Sunday, November 7, 2010

Is a requirement to carry health insurance really so different from a requirement to buy automobile insurance?

Technically, you don't have to own a car, but for most families, not having a car is not a practical alternative in modern society. The distinction is purely academic for most families. I don't think there are many people who choose not to own a car simply because they have a philosophical objection to automobile insurance. I suggest that the whole argument that the new requirement for carrying health insurance is a novel requirement because the government has never before required people to purchase any specific thing is a red herring.
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I totally agree. We're required by law to have car insurance to keep car insurance costs down. And God help you if you're stopped by a cop and don't have insurance to show him/her, you're taken to the police station. It should be the same with health insurance. If everyone had health insurance, emergency room wouldn't have to give free service, or transfer you to a county hospital, who will still be obligated to care for you. The cost of all this free service is passed down to people, through their insurance companies and we pay for the uninsured's health care.
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Is health insurance responsible for the ridiculous cost of health care in the US?

Since capitolism is based on the concept that competition mixed with supply and demand will motivate compainies to maximize their efficiency and innovation, would it not seem that health insurance, whereby the person receiving the service is not actually required to pay the bill, would prevent hospitals from caring about havign a reasonable price fortheir service, or for operating efficiently? (sorry for the long sentence) Since hospitals are plentiful, would not simple free market economy work with with medicine in the US, and force prices to drop the a reasonable amount that people can actually afford, as it does with food, shelter, and all the other necesities that benefit from the superior free market economy? Could solving the problems of health care in the US be as simple as eliminating all health insurance companies?
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This is not pure free market. It will be pure free market when: 1) Companies compensate employees for not taking medical insurance. If A and B works the same job in a company and A takes the company paid medical insurance he in theory makes 20% more than B for the same job. 2) I can buy drugs from whereever and when ever I want. I take the risk. Most procedures done in US can be done in India for 10% of the cost. But the risk is mine. 3) FDA remains just an advisory board. They advise and I decide to accept it or not. I think this is the root cause of all the evil. 4) No restriction to opening up a medical school. When the tech boom started there were a million new engineering and quasi engineering schools opened. Where are all the medical schools opening?
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How do health insurance companies define pre-existing health conditions?

Is it based on the time of diagnosis or the time the condition was likely to have originated? For example, what if I take out health insurance and a week later I go to the doctor and get diagnosed with cancer? I didn't know about it beforehand but the insurance company says the lump must have taken months to develop? What's the outcome?
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A pre-existing condition is a health condition that existed before the policy was purchased. Generally, for both group and individual insurance plans, if you have seen a physician within the previous 12 months (this period may vary in different plans) for a health condition, that particular condition will not be covered, either permanently or for a specified waiting period (usually six months to two years), or you may be refused coverage or charged a higher premium for the coverage. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) points out that cancer survivors have a pre-existing condition from the time of diagnosis through the remainder of their life, since a cancer survivor usually needs to see a physician at least once a year for a checkup.
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How to Compare & Buy the Senior Citizens Health Insurance in India?

I am 40 years old. I want to take Health Insurance Policy for my parents. Age of my Father is 68 & my Mother is 62. Health condition of both of them is good. I have lack of knowledge about Senior Citizens health Plan. I want Comparative Analysis of Senior Citizens Health Insurance to buy.
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go there
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What is the best 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!
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Check out this site, if you want to find the best or the cheapest health insurance just in one minute, http://cheap-health-insurance-usa.blogspot.com/ Here you can get free quotes from different health insurance companies in your area, its the best way to find an afforable health insurance with a reliable company. Best Wishes,
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Why is health insurance reform a national issue and not a state issue?

Health insurance laws are currently decided by individual states and now with talk of allowing states to opt out what really is the point of this being decided by the federal government? My state has a public option for low income individuals and families so why don't democrats just push their own state to reform health insurance?
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it should be a state or local issue after all the feds can't even run the post office! They have massive fraud under medicare so why do they want to try their hand at still another health care system when they cant handle it now! God Bless
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What is best option to get travel health insurance for my mom coming from Indonesia.?

My mom is coming to California from Indonesia. She is planning to stay for a few months. Where would be best to get her travel health insurance. She is 76 y/o. Should she buy one from Indonesia or better to buy one once she is arriving in America? any suggestion what company is best if buy her insurance in the states?
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health-quotes.isgreat.org - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.
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What is the best company to get health insurance from?

Everyone likes their health insurance so much there must be plenty of good companies out there. I'm looking for an option besides the government option. I'll even try your insurance company if you are really happy with them. Please provide me with the name of the company and what you like about their service. I would like to compare several policies (I assume they are all different) before I decide. Also, if anyone could point out the differences in policies between different insurers that would be very helpful. Thanks.
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Get an insurance broker. They'll do all of the leg work for you and provide you w/ the best options based upon your needs and budget. It's worth it...too many people think they're covered and find out they're not w/ the policy they picked. I have Blue Shield Active Start 35 -- it's a catastrophic plan but works well. It mitigates my risk to a maximum of $7500/yr -- something I can probably handle if I hit that threshold. Many people are also adopting HSA's (Health Savings Accounts) in conjunction w/ their PPO's/HMO's. Doing so allows you tax-free access to money that is pulled from your pay-check on a monthly basis to pay for any deductibles/bills you may encounter w/in the year. At the end of the year, you can spend that money on health related items tax-free. Go to a Rite Aid or CVS pharmacy and load up. The Broker will help you maximize the benefit of that as well -- in conjunction w/ the insurance policy. Be smart. I received a few services from the hospital many months back and had no problem w/ billing/claims. They even picked up the phone when I called to ask about a separate bill that showed up a week after I paid the rest. In addition, I was charged in-full for an MRI b/c I didn't get authorization beforehand. After a brief 2 minute conversation w/ customer service, they apologized for the inconvenience, reissued the bill as if they had pre-approved it, reminded me to get approval next time and sent me my bill for the deductible.
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What type of health insurance is best for me?

So, I'm a 25 year old individual, I'm about to graduate soon and I live in MI. I'm just learning about health insurance and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what you think would be the best type of insurance for my situation. I plan on staying here in the UP for a while bar-tending and not utilizing my degree just yet. Any suggestions? I would really appreciate it, thanks....This is all new and confusing to me.
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As a consultant specializing in insurance, here's my recommendation: 1. Find a high deductible plan that has a health savings account (HSA) component. The HSA should be funded fully each year. It's tax free money, and it can be used to pay medical expenses TAX FREE. Did I mention it was TAX FREE? 2. The high deductible should be about $3,000. That should save you about $250 / month in premiums. And if you take that $250 / month, and put it into your HSA, you will have $3,000 in your bank account TAX FREE. 3. The high deductible plan should be a preferred provider organization or "PPO" plan. That allows you to see any doctor or go to any hospital in the world, if necessary. (It makes a difference if you're travelling to a different state or a foreign country.) I'd recommend a lifetime maximum of at least $2 million. 4.You can compare many health insures rates at your site here http://top-usa-health-insurance-comparator.blogspot.com/ Best Wishes
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What is a good internationally health insurance plan for a college student?

My 18 year old daughter is going on a nonprofit church trip to Amsterdam and I am wondering if you could recommend a low cost health insurance plan to cover her while she travels overseas for six months?
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Lloyd's of London has a lot of experience with this type of insurance, and their process is quick and easy. https://online.piu.org/online_major_medi…
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How much does it normally cost for a health insurance?

I am planning to get a health insurance, but I want to know whether I can afford it or not. I am a single foreign-college student. What is minimum price for the health insurance per month? Which one the good one I can go to? I appreciate for your answers !!! :-)
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Try this site http://heinsurance.notlong.com here you can get quotes from different companies in your area.
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What type of health insurance is best for me?

So, I'm a 25 year old individual, I'm about to graduate in May and I live in MI. I'm just learning about health insurance and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what you think would be the best type of insurance for my situation. I plan on staying here in the UP for a while bar-tending and not utilizing my degree just yet. Any suggestions? I would really appreciate it, thanks....This is all new and confusing to me.
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As a consultant specializing in insurance, here's my recommendation: 1. Find a high deductible plan that has a health savings account (HSA) component. The HSA should be funded fully each year. It's tax free money, and it can be used to pay medical expenses TAX FREE. Did I mention it was TAX FREE? 2. The high deductible should be about $3,000. That should save you about $250 / month in premiums. And if you take that $250 / month, and put it into your HSA, you will have $3,000 in your bank account TAX FREE. 3. The high deductible plan should be a preferred provider organization or "PPO" plan. That allows you to see any doctor or go to any hospital in the world, if necessary. (It makes a difference if you're travelling to a different state or a foreign country.) I'd recommend a lifetime maximum of at least $2 million. * * * *
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Who is opposed to letting health insurance companies compete across the entire country, and why?

Some argue that allowing health insurance companies to compete all over the country would reduce costs. Most conservatives seem to favor this while most liberals do not. What are the arguments for and against doing this. Who has a vested interest in the geographical restrictions.
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Most insurance companies have offices in all states. Public option will make them finally have real competition.*
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How is Manpower's health insurance plan for temporary or contractor employees?

I am considering working for them as a contractor (or temporary) and I am concerned about health insurance as compared to my full-time job. Anyone with experience with this?
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It is extremely expensive, and the coverage is poor - look into Blue Cross, its better and cheaper, it's paid monthly by mail or on line. Manpower I would never work for again. Where I am located now there are many Manpower employees and all I hear is that the benifits are aweful and you pay most of the bill. Good Luck
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What do you do for health insurance when you own your own online clothing store?

I'm 22, not in school, I own an online store sooo, what can I do for health insurance?
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Pay for health insurance as a private person. Contact a local insurance agent and ask them what they have available. It tends to be more expensive if you have to pay for it out of pocket and don't have an employer contribution. However it isn't impossible. My sister and her husband are both self employed and they bought insurance through a company called "Golden Rule" it is a division of United Healthcare. Make sure you shop around. Compare prices and coverage. Go with a company that offers the most coverage, lowest deductible, and widest list of providers for the lowest price. Try to avoid an HMO since you can only see approved providers on their list.
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How to get health insurance for my daughter?

I'm 22. I have health insurance coverage under my parents (it's just better insurance than I could get on my own, that's why I've kept it). However, I am pregnant and need to find insurance for my daughter for when she's born. Under my current insurance, I am covered but she is not. My question is, what should I do? I got an application for Medicaid but will it cover her before she is born, even though I don't need insurance? Any advice?
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Check out this site, if you want to find the best or the cheapest health insurance just in one minute, http://cheap-health-insurance-usa.info/ Here you can get free quotes from different health insurance companies in your area, its the best way to find an afforable health insurance with a reliable company. Best Wishes,
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What entry level jobs offer full time and health insurance?

My pizza place job doesn't schedule full time workers or offer health insurance, nor has any other min wage job I've had. What jobs can a person with a high school degree try to get where they give you full time and health insurance?
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usually permanent jobs have better benefits, thus they are harder to get, meaning you would need either some degree, work experience or both. like others mentioned, most big companies offer medical insurance. but if you are a temp there, whether entry level or not, minimum wage or not, they basically wont care about your well being because they can replace you easily. so regardless of the industry or the type of work, usually permanent jobs get the better job perks. good luck. but yes, you will mostly start at an entry level post. or move to a country where national medical insurance is available to all :)
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How can I get my health insurance to pay for male breast reduction surgery?

I have gynecomastia caused by antidepressants I took years back. Is there any way that I can get my health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) to cover it? After all, this is to correct a problem caused by medication, not simply an ordinary cosmetic procedure. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
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Breast Reduction surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her breast reduction, tummy tuck and facelift surgery in India by the company called Forerunners Healthcare .The Price for the surgery she paid in India was very less. She paid 30% of the cost she was quoted in America. Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. They arrange cosmetic and plastic surgery for foreigners in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as the breast reduction, tummy tuck, facelift and other cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star. http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com Hope this helps.
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How long to reapply for health insurance if I was already denied?

I applied with human and got denied I guess for having 2 bladder infections within 6 months, because I have no other health conditions just that. Well anyways I want to try to reapply with another insurance, but should I wait? Will I probably get denied again? I was also thinking of not putting in on the application because its dumb to get denied for something such as that.
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Different companies have different underwriting guidelines and different companies can do different things. One company may deny - another may rider (which means they'll accept you but not cover anything related to the bladder) for a period of time 1 year to permanent - another company will accept you but not cover as a pre-existing condition (6-12 months depending on state law) - while another company may accept you. Some companies may decline on one policy level or type but accept on another policy level or type. Your agent should have contacted the insurance company prior to you applying to find out what they would do. If you don't have an agent then you are your own agent and this will happen. An agent can do a pre-screen with the insurance companies prior to you applying. There is no extra charge using an agent. If you don't mention the infections the insurance company can rescind the policy in the future and make you pay back everything they've paid out for you. This is bad if you get very sick and rack up $100,000 in medical charges.
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What determines state residency when it comes to health insurance?

I live in New York but also rent an apartment in Connecticut. I am not a signatory on the lease (I rent a room in a friend's apartment), but sometimes stay there for work. The premiums for health insurance are much lower in Connecticut than they are in New York, and I was wondering if I could sign up for health insurance there. I know I would only be covered in Connecticut. Is this something I could do and if so, what kind of documentation would I need to provide to prove my Connecticut residency? Thanks
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It's likely the state in which you file your taxes. Home state It would follow that rule.
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How do I find a good Health Insurance Agent In Texas?

Back in California where I am from I had a great Health insurance agent. He took care of everything. My health insuranc, home insurance, life insurance and auto Insurance. I get to Houston Texas and find out that most agents either deal with home and auto or life and health insurance. I now have a freat home and auto insurance agent but he does not deal with health insurance. His reason. He does not have time to keep updated with current trends in health insurance so he does not believe he would be a good health agent. I appreciate his honest but it kinda leaves me hanging. Does anyone have any agents they can recommend?
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Hello JJ my name is Brad Tolar. I work for Insurance Advisors. We specialize in Health Insurance and offer coverage in Texas and Nevada. We have agents in many cities in both states that can help with all your health insurance questions and needs. We offer a wide range of companies including but not limited to Blue-Cross of Texas, Aetna, United Health, Unicare and Time-Assurant Health. We will take a look at your personal situation and find the company that best fits your current needs. You can go the website at http://www.lvhealthins.com and pick your own plan and purchase it online. You can call to speak with a live agent at 409-283-3393. I know how difficult it can be to find someone that will go the extra-mile in the insurance business. We are that agency and would love to help you. Give us a call or go to the website where you can quote and buy online without ever talking to an agent or you can call and we will be happy to help you select the company that's best for you. http://www.lvhealthins.com
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How do you become a health insurance agent?

My wife is interested in selling health insurance. What does she need to do in order to do this? Like licensing, buying a franchise, ect... ?
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She can either become a broker or work for an insurance company. Either way, she needs a life agent license. There are classes she can take and then she would take a state exam. The classes are fairly short (no college needed). If she wants to become a broker, she can do so through a company such as NY Life for example. Chances are, she'd be able to work from home.
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How come the health insurance industry capitulated to Obama and refused to join the party of "no"?

in fighting against a government sponsered health care plan? Funny how a 60 seat Democrat majority in the Senate caused the health insurance industry to spring into action. If they can figure out how to cut 1.5% of their costs now, how come they wouldn't agree to these proposed cuts in, lets say, 2003?
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BECAUSE BUSH WASN'T PUSHING THEM...ASK YOURSELF WHY NOT? I will tell you what I think, Obama has not gone far enough but its a start.
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How much do I need to pay without health insurance?

I live in Chicago now and I don't have a health insurance. I catch a cold last week and my throat hurts so much. I want to see a doctor this week. How much do I need to pay without health insurance?
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Most doctors in clinics or urgent care centers charge around $80-$100 for an office visit. That's in addition to any treatments they prescribe. You should first check if there's a Walgreen's or CVS with a retail clinic in your area. They are cheaper than a regular doctor's office and can handle simple problems like sore throats.
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How can i find a good health insurance company?

I have health insurance right now and i just got a HUGE bill in the mail for what the health insurance did not cover. HELP are all insurance companies out to screw you!? I am sooo frustrated! I am a young person barely making ends meet
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I can certainly understand your frustration. Most health insurance plans are very expensive. However, one way to find a good health insurance company at the most affordable premiums to you is to compare free quotes and plans online from a heath insurance quote provider service. That way you can compare coverage and cost in the convenience of your own home without any sales pressure from an agent. Then, you can contact the agent and request the coverage you want. One leading provider of insurance quotes online since 1993 is InsureMe. You just fill out a form and get up to five free, no obligation quotes for health insurance from leading insurers in your area. You can request free quotes here - http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Ref… Make sure to consider quotes at different deductibles to lower your cost, and consider quarterly or semi-annual premium payments if you can afford it, that may be less expensive than monthly premiums. Best of luck to you! I hope that helps.
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