Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Why do we allow our governing bodies to spend so much time and effort trying to establish health insurance?

We spend very little trying to prevent bad health, actually bad health is sold. People in this country overeat, under exercise, and try to blame someone else.
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I assume you mean the US. In the UK everyone pays an amount from their wages/tax according to their income to the Health Service. When they are ill or taken to hospital they are treated. There is no argument or questioning after this, it is paid for. The same service is given to all regardless of income or status, although there is a private treatment option for those that can afford it. This tends to just be to get treatment quicker for minor operations, or for cosmetic surgery etc. The same system covers dental treatment. What you should be asking is why hasn't the US had a similar system for years. - the answer is that the people who provide medical insurance in the US are making too much money from it to let it happen! .
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Can my employer refuse to provide me information on our new health insurance?

I work in the medical field and recently our facility was sold to an individual who owns 6 other facilities. He had a meeting with all of the staff to "explain" our new health coverage, but will not provide us with any documentation of what it really entails. Can he really hide this information from us?
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just sit tight for now since the company you work for is now owned by another company all the information will come to light right now maybe the only person might have a answer for you might be HR DEPT because its there area to know this stuff, but for now just sit tight and wait.
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If Obamacare passes, how long will it take health insurance companies to go bankrupt?

forcing insurance companies to cover preexisting conditions will bankrupt them. how long will it take?
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They will have more business. They won't go bankrupt. plus, pre-existing conditions don't always result in higher costs.
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I'm confused about primary and secondary health insurance?

My daughter is on my policy, where all of the payments come out of a fund set at the beginning of the year, so if it is $1,000 that can be wiped out by one trip to the ER. Also, she is on her father's plan which is a taditional co-pay plan. Would it work out to my advantage to use his at primary and mine as secondary? Can the co-pay requirement from his insurance be paid from my plan?
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Here are the rules of the National Association of Health Insurance Commissioners. These rules are listed in order - the first one to apply to you will be used to process claims. 1. If the Policy Holder is the same for both contracts: a. The plan that covers the policyholder as an active employee is primary. b. If the policyholder has the same employment status (active/retired) under both plans, the plan with the earliest effective date is primary. 2. If the Policy Holder is the spouse or domestic partner: a. The plan that covers the policyholder as an employee is primary. The spouse's is secondary. 3. If children are covered under more than one policy and the parents are married or living together: a. The policy of the parent whose birthday (month and day) is earlier in the year is primary. b. If the parents share the same birthday (month and day), the policy with the earlier effective date is primary. 4. If children are covered under more than one policy and the parents are divorced or living apart: a. The policy of the parent that the court has made responsible for health care insurance is primary. b. The policy of the parent who has custody of the children is primary. c. If the court has not placed responsibility on one parent to insure the children and the parents have joint custody, the policy of the parent whose birthday (month and day) is earlier in the year is primary. If the parents share the same birthday (month and day), the policy with the earlier effective date is primary. d. If the natural parent elects to have coverage under the policy of the step parent, we will consider the policy to be that of the natural parent. These rules do not apply when one policy is Medicare. Your state laws may vary.
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Are insurance companies lobbying to get the contracts to administer the proposed govt. health insurance?

Private insurance companies already administer the Medicare program. People blame the government for problems with Medicare, but the government doesn't administer it.
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Insurance companies can lobby for anything they want but hopefully they are not going to get it this time. I don't actually know why taxpayers are currently subsidizing private insurance companies that run Medicare Advantage programs at a cost nearly 20 percent higher than Medicare but that has to be looked into as part of this health care reform.
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Does anyone know how I can get private health insurance?

I can purchase it through work but I was told to shop around a bit. I need medical insurance and dental would be nice. Anyone know of any websites?
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Contact a local independent agent. If you want maternity, chances are the group plan will be better. However, depending on the average age and medical conditions of the group, you may be able to cut the cost in half by going out on your own. That will vary from state to state and group to group also. A local agent can help you. Get the info on the group plan (outline of coverage) and the cost so they can see what they can do for you on an individual plan that is comparable to the group plan. You are making a wise choice by checking out your options. Keep in mind that the group plan is most likely paid in part by your employer. Compare what your actual costs will be.
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Does anyone know of ratings for Long Term Health Insurance?

I have to decide whether or not to join a Long Term Health Plan, but I see the outfit has been sued several times. How do I find out if they're worth the dough?! My HR Dept doesn't seem to know anything about them.
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healthplans.my-age.net - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.
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Do health insurance companies charge per prescription?

Im 18 years old and away at school but am still under my parents health insurance. Today I was prescribed aderol from a Psychiatrist my father and I both see. In the past when I have talked to my parents about my potential ADD they laughed at me and told me that ADD was not real. After testing, I have been prescribed Aderol. I still would not like my parents to know. I am wondering if the insurance company will show the names of the prescriptions I fill?
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yea
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Should I ask about health insurance during interview?

I have a job interview coming up...I have a health condition (no symptoms though) and have to have the right coverage. Is it appropriate or not to ask about coverage during the interview, or best to wait for an offer?
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you should ask, it will show your not desperate and could go find a better insurance offer..
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How can someone without health insurance recieve medical treatment?

I have signed up for med. insurance at my job and it will not kick in until January. I just realised I might be needing some medical attention now, how do I get it? I have severe back pain.
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Walk into the emergency room at any hospital and say, "Yo no habla englais." Seriously though, there are a number of teaching hospitals that offer medical service to the community at no cost or little cost. Parkland Hospital in Dallas is one example, as they are attached to Southwestern Medical School. There should be one near you. Contact your local state Medicaid provider to see if they can recommend one.
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My boyfriend has diabetes and I need to get him some health insurance immediately. How can I go about it?

He doesn't have a job that can provide him insurance right away. He's in construction.
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Wow this is a tuff one for him.... any chance of marring him? If you are living together anyway... California medi-cal won't give him anything if he is single without kids. Other than the marriage thing a state or federal job is the best bet. He knows construction? School districts are always on the look out to hire maintenance men and the insurance is great with no waiting time and most will cover pre ex's too. Always ask the doctors office for samples! About the swelling in his feet...Amputation is a real concern for us diabetics I know so many men and some ladies too without one or both legs.. keep them clean & dry. keep them up and rested when he is not working. Stay off the black sodas and away from alcohol & saltly foods. Good luck
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How do I get health insurance in Natal Brazil?

My partner and I are moving to Natal and his family is there and they use Unimed. I would like to get a health coverage plan that includes the cost of medication. Thank you
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In Brazil, as far as I know (and I'm Brazilian who lives in Brazil), all the health coverages do not include medication. When you arrive in Brazil and get yourself a fixed address, you contact the agent of the health insurance you want. This agent will go to your house and you'll sign a contract with them. They will ask you for a proof that you live there, like a telephone bill, so that's why you have to settle in first. Ask the help of your family in Natal so you can chose the best coverage for you. After you chose a health care plan and sign their contract you'll pay its monthly bills which are a fixed price. I have Amil. I could chose if I wanted a cheap fixed price but with less options (but still suficient and include all specialities plus dental), or more expensive plans with many more options. I pay a fixed price every 10th day of the month and don't have to worry how much exams and consultations cost or how often I go to the doctor. It's great, but as I said, medication isn't included and I've done my share of reaserch cause I changed my health care plan a couple of months ago. Unimed is one of the biggest health insurances in the country. I'm not sure which other health care are found in Natal. In Brazil, even if you have a private health care you can always go to a public hospital if you need to, and they are always free of charge. You might also check if the company your husband works for includes a health insurance plan for the family. Many companies use Bradesco which is one of the best.
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Who benefits most if 26 million Americans are given free health insurance? Who gets the money? Who pays for it?

Isn't it the insurance companies and health care providers the same greedy bastards who have been sticking it to us in the past who will benefit the most? And who pays the bill? Well maybe the emergency rooms where free care has been provided in the past will be less crowded at least.
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The people who benefit are those without insurance, or those getting to the point where they can no longer afford insurance. Insurance companies and such will always make a profit, but hopefully now not as much. Who pays the bill? The taxpayers, this thing won't work without taxpayer money. It's about time we had insurance reform. Our healthcare system as it is now is ludicrous.
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health insurance for my two children?

i am a 26 yr old single mother of two girls. one 2yoa and one 5 mo. i am looking for affordable health insurance to cover them in case of emergencies, check ups, and any kind of illness. Does anyone have any suggestions. I do not qualify for medicaid or chip.
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health-quotes.isgreat.org - my family have this health insurance. It is affordable and has good coverage for dental issues.
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Why does Canada get free health insurance?

Why does Canada get free health insurace? Like, what is the catch? Is there one?
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First of all, they don't spend billions and billions on stupid and pointless wars, so they have more money to spend on other things. Secondly, yes... they pay higher taxes. However, the extra taxes aren't half as much as what we pay for medical insurance in the US, and they're taxed on a sliding scale. And their health care is better (ie: if you need treatment to save your life, you won't be turned away because you can't pay... which IS the case in the US). EDIT: To you Canadians saying your health care is so horrible... in the US, we're taxed *almost* as much as you (about 1/4 to 1/3 of one's income is taxed or put into *social security*, which is rapidly becoming a joke, but that's a different rant...). And... that doesn't include healthcare. We have to pay for a healthcare plan... generally a few hundred dollars a month (ie: way more than $60). And we still have to pay a co-pay when we see a doctor. Likewise, since it's private, they can deny any claim they want, and make a practice of doing so (even things like chemotherapy for cancer patients are often denied as "experimental" treatments... as are heart transplants, pacemakers, etc...). Even if the healthcare plan says they cover such things, there's always a catch allowing them to not cover it if they don't deem it "necessary" (this decision not made by a doctor, btw) or if there are "pre-existing problems" (note: if they have evidence that you don't wear sunscreen, then they don't need to cover cancer treatment... and won't). So... people pay hundreds of dollars for medical insurance just to pay to see a doctor and have to pay COMPLETELY out of pocket for necessary treatments/surgeries that insurance won't cover. So... your slightly higher taxes and measly $60 expenses to cover most anything are WAY better than what we have. So stop complaining. I realise it varies by Province, but even the most expensive isn't what we pay in America. Also, I'll point out that both the UK and Canada have a higher life expectancy than the US.
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What happens if you continue to use your health insurance after being downsized from an employer?

My position ended with a company in Oct., they have yet to cancel my benefits, or offered to continue them under COBRA. I need a simple surgical procedure performed should I use?
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You're taking a chance. I had the same experience a few years ago. I take a couple of prescription drugs regularly. When I got the ax, I phoned my drugstore for refills as soon as I walked out of my job. They were filled and there wasn't any problem. Several months later, the insurance company began writing me, about every 2 weeks, telling me that I was responsible for the full cost of the drugs. I wrote back after their 2nd or 3rd attempt, and stated that they were writing the wrong person. If my former employer failed to cancel my insurance in a timely manner, and they felt they were due any money, they should contact my former employer for reimbursement, because after all, my insurance was provided by him. They wrote one more time, then went away! However, I wouldn't try the surgical procedure, no matter how simple. If you've been gone since October, your act would be deliberate and I'm sure you couldn't get out of paying for the cost of the procedure when you're caught, even if you're able to have the claim put in to your former insurance company initially. Regarding, COBRA ... that's a federal issue, your former employer has 30 days to get paperwork to you ... period! What happens most often though, is that if you are currently unemployed, you're not going to be able to afford the COBRA costs. COBRA allows the full cost of the insurance and a 2% 'administrative' fee to be charged. You wind up having to pay 102% of the cost of the insurance your former employer provided at whatever cost to you. Can you afford that? Most unemployed people can't!
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When do the fines start for not having health insurance?

I think people need to stop asking why, and start asking when! When is this going to start? I have heard these fines will be from 750-1000 dollars a year! It's already been approved, so no need to ***** now. Theres no going back. When will the fines start?
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Yes, it is ridiculous. It's also true. You will be fined $750, or 2% of your income for not having health insurance, whichever is greater. The punishment begins in 2014. Maybe we should just make poverty illegal and put a fine on it too.
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If the US system is so great then why do we have millions of people who can't get health insurance?

Yes, I'm aware that some don't want it, and a couple million of them are illegals. However that leaves 20 plus million who can't get good health care in the US.
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Probably should check your numbers. There are approximately 15 million that don't want it, 11 million are illegals. We don't turn anyone away that needs medical care. The problem is you don't want the government controlling yet another facet of our lives. And if this proposed health care plan is so great--why is it that noone in Washington has stated they would sign up for it--because it's not what they are telling us. If they want to propose a health care plan, then the President should propose the very same health care that those in Washington are getting. ***
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I think my gum are infected, how can I get treatment without health insurance?

My teeth are hurting like crazy and I don't have dental insurance but I really need treatment asap, what can I do? Now I feel a bump on my cheek possibly from the pain coming from gum and teeth.
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possess as much information as you could maybe is one of the options,however it is quite time consuming,here http://www.HealthInsuranceIdeas.info/free-online-health-insurance.htm is the resource i have ever had good experience.
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What are the pros and cons of deregulating health insurance so consumers can buy across state lines?

I know the obvious pro would be to create competition and hopefully lower costs, but would there be any other benefits? Also, are there any little-known risks you're aware of?
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Not so obviously. The real pro, is more competition. But there are some major issues dealing with it, because each state requires different things of insurance companies. Some states require coverage for infertility treatment, which drives up rates. Some require that an insurance company CANNOT turn down an application, they HAVE to give health insurance to EVERYONE who asks for it - which triples rates. I think the result of allowing policies to be sold across state lines, will result in an INCREASE of rates for people currently in more restrictive states, and a DECREASE in health insurers willing to write new policies. There is no federal insurance oversight - each state regulates policies sold in that state. So, to do health insurance across state lines, will require a new federal oversight department. How will you fund that? Bottom line, I can't figure out how it could possibly cost less.
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Any companies that offer free health insurance for unemployed workers or part-time workers?

Recently I have begun working for an employer on a part-time basis and the option for health insurance is non existant. Is there a cheap option for health insurance, such as Fidelis Care NY that you know of? Thank you for any help!
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Yes. Try the US government (Medicaid)
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I need a health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions? My work doesn't offer insurance.?

I'm a healthy person but I need depression and anxiety medication. I need a health insurance that can help me out with the costs of my medication and my office visits. I also have a regular doctor I need to go to for some side effects that my medicine causes me. I just have no idea what health insurance to get.
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Depending on your state, health history and the policy you purchase, insurance will normally exclude pre-existing conditions for up to 12 months. This is regulated under HIPAA (Health Insurance and Accountability Act). See the link below for more details. Insurance is a good idea to have although it can be expensive. There are plans with really high deductibles and a lot of out of pocket expenses, but with a low premiums and sometimes free preventative services. Some also have office visits for a flat rate if you use a plan provider. Check with a local agent in your area for options.
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What would you do if your child had cancer and no health insurance?

There are 40 million Americans without health care !
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Use programs that are currently in place, and know that my child is getting far better care, since under Obamacare that child with cancer would be considered an "unproductive" member of society, and put on the back burner for "the good of all." Patients' Choice Act - the only plan that is a measure of true reform, would empower the uninsured to purchase the plan of their choice, by redirecting subsidies, while protecting current plans & quality care. You empower the uninsured, not enslave everyone.
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Can you switch your health insurance plan at any time?

I want to change my plan (within the same insurance company). I just enrolled, but would like to switch to a cheaper plan. This is not through my job; I just enrolled on my own. Can I change now, or am I tied in? Thanks!
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The best place to go would be to the Member Services department of your insurer. They will be able to assist you making a plan change (typically a reduction of benefits will be allowed, while an increase of benefits will require you to go thru underwriting again.) Every carrier has different requirements and rules (some say that you must be on your current plan for a minimum of 6 months).
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