Monday, February 14, 2011

how to compare health insurance companies?

I'm a new immgrant to the u.s how do I compare all health insurance companies? is there a website to compare?
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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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What happens to private health insurance companies if American health care is nationalized?

Few would be willing to dish out for private coverage while they are receiving health care from government taxation. Would the private health industry perhaps dwindle down to a few big players and be forced to take a hit by improving coverage and care?
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~~This is a mute point because Nationalized insurance is not in the works. All the government is proposing is an alternative for people who can't get employer based insurance to be able to buy directly from the same insurance that senators and congressmen get. Otherwise, business as usual for private insurance companies.~~
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Personal Health Insurance: who should obtain medical evidence?

I live in England. My Personal Health Insurance has been turned down because no medical evidence was sent in by my employer who was handling the claim. My employer says this was not up to them but it was up to the insurance company to obtain it. Who should of obtained it. I myself provided evidence to my employers but they never sent it in with my claim.
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YOU need to obtain it from your prior insurer.
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how do i find health insurance for my kids?

i need health insurance for my kids.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers individual policies for children.
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Is it true?Is there a proposal to fine people without health insurance?

On my wait out this morning I heard something about a proposal to fine persons without health insurance? I heard only this partial claim as I was leaving this morning with more after these commercials but was unable to hear the rest. Who is proposing? How can it be implemented? What if you are out of work? I don't understand because I do not have all the facts and I have not heard anything since. DO YOU ALL KNOW ANYTHING about this???? I need enlightenment please.
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Fines proposed for going without health insurance Email this Story Sep 8, 5:20 PM (ET) By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans would be fined up to $3,800 for failing to buy health insurance under a plan that circulated in Congress on Tuesday as President Barack Obama met Democratic leaders to search for ways to salvage his health care overhaul. In advance of what Obama hopes will be a game-changing speech to lawmakers, the one idea that most appeals to the Democrats' liberal base lost ground in Congress. Prospects for a government-run plan to compete with private insurers sank as a leading moderate said he could no longer support the idea. The fast-moving developments put Obama in a box. As a candidate, he opposed fines to force individuals to buy health insurance, and he supported setting up a government insurance plan. Democratic leaders put on a bold front as they left the White House after their meeting with the president. "We're re-energized; we're ready to do health care reform," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., insisted the public plan is still politically viable. "I believe that a public option will be essential to our passing a bill in the House of Representatives," she said. After a month of contentious forums, Americans were seeking specifics from the president in his speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night. So were his fellow Democrats, divided on how best to solve the problem of the nation's nearly 50 million uninsured. The latest proposal: a bipartisan compromise that Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., a moderate who heads the influential Finance Committee, was trying to broker. Baucus, meeting with a small group of fellow senators, promoted a plan that would guarantee coverage for nearly all Americans at a cost to taxpayers of under $900 billion over 10 years. Some experts consider that a relative bargain because the country now spends about $2.5 trillion a year on health care. But it would require hefty fees on insurers, drug companies and others in the health care industry to help pay for it. Just as auto coverage is now mandatory in most states, Baucus would a require that all Americans get health insurance once the system is overhauled. Penalties for failing to get insurance would start at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. Households making more than three times the federal poverty level - about $66,000 for a family of four - would face the maximum fines. For families, it would be $3,800, and for individuals, $950. Baucus would offer tax credits to help pay premiums for households making up to three times the poverty level, and for small employers paying about average middle-class wages. People working for companies that offer coverage could avoid the fines by signing up. The fines pose a dilemma for Obama. As a candidate, the president campaigned hard against making health insurance a requirement, and fining people for not getting it. "Punishing families who can't afford health care to begin with just doesn't make sense," he said during his party's primaries. At the time, he proposed mandatory insurance only for children. White House officials have since backed away somewhat from Obama's opposition to mandated coverage for all, but there's no indication that Obama would support fines. One idea that Obama championed during and since the campaign - a government insurance option - appeared to be sinking fast. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told reporters a Medicare-like plan for middle-class Americans and their families isn't an essential part of legislation for him. Hoyer's comments came shortly after a key Democratic moderate said he could no longer back a bill that includes a new government plan. The fast-moving developments left liberals in a quandary. They've drawn a line, saying they won't vote for legislation if it doesn't include a public plan to compete with private insurance companies and force them to lower costs. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., who once supported a public option, said Tuesday that after hearing from constituents during the August recess, he's changed his mind. "If House leadership presents a final bill that contains a government-run public option, I will oppose it," Ross said. Obama's commitment to a public plan has been in question and lawmakers hoped his speech to Congress would make his position on that clear.
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What's the difference between Health care reform and Health care "INSURANCE" reform?

Obama and other democrats are now calling the health care reform, health care insurance reform. So what's the difference?
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because their focus groups have told them insurance is the concern of Americans. The Dems change their color often to match popular opinion. Obama's success has been built on telling the people what they want to hear. It's a Snake-Oil-Salesman tactic.
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How small does a company have to be to NOT offer health/medical insurance?

I always thought that if a company has 20 or more employees at a SINGLE location, they have to offer health/medical insurance to ALL the eployees. I work in a store that employs 25 people, and only the managers are offered insurance.
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There is no federal law mandating that small employers have to offer health insurance, or even pay for a portion of it. It is an employer's choice whether or not it is offered. State law will dictate eligibility rules, however. Typically, an employer can set up eligibilty to exclude employees that are part time, are part of a CBA or Union or those that have not met some time worked criteria. (Must work 90 days before eligible, for example.) Your employer should have given you an employee benefits handbook that explains the eligibility rules for your particular situation.
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Can my health insurance company bill me for claims they already paid?

My insurance company is telling me they may be terminating my coverage retroactively past 12/31/09. I've had claims from months ago that the system says they already processed and paid by my insurance company. Does this mean the insurance company will come after me for that money or would they only try to get me to pay for unpaid claims?
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They will pay claims occurred up to the date of the termination. They will require that the providers refund any payments made for claims after that date. The providers will then bill you, not the insurance company.
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Have you ever heard of the father of your child not having to pay for health insurance?

The father of my child does not have health insurance for hisself so child support says that he doesn't have to provide it for his son.... Have you ever heard of this before? and what can I do to get health insurance for him.... besides medicaid b/c me and my husband aren't eligible for it.
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ok, do you or your husband work? it is just as much your responsibility as it would be his is there a reason you or your husband cant get ins? do you all have it? it is very important that children have health ins. if you dont qualify for state assistance, there has to be something in your state. i know here in Ky they offer low cost health ins for families who make too much to qualify for free, but their jobs dont offer it or whatever the situation is. yes it is ridiculous that men get away w/ alot more crap then us women but get over it there is nothing you or anyone can do about it and as this childs mother you are obligated to provide the best for him.
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What is the best health insurance to have if you are United States Federal Government employee and why?

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance. Should I keep this insurance? I checked with AARP through Hartford and they want between $299 to $428 per month for non drug related $5000 to $1000 deductible 80% coverage to $2500 co pay to 100% coverage. I pay about $250 per month now.
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Only you can answer that question. Do your research. Insurance business for 20 years.
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How do deductibles in health insurance work?

I have considered purchasing private insurance. My school insurance doesn't cover the stuff I need it to. I was looking at humana's plans. I came across one that was $87 a month but it had a $2500 deductible. If I were to get injured and have a hospital bill of like $4000, would it pay anything if I hadn't met that deductible yet? Thanks.
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Dustin - All of the answers thus far are essentially correct: your health insurance deductible works the same way as your car insurance deductible - you have to pay that amount before the insurance starts paying. So, in your example, you have an annual deductible of $2,500 after which Humana will start paying 80% of what's left and you'll "co-insure" the other 20% (you'll stop paying the 20% when you've paid an extra $2,000). Therefore, you have an out of pocket maximum exposure (at least in theory) of $4,500/year. Now, if you have "only" $5,000 or $10,000 in medical care charges, that's not a particularly good deal, is it? On the other hand, remember the primary reason to have any insurance: NOT for routine, ordinary, or even "low-level" expenses but, instead, for big-time, costly, catastrophes, like that $87,000 hospital/surgical claim, etc. Consider these things before buying: 1. How "much" health care do you generally use? For most folks, especially guys, the answer usually is "not much." Therefore, why pay more to have a lower deductible plan? Even if you buy a plan with a $5,000 deductible (look at the Humana "Autograph" plan), you'll still get the benefits you're most likely to use included ($40 MD copay/visit and $15 copay for generic drugs). 2. If you've not done so, find a broker to help. Go to NAHU.org to find one near you (NAHU is the professional association for brokers like me who specialize in health insurance). 3. Go online to run some more plans & prices to be sure you have the most cost-effective plan for your needs. Visit my site (see below) or use an online quoting site like Norvax (see below). 4. Finally, stick with the "brand name" companies, like Humana, Blue Cross, Aetna, etc. There are a lot of other companies around who will "look good" but who will be really hard to deal with in the even you do have a really large claim. This is too important to mess around with; stick with the "big boys." Hope this helps a bit!
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How do I obtain health & dental insurance while living & working in the UK?

I'm a US citizen. It's always been my dream to live and work abroad. I just found out that my military health benefits & dental insurance won't extend beyond the common wealth's/territories of the US. I can comfortably afford to pay for health & dental insurance out of my pocket. Does anyone in the UK deal with international health & dental insurance? I really could use some help in finding the right company. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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you cold just buy health insurance when you get over to the UK, plenty of companies offer this. If your living and working here, and paying taxes you may be eleigible for treatment on the NHS. This is free, and dental NHS is subsidised, an NHS dentist check up costs around £16....i think that is around $30. I checked on line and found this; It focuses more on marraige but if you read it it does actually say Americans Living in the UK... Free NHS medical care is not routinely offered to tourists who need emergency treatment while they are away from home. That is what their private medical insurance is there for, which will cover them in an emergency situation. Without private medical insurance, tourists must pay upfront costs to be seen by British doctors. However, American expatriates who are living in the UK are eligible for NHS medical care, as long as they can prove that they are eligible. American expatriates who are married to UK citizens can prove eligibility very quickly and be registered in next to no time. How to Register Once you have a permanent address, take along proof of your address, such as a recent utility bill, to your local doctor's surgery. It is also a good idea to take a copy of your marriage certificate in case the doctor or nurse wishes to learn more of your eligibility for free NHS medical care. If you have access to your American medical records, take these along with you, so that they can be filed away for future reference. At the time you register with a GP (usually the same GP as your spouse's unless you make a special request otherwise) you will be able to apply for an NHS medical card, that all NHS patients are issued to prove NHS eligibility. This card does not need to be hand carried to each doctor's appointment; nor do patients need to remember their NHS medical card number. New patients must fill in personal information and complete a medical questionnaire that will ask about a family history of heart disease, cancer and other diseases and hereditary conditions. Be prepared to undergo a brief, non-invasive medical to include a blood pressure check, weight check and other simple procedures. Otherwise Bupa and AXA PPP offer healthcare cover. AXA is the best one though!
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How can Mass. require residents to have health insurance?

I can't believe they passed that law. Think about it: there is nothing we are FORCED to pay money for to live here. That is why we are called a free nation. (I know these are necessary for a normal life but think a minute) - cars are choice, u could actually walk if u had to - u could grow ur own food or go to food banks - u don't have to pay taxes if u don't work or buy anything - u dont pay car ins if u dont own a car - u dont have to pay property tax if u dont own any property I know that stuff is extreme but open your mind a minute and think. I mean at least you DO HAVE A CHOICE... bad one but A CHOICE. How can Mass. get away with requiring its residence to pay health insurance? What will they do.. force them to move out of the state? Take their property if they don't get it?
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This is another small step we Americans loose to socialism by letting the lobbyist (insurance companies ,etc.) legalize there scams in paying off politicians. Mass. people wake up, get involved write the libs in office complain let them know you care and you won't pay! This is another bad law that if left unchallenged will spread to the other 49 states.
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whats the difference between medicare and private health insurance?

whats the difference between medicare and private health insurance? and why doesnt medicare not pay for alternative medicine?
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You can easily check your minimal health care rates in internet, for example here - healthquotes.awardspace.info
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Should I stop paying my health insurance?

I pay my own health insurance under Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC. I pay $200 a month (down from $300) and I just found out that i won't be able to go to my psychiatric doctor and be covered under this insurance at the same time. I have decided to do away with my medicines simply because i just don't want to take them any more. I have no other major or urgent reasons to keep paying the monthy bill so I can't think of any reason that i need to do so.
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It's always a good idea to keep your insurance if at all possible. Life throws us curve balls and better we have insurance and not use it, than need it and not have it.
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Where can i get the best & affordable health insurance?

company does not provide it anymore. where can i get the best and affordable health insurance that i pay for myself. thanks
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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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health insurance carriers that accept applicants with a mental health history?

I have never lapsed in insurance, but have a history of depression and was diagnosed with OCD around 10 years old. I currently am paying 500+ dollars per month to be on my husband's policy he gets through work, so I am looking at cheaper options. I was denied before by Anthem because of my mental health history, so I got discouraged and stopped looking, but $500 is a lot of money to pay for insurance! Any input would be appreciated :)
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$500 is pretty cheap, with a history of depression. Obviously, you can shop around by talking to a local agent or broker, but you're probably not going to find anyone else willing to take you - even assuming the rest of your health is PERFECT, and you're not overweight. If you lived in a state that was required to offer you coverage, you would have received MUCH higher quotes.
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Does regular health insurance pay to get wisdom teeth cut out?

My mother said that you dont have to have dental insurance to get wisdom teeth cut out, regular health insurance should cover. How can i find out for sure? Call my ins. company?
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Call your insurance company. The oral surgeons where I got my teeth done won't accept any insurance, but they WILL help you fill out the forms so you can file to get reimbursed. I know my insurance company wouldn't have reimbursed us if I didn't get all four teeth done, so just double check with them first.
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How is mandating health insurance socialism? Why is no one rioting about car insurance?

Healthcare is still run by the private sector. Just more people will be able to get it. How is ensuring everyone has insurance socialized medicine? Healthcare is run by the private sector either way.
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I would totally riot about car insurance. It's been a while since I've had a good riot.
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Would removing individual state's regulation of health care insurance reduce insurance cost?

Would removing state control and regulations on insurance companies bring down insurance cost? Right now there are 50 separate markets in the USA for health insurance. In each one, the cost of policies is based a profit mix of that particular market. Would removing state boundaries and allowing insurance companies to design policies at the national level rather than the state level make insurance more affordable? Shouldn't we try a reasonable approach such as this before leaping into a federal healthcare plan?
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Sure. Oh I have an idea... Yeah, oh goody! Let's have Federally regulated health insurance!
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Is it right for employers to be forced to provide health insurance to employees dependents until age 26?

According to Obamacare law employers must provide health insurance to employees dependents and they have to until age 26. Why would anyone hire a person with a bunch of kids? Is this not insanity? http://www.businessinsurance.com/article…
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Yes...:)
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Do I report Health Insurance Premiums paid on the 1099-MISC?

It's driving me nuts! We're an LLC and everything I've read has just confused me more, and people I've talked to have conflicting opinions. Do I need to report our health insurance premiums paid to our plan provider on the 1099-MISC?
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1099's are issued to people who perform services if they are incorporated, a 1099 does not have to be issued you are paying insurance premiums and altho it may seem like it, it is not a service you are actually paying for protection that may or may not ever happen or be needed it is merely a expense of your business, providing health care coverage for your employees
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Is it OK to join Spouse's Health Insurance even if my employer offers heath insurance ? Any gotchas/ Catches?

I am thinking of joining my spouse'e health insurace even though my employer offers his own insurance ? I calculate that if all of us (me, spouse and 2 children) join thru spouse employer, premium is lower compared to any other combination.
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sURE YOU CAN GET ON YOUR SPOUSE'S INSURANCE. I'D DO THAT IF ITS THE BETTER OF THE 2 ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE BEST PLAN & BEST PRICE, THE ONLY CATCH IS WHEN YOU FILE A CLAIM, YOU GOT to PUT YOU HAVE NO OTHER INS. WHERE YOU WORK AT , THEY MAY SEND YOU FORMS FROM TIME TO TIME,JUST TO MAKE SURE INFO HASNT CHANGED , OTHER THAN THAT , IT'S COOL.
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