Thursday, November 25, 2010

How do I go without health insurance?

I know this sounds arrogant due to the fact that a lot of people out there do not have health insurance to begin with. But I have 2 kids and I'm thinking of taking a job offer that will pay more than the job I currently have, however I won't get any benefits for 2 months. What should I do?
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If you currently have a job with health insurance, you should be able to continue coverage through COBRA- basically paying the full cost plus a couple of percentage points administrative fee. You should not go without coverage even for a short time- especially if you have children. Anything could happen and then when you do have the coverage through your new job a condition that occurred during the meantime might not be covered because of the break in coverage. If you absolutely cannot afford the premium under COBRA at least seek out a temporary policy. They are much cheaper but have high deductibles. They are designed just for this kind of situation. I was in the same boat after finishing school- the day after my 5-year old broke her arm! Fortunately we had purchased a temporary insurance policy.
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What distortion does employer provided health insurance create?

How does employer provided health insurance (whose premiums are not taxed) create a distortion?
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It discourages people from becoming entrepreneurs and working for small businesses. And since these are the engines that drive economic growth and technological development, ... It gives greater clout to the big business as an employer, when big business already has more than enough clout. It makes marriage somewhat more attractive. It makes for a less healthy population; correspondingly higher medical costs for individual, for companies, and for the society as a whole; etc. The distortions due to the tax situation were always negligible in comparison, and with the legislation that lets medical expenses by individuals be deducted from income, has become even less important.
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What are the best options to look for when shopping for individual health insurance?

My sister needs to get health insurance. I have some through my job and I know its different. Any suggestions?
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#1 - always buy local. If you shop over the internet, you're likely to get scammed - you might not end up with an "insurance" product at all. A local agent will have competitive rates with real insurance products, and your "in network" emergency room won't be 300 miles away. #2 - balance how often you see the doc with your premiums/deductibles. If you're pretty healthy and never visit the doc, you're probably better off with a major medical policy - which would leave more money in your pocket at the end of the year, while still keeping you covered in case of a major problem. #3 - always check out the financial rating of a potential carrier with AM Best, and complaints with your local BBB, BEFORE buying.
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What should I do for health insurance when studying or working in South Korea?

I plan to travel to South Korea, either to teach English or study at a university. What sort of health insurance options do I have for studying or working abroad?
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The Korean government's health insurance is required if you're working in Korea and in most cases your company will pay 50%. If you come over as a student, you will need to provide your own health insurance or just go without.
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Looking for good health insurance, do you have any suggestions where to look?

My daughter has just turned 18, and can no longer be on our health coverage. I was wondering what kind of health insurance I should be looking for? She is a healthy person, who hasn't gone to the doctor much in the past. Do you have any ideas for me?
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She can't be kept on ins. until 25? When son turned 18 I called and checked out many many insurance companies. Check with local Family Independence Agency - sometimes child can get assistance with medical (like medicaid).
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What's the bes health Insurance for a 23 year old to get?

OK I am officially on my own now. I need to try and find health insurance that will cover my perscription medications that I am on and one that will cover a good dental plan. Any info on the matter will be helpful, but please explain because I am new to this whole insurace game. Thanks.
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Do you have a full time job? Ask personnel what kind of insurance packages they have. Typically that's the cheapest way to get insurance. You will likely have to get dental seperately as well. You can get insurance on your own, but it is usually much more expensive.
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What is your health insurance horror story?

Healthcare is in the news almost every day and obviously what we have a nation is not working. We recently tried to insure our seven year old (after we lost our group coverage) and found out that because of a pre-existing condition she was "uninsurable" by the insurance company that we had paid premiums to for all seven years of her life. What has been your worst experience with health insurance?
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Just the insurance for the working poor. I made one iota too much money to qualify... Having been laid off, getting a new job, being fired while sick, and finding out only one little week afterwards that I had a hormone illness making me tired, unable to concentrate, wildly moody, and near to organ failure. But my job that had promised insurance and failed to deliver, then fired me, left me without even the chance for COBRA. Well, I went bankrupt trying to pay the bills for my medical care and survival on Long Island, NY. God bless you all. I hope your daughter is OK and stays that way, at leat until this all (hopefully!!) changes.
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Can my employer make me get an inferior health insurance plan before I can get the "good" plan?

My employer is making new employee's get a really inferior health insurance plan (Starbridge) for a year before they can get the full catastrophic health insurance plan. If you don't get the Starbridge plan and keep it for 12 months you can never get the good plan.
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They can make any requirements that they want. If you want to make sure it is valid you can contact the Department of Insurance in your state or your state's labor board or Dept. of Labor.
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What percentage of Americans have health insurance that does NOT include prescription drug coverage?

I'm interested in finding out how many people do not have prescription drug coverage, even though they have some basic health insurance.
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Unfortunately, nearly 90 Million people are under-insured or have no health care benefits to assist them with their share of this enormous cost.
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What should I do about health insurance?

I am wondering if I should tell a doctor once I do get insurance that I have smoked for 20 years. I have heard that they can deny any health problems that are from past issues. Is this correct? How should I handle this?
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You have a couple of issues jumbled up into one question...I'll try to sort them out and tackle individually: 1) When applying for insurance, you do need to indicate that you're a smoker. If by some chance you were caught lying on the application, that could be considered fraud and your entire policy would be cancelled. You could even end up owing for all the past medical bills that the insurer paid. 2) You should always be honest with your doctor about medical conditions and health risks, so that your doctor can accurately assist you when you need medical care. Don't lie to your doctor...ever. :) 3) About pre-existing conditions...yes, there are certain circumstances where claims for a pre-existing condition can be denied. But your friends are mistaken in how that occurs: - First of all, there is a limit to how long a condition can be considered "pre-existing" on a new insurance policy. For example, if you have high blood pressure and are subject to a pre-existing clause on your policy, that doesn't mean that you would never have coverage for anything relating to high blood pressure. It means that for that "waiting period" (usually 6 months to a year) you wouldn't have coverage for things relating to the high blood pressure, but you'd be covered for everything else. - Second, "smoking" in and of itself isn't considered a "pre-existing condition." (Yes, it will likely cause you to pay a higher premium, but its not a pre-existing condition...its a lifestyle issue.) If you're a smoker who happens to not have any medical complications from it so far, then there would never be a problem with your medical claims due to smoking. (Now, if you're a smoker and it has caused you to develop severe asthma or some other disease...then that disease can be considered pre-existing. But not the smoking in and of itself.)
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What type of health insurance should i buy?

I am looking to purchase health insurance for my boyfriend and myself. Our jobs do not provide anything. we are non smokers and in good health. He is 24 and I am 23. I just tryed looking it up, but there are so many different ones and I dont know what to look for. All we really need it for is emergancies and for check ups. Any advice???
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I just wrote a PPO policy through Aetna for a 47 year old male with a $30 co-pay for doctor visits (deductible exempt) and $15 generic prescription costs for $117 per month in Washington, DC. The policy did include an annual deductible of $7500 which applied to lab costs, hospitalizations, etc. There were several other plans that were under $150 per month with different options but for a healthy person in his age range and his budget this was the best. Depending on where you live a local independent agent should be able to obtain several quotes for you that will be reasonable and still provide you with the coverage you need and want. You can go to this website to find a local independent agent: http://www.iiaba.net/agentlocator/findag… I hope this information helps. Good Luck!
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I live in California and need a good health insurance, what do you guys recommend?

The health insurance will only be for me and my husband. Not too expensive, maybe like $250 the most as far as monthly payments. However, although I'm not pregnant, my husband and I do plan to get pregnant by the end of this year, therefore thats another thing I'm looking for that it will cover maternity. What health insurance do you recommend?
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A lot will depend on your personal situation as far as which specific company and plan to choose but here are a few guidelines. Choose a well known and trustworthy company and stay away from discount cards. Here are some of the top companies in California: 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of CA 2. Aetna 3. Kaiser Permanente 4. United Healthcare Compare quotes from at least 3 different companies and you should be able to find an affordable health insurance plan. Once you compare rates then be sure and speak with an independent health insurance agent in CA and ask them about rider (or add-ons) for maternity. Be sure and ask the agent what the waiting period is before maternity coverage kicks in with the various companies as that may help you make the decision right there. Here is some more information on California health insurance in specific and maternity health insurance in general:
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What reputable health insurance companies are out there?

My mom doesn't have health insurance and my job doesn't give insurance to family members. I would like to pay monthly to a health insurance company so my mom could get health check up when she needs it. Do you know any health insurance companies that can accept low monthly payments since I don't get paid that much?
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The best way to get the most value for your $ is to find an independent broker in your state that represents many companies. Since costs, carriers and plans vary by state, a local agent is your best resource.
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Why should people be allowed to refuse health insurance?

I do not see one good thing that can come from not having health insurance, especially if the cost eventually gets paid by those with insurance. My solution is simple, roundup all the individuals without health insurance and let them rot in the prison until they can come to their senses and get the insurance.
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Nah, let them go on without it. But when they get sick, they get ZERO treatment until they can prove they can pay for it, and then they should be billed for the entire amount, plus a 25% surcharge "stupidity tax".
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What jobs are good for a 18 yrs old that have good health insurance?

What jobs are good for a 18 yrs old that have good health insurance? He do not like to work on restaurant,
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If you are qualified enough and have good scholastic records then you should try the corporate world. Surely they will have great benefits and insurance.
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If Obamacare will be paid for by insurance companies, what will keep health insurance rates from skyrocketing?

Are all government solutions "to tax working people more"? What's the difference between an insurance rate increase to pay for those without insurance and a tax increase to pay for those without health insurance?
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They're proposing to fund things by fining people like me that can't afford health insurance up to $3,800 a year for not buying into their insurance scam. I might as well quit working and go on the public dole when they do that, let the people dumb enough to still work and pay taxes pay my way.... where's my check?
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How do I , with no health insurance find programs that will help pay for my doctor and hospital expenses?

I had a stroke a few years back, now cannot get health insurance. I need to see a specialists about my knee and will no doubt need surgery... I have no money to get this done... what kind of assisted programs will help me. I am a senior citizen and we are retired living mostly on social security...Can anyone help me?
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Many senior citizens who are low income and on social security qualify for Medicaid. Go to the social service agency in your county to apply. Are you over 65? Then you should be on Medicare. If you took early SS, then you can't get Medicare until 65, but you may still qualify for Medicaid. Good luck.
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Why do Liberals claim that health insurance companies have state wide monopolies?

What state has only one or two health insurance companies to chose from? Please provide a link to that.
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Here you go....Read up and learn.
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How do Canadians get free health insurance?

Do Canadians really get free health insurance or is it paid for through their tax money? Why can't Americans incorporate a similar policy?
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it may be free but not better..some people are on waiting lists for a simple MRI for months while here in America we pay but can get it done the next day..
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Why do I need UIM insurance for bodily harm if I have health insurance?

I don't get the point. If I havve health insurance, what's the point in buying uninsured motorist insurance against bodily harm? Seems like I'm paying double for the same thing.
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UIM or underinsured motorist is for pain & suffering & lost wages & loss of daily function (stuff that health insurance does not pay) that happens to you when an at fault driver does not have enough liability insured to cover your injuries. Your medical insurance is fine but I am sure you have a deductible & copayments. Medical payments under a motorcycle policy usually does not & should be primary in an accident. The UIM is totally different than health insurance. I wouldn't go anywhere without it. Some states require it, mine does.
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Are there any underwriters for health insurance?

I need to interview someone who is an underwriter for health insurance for a school project. If you are willing to help please respond. I have 15 questions to ask, Please. Thanks in advance.
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I sold health insurance for many years as a part of my insurance practice. When I would write an application on someone, my company considered me a front line underwriter as I was the only person to actually meet with the person face to face. I would then submit it to the home office for further consideration by the company's underwriting specialists, who had final approval powers. I would be pleased to take a look at & answer your questions to the best of my ability, & I'm fairly confident my experience is strong enough to give you accurate responses. If I'm unsure I'll let you know accordingly. You are welcome to email me at gibsonbuddy@yahoo.com
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How can I get out of my parents health insurance?

17 year old. parents on the other side of country. my east coast medical facilities do not accept their health insurance. i'm only eligible for NY medicaid if i drop their health insurance how can i?
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It seems that you already live not only in separate homes, but in different states. If your parents are Medicaid recipients, you would have to notify your parents case manager about your move. That way he/she would be able to close your benefits through your parents. After that youwould have to apply for medical benefits in the State were you actually live. If they have private medical insurance they would have to notify their HR manger or a person who is responsible for employees medical benefits and they will help them to take you off.
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In general, would health insurance from your work cover you if you are in a car accident?

One option with my insurance is if I'm the cause of an accident, they won't cover my medical expenses or the replacement of my vehicle. The good thing about this is the premium is much less. I'm concerned though because I'd like to be covered medically and want to see if health insurance through my work would cover me. Thanks.
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It's going to depend on what state you live in, and what health plan you have. You really need to call the number on the back of your health insurance card, and ask them.
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What would be the consequences of trying to live without health insurance for my family?

My family health insurance is $565 per month through my employer. 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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You can easily check your minimal health care rates in internet, for example here - health-quotes.isgreat.org
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