Tuesday, July 5, 2011

For someone retiring before Medicare eligibility, what is a reasonable amount to budget for health insurance?

This seems to be a missing topic in all the online articles about retiring.
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I feel that $900 per month is not a "rational" answer. This really depends on a few things: 1) What state will you be in when you retire? 2) Do you have any medical conditions? 3) What is your risk tolerance? i.e. How much of a deductible can you handle? With the above being said, it is very difficult to just throw a number at you - there are just too many variables. Minimum per person $300 Maximum per person $800 You should also look at getting into a Health Savings Account qualified plan - they keep the premium's reasonable for that age group, plus they give you the ability to open a tax advantaged savings account.
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Health Insurance after getting out of the military?

I was told that I have 6 months of medical coverage free through the military when I leave the military is this true?
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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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Which is the best health insurance plan? iam really confused with lots of companies plans?

Is there any health plan which covers maternity?
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The best plan will depend on a lot of things. First things first, only look at companies that are large enough to avoid going out of business in the face of the health care reform. Small companies may be forced to raise their rates in effort of driving you away or just plain shut their doors, possibly leaving you with an unsettled claim or without coverage. Next, work with an independent agent that represents all the major companies in your state. You are not likely to find an agent who only represents one company recommend anything other than their policies. An independent can offer you plans from several companies and with the prices being set by law you won't be able to buy it cheaper anywhere else anyway. The next thing to consider is your health and that of everyone to be covered on your policy. DON"T GET DENIED COVERAGE. It is a negetive thing to have on your record. An agent can fact find, submit an anonymous prescreen evaluation and likely prevent a denial situation. Don't just blindly apply. Some companies will be more competitive based on factors like; high blood pressure, overweight, prescribed drugs etc. Let an agent guide you to which companies are more tolerant of you specific conditions. Finally, decide whether a traditional copay style plan or an HSA (Health Savings Account) is right for you. You can look over your past annual averages for health care expenses to help determine which style of plan would have saved you money in the long run. Often times an HSA is the most economical plan for individuals and families alike. They typically have high deductibles(ex. $5,000) that help reduce monthly premiums. A $5,000 deductible may seem outrageous, but hospitals allow you to set up payment plans that create affordable monthly payments. I encourage you to speak with an independent agent in your area. They will be able to listen to your needs, show you your options and allow you to make the decision that's right for you.
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19 year old student - health insurance with 1 million lifetime max enough?

I don't currently have a job; I'm just a student, so it's doubtful that I will even keep this insurance the rest of my life. I have a $750 deductible with $2k max out of pocket and no deductible on prescriptions, but the lifetime max is only 1 million. I know with a chronic condition that would be eaten up, but is it sufficient for now?
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At age 19 1 million is adequate. Statistically speaking you have very little chance of capping one million. However, depending on the carrier you may be able to extend the lifetime max for very little additional premium. I have been a health agent for 15 years and chances are that if you have medical expenses in excess of $1 million, you would not survive the accident/illness in question anyway. Having said all of that however, you may want to seek a reinsurer who will come in and accept risk for any medical bills in excess of one million. The premium should be next to nothing, and for obvious reasons. In my opinion you have ample coverage. My only suggestion would be to see if your policy has an aggregate. ( a per sickness/accident limit) you could have a one million lifetime max, but you may have a per illness/accident cap of only say $250,000 for example....this is important to know. Also in response to Kay's comment....NEVER rely on insurance from your employer. EVER. It's YOUR responsibility and not your employer's (or your government's for that matter) to protect your financial assets. Employer based policies ALWAYS end. Termination, job change, etc. An individually owned plan is yours as long as you pay the premium, and gives you much more control and freedom. what would happen if you worked for a company who offered health insurance, but then you had a heart attack or got diabetes? Then you would be FORCED to stay at that job just to have coverage. Whereas if you had a private plan your job would not be slave to your benefits, etc. You need to look into an HSA (Health Savings Account) which will not only save you monthly premiums but also assist you in paying less taxes AND saving for retirment.
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My fiance and i are looking for health insurance and i am not sure exactly?

what we want, we are planning on starting a family soon and i want good maternity and baby care. possibly low deductibles, and decent copays. and not to much a month
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If either one of you is employed, you need to understand what the scope of maternity benefits are in each of those plans. Depending on these things, then maybe you can make a decision which plan offers the better coverage. From a standpoint of good coverage, the best coverage comes from a group insurance policy. These are the types of policies that are given to you from your employer. If you do not have that option, then your only other option is an individual policy. However, you will find out that individual policies are much more expensive, and can contain much less generous benefits than a group policy. Read your plans carefully, and make sure you have someone explain how they will work during your period of maternity.
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Health Insurance companies for the self employed?

I am begining to research self employed insurancein the state of Texas. The coverage will be for 1 adult and two teeanagers. The adult utilizes mothly prescriptions and one of the teenagers needs braces. Can anyone suggest an affordable company that has a great reputation. We are currently with NASE and the coverage for prescriptions stinks. Thanks!
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Some of the top insurance companies offering health insurance for the self employed in Texas include: 1. Blue Cross Blue Shield 2. UniCare 3. United Healthcare Stay away from NASE (National Association of the Self Employed) as they are affiliated with the Mega Life & Health Insurance Company and have a history of receiving a lot of customer complaints (do a Google search or Yahoo search for Mega Life and you can read some of the customer complaints even on the first couple of pages of the results). Here are some specific things to consider when looking for self employed health insurance and specifically some information about health insurance in Texas: http://www.healthquote360.com/Individual… http://www.TexasHealthInsurance360.com
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Life and health insurance exam in PA?

I wanted to take the life and health insurance exam in PA. From my research, I found that it's required to have a 24 hr prep course under my belt prior to the exam. After completion of this I sign up for the internet test. Is this the way it goes? Please help!
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The internet test, has to be PROCTORED. That means, you have to take it at a testing center - you can't take it from home. But yes, that's how it goes.
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Pros and cons birthing center and paying cash for the services or getting health insurance using hosptail?

Not currently insured looking at buying policy with a maternity coverage, I am self employed. What I have to pay per month then in a deductable vs the 3800 fee at a birthing center, I think the insurance would cost me more in the long run and at this time the only reason for getting insurance is to cover maternity
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Well, if you're lucky enough to find a private policy with maternity benefits - because most don't cover maternity - they have a waiting period. They won't cover any pregnancy where conception occurs less than nine months after you've held the policy. In other words, you need to get it 18 months BEFORE you give birth. If maternity is the ONLY reason you're buying health insurance, the premiums you have to pay are going to run you around $6,000 before you can collect, and then they're subject to deductible and copay. In other words, for what they pay out, they're going to collect it from you first in premium. The time it comes in handy, though, is if you or the baby have something seriously wrong, and need intensive medical treatment.
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Not receiving health insurance at work in NYS??!!?

If you're promised health insurance at work in NY state, and you don't receive it, can you quit and receive unemployment?
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about it you can get information from here http://insagency2.notlong.com/9AAcrnU
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How much do Americans currently pay for health insurance?

How much collectively?
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i am 64 and retired mine is $415.00 a month or $4980.00 a year?? i haven't seen a doctor in 6 years! so that's $30,000.00 the insurance company got from me for nothing??
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Are there any drug treatment programs for people who have no money and no health insurance?

My son and I live in Massachusetts and he is addicted to pain killers. It's destroying his life and I don't know what on earth to do!
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Is your child under 18? If so you and him go to your local Health office and apply for medicade or most states have other sources of insurance with little or no co-pay,be honest and tell them of the situation and all will be based on your income. GOOD LUCK!!!
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If a Canadian marries an American who has good health insurance through his job, would the new wife who just?

moved to the US be put under the same health plan? would she have to wait since she is a new resident? are pre-existing conditions covered under a health plan from a new husband's job? thanks sue
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As long as you are legally married he can add you to his insurance once you are in the states. Will the insurance cover a pre-existing condition? That is a hard one, most insurance will not cover a new person on a policy who has a pre-existing condition. That is one of the major issues with our health care system. Belle
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Why isn't it a good idea for the government to totally run health insurance?

Under that system, the government could decide which treatments were most efficient and which were not worth the trouble. And not spend money on people not deemed "worthy" of further life-extending treatment. Why do people oppose this system?
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Nostrada from your typing the school system wasted its time on you. The Demwits aren't helping anyone other then themselves. They want the Insurance Company's money. They will give us what they want not what we need, than charge a high price for its garbage in return. The Feds should not be in business or take over Businesses. 16% of the GNP is a bit much. Medicare is almost bankrupted, but they still use its funding elsewhere.Most people do not want what Obama is giving on Health Care, just look what the poles are saying. Anyone that would like to use the Military as a example of the Government running something right is wrong. What you see is over 200 years of God Fearing Patriots that has defended and died for you and I. Obama can't even acknowledge this without making excuses for our Country. He can't (along with his Demwit cronies) admit that this is a Christian Country and that the English language should be the OFFICIAL language.
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Where in the Constitution does it require health insurance?

Income tax was not in the Constitution but we passed an amendment allowing it. Shouldn't we see if an amendment would pass before we pass this bill that is currently unconstitutional
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Yet another schlub incorrectly refers to Art 1, Sec 8. WTF are you people smoking? To answer your question, a constitutional amendment would require ratification by the states, and that would NEVER pass. Besides, the exalted one doesn't like the Constitution. It has a pesky way of limiting the power of the Fed. govt.
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How does this quote apply to corporate health insurance providers?

"Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men for the nastiest of motives will somehow work for the benefit of all."
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The report shows that the top-five managed care executives received the following compensation in 2000, exclusive of unexercised stock options: William McGuire (CEO of UnitedHealth Group): $54.1 million Wilson Taylor (Retired Chairman, CIGNA): $24.7 million Ronald Williams (Executive Vice President, WellPoint): $13.2 million William Donaldson (Chairman, Aetna): $12.7 million Leonard Schaeffer (Chairman and CEO, WellPoint): $11.1 million According to the Families USA report, the five executives with the highest amount of unexercised stock options at the end of 2000 were: William McGuire (CEO, UnitedHealth Group): $357.9 million Stephen Hemsley (President and COO, UnitedHealth Group): $144.9 million Norman Payson (Chairman and CEO, Oxford Health Plans): $115.4 million Wilson Taylor (Retired Chairman, CIGNA): $66.1 million Leonard Schaeffer (Chairman and CEO, WellPoint): $64.6 million "The managed care industry is increasing premiums at 10, 12, 15 and even higher percentages per year and is lavishing large compensation packages on its top executives http://www.azinjurycenter.com/CM/Custom/…
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If I'm self-employed, where on my taxes do I deduct the cost of my health insurance?

Do I add it into my deductions on Schedule C adjusting my taxable income, or does it go on Line 29 of my 1040. Also: is it just the total costs of my health insurance that I pay for every month, or does it also include medical expenses (prescrip., out of pocket dental not covered, dr visits) ?
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Half goes on the front of Form 1040 in Line 29, the rest is a schedule A itemized deduction.
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Is there a duductible or copay on Health Insurance for using the Emergency Room?

I have blue cross blue sheild Direct HMO leg was in severe pain, recently had surgery on it.
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The only person who can answer that for you is your employer or look on your card--it should say right on it what the deductable is for an emergency room visit.
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Does health insurance cover night guards?

I clench my teeth at night and I have TMJ (lockjaw) pretty bad. Because of the lockjaw I can't get a night guard made at the dentist office. I have to go to a TMJ specialist at the hospital and have them make a night guard. Does anyone know if this is covered by medical insurance?
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health-quotes.isgreat.org - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.
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im 22 years old now that obama signed the health insurance thing can i go back on my dads health insurance ben?

i heard you can go back on a parents insurance until your 26? i dont go to school and really cant afford any sort of insurance alone between rent and all expenses. does anyone know?
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Yes. That is one of the benefits that takes place within six months after enactment. Page 19: http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/h…
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If raising taxes and charging fines for Health Insurance makes it Deficit neutral, why not raise all taxes and?

just do away with the National Debt? Say, everyone pays 70% taxes for five years, across the board, then This Administration could say THEY fixed the National Debt all by themselves? Would that work?
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There is no chance at all that the bevy of legislative initiatives of the Democrats will result in decrease of the national debt.
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how can i go to a dentist with out health insurance?

I have a really bad tooth ache and need to go see a dentist if it doesn't kill me first i have no health insurance with my job i was wondering if a dentist would be able to do payments? or something monthly because i only get paid once a month but i really need to see one soon. I live in lakewood colorado and would love to find a dentist that would work with me
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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 Do i get Health insurance? Please help!?

I am an international student and im in college right now. I am 19 years old and I want to know how I can get health insurance to cover most health costs (vaccines, check up, dental work). I already have a bull sh%t insurance from my college but thats not real insurance. I need real insurance that is approved bu New York State. And How much would it cost me?
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Medical Discount Plan ideal for those who cannot afford or qualify for traditional health insurance. The companies offer discounted health services for a quite low monthly fee. Benefits include a range of discounts for doctors, hospitals, dental, vision, prescriptions, vitamins, as well as other health services. Individual & Family Health Plans This is a major health insurance plan for individuals and families. If you are looking for comprehensive long term health insurance coverage for yourself and/or your family members who are 62 years old or younger - this is the plan to choose. Short Term Medical Plans This plan is ideal for individuals in transition. Maybe you have just graduated from college and are no longer covered under your student health insurance or you moved out on your own, and you're no longer covered under your parents' medical insurance plan. Or perhaps you're employed part-time, going to school, leaving home for the first time, or even retiring early. Maybe you've found a new job, but your new employer's group health insurance plan won't kick in until you've been with months. YOu are not the only one who met this problem,I have met this type of problem before.I have good experience here    www.HealthInsuranceIdeas.info    to solve my similiar problem.
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Information about health insurance please?

Im looking for a cheap but good health insurance. Please let me know what your recommendations are.
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Try this site http://usainsurancequotes.net Here you can compare quotes from different companies
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Question about the Health Insurance Bill that just passed in the House?

I am having a hard time finding anything in the health care bill that will help to control the cost of health care in this country. Can someone explain to me how the provisions in this bill will lower the amount we spend on health care as a nation?
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it wont. right now you are paying for your own health care which cost X amount. If this passes, you will have to pay for your X amount plus Y amount in taxes for the jerk off who doesn't work and expects free health care. This will cause your insurance company to raise their prices on you so you can no longer afford yours then you will have to go with government run health care. Which will eventually run every private health care company out of business. In the end you will be paying thousands more in taxes for your "free" health care than you did for your health care that only cost X amount Nationalized health care will screw us all. you will pay more for crappy coverage
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