Saturday, March 26, 2011

Is it personally responsible to not have health-insurance and pass the cost to taxpayers...?

through emergency room drain? That doesn't sound personally responsible to me. It makes sense to have everyone purchase health insurance because if they don't, that cost gets passed to everyone.
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The cost of private health insurance is out of reach for many people. If one isn't working, because they can't find a job, even the cost of Cobra isn't much cheaper. If one can afford it and doesn't have it, then it is irresponsible for them not to have health insurance. If one is poor, or near/at the poverty level states have state funded insurance, Medicaid, or in California, Medi-Cal. Given that there are health programs for low in come people, they should take advantage of it. I believe it's free, so there would be no cost for the individual, they would have a Doctor and wouldn't have to go to emergency rooms. Without getting into a discussion about illegal immigrants, they will go to emergency rooms. As a nurse I know that the legal, or illegal question isn't asked and if these patients need care, they would be transferred to county hospitals for further care. Illegals also somehow get state funded insurance, but my experience has been they are only covered for emergencies. The illegal immigration problem definitely a burden on tax payers, but that's all I'll say about that. It is irresponsible not to have health insurance if you can afford it, but don't want to pay for it and equally irresponsible not to have Medi-Caid, ot Medi-Cal if you qualify.
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Can I put my disabled sister on my family health insurance plan through work?

I can't afford to pay for separate insurance for her. My parents are dead so it is up to me to take care of her now. Are there any other options?
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Are you her legal guardian? Is she legally incompetant? Is she your dependent? If the answer to all of these is yes, then it's quite possible you CAN.
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How does Pesonal Health Insurance work?

It might seem like an odd question, but I really don't know. Growing up, my family was rather poor and money was always a major obstacle. [Only my dad worked: 40 hours X $10/hr isn't much for a family of 5]. We never had individual health insurance, regular checkups, or anything of that nature. I only went to a doctor twice in my life, once at 8 & again at 10 yrs -both for no major reason. Anyway, I'm now 20 years old (in good health - I think), just graduated from college, and I'm about to start working at a large financial firm. Needless to say, I will have more than enough money to afford Health insurance and all the other necessities. But how exactly do I go about attaining this? Do I inquire at my work place to see if they have some type of employee health plan? Do I go to an independent insurance company? Any good Ones? Once I have that covered, do I simply walk/call into the hospital and request a physical/check-up or etc? Will I have a personal Physician/Doctor?
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When faced with the option of whether to purchase disability insurance, many consumers say no without fully understanding the consequences of their decision. The major reason why so few people opt for a smart amount of disability insurance is that disability insurance policies are not as widely held or as commonly discussed as life or health insurance policies. This leads to the current situation, where many people remain uneducated as to the possible benefits that disability insurance can offer them. disability insurance works within a fairly simple framework. In the event you become disabled in some way and cannot do the job that you are trained for and accomplished in, your insurance will pay you some amount of tax-free replacement income. Disabilities come in many shapes and forms, and anything from vertigo to obesity to any other condition that interferes with your ability to work can potentially make it possible for you to file a disability insurance claim.
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Will my health insurance be covered if I go to college in another state?

I am a New York City resident and I am currently covered under Healthfirst. I will be going to college in Pennsylvania in the fall, will Healthfirst cover my insurance in PA? Thank you!
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You need to contact your health insurance provider and speak to a customer service rep. If they do not have any providers that are "in network" there - you may be covered but would have to pay more for "out of network" charges. Your best bet is to speak to your health insurance company.
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How would a Universal health care public option put private health insurance out of business ?

How would a Universal health care public option put private health insurance out of business ?
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In theory, businesses who provide health care to their workers (the main income for insurence companies) would stop supplying it because the workers would have the public option. The companies would make far less money.
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What are some Good Health Insurance in North Carolina?

Me and my husband just recently got married and we are are looking for a decent health insurance plan. I looked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield but I was wondering if there are better rates out there than that. I just want to compare my option but I have no idea where to start or what Health Insurance Company is legit. So if anyone lives in North Carolina or has any good ideas I would appreciate the answers. Thanks a Ton!
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Some other legitimate insurance companies that are options for someone in NC are: Aetna Celtic Ins. Co. CIGNA Coventry Humana UnitedHealthOne Not all of these are necessarily options for you, or less expensive than BCBS. Whether you qualify, and how much they cost, may depend on your age, your husband's age, where in NC you live, whether you are students, your health, his health, etc.
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Must I now get health insurance from my employer?

I work for a large hospital system where I've chosen to get paid more, but get no benefits, including no health insurance benefits. I have my own private health insurance and have had it for years. Under the now-passed healthcare reform, must my employer now cover me? I'm worried about this because my paycheck will be significantly less, if I must get benefits from now on.
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As of right now, no. The portion of the bill that requires you to have insurance doesn't go into effect until 2014. Even then, as long as you have a qualified health plan you will not be required to take employer insurance. However, the Secretary of Health is charged with determining the exact details so who really knows what those details will look like.
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If I get married will I lose my health insurance?

I'm a full time student and am currently covered by my parents health insurance plan because of this. If I were to get married, would I lose that coverage?
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If you get married, you would no longer qualify as a dependent under your parents insurance plan. (It would be an exceptionally rare case that would allow a married child to remain on a parent's plan....so rare that I can't recall ever seeing an example of one.) I've worked on dependent audits for group benefit plans, and if your parents were to be audited they would have to provide evidence that you qualify under their benefits. (For example, showing copies of current tax returns showing that they are still claiming you as a dependent, etc.) Once you're married and on your own, you wouldn't qualify.
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Where can I find health insurance, when I have depression?

I am recently out of work and my health insurance ends on 12/31/08. I am a single male, 30, willing to pay. I do take prescriptions medications for depression. Does anyone have any advice or know of place to look for a plan that would cover me? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Happy Holidays!
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Sorry to hear about your depression, I found that physical exercise helped me think when I lost my job and I soon found another one, it's a state of mind.
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what is the best Health Insurance in vancouver?

I'm an international student planning to stay here in vancouver for the next 5 years. just want to know from people who live here and from there experience what is the best Health Insurance? thank you guys for help :) cheers
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Asa - To be honest, I'm not sure. As I understand it, Canadians are "not allowed" to purchase health insurance but, instead, MUST participate in the national plan (i.e., government run, with all that implies). However, as an international student & non-Canadian (presumably) I'm not sure. Here's what I'd suggest: 1. Do an online search for "international health insurance AND canada" and see what you find. 2. Do an online search for "health insurance coverage AND "canadian broker" to find a local broker who may be more familiar with what's available. 3. Check with the Registrar's office at the university; they should have a list of resources available (after all, you can't be the 1st student to have this question). 4. Contact International Corporate Benefits and see what options or ideas they might have (http://www.ezicb.com). Hope this helps a bit!
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How do you get health insurance?

I'm try'na get emancipated from my parents, and they said I medical/health insurance. No ******** answers.
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The easiest way is to get a job where health insurance is offered. Short of that, you need to contact an insurance broker in your town and get some quotes. Since you are probably young and healthy, it shouldn't be too hard to afford.
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Where does congress have the right to force citizens to buy health insurance at ridiculously expensive prices?

requiring health insurance coverage I could understand....if the price was cheap or reasonable...like if for an adult it cost $100 a month or for a child $25 a month. But where does congress get the right to force someone to buy this expensive product?
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If you're arguing for strict price controls on insurance premiums then I agree with you. Health care coverage however is not and never will be cheap. Congress can require that you buy health insurance but it should also mandate price controls and include a public option for people who don't want to deal with the insurance companies.
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Shouldn't health care reform involve helping insurance companies make a bigger profit for the good of us all?

It's simple economics people, if health insurance companies make even more money they will become better at saving rich people's lives. Health care reform should involve forcing everybody to buy from private companies at exorbitant costs, so eventually those private insurers out of the goodness of their heart will invest money into medical technology that will give us better care.....if you're wealthy of course. And if you're not wealthy God doesn't love you anyway and then it's in your best interests to die. It's a win -win situation for everybody. God Bless.
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That sums it up for me.
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Why do we need these money grubbing health insurance companies?

All they do is add frustration and cost to health care. Even government run single payer would be better than free market greed.
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Because the alternative is putting our health in the hands of money grubbing politicians.
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Do you know anybody that had their health insurance policy canceled because they filed a claim?

Do you think liberals exaggerate stories like that to further their cause of having a single payer health care system in the US?
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Yes they do exaggerate in order to make the people fear for the most basic thing they have, their health. Especially the older people, they are prone to believe the stories coming out of The Obama Factory.
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what would be a good rate for health insurance for a married couple, no kids, in ohio?

any recommendations as too who's plan to go with? will need dental, maternity and perscription coverage as added items. With all the talk about bad health coverage going around I want to make sure that I choose the right one.
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It depends upon your age, height and weight, and any pre-existing conditions. It also depends upon the type of policy, what is covered and what the deductible is. In my area for a 30 year old couple in perfect health the premium will run $220 to $360 per month with a range from $53 to $500 per month. Plans with maternity range from $250 to $900. Most plans will have prescription coverage. With individual policies you should consider maternity as a forced savings account. Maternity usually has a waiting period of around 12 months. The extra premium you are paying almost always adds up to more than the maternity costs. Dental is OK if you have an employer paying most of the premium. Otherwise it's a big waste of money. Your best bet is to call or visit a local independent agent. The agent knows what plans are available in your area and can find a plan that fits your situation and budget. They can explain all the differences in policies. The plans and premiums are exactly the same whether you use an agent or buy directly from the company.
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Does anyone have any suggestions for affordable health insurance for the self employed?

I am a self employed horse trainer and can't find an insurance company to insure me for a reasonalbe amount of money.
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I think the best way is to do some research on your own and then get in touch with local health insurance agents or brokers. I say more than one because talking with more agents will give you more ideas, see more health plan products, and – most importantly – get several different insurance agents competing two earn your business. Many people don't realize it, but insurance plans aren't any cheaper online than they are through an agent. You might want to find out whether a horse trainer organization has group health insurance. It would be cheaper than individual health insurance. I've included a link to United Professional Horsemen's Association; they might have group health plans for members or offer advice. I'm sure there are other professional horse trainers in your situation. When I've looked at self-employment matters, The National Associated for the Self-Employed (see link below) had some good information. They have a health care Web site with some good information as well (also below). Also, some states have group-purchasing pools for small business and the self-employed. Depending on the kind of business you're in, there may be a trade association you can join and get group health insurance through them. After you've done some researching, try visiting MostChoice.com. You fill out a short form, they send you information on health plans available in your state, and local state-licensed insurance agents contact you within 48 hours to talk about what you're company needs in a group health plan. It's free and you're not required to buy anything from the agents who contact you. Just wait until one of them delivers an insurance solution that makes sense for you and your company. You can visit MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insuran… Hope this helps, Barnes@MostChoice
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Do I need a European health insurance card when going abroad?

The card gives lets us use the health services in Europe. But what happens if we do not have this card? Can we still use the health services without it?
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The objective of the card is to ensure that UK citizens get the same service in Europe as they would get at home. So, if you require emergency treatment you get it at no extra cost. It does not cover any existing conditions you may have nor will it get you free routine dental treatment. Since the card is free it would be pretty stupid not to carry one. You can get an application form at your local Post Office. Ian
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What is a good pet health insurance policy? A sick kitty can cost a fortune.?

Is pet health insurance worth the investment? I have two sweet semi-siamese kitties that I adore and want to keep safe and healthy without breaking the bank.
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Hi LucastaLovelace, First, disclaimer: I work for Embrace Pet Insurance in Cleveland, Ohio. I'm glad you're asking questions about pet health insurance. There is so much information floating around about it and not all of it is correct. Indeed a sick kitty can cost a fortune to make healthy again. Even so, we see a much higher percentage of dog owners than cat owners taking out pet insurance. Perhaps this stems from the perception that dogs are more active and thus more likely to need it, I'm still not sure. I want to address one question you asked which was "Is pet health insurance worth the investment?" Well, actually, no insurance product is ever an investment. Insurance simply transfers your risk to someone else in exchange for you paying the premium. Health, auto, pet insurance is all the same in this regard. You pay a premium, someone else takes the financial risk off your hands. I say this because many pet owners want pet insurance to act like human health insurance, right down to the idea that it should cover even visits to your veterinarian and routine vaccinations. The problem is that insurance doesn't work as well when it covers myriad small, inexpensive, routine procedures. By doesn't work as well I mean "is more expensive". It can certainly help from a budgeting point of view to have the whole kitchen sink included but it certainly won't make your pet insurance any more affordable. So, what makes a good pet health insurance policy? My opinion is straightforward: insurance is a promise to reimburse you so one of the main elements of a good policy is full and open disclosure of *everything* that is and is not covered. If you look just at price you are not getting the whole picture. You're very lucky in that nowadays here in the US you have a choice of at least half a dozen different pet insurance companies, just go to Google and type in "pet insurance." Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you navigate the different plans on the market: 1. Does the pet insurance company give you a choice of deductibles, maximums, and copays to design a plan to suit your budget? 2. Does the plan cover genetic conditions? Make sure their answer is unambiguous because some claim they cover them but there can be "gotchas." 3. Does the plan cover chronic or recurring conditions? So if your pet gets sick in year 1, does it cover the same illness again in year 2? 4. Does the plan come loaded with coverages that you'll pay for but probably never use, like "Lost & Found" or "Accidental Death"? 5. What is and is not covered? Is it clearly stated on their website or over the phone? 6. Does the plan pay claims based on a restrictive benefit schedule or the actual vet bill? You want to avoid benefit schedule plans because they have a high probability of leaving you substantially out of pocket when you make a claim. 7. Are there per-incident or per-body system limits that effectively cap the amount you could receive back? For example, some plans have a $3,000 per-incident limit. If you had a claim for $5,000 with one of these plans then the most you would get back would be $3,000 - ever. 8. How long does the company take to pay claims? 9. What are the rules around pre-existing conditions? Are they excluded permanently or temporarily? Buying a pet insurance plan requires a little bit of homework upfront. Go with the company that you trust and the plan that you think fits your budget and your needs. Good luck! Alex Embrace Pet Insurance http://www.embracepetinsurance.com
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Are you looking for a career in health insurance?

I'm an agent for Combined Insurance and I think it offers the best of both worlds, entrepreneurial and employment. It's 100% commissioned, so you are paid exactly what you are worth (just like owning your own business). But it also offers benefits, training, merit-based promotion, and the power of a Fortune 500 company backing the products. If you like, I could check into opportunities in your area.
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No. I'm not
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Why pay for health insurance anymore?

The Community Organizer (Barry O) has made sure that "pre-existing condition" cannot be basis for refusal when buying health insurance. So why not just wait until you get sick to purchase insurance? Its like waiting until you get into a car wreak to buy car insurance. Barry's penalty for not having insurance doesn't kick in for another few years... so why have insurance before getting sick?
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Exactly! This plan is designed to put competing insurance companies out of business, or over regulate them as a form of punishment! Why would I now carry insurance (If I headed a company) at that enormous cost if government will compete with me? If its so good, why did Democrats in both House and Senate opt out of it for themselves? If its soo needed, why wait four years to implement it since people are dying in the streets now? Make No mistake about it, this is a colossal power grab! And WTF does student loans have to do with Health care?
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What is the best basic hospital private health insurance in Brisbane, Queensland ?

If you want all procedures covered as a private patient in public hospital, excluding those relating to having children, without daily copayments (unless capped at $500/year), with a maximum yearly excess of $1000, and gap coverage for participating health specialists.
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Ask your question in Yahoo Answers local category for better results!
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how long does it get under army health insurance?

I am getting married this sunday and i was wondering how long it would take for me to get under his insurance. I've heard it can take up to six months is that true? How long does it usually take and what do i have to do?
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No health insurance (Tricare) will not take up to 6 months before you are eligible for it. That can be housing or command sponsorship if he is overseas on orders. As soon as your information is entered into DEERS you are automatically enrolled into Tricare Standard. With Standard you go to approved civilian providers, have a yearly deductible and a co-pay for each visit. When you get your military ID card you can change to Tricare Prime. With Prime you go to a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) and there is no cost to you after being given a Primary Care Manager (PCM). With Prime though that doesn't start immediately it depends on the date of hte month you enroll. If you do it before the 20th then it starts on the 1st of the next month. If you sign up after the 20th then it starts on the 1st of the following month. Meaning you sign up May 19th it starts on June 1st, but sign up on May 21st it starts on July 1st.
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How do I get my dads health insurance to drop me so I can be accepted for another?

I am 17 and I am pregnant. I am trying to go through my doctors apointments on medicade but can't because I am already on my dads insurance. (bluecross/bluesheild) I need blue cross to drop me, but they won't because I'm under age. Is there a way around it? because I really can't afford the fee and deductable for blue cross.
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If you get married, you automatically get dropped off his policy. Besides that, you - and he - have to wait for open enrollment to come around, before you can be dropped. You should probably try to see if there's a Gabriel Project near you - www.gabrielproject.org . . . at 17, being pregnant . .. the fee and deductible is the LEAST of your problems.
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