Tag Archives: Health
How To Make The Right Health Insurance Decision 2
How To Make The Right Health Insurance Decision
By searching for health insurance quotes online, you can get a lot of good information in a very short period of time. Using the internet to get health insurance quotes, allows you to compare many health insurance options side-by-side without a lot of pressure. You can become well-informed and make good choices regarding which companies you wish to contact before you ever pick up the phone and talk with an agent.
You don’t have to get the best type of health insurance right away, just make sure you’re insured above all else. If you have to settle for lower coverage than what you want, that’s fine. Just make sure you start saving so you can get the type of coverage you want later on, since you can always upgrade.
If you’re self employed and looking for health insurance, you may find that an individual health plan is cheaper than a group plan. Group plans often cost twice as much as individual plans, since they have to cover everyone, regardless of health status. If you’re in good health, an individual plan may save you money.
Make sure that you’re always reading the fine print of any health insurance policy. The last thing you want, is to suffer some type of illness that the insurance company doesn’t have to cover. And if the company doesn’t have to cover it by contract, you better believe that they’re not going to volunteer their services.
Keep your health insurance coverage going! If you are switching healthy insurance plans, be sure not to get rid of your older one until the newer one kicks in. If you get rid of your older one too soon, you could be stuck having to pay the medical bills you may acquire when you are without health insurance!
One obvious way to save money on health insurance is to dial your deductible up or down to meet your needs. For example, if you are healthy and have no dependents, you may prefer a high-deductible plan with lower premiums. Families and/or people who need more regular health care may prefer a lower-deductible plan since their annual health care costs will be higher.
If a representative from an insurance company asks you a question you do not know the answer to, you should refer them to your medical record. Do not guess an answer or provide an incomplete one. Chances are, your approximate answer will not match what your record says, and you will get in trouble when your insurance company notices it.
If you are self employed, you can deduct your health insurance premiums as a business expense! You can deduct premiums you paid for yourself and dependents without itemizing on your federal tax return. As long as your insurance premiums were not more than your income and you were not eligible to be on an employer-sponsored plan, you can deduct those expenses.
Remember that it’s important to get busy getting health insurance quotes today. Your safety and possibly, that of your family are at stake, so you must have a health insurance plan in place. There are many reliable, reputable insurance companies across the nation and information regarding the many plans they offer is readily available online. Don’t hesitate! Start getting health insurance quotes today to protect yourself and your family!
What Role Does Your California Health Insurance Agent Or Broker Play?
What Role Does Your California Health Insurance Agent Or Broker Play?
First, what is the difference between a broker and an agent?
These terms are often interchanged in conversation. Officially, an Agent is an individual or company that acts on behalf of the carriers to market, sell, and service insurance. The Agent has a contract with the carrier in order to transact this business. A broker is person who also contracts with carriers but officially acts on behalf of the client. In practical terms, they are not that different when dealing with California health insurance.
For example, Goodacre Insurance Services is a California agent but our goal is to find the right plan for a individual or company across the major carriers. If Blue Cross has the right option and better pricing for a given person or company, then that’s where we will go. We are independent agents which is important because we do not have interest in pushing one particular company or plan. We do have knowledge from dealing with the carriers every day in terms of which companies are easier to deal with, more stable, or better priced. There are dozens of plans on the market so this can really be important. Just looking a rate quote and benefit summary is only half of the story when choosing health insurance. Some plans exclude certain benefits or apply caps to other types of coverage. We know the lay of the land and I would personally not want to purchase health insurance just based on a rate quote.
Some companies (though not the majors) use “captured agents”. This is a person who sells only one carrier’s insurance plans. They are essentially employees for that company. I would avoid such companies as they may not have the best interest of the client at heart. If a company cannot quote multiple carriers, beware. The major carriers in California are Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Pacificare, and Kaiser. Beyond these five, we do not feel very secure about the others.
How are agents or brokers paid? Agents are paid a commission by the carriers for policies issued and in force. The commission tends to be about the same from carrier to carrier. This commission does not affect the rate. The insurance rate you will get through an agent/broker is the same as you would get going directly through the carrier. The benefit of the agent relationship is that they navigate the carriers to expedite processing, help with service issues once enrolled, and act a third party. Again, a carrier’s main interest to keep you enrolled as policy subscriber but your interest may actually lie with another carrier or plan. An independent broker can help bridge the two at no additional cost to you. Also, the carriers are big companies. Some of the reps are very knowledgeable and others are…let’s face it…newer. By dealing with California health insurance daily, we are a wealth of information and guidance that you may not get by going directly.
What to expect from your broker/agent and especially Goodacre Insurance Services?
Goodacre Insurance Services provides service across three main areas.
California health plan selection.
This really is the most difficult part and it is the reason that people put off getting health insurance. There are many plans and the language is pretty technical. Most people glaze over when they see the brochures or instant quote results. Let’s face it….health insurance is not a common purchase. Typically, people have not needed to shop health insurance in years…if ever. Goodacre Insurance Services has been dealing solely with California health insurance for over a decade now. I can guarantee that with a few targeted questions, the plan selections can be narrowed down significantly. We want you to be informed. On a daily basis, we hear from our clients that they wish they would have called earlier rather than try to navigate the volumes of information provided the plans. Let us help. We do not sell. We listen, advise, and then it’s up to you what you wish to do.
California application and enrollment.
The health application is one more reason that people procrastinate. There are sections in there are mandated by law but which are thoroughly confusing such as the HIPAA qualification. Small Group can be equally difficult in terms of qualification for Small Group health coverage in California. We are happy to walk you through the application once a plan has been decided on. This is also the time to ask about the process, payment options, cancellation options, time table for enrolling in coverage. Based on your situation, we can give you a benchmark of what to expect for a normal processing.
Health Insurance Service and Membership.
Once the plan is in effect, we are your point of contact for membership issues, claims, and future changes. We go in at the end of each month and make sure that faxed changes, additions, and requests have been processed correctly. The carriers are pretty good but 1 out of 100 requests do not show in the system. You do not want to be that one with such a critical issues as health insurance. We can also advise for ways to reduce costs when the rate increase occur based on your changing health insurance needs.
Keep in mind that you can always contact the carrier directly if you choose but why would you? Let us do the work for you since there is no additional cost to you.
Agents and brokers are required to have a license and continuing education by the California Department of Insurance. You can always research an agent’s history, carrier contracts, and other information through them. There are different types of licenses. The two most common are Life/Health which is used to transact California health insurance and Property and Casualty is used to transact insurance such as auto or home insurance. Some agents do both health and P&C but it is increasingly difficult to this well and keep up with the ever-changing industries. This is why we choose to concentrate on health insurance solely. We know the carriers, the plans, and changes in the market. This makes us invaluable to you.
As we say on the phone here at Goodacre Insurance Services…”How can I help you out”.
How To Get The Most Affordable Health Insurance In Ohio
How To Get The Most Affordable Health Insurance In Ohio
Affordable health insurance in any state is usually obtained through an employer who offers a health benefits package – Ohio is no exception. However, not all employers offer health benefits packages to their employees, and they aren’t legally required to. Also, some people work one or two part time jobs and aren’t eligible for either employer’s health benefits packages because they don’t work enough hours. In other words, they aren’t full time employees, so the employers don’t feel they are important enough assets to insure.
Other than purchasing an individual health insurance policy in Ohio, which is usually always more expensive than buying into a group health insurance policy such as those offered by employers, or seeking state assistance for health insurance, there are two other options for obtaining affordable health insurance, or at least medical cost coverage, in Ohio.
One option for obtaining affordable health insurance in Ohio is to purchase major medical policy with a high deductible. Of course, these kinds of health insurance policies usually don’t cover regular doctor’s visits, but they will cover major medical expenses such as emergency room visits, hospitalization, and surgeries. Plus, because of the higher deductible, they are more affordable that a regular health insurance policy.
Another option for obtaining affordable health coverage in Ohio is to set up a Health Savings Account, also referred to as HSAs. HSAs aren’t health insurance policies per se, but they do allow you to save money along the way should you need to visit a doctor, be medically treated, or pay for any other health service.
Obtaining affordable health insurance in Ohio – or any other state, for that matter – is no easy feat if you aren’t offered a health benefits package through an employer; however, don’t give up. Aside from purchasing an individual package or seeking state assistance, you can purchase a major medical policy or start an HSA to cover some of your health costs.
Good Advice To Know When Purchasing Health Insurance (2)
Good Advice To Know When Purchasing Health Insurance
You don’t have much if you don’t have your health. If you don’t have your health insurance in order, life can be a series of waiting for the other shoe to drop as you wait for an injury or illness that may or may not occur. If you need help in getting and understanding the world of health insurance, then read on for some great tips.
States have different regulations about health insurance coverage. You can easily find this information online. Before applying for health insurance, make sure you know what kind of coverage is recommended and if there are any forbidden practices in your state. If you move to a new state, you might need to switch to another insurance company.
Don’t rush the process of finding the right health insurance policy. You want to consider all your options, get all the information you can get, and know that you are making the right choice before you make your decision. This will ensure that you don’t get the wrong policy or premium in haste.
There are some simple things that you can do to lower your health insurance costs. Just taking care of yourself well will allow you to have a slightly lower premium. If you don’t smoke, and get your yearly check-ups, you can actually save quite a bit of money every year.
When looking for health insurance, always shop around. Insurance plans can vary greatly from company to company. One might offer a lower deductible, while another offers better coverage. Shopping around can help you to understand your options. Your individual needs will determine which plan works best for you.
When seeking good health insurance, be sure to do an online search first. By seeking good insurance policies and rates online, you can compare many policies side-by-side and get a good idea of which ones will really suit your needs and your pocketbook. Additionally, if you educate yourself on what the lowest priced insurance companies offer, you can sometimes use that knowledge to negotiate a better deal with a higher ranking company.
Consider purchasing private health insurance policies for your dependents. Even if your employer offers health insurance coverage, the cost to add your dependents can sometimes be very high. Shopping around for private options can, at times, be worth your while. Some private companies offer lower coverage options, for a lower cost, that may suit your needs.
All health insurance prices can vary based on the state you are in. One of the best ways to save money is to do research on your state’s insurance web site. You will get a list of the companies that are avalible in your area, and the prices that they cost.
No one should have to go without health insurance. The advice given to you in this article is an attempt to get everyone the information that they need to have quality and affordable insurance for themselves and their families. Here’s to your good health and good health insurance!
How To Get The Best Rates On Health Insurance In Alabama
How To Get The Best Rates On Health Insurance In Alabama
Health insurance costs are a hot-button topic right now. The problem is being debated at the highest levels of government and it’s possible that someday a solution to this problem will be reached. In the meantime it is up to each and every one of us to do whatever is necessary to find ways of reducing the cost of our health care insurance on our own.
Fortunately there are ways for you to reduce your health insurance costs and we’re going to explore a few of them here.
If you’re really serious about reducing your cost of health insurance then we need to start with your lifestyle. Do you smoke? Do you use chew or any other tobacco product? If so, then you are not helping your cause. Tobacco users pay 30% to 50% more for health insurance than non-smokers.
If you smoked when you took out a health insurance policy but you have since quit it is important that you let your insurance agent know this as it can trigger a reduction in your monthly premium payment.
What’s your weight like? Being overweight also increases the cost of health insurance. Losing weight is more difficult than quitting smoking for most Americans, but the good news is that if you can lose even a few pounds you may move down one rung on the insurance company’s weight chart and that could potentially save you hundreds of dollars every single year.
If you regularly participate in any type of extreme or dangerous sport or hobby then you will not get the best rates on health insurance in Alabama or any other state. The same goes for driving a fast sports car or driving most muscle cars.
Anything you do that puts your life or health at risk is going to increase your health insurance premium.
Buying group health insurance can save you a lot of money. If your work-place does not offer group health insurance then ask around at all of the clubs, organizations or groups that you belong to. A surprising number offer group health insurance to their members. Ask your friends if any group, club or organizations that they belong to offers group health insurance. If so, consider joining.
Ask at your place or worship. Many church groups offer discount health insurance to their members.
Use credit cards wisely. Believe it or not, your credit report affects how much you pay for your health insurance. The healthier your credit score the less you’ll pay for your health insurance.
When was the last time you checked your co-pay percentage? Many people start out paying 20% or 25% as a co-payment when they visit their doctor’s office. If you can afford to increase your co-pay to 50% you will save a tremendous amount every month on your health premium. This tactic works best for people who do not see their doctor on a regular basis.
Can you afford to increase your deductible? This is a serious question and you should give it some real thought. The higher your deductible the lower your monthly health insurance premium – but by the same token, the higher your deductible the more money you have to pay out of your own pocket or purse each year before you can ask your insurance company to help you out. Don’t offer to pay more than you can comfortably afford.
Finally it’s time to go online and find at least three of the websites designed to let you compare prices on health insurance policies from different insurance companies.
You’ll have to fill out the form on at least 3 websites if you want to be sure of seeing the prices from every insurance company in Alabama and you have to be careful to enter the exact same information on each form so that you are comparing the same policy each time, but once you are finished all you need to do is to find the company with the best rate and your job is done!
How To Get Affordable Health Insurance In South Carolina
How To Get Affordable Health Insurance In South Carolina
Health insurance is probably one of the most-contested political issues facing this country right now, and it’s possible that someday something will be done to make health care insurance more affordable for more people. But in the meantime it is going to be up to each and every one of us to do the best we can and to find ways to lower the cost of our health insurance on our own.
But there is a lot more we can all do to find lower-cost health care insurance.
Start by developing a healthier lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking and using all tobacco products. As difficult as this is for most people the fact is that people who do not smoke and who do not use chew or other tobacco products pay a lot less for their health insurance. If you really want affordable health insurance then you’ll bite the bullet and quit smoking.
Unfortunately the same goes for being overweight. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) helps to determine your cost of health insurance. However, even if you can just lose a few pounds you can sometimes drop down a notch on the insurance company’s BMI index and if that happens you can potentially save hundreds of dollars a year in health care costs.
Don’t engage in extreme sports or dangerous hobbies. And sell that sleek and fast sports car if you are truly serious about affordable health insurance.
If you have a home based business or if you are self employed there may be ways for your agent to qualify you for group rates. But even if you can’t qualify for group rates your health insurance premiums may be tax deductible and once your tax-break is figured into the equation you may find that your health insurance is not so expensive after all.
An HMO or a PPO may be part of the answer. Health Maintenance Organizations are less expensive than individual health insurance but they require that you only see plan doctors – if your current doctor is not a plan member then you may have to switch doctors.
Do you belong to any clubs, organizations or associations? You’d be surprised how often groups that you would never think of offer their members discount group health insurance. Ask if your friends belong to any groups, clubs or organizations that offer group health – and if so, join them. Even some religious organizations are now offering group health insurance, so ask around.
Obviously the larger of a deductible you can afford the lower your monthly premium cost for health insurance. Be honest with yourself when it comes to your deductible since you will have to find this money yourself to pay for your own health care before your insurance company begins picking up the tab.
If you’re still having trouble affording health insurance but you have a home, a savings account or other assets that you really need to protect, consider purchasing a super-high-deductible policy, a health insurance policy with a deductible of ,000 or even more. These comparatively cheap policies are not designed to help with normal doctor’s visits or even most out-patient procedures. The purpose of these policies is to cover your medical expenses if you should have a catastrophic accident or suffer a major illness.
Now take the tips you have gathered from this article and then find at least 3 websites that allow you to compare the cost of medical insurance from different insurance companies. Fill out the forms on all 3 websites exactly the same, so you are comparing the same policy on all 3 sites.
Now your job is simple. All you need to do is to pick the company with the lowest price. This is the way to get affordable health insurance in South Carolina…you do your homework, you compare prices and you pick the winner!