Insurance Blog

Health Care Reform Passed - Can I Get a Policy Now?

2011-01-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

Major rules on health care reform became effective October 23, 2010. And almost daily I am asked - will it now be easier and cheaper for me to purchase health insurance? The answers to those questions are - probably not, and No. At least not yet.

The rules for purchasing individual health insurance coverage won't change for most of us until 2014 when all policies will be guarantee issue - translation - you can't be denied for health reasons. Small group plans (50 and under in FL) already operate that way. Until then, if you have a medical issue, you can still be denied coverage on that condition - or turned down entirely.

The guaranteed issue rule already applies to children under the age of 19 - but, fearing a tidal wave of young applicants who were sick, the carriers responded by refusing to issue any further policies on children only. However, if a child applies with a parent, they will be accepted without problem in most cases.

As for cost - no one seems able to really get a handle on this and rising costs remain largely unchanged.

Don't get Bamboozled When Shopping for Insurance!

2010-06-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

With all of the discussion about health insurance alternatives, changes from the government, and the ever increasing cost of coverage, I am seeing more companies advertise so called "low cost" plons than ever before. Let's face it, we are all desperate to find a way to cut what we spend on health insurance. And that desperation leads some people to make unfortuate decisions.

Let me state this for the record - health insurance NEVER, EVER goes on sale. If you find a plan that is dramatically less than the other plans you have considered, there is a reason - and that reason is always found in the coverage and benefits.

Please consult with a health insurance professional before selecting a plan. What you don't know will hurt you when you and your family can least afford it.

Wellness - It's the new Health Care Plan

2010-05-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wellness. It's the buzzword in health care and with good reason. According to some estimates, up to 50% of what our nation spends on health care is attibutable to preventable illnesses, i.e. the so-called "lifestyle" illnesses. That's a fancy way of saying we eat too much, eat too much of the wrong stuff, and we move too little.

Why not take this part of your life into your own hands? We can't change our lives overnight, but the evidence is in - simple changes can have a huge positive effect on your overall health and, oh yes, you'll feel better too. Living long and living well requires that we take care of the machine that takes care of us - our body.

The Uninsured

2010-02-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

I attended a chamber of commerce function last evening and once again, I was astonished at the number of people who confided to me that they have no health insurance.

When I read that The Uninsured are primarily illegal immigrents or those who are merely between jobs, I almost laugh out loud. In my community, I meets dozens of small business owners/self employeed individuals who cannot afford to carry health insurance and haven't had coverage in years. And no wonder, with family premiums exceeding $1000 per month - and double that if you are in your late 50's or older.

We offer some of the best health care in the world, but fewer will be able to afford treatment when they need it unless we find a different way to fund this important service in our society.

Hospital/Surgical Plans - Worth a Look

2010-02-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

As the cost of comprehesive major medical insurance continues to increase, many people are looking for alternatives. CMM coveres most types of treatments in most locations - the hospital, the doctor's office, labs and clinics. The coverage is complete, but it may be beyond your means.

As the name implies, hospital/surgical plans cover your treatment costs primarily when you are an in-patient in the hosptal - although some plans cover a limited number of out patient expenses. These plans may be considerably less expensive and can protect you against the huge expenses that a hospital stay will generate. They could be a good option if standard health insurance has become too expensive but you want some protection against a catastrophic illness or injury.

I recommend hospital/surgical plans to those who cannot afford more traditional coverage but it's important to realize that you will be self-insuring against out-patient expenses - that means, you will pay for them out of your pocket. That may be a good move, as long as you don't suffer from any chronic conditions that require regualr treatment.

Talk with an insurance professional before making a change to your insurance coverage. No one likes "ugly suprprises."

Health Care Reform - Now What?

2010-01-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Every health carrier I work with and professional organization I belong to is asking the same question: between the recent election in Massachusetts and overall reaction from the public - is health care reform dead - again?

In truth, no one knows. There is no disagreement that our current system is unsustainable. We just can't get any three people (never mind an entire nation) to agree as to what needs to be changed and how. I would encourage you to contact your legislators and tell them that SOME move towards a different delivery system is a must. Under our current sytem, soon only the wealthy will be able to afford the kind of health care that Americans have had in the past.

I need to see a doctor - what now?

2010-01-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year to start good habits. Here are a couple of good habits regarding your health coverage. 1. Carry your insurance card with you at all times. In many cases, doctors and hospitals are expected to verify your benefits before treating you - hard to do if they don't have the information on your plan. 2. Establish yourself with a primary care physician, even if you are a healthy person. I can tell you from personal experience, you don't want to be looking for a doctor when you are already sick or hurt. 3. Take control of your health. The healthier you are, the less you spend on healthcare. Isn't that what we all want?

Short Term Health Insurance

2009-12-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

If you are between jobs, between health insurance plans, or just trying to figure out what to do for your permanent health coverage, you may need a temporary plan for a few weeks or even a few months. Short Term Health Insurance is designed for just that situation.

Short term plans typically ask a couple of health questions and may screen for those with very serious medical conditions. They also generally do not cover preexisting conditions, however, the premiums are modest. This is the perfect plan to protect yourself against the possibility of that once in a lifetime accident occuring during the few months you are uninsured.

You may cover just yourself or an entire family. You can purchase coverage for one month - or for up to 12 months. It's a cost effective and flexible way of protecting yourself on a temporary basis.