Friday, November 19, 2010

What is the point of health insurance any more?

I used to have good health insurance where I'd pay monthly, a small co-pay and that's it. Now comparing plans (self employed) they all seem to not cover catastrophic events like hospitalization (isn't that the point of insurance?) or don't have a co pay option you just pay out of pocket until you reach your insanely high deductible, or it costs a crazy amount to have these options. I don't get it, what is the point in paying a monthly fee for little in return?
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doesn't sound like you've used your insurance very much;; health care costs are going up, more is also going out of these insurance companies..everyone gets a little more to give out to cover expenses, while the people in the field are truly not getting these high wage increases;; the catastrophic event, if realistically looked @, will surely cause a great more sum of what your "insanely high" deductible; just a simple inpatient hospitalization can cost tens of thousands of dollars;; then, lets talk follow-ups from that hospitalization, the meds, etc...these days, businesses that have the access are allowing their employees to chose from a few different policies..it's up to you to chose which one fits your needs..medicare even does this these days..gotta do your research...if your business has only one option, it's your 'option' to chose a different business to work for..hope this helps, but it only touches on the reasons to have.have not health insurance..& ya truly NEVER know when something will happen to you medically..even people who think they are @ their prime re: health, have fallen into oblivion with what just happened to them;; almost like saying if you are a good driver, ya don't need car insurance..simply just not true...
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How can everyone be forced to buy health insurance but not everyone be forced to pay taxes?

Mr. Obama said, "penalties are appropriate for people who try to free ride the system and force others to pay for their health insurance." Mr. Obama is worried about those who pay their way being taken advantage by those who don't??? Well then what about the 50% of americans who pay zero income tax? How is that "fair" to the other 50% who do?
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You can't come in here using logic - the liberals will get angry! I agree with you, it makes no sense. Obama is all about spreading the wealth around and socialism is his ultimate goal. Since when is health care a right anyway? Everyone in this country gets treated if they need care- emergency rooms can't turn anyone away- including illegal immigrants. While the system could use some "tweaking" the overhaul the Dems are pushing for is just ridiculous.
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What happens to my health insurance through COBRA if I move out of state?

If I am using COBRA to maintain my Blue Shield of CA health insurance in CA and I move to Washington, will I be able to transfer my health coverage to a Blue Shield in Washington and continue to use COBRA, or will I lose my health insurance all together?
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The majority of the time, your insurance is not good in another state/country, unless you are seeking emergency services. Anything else such as, physicals, consultations, etc. would not be covered. I strongly recommend that you contact Blue Shield and ask if you are able to transfer medical services in Washington and still be covered. . .It won't take that long. . .I promise. This way you will know for sure. Hope this helps. . .
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What are my health insurance options if my employer went out of business?

I was terminated, (no fault of my own and I am getting unemployment benefits) and was in the process of applying for COBRA when the company I had worked for went out of business. The general rules of COBRA state that if the company no longer provides health insurance, then you cannot get COBRA. What other options do I have? Does the ARRA act give me any options? (Through ARRA I was going to get my COBRA coverage for way cheaper, that is why I was going to do COBRA.)
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healthplans.bebto.com - my family have this health insurance. It is affordable and has good coverage for dental issues.
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Health insurance companies in Florida that only ask for 5 years of information?

I was wondering if there are any health insurance companies that only ask for medical information in the past 5 years. I know the majority of the companies ask for 10 years of medical history. But, I have also heard there are a few that only require information for 5 years on the application. Any help would be appreciated.
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Call and talk to a agent for info. Some companies will have you list every doctor seen with the address, phone, fax etc. So even if you saw 1 doctor only 1 time, may forget or have to dig thu your records for the name of the doctor and info. But as a general rule, all companies will have a list of 6 questions that specifically ask you by a yes/no answer if you have been treated or diagnosed with heart, circulatory, lungs, diabetes etc in the last 5 to 10 years, and if so, then you would have to list the doctor. The reason for the agent, is that they can ask you questions that may or may not affect you finding health insurance period. They will know which companies are best or if there is a problem you will know upfront and they can give you other options. good luck
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How much do health insurance agents make from their clients?

I am wondering how much my health insurance agent will make from my business?
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It will vary by company. Some companies will have a flat percentage throughout the life of the policy, other companies will have a higher percentage in the beginning that will decline in subsequent years. Whatever the agent does make has no bearing on what you pay; you pay the same using the agent or if you buy directly from the company. With an agent you'll have someone local to work with you if you have questions in the future.
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If you are a temporary resident in the United States, How can you receive health services or insurance?

I know someone who came from haiti to the USA after the earthquake and she is sick. Is there a program or way she can receive health services for free or even temporary Health insurance that will cover her bills? Is there a health insurance that comes with temporary resident visas?
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healthquotes.awardspace.info - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.
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Am I able to write off Health Insurance Premiums for tax purposes at the end of the year?

I am looking to purchase my own health insurance instead of going through my company. I know that the company takes out the cost on a pre-tax basis, but their insurance is not the greatest. If I do decided to sign up for health insurance, will I be able to use the cost of my own health insurance as a deduction fo tax purposes?
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You may deduct qualified medical expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, including a person you claim as a dependent under a Multiple Support Agreement. You can also deduct medical expenses you paid for someone who would have qualified as your dependent for the purpose of taking personal exemptions except that the person did not meet the gross income or joint return test. You deduct medical expenses on Form 1040, Schedule A (PDF), Itemized Deductions. The total of all allowable medical expenses must be reduced by 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. For more information, refer to Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses. If you want to find the best or the cheapest health insurance, try this site http://Cheap-Health-Insurance-USA.info Here you can get free quotes from different companies in your area, its the best way to find an affordable health insurance with a reliable company. Hope this help,
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What can I do if my employer does not provide health insurance?

I work at a local family owned real estate office. I've been needing to get health insurance and my employer does not provide it. Someone mentioned to me to apply for ACCESS but I dont know what that is. If someone could please help me I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advanced.
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Google "health Insurance"- there are a LOT of private companies that provide insurance for varying monthly fees-some more expensive than others.
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what do you do when health insurance rejects you?

I'm a student and have been on my parent's health insurance for awhile. However, that's expiring and now I need to purchase my own health insurance. Unfortuantely, I've been rejected for a few plans due to a very small problem (rare panic attacks, which have been taken care of for some time with a medication that's not very expensive at all). So, if this keeps happening, what do I do? Just accept that I can't have health insurance? And how will I get my medication? Will I be forced to buy illegally over the internet? What do people do in these situations?
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Depending on the state you live in some states have a high-risk insurance plan for people who can't get regular insurance.
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Do you work for a major corporation and do they offer health insurance?

I have worked at the same place for 20 years. The first 8 they didn't offer insurance. Now they do, but I pay the premiums. How about you? Do you work full time? Does your employer offer health insurance? Do they pay or do you? How many people DON'T get offered the option to purchase health insurance through their employer?
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My employer offers health insurance including vision. I only get the dental because they pay for this 100%. my husband carries the medical and vision through his employer, because they are high priced. Kaiser is very affordable.
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Health Insurance company for a graduate student? What one is best as far as price and coverage??

Anyone have any suggestions for a good health insurance company for a graduate student? The coverage from the school is one thousand a semester and that's way to much.
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There are many reputable companies that offer graduate student health insurance plans for very cheap (under $100 a month). Just be sure and choose a reputable company like a United Healthcare, Humana, Blue Cross, Aetna, etc. and stay away from companies with limited benefit plans like Mega Life. Here is some more information on how to find cheap graduate student health insurance:
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Who deserves free health insurance paid by the government for their kids?

Who do YOU think should get free government paid health insurance for their children? What financial bracket? Legal status? Etc... When is someone deserving of a free ride? What qualifications would you put on it if YOU got to decide?
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I think it is fair to provide healtcare for those that CANNOT work. I am not talking about those who don't want to work. For those that can work, we should have a scale. You can't just set an income scale or bracket. In my state (2 bedroom apartment rents for $1550) you can't live on $60K a year with a family that has 2 children. In some others you can. So here is the fair plan. - We set a local income scale based on average living expenses in a local. Probably by county. -The Fed subsidizes it by a percentage up to the cap for what is consider poor based on the scale. -Everyone buys commercial insurance if they want it and get a tax break for doing so. Those the are under the cap, get a subsidy. -The government negotiates for best prices with the big providers, and there is a discount that is good for all. (Like Massachusetts) This way, for those that can self-insure, are Christian Science or friends of Ron Hubbard, they are not forced ot have it. If you need it and want it, it is affordable. And if you priorities are a new HD TV and car that you can't afford, and not insurance, don't get sick.
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Why does a health insurance company request an independent peer review company to review a patient's appeal?

I am in the middle of a second level appeal with my health insurance company. They are now requesting I sign and send them a release of my medical records to have an outside peer review company investigate my medical records in order to make a decision on my case. Why are they doing this? What should I do? I do not feel comfortable doing this but I also feel they would deny the appeal if I decided not to do this? Anyone know about this or what rights I have regarding this situation? Thanks!
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The outside peer review is an unbiased board, meaning they will just look at, and make their decision on, the facts of the case. This is part of your contract with the insurance company and if you refuse to cooperate the appeal will get dropped. If the appeal is dropped you have no further recourse.
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What would be the consequences of living without health insurance for my family?

My family health insurance is $565 per month. My family dental is about $50/month. I only make $2400 per month. After taxes and medical deducions, my take home pay is only $1600/month. Almost 25% of my gross pay goes to insurance. I've thought about cancelling medical to help us survive to make sure we have enough money to live on. What would be the consequences
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healthquotes.awardspace.info - my family have this health insurance. It is affordable and has good coverage for dental issues.
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what do you do when health insurance rejects you?

I'm a student and have been on my parent's health insurance for awhile. However, that's expiring and now I need to purchase my own health insurance. Unfortuantely, I've been rejected for a few plans due to a very small problem (rare panic attacks, which have been taken care of for some time with a medication that's not very expensive at all). So, if this keeps happening, what do I do? Just accept that I can't have health insurance? And how will I get my medication? Will I be forced to buy illegally over the internet? What do people do in these situations?
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Call your state insurance commissioner's office. Some states have "high risk pools" that will cover you. (It's not as bad as you think!) If there's no high risk pool in your state, the commissioner's office should be able to give you some alternatives. Question: did you elect COBRA after your coverage under your parents' policy ended? If not, you should look into it. (Not all employers have to offer COBRA -- only those with 20 or more employees -- but some states have laws that extend this continuation right to small employers.
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Can I claim my parents as dependents for health insurance and tax purposes?

Both of my parents are permanently disabled and receive monthly social security checks. They are currently living, rent free, in a house I bought for them. In addition to letting them live in my house the car they use is my spare one and I pay for all the service and insurance. Can I claim them as dependent for my health insurance and on my taxes?
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Health insurance no. But you can purchase individual medical insurance for them. Taxes yes depending on their income. http://www.ehow.com/how_2080732_claim-el…
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How much should health insurance be costing me and my family of 4?

I am self employed and have a wife and two kids. The current health insurance carrier seems to help me with minumum of coverage of doctors visits. I took my kids to get school physicals. blood pressure checks, weight checks and a few minutes cost me 120.00 per physical. IS THIS RIGHT. I live in Ohio near cleveland, Can anyone give me some pointers
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It really depends on what your plan allows. For example, there are some plans that offer wellness benefits (i.e. they will allow physicals up to a certain dollar amt. once a year). Also, if any member of your family has any pre-existing conditions, you may be paying more to have coverage for those conditions. It would be in your best interest to shop around and get some quotes to find out if you're being ripped off. And of course, with any type of insurance, the amount of your premium depends on your copays and deductibles. Also, you do NOT want a discount plan. Those are the worst. Usually, the doctors that accept those are in the worst areas of town, plus, and you get what you pay for, so to speak (discount plan, discount service, discount treatment, etc.). Hope that helps. :o)
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Employer's health insurance coverage is limited & have many exclusions. Is it possible to get add on coverage?

My employer's health insurance is too limited and there are too many exclusions. Is there any way I can get additional coverage on top of that? If yes, what is the best way?
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healthplans.bebto.com - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.
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How good is health insurance in America when a woman has a child? Is this a reason for so many abortions?

In America a Black woman is 3 times more likely to have an abortion than a white woman whilst a hispanic woman is 2 and a half more times likely to have one. Obviously because these two groups of people are poorer they have more abortions. How good does health insurance cover newborn babies?
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America has a program called Medicaid that is available to all pregnant women that are lower income. Medicaid is covers 100% of all medical bills and medication for approved physicians and hospitals. Then medicaid will cover the newborn until it is 18 years old. The medicaid coverage will pay for 100% of all medicine and medical bills. The downside of Medicaid is that it is only available to extremly lower income women and the coverage will only apply to approved (less desirable) physicians. I don't believe that the insurance situation is the reason for african american abortion rates. America is a very interesting place to examine the difference in present day cultures. Morals are at an all time low in our country, and black communities are being primarily driven on dreams of drugs, sports, or music. And, just to be clear, I am a pro-choice, hip-hop loving, female.
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Do i need maternity insurance when I already have health insurance?

Just found out we were expecting... I am using Aetna health insurance, Do I need to add maternity insurance? Does it make a difference?
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if your policy doesnt cover maternity then yes you need maternity insurance. regular insurance wont cover and maternity costs. if you are pregnant but dont have maternity coverage through aetna already, they wont give it to you now that you know you are pregnant.
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How much does health insurance cost in the us?

How much does health insurance cost in the us? i know it would vary depending on the quality of the cover, but can someone give me types of cover with costs thanks.
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It varies, could be as low as $100 a month for a single person in their 20's with a high deductible, to $1,000 per month for a large family with pre-existing conditions and a low deductible.
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How does my health insurance company know im in school?

Other than when i sent my class schedule, how does my health insurance carrier verify that im taking classes?
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The application form under any insurance policy is very important and is considered a part of the policy. Insurance is based on the principle of good faith. The insurance company assumes a risk based on the application form on good faith which the assumption that whatever you have stated is true. Now when you place a claim with the insurance company, they will verify that whatever you have declared at the time of insurance is true. If they do not get a proof of your being in school at the time of the claim - than they can deny your claim on grounds of misrepresentation. Thanks.
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Do you need health insurance to get the Walmart 4 dollar prescriptions?

It's been awhile since I have had to get a prescription and I currently don't have health insurance, so do I still qualify for the 4 dollar prescription program? I know the drug I need is on the 4 dollar prescription list at Walmart.
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no insurance is needed
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