Friday, November 5, 2010

What is the best type of health insurance for my wife and I during her pregnancy?

My wife is pregnant and we are looking for coverage while I am in-between jobs. We don't qualify for access because my wife will make too much and COBRA is expensive but it is the only option that I seem to have because all other insurance companies say that pregnancy is a "pre-existing" condition. Does anyone know of any temporary health insurance I could use? I'd also rather not get a discount plan.
--------------------
Technically you have coverage as long as you have the COBRA "Option" usually you have 62 days to let the insurance company know that want to pick up the COBRA coverage. If during this time you need to use the insurance then you have to pay full price for COBRA but if you find a job offering group plans during that time you have received two months of coverage for "free" Individual coverage will not cover a female who is currently pregnant even if they could exclude the pregnancy (You wouldn't want that anyway) Find a Job with health insurance and take it even if it is not your ideal job or even in your field.
Source

I only have health insurance. Is there any way to get work done on my teeth without dental insurance?

My two front teeth feel extremely sensitive right now to the point that it stings. I do not have dental insurance, but I have complete health insurance. Because I'm not worried about my teeth's aesthetic issues, is there a way to get this billed at the hospital under my health insurance?
--------------------
I really doubt it. I would call your medical insurance company and ask them. Or I would encourage you to visit this site: www.healthsavings.ourperfectcard.com I signed up online over 5 years ago now and they have saved me thousands of dollars since. From extractions, xrays, fillings...etc. All services are included in this very affordable plan. They even had my benefits active in 2 hours and was able to use it the very same day. hope this helps.
Source

Where do I get health insurance for my small business?

I only have 6 employees (including myself) right now. I wanted insurance for myself because as I get older, my body isn't getting stronger. But now I've had a wide variety of health problems with my employees, and on some days I simply can't afford to be without them. Any advice from a small business owner with health insurance would help.
--------------------
Well you can get small business health insurance from a wide variety of insurance companies. All you have to do is shop around. I think you meant where is the best place to get health insurance, and there is really no best answer. I recommend http://www.esmallbusinesshealthinsurance.com It is a website dedicated to, of course, small business health insurance. You can compare plans and rates directly from the company side by side. And with some of the companies, they offer customizable plans. Your best bet is to talk with an agent and see what can work for you.
Source

What are some affordable health insurance plans?

I am 20 years old and do not have health insurance and I need to get my wisdom teeth pulled! So i'm looking for an affordable health insurance.I've already applied for Medicaid and was denied.I need help please!
--------------------
You can find the best health insurance offers in your area in one site, is very easy to get quotes from different quotes from the best companies.
Source

How is the health care overhaul different from auto insurance?

I'm not well versed in the world of politics, but I just read that there are 13 states that are going to sue because they claim it is unconstitutional for the government to mandate that we have health care. How can they require us to keep auto insurance then? Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure it's illegal to not have auto insurance; I don't see how that's different than health insurance.
--------------------
purely a political statement. Federal social law trumps states rights. Isn't the right glad they didn't push tort reform through so that they can clog up the court system with these frivolous lawsuits? EDIT: To the person above: Problem with people like you who don't want insurance is that when you do use the health system, people who have insurance, like me, end up paying for your services with higher premiums and fees. Why should I have to pay for your poor choices? EDIT: To Ali. Your fearful speculation about premiums is unfounded as there is no indication in the legislation that says they will go up [although conservative talk radio has beaten that into you head pretty well]. But I know for a fact that a $500 a night stay in a semi-private room [the room only] is overinflated so that the uninsured are cared for.
Source

How to get afforable health insurance for my family?

I applied for Antea Health insurance a few months back. I had to cancel it because I was not able to afford the exam they needed for my family. Is there any insurance companies that do not need the exams? I haven't had one in years. I really need to get some insurance because I have a 20 month old son. Any suggestions? I have looked online but I can't afford more than $200.00 a month.
--------------------
Most insurance companies don't need exams unless there is a questionable condition or if you are over a certain age and are looking for preferred rates. So if Aetna wanted an exam there must be a reason and all other companies may also require the exam. Visit a local agent that works with all the major companies in your area. The agent can work with you to find the best plan for your situation and budget. The agent will explain the coverage you get with any particular policy and, more important, what coverage you don't get if you are looking for a less expensive plan. There is no extra charge using an agent.
Source

How to get individual health insurance in US as a new immigrant?

I will be moving to the US next week and am shopping around for individual health insurance. I am shocked that all the companies I have tried to apply at so far require applicants to have lived in the United States for 1 or more years. How are immigrants supposed to get health insurance?
--------------------
Most major US health insurance companies require a person to have lived in the US at least 6 months to 1 year. Your best bet will be to find a worldwide international travel health insurance company and get a plan from them for a year or so until you are eligible for a regular US individual health insurance policy. Here is some more information on international travel health insurance plans:
Source

How much should general health insurance cost for an 18 year old couple?

My boyfriend and I are about to move out of my parent's house, and I'm trying to figure out our monthly budget. Health insurance is important to for my boyfriend because he needs medication. Neither of us have a car.
--------------------
Try this site http://www.usainsurancequotes.net/ here you can get quotes from different companies.
Source

Why is the co-pay for dental insurance more expensive than health insurance?

I compared the co pays on several reputable dental insurance companies and it is very expensive. Many things are not covered, even with the best dental insurance. Health insurance is usually a 10 dollar co pay for primary physicians and a 35-50 dollar co pay for specialty physicians. Is there any reason why dental insurance co pay is as expensive as it is?
--------------------
Actually, the only time the copays are so low for health insurance is when you're dealing with those high-dollar plans provided by a lot of employers. (At least those are the types of plans that were provided be employers in the past; that's changing significantly because of the cost involved.) Trust me, these are FAR from the "norm." As for dental insurance, the fact is that there are nearly as many organized networks for dental providers as there are for medical providers (where belonging to as many networks as possible is the best way to ensure you keep new clients coming in to your practice.) Dental insurance, by comparison to what you pay for medical coverage (particularly of the variety you mention) is also CHEAP. And I don't know very many people who would pay triple the price for dental insurance so they could get the $10 copay. In the end, it's really that simple.
Source

How do you find affordable health insurance?

I have a friend of mine who lives in Florida. He had open heart surgery a few years ago. After the surgery was done, the Dr walked in the room and told my friend he really never needed the surgery to begin with. He is trying to find health insurance and he is having trouble finding it because of his heart condition even though now he doesn't have one. Most of the health insurance companies want more then $1500 a month to insure him. How does he find affordable insurance in the US?
--------------------
You can try increasing the deductible. A higher deductible can result in a much lower premium. Your only other options would be Medicaid or a medical discount plan. Be very wary of these plans. They are not regulated by the Department of Insurance nor do the people that sell them need to be licensed. This means you have little recourse when you have problems with the plan. If you are tempted by the low price and claims of "save up to 80%" be aware that very few doctors actually take these cards. It does you little good if you have to drive 4 hours to find a doctor that will accept the card. Montana couldn't find any doctors in the whole state that actually took the card and only one dentist who was on probation for unlawful activities so they banned the sale of the card and fined the company. See this site for comparing insures company at your place or florida http://top-usa-health-insurance-comparator.blogspot.com/ Before signing up with any discount plan get a list of doctors. If they won't give you a list consider it to be a scam. Call the doctors on the list to make sure they're still taking the card (many don't even know that they're listed as a provider) and that they're accepting new patients.
Source

What health insurance company can offer non residents full insurance cover in Australia?

Hi, I am in the process of getting sponsored by my company on a 457 visa and one requirement is to produce proof of health insurance. As my insurance with my Irish insurer is running out I was hoping to secure insurance with an Australian company in order to make payments easier. I have been told by many that I can't get insured by the majority of Australian insurers as I am Irish and not a resident. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
--------------------
Usually you should look for either a broad Travelers Medical Insurance or ExPatriate cover. Both should be provided by offshore insurers (Insurance companies that are situated and operate outside of Australia. Searching Google for expatriate insurance will surely provide you with numerous options. Check the covers they offer, and compare not only the costs but also the deductibles, sums covered and waiting periods.
Source

How do you get health insurance if you suffer from depression?

I have a friend who's been turned down for salary protection because he was once treated with depression. He's afraid now that he's becoming self-employed he's going to have trouble getting health insurance. Is there anything he should be doing to get covered?
--------------------
I don't understand the link with "salary protection" & depression but... If your friend is in the US & has been covered by employer-provided insurance, he should also be covered by the HIPAA laws & should be able to look at COBRA or conversion coverage, regardless of why he's leaving his old job. Next, most insurance companies that offer individual policies have specific underwriting guidelines for how recently, & how, pre-existing conditions have been treated to decide whether to apply a pre-existing condition exclusion & for how long. If your friend's depression was treated more than a year ago, then it's probably a non-issue. If it's more recently, he may just be subject to a pre-existing condition exclusion for some period of time. Some companies also "rate up" (read: raise) their premiums for people who have pre-x exclusions but it's typically not a huge increase. I'd suggest he look into HIPAA & get prices from a few different insurance companies to find the best deal. If he's in the US, he's not uninsurable - it just may be more than he's willing to pay.
Source

How do you find affordable health insurance?

I have a friend of mine who lives in Florida. He had open heart surgery a few years ago. After the surgery was done, the Dr walked in the room and told my friend he really never needed the surgery to begin with. He is trying to find health insurance and he is having trouble finding it because of his heart condition even though now he doesn't have one. Most of the health insurance companies want more then $1500 a month to insure him. How does he find affordable insurance in the US?
--------------------
I beg to differ with Heather. The pre-existing clause in the portability act only refers to group policies. Individual policies will usually look back 5 - 10 years for surgeries and heart conditions. They can choose to decline you, rider the condtion for a period of time (1 year to permanent) or increase the premium, as you are finding out. You can try increasing the deductible. A higher deductible can result in a much lower premium. Your only other options would be Medicaid or a medical discount plan. Be very wary of these plans. They are not regulated by the Department of Insurance nor do the people that sell them need to be licensed. This means you have little recourse when you have problems with the plan. If you are tempted by the low price and claims of "save up to 80%" be aware that very few doctors actually take these cards. It does you little good if you have to drive 4 hours to find a doctor that will accept the card. Montana couldn't find any doctors in the whole state that actually took the card and only one dentist who was on probation for unlawful activities so they banned the sale of the card and fined the company. See this link http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/wes… for more information. Many other states are starting to ban these cards as well. Before signing up with any discount plan get a list of doctors. If they won't give you a list consider it to be a scam. Call the doctors on the list to make sure they're still taking the card (many don't even know that they're listed as a provider) and that they're accepting new patients.
Source

What health insurance options do I have while I'm going to college?

I will only be working part-time while going to college so I will not have health benefits. What options are available? I'm an older adult, so I will not be on my parents insurance. Also does it matter if I am attending a community or technical college? I plan to start at a community college, then transfer to a university.
--------------------
Some colleges/universities offer information on health insurance plans for their students. I know my daughter was eligible for free health services through our State health department because she was considered an adult at 18 and had a minimal income.
Source

What to do if your application for health insurance coverage is denied due to lower back issues?

I was denied new health insurance coverage in May 2007 because of lower back pain in January 2007 for which I received physical therapy. I have had continuous health insurance coverage for more than 2 years with no history of back ailments. If I reapply again now (for coverage starting in September), am I likely to be denied again? Is there anything I can do about it? My group coverage through work is very costly, and I'd prefer to have a more affordable plan.
--------------------
Depending upon your state, many companies will decline if you've had any back problems in the past 5 years. Visit a local independent agent. This person can contact the underwriters for you to see if any will accept you. Some companies may accept you but put a rider on any back problems. This means they won't cover anything that has to do with or is a result of the back problems. Some companies may cover after 1 year. The agent can find out for you.
Source

What are some affordable Health Insurance Options in NYC for Latin American father and his child to be?

My friend doesn't have health insurance and is planning on putting his new baby (born around Oct.) on his policy with him. He's Latin American and has his permanent residence card, but is not yet a citizen. Anyone know of any affordable plans for him to look into in the Manhattan area?
--------------------
Try this site http://best-health-insurances-usa-quote.blogspot.com/ Here you can get quotes from different health insurance companies in your area, its the best way to find an affordable health insurance with a reliable company.
Source

What is the best health insurance plan for a student studying abroad?

My daughter is studying abroad in Rome this fall. She needs medical coverage for 3 months. Our health insurance policy does not cover her while in Italy. Any suggestions for a good student plan?
--------------------
You bet. What you want is called Travel Medical Insurance. It does not matter what reason you have for traveling - study abroad is just as good as vacationing. You can learn about it by going to http://www.wavehelp.com/travel-medical/i… The column headed "Worldwide Health" and the one headed "Patriot Travel Medical" are where to look. You can buy online if you see something you like. Best wishes.
Source

What health insurance options do I have while I'm going to college?

I will only be working part-time while going to college so I will not have health benefits. What options are available? I'm an older adult, so I will not be on my parents insurance. Also does it matter if I am attending a community or technical college? I plan to start at a community college, then transfer to a university.
--------------------
health-quotes.talk4fun.net - my family have this health insurance. It is affordable and has good coverage for dental issues.
Source

What is a cheap health insurance option for entrepreneurs?

Also going to Africa soon, what type of shots do you need, and how much are they if you dont have health insurance?
--------------------
Check with your local health department for the cost of the shots. CHEAP insurance has a high deductible.
Source

What is the best health insurance for a 25 yr old married couple?

My husband and I are looking for health insurance. I grew up on Blue Cross Blue Shield but I don't know if that is an A rated company or not. Also, what benefits should I look for, what kind of deductible and what kind of q's should I ask?
--------------------
As a 25 year old married couple you need to ask yourself a few questions: 1) Are you planning on having children? If so, you want to make sure that the plan you select has maternity coverage. Most straight PPO Indivdiual/Family plans do not offer Maternity Coverage that is reasonable. Depending on your area Blue Cross may offer an HMO based plan that does cover maternity. Be aware - most individual plans that cover maternity have a wait period before the pregnancy will be a covered benefit. 2) You may also want to look at an Health Savings Account (HSA) Qualified plan. Being so young, they afford you a great way to save (tax free) for future medical expenses. Also, because you are young, chances are you will not incur any huge medical expenses - so dont pay the huge premiums for a benefit rich co-pay plan - you will be able to save the premium difference between an HSA Plan and a traditional plan into you your HSA. 3) If you are self-employed - make sure you look for a plan that covers on the job accidents - some plans exclude this coverage, so be sure to ask for a Sample Policy Cert before signing up for any policy 4) Use a local independent agent - they have the most knowledge on the plans that are available in your area. Hope this helps and good luck!
Source

Is there any advantage of group health insurance?

I would like to know if there is any advantage of a group health insurance plan over a personal health insurance policy. I am planning on buying a health insurance plan so I wanted to know.
--------------------
Yes there is an advantage of group health plan over individual health insurance. The main benefit is that a person can get the policy virtually free of cost. Employers sometimes charge a nominal amount from the employee for the policy provided. I would recommend that you get a personal plan along with the group policy. have a health insurance plan from Apollo Munich. They also provide group health insurance
Source

What pet health insurance policies are recommended?

My dog has been on the Banfield Wellness Plan for a few years, but I am discovering that it is not one of the best health plans. Her current plan only allows her to get treated at the Banfield Hospital that the plan was signed up under, and they don't have extended hours. They are always closed on Sundays and Mondays, and it's difficult to find a vet that doesn't charge too much for anything. I'm trying to look for a different pet health insurance plan where I can take her anywhere any time during the week or weekend.
--------------------
Banfield Wellness Plan is not really insurance, but more of a plan through the corporation. If you want actual pet insurance, I would suggest VPI. My clinic does a lot with VPI and it is relatively simple and affordable. Check out the different plans they offer and make sure it suits you, then after you've signed up, this is how it works. Pet insurance is not like human insurance. You can go to any veterinarian, but the plan you choose selects what is covered and what is not. You can do whatever treatment you choose at your veterinarian's, just remember you have to pay for it all. VPI insurance forms are filled out by your veterinarian (bring them in with you or ask the front desk for one - they most likely have one) and sent in by you. VPI then reimburses you. You can check it out at : http://www.petinsurance.com/ The pet insurance world has not expanded to the point that you have a card and an office within your clinic will handle the paper work but I have a feeling that it will grow to this point soon enough. So check out the website, ask your veterinarian, and hopefully some of this info is helpful. I've seen insurance cover everything from heartworm preventatives and update to vaccine reaction and emergency surgeries. It is definately worth it. Just remember, insurance is different from a wellness plan. Wellness plans are a bulk amount of money in a partnership with a clinic or corporation to cover what is done with that clinic. Insurance is monthly payments for coverage just like for human health insurance. Just wanted to add this side note: if you go to the VPI website, you can get a quote on your pet(s), they have full details of thier plans, you can enroll online and they give a discount when you enroll more than 1 pet!
Source

What health insurance do you recommend in Panama?

I am a healthy male age 40 who travels on a regular basis who lives in Panama City, Panama. I am looking for health insurance - what do you recommend?
--------------------
At age 40 you can still apply for all of the insurance providers in Panama. Most have age limits starting at 60 - although some go up to 74 and then there is one provider that has no limit. Health insurance companies include Aseguradora Mundial, Aseguradora Ancon, ASSA, IHI - Bupa - HSBC Seguros, Blue Cross - Blue Shield, World Wide Medical, Santa Fe Plan, and Alico. As an insurance broker I can get you quotes from all insurance companies. Since you have no pre-existing conditions you are eligable for all. The adminision requirements are different for foreigners than for Panamanians. Feel free to write to me - forlacol@gmail.com Look forward to assisting you. Ursula Kiener Ford
Source

Do you know the difference between Health Care and Health Insurance?

The bill that past did nothing to provide or gaurantee heathcare as a right to everyone. What it did is mandate you buy health insurance. Everyone seems to think it was about health care, it was not. Here are the wiki definitions of each: Health care, or healthcare, is the treatment and management of illness, and the preservation of health through services offered by the medical, dental, complementary and alternative medicine, pharmaceutical, clinical sciences (in vitro diagnostics), nursing, and allied health professions Health insurance like other forms of insurance is a form of collectivism by means of which people collectively pool their risk, in this case the risk of incurring medical expenses. The collective is usually publicly owned or else is organized on a non-profit basis for the members of the pool, though in some countries health insurance pools may also be managed by for-profit companies
--------------------
I do but every time I try to tell me that the bill didn't actually address health-care they seem surprised and often disagree.. The bill isn't about providing the poor with insurance. We already have medicaid and dozens of state programs to address this need. This was about the government telling me that I must, under the threat of civil penalty, buy health insurance. A power grab and payback to the insurance companies and nothing more..
Source