Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Does having health insurance determine whether you live or die?

My nephew had a minor motorcycle accident and while his injuries are not life threatening, he was on a blood thinner that has kept him in the critical intensive care unit since the tuesday after Mother's Day, with kindey failure, the heart enlarging and a blood clot in one of his lungs. Well he has very good health insurance and his mother is a retired RN. My nephew is in one of the major trauma hospitals in central NJ and is fighting for his life. Since he has been in the ICU almost all of the patients that were there since he arrived and some that came after him have died. Many of them (because this is an inner city facility) have no health insurance and no family members that can be at the hospital 24/7. I honestly feel that if my nephew didn't have a constant family presence and the fact that my sister-in-law is a RN, he would have been dead days ago and would not have received the attention he has. What is your opinion?
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So sorry to hear of your nephew's accident. I will be praying for his speedy and thorough recovery. Thank goodness this boy IS insured and that he has family and friends who love him and a mother with medical knowledge. Sadly, there truly are countless children and adults who are un(der)insured, and who may not receive the same level of service that your nephew has received. However, if their situation is truly life threatening, then a hospital can NOT deny treatment (they must stabilze). If, however, their condition does NOT (quite literally) immediately threaten life or limb, the hospital can (and frequently does) deny treatment until suitable financial arrangements are secured. For good or ill, the bottom line is that the all mighty dollar drives American healthcare. One way to empower yourself in this situation, is to get involved by lobbying your congresspersons for any changes in health care that you think would have possibly benefited the children whose deaths you witnessed during your nephew's stay in the ICU. Perhaps, when your nephew has fully recovered, he would have an interest in joining you in your efforts, as well.
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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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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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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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How does health insurance work for a newborn baby?

Our future child will be covered by BCBS (group plan). When I called, the rep stated you have 30 days after the birthdate to add the child. I then asked, if the child is born let's say premature and they begin acruing individual medical bills from day one, will the health coverage added within 30 days cover the acrued medical bills?
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Yes, the health insurance backdates to birthdate, as long as you register the child within the specified time. In the meantime, the bills go unpaid until the insurance company knows about the birth.
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Is health Insurance a boon or a bane?

Extreme Unethicalness in treatment, fake surgeries, bloated medicine prices by Hospitals (Fake MRP prices in collusion with manufacturers) backed by Insurance companies who happily pay. A triumvirate of 1. Doctors/ Hospitals 2. Medical manufactureres 3. Health Insurance Please answer: 1. Do Doctors Live off the Miseries of People? 2. Is health Insurance a boon or a bane? 3. Should Medical manufactureres/ Scanning & testing centers pay commissions to doctors?
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1. Yes, Yes , Yes - 2. A bane as doctors think it belongs to them, why else do they keep 2 days req patient for 1 week, do all the tests possible. 3. Yes all commisions should be tracked and made a criminal breach by government. Why else is at the same place a CT scan 2,200 & 3,200 when ref by diff doctors. Docs ref even if not necessary so they pocket the commisons.
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Health Insurance covering the cost of braces?

I'm just wondering if there is anyone out there that has had health insurance cover their braces. My husband is major need of teeth repair, and he has broken through the upper lip on both side from different things. - - - he's dental insurance will cover 1/2 of it, i was just wondering in health insurance ever considered covering braces. He has two different dental plans, if health insurance doesn't cover it, could the other plan (through military) cover the other 1/2? thanks for any answers~
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See if the health insurance will pay for it, IF IT IS medically required (dr authorizes it, as for his physical well being/necessary)
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Let's not have universal health care but just make health insurance more affordable?

and have the insurance companies take out take all these pre existing condition clauses. Then we don't have to worry about giving health care to illegals or higher taxes. Does anyone agree with me?
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I only half agree with you. Instead of having universal health care, we should make it harder for people to sue a doctor for malpractice and force doctors and hospitals to charge the same price to someone who is paying cash as they would to someone who has the government paying the bill. If doctors didn't increase their prices several 100% to make up for the amount the insurance company is going to knock off, then charge the people paying cash the full price, many people could live just fine without insurance.
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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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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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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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affordable or free health insurance in michigan?

Im trying to find health insurance for myself. Im low income, 22, but not pregnant. So medicaid is not a option. Does anybody know of any programs that are extremely cheap to free that i may qualify for? I live in Wayne County if that helps.
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go see ur social services office and ask them the question -- remember all public hospitals MUST treat u by law
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Health Coverage - What would be the average cost of health insurance for family?

I know price varies from state to state, but looking for rough estimate of cost if I was purchasing health insurance on my own - good coverage / out of pocket expense ??
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$100 to $500 per month depending on your company & coverages. You might try getting a quote online. I shopped around & they were able to offer me the lowest price by far. Go to: http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Ref…
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is there anyone who can share the experience of the health insurance in America?

What the advantages and disadvantage for the health insurance in America?
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I live in the Americas, Maybe not the USA, but where I live, health insurance is free, and the health care system is great! No matter how many times I get sick, I get the medicine I need and my mother doesn't have to pay a dime! The United States could really learn from Canada, especially the crazy right-wing people down south.
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what kind of health insurance is americhoice?

is this health insurance an HMO? or something different. does anyone know?
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i think it works with medicare AmeriChoice offers health care coverage for beneficiaries of Medicaid and other state health care programs in all or parts of the states on the map at left. Our health plans are known by different names in different states, but all offer the same high quality care.
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Health insurance through my husbands job?

We just got the new open enrollment info for my husbands job. Recently I have lost my job and we have had baby so this time around it will no longer just be my husband drawing the insurance, it will be our family. Anyway, the premium for health insurance only (not vision or dental) is a little over $400 a month. This seems high to me and I am wondering if that is what most people pay for a family, or if I should look into health insurance rates online?
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I did a lot of research on this, too. We pay about $400 a month for our family as well. The best deal you're going to get (price-wise and benefit-wise) is from your (or his) employer. Go with the work insurance.
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Wouldn't you want everyone to have health insurance?

I mean if we are all forced to have car insurance why not health insurance. Why should people choose to have it or not? What kind of person doesn't want to take care of their body? The thing is every one should have health insurance because sickness has no boundaries. Germs spread when your sick and affects everybody. So no, health should not be a choice to someone because they affect more than themselves....well unless they are willing to live in a big plastic bubble.
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You are not forced to have car insurance, you can choose not to drive. If you have children you do not have to have car insurance for them. Car insurance is required if you CHOOSE to drive, but that insurance is not to protect you, it is to protect others, you are not required to have coverage on your own property though a lending institution may require it to protect their own interests. Why should a young health individual be required to have health care coverage? He is aware of the risks of not having it and then accepts that risk. Why should anyone pay between $300 and $1200 a month for insurance when the probabilities of using it is very low? Wouldn't you be better off saving that money and if you have to go to the doctor you can pay for the visit. Why do so many people support the right of a woman to choose but then want to deny others the right to choose whether or not they have health care. I now view abortion as a method of lowering your health care costs, you can choose to abort rather than to pay higher premiums and your insurance will pay for this choice. Health care will not stop the spread of sicknesses, it is up to an individual to go to the doctor and just having health insurance is no guarantee that they will do so. You seem to be going on the premise that if you have health care insurance, that you will not have to take any money out of your pocket except for the premiums. This is not true, you will have an annual deductible, maybe it is $500 a year, maybe it is $2,000 per year. You have to pay the deductible before the insurance pays anything at all. Even after you pay your deductible you will have to pay anywhere between 20 and 30% of the total bill. Lets say you have an angiogram, I had one so that is why I am using this as my example. The cost of the angiogram is $70,000. If your insurance costs you $5,000 per year and your deductible is $2,000 and has 80% coverage (you pay the other 20%) this procedure would cost you a total of $5,000 + $2,000 + 14,000 or a total of $21,000, assuming of course that this was your one an only usage of your insurance of the year. True, it is cheaper than paying $70,000, but do can you afford $21,000 anymore than you can afford $70,000 ? Now suppose you did not see the doctor at all during the year, do you have $5,000 you can throw away? If you said yes, then please send it to me, Now if you will show me a Federal Law that requires you to have car insurance, I will take back everything I have said.
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