or procedures that aren’t covered.
- Loss Ratios. Colleges seldom disclose a key statistic for judging their plans, known as a “loss ratio” or “benefits ratio.”
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Thursday, May 8th, 2008
There are wants and there are needs. Wants are something we can live without, while needs are things that we absolutely need to have to survive. However there are some wants that we will be needing: Health Insurance. If there’s anything we don’t want to scrimp on, it’s anything related to our health. So how do we do it while on a tight budget? Here are ten ways to do it via insurance.com:
Practice prevention
Shop around for health insurance
Cut the cost of prescription drugs
Check your medical bills
Join your spouse’s health plan
Keep track of your medical expenses
Negotiate a discount with your health-care provider
Contribute to a flexible spending account
Take advantage of free health screenings
Get to know your health insurance
Source
Sunday, May 4th, 2008
More people these days are living without any health insurance because of the downturning of the economy. However, those that do have it are saying that they have limited coverage and can no longer afford to pay their share of medical costs.
158 million people covered by employer health insurance programs are paying higher medical expenses due to various combinations of factors like higher premiums, less extensive coverages, and larger out-of-pocket deductibles and co-payments.
An employee’s average cost of annual health care has doubled since 2001. A survey is stating that only 7 percent said they are prepared financially for any future health problems or requirements.
Source
Thursday, April 17th, 2008
There are ways to save on health insurance premiums and one is having separate coverage for couples. Working couples usually receive insurance from two employers and may be able to get more benefits or pay lesser premium as compared to one-income couples. The best deal may be a separate coverage for each of the spouses depending on the payments and benefits of each offered plan. It is also possible to apply for double coverage for both party; or relinquishing one spouse’s coverage in preference of the other’s. For couples with children, compare also your options for a family coverage. The computations can be mind-blowing and, even if you availed of a double coverage, a couple can’t reimburse more than 100 percent on the same claim.
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008
by: Djai Tanji
Managed Care Organization (MCO) takes care of selecting an organization that will collect the premiums paid out of a person’s Social Security money from the Medicare program. In choosing MCO, pay attention how much a plan costs and what it covers. An MCO is intended to permit people to acquire full Medicare coverage at a minimum cost. Find out if an MCO allows you to choose your own doctor or not. MCOs that allow wider choices of doctors and hospitals mean that it include higher co-payments and deductibles. By choosing an MCO that offers additional benefits, you will have access to needed supplies and services that may not be covered by Medicare.
Monday, April 14th, 2008
Health plans vary in the number and types of benefits they will cover. Study the plans offered and look for the best option that matches your needs and paying capacity. Carefully review the benefits available, what is covered and what is not. Does it cover infant care, preventive care or dental care? What percentage, if there are any, of the cost of medical care are you required to shoulder? This could help you determine the out of pocket expenses that you may have to take care of. Gathering this information will aid you in your choice of health insurance plan.
Sunday, April 13th, 2008
by: Djai Tanji
LTC or LTCI is an insurance product being sold in the US and UK that aids in providing for the cost of “long-term care” (a variety of services that helps to meet both the medical and non-medical need of people with chronic illness or disability who cannot take care of themselves for long periods of time) beyond a prearranged period. Health Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid generally does not cover this long-term care insurance. Long-term care does not necessarily mean long term because a person may call for care for only a few months to fully recover from sickness or surgery.
Friday, April 11th, 2008
Health insurance shields you from prohibitive medical care costs. A lot of people get a health insurance policy through their employers. At times, the employer helps pay for that insurance. Insurance coursed through employers is often with a managed care plan. These are contracted with health care providers and medical facilities to be able to provide care for members at lower costs.
You can also buy your own health insurance, but it usually is higher than an employer-based insurance. People who meet specific requirements can avail of government health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. The disadvantage of not having a medical insurance would be paying of your own medical bills or depend on health organizations that donate care.
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Health insurance is a vital part of every person’s physical and monetary stability, but only a few people recognize exactly how health insurance works and what are their privileges as customers of medical insurance. Some online resources provide wide range of information that can assist you in understanding how the system works, what are the rights of a health consumer. It would be very useful for a person to know everything that will help in your decision to procure a health insurance coverage. These coverage are classified as either employment-based – private coverage; or government sponsored coverage – Medicare, Medicaid, or state specific plans.