Things to Consider When Getting Health Insurance Plans for Your Family

 By Amiee Hughes

Staying healthy is one of the biggest challenges today. Between the stress of a fast-paced world and dealing with a rapidly changing environment, health problems are getting more and more common. With government and employer sponsored health plans under intense debate, getting private health insurance plans for you and your family could be a good thing to do.
Getting your own coverage
It used to be that your employer or the government handled the health insurance plans of you and your family. The economic downturn has put much of that old system to the test as companies look for ways to reduce overhead and government debates on whether it should help with your medical bills or not.
Meanwhile, the challenges to the health of the average American are increasing. You are probably familiar with frequent overtimes and even weekends at the office. At the same time, rapid changes in the environment are putting additional stress to your overworked and sleep-deprived body.
It can get worse in a place like Illinois. Its location and size make for hot summers and cold winters. Tornadoes do not hit the state as frequently as others in Tornado Alley, but Illinois is known for getting some of the deadliest ones. As the 5th most populous state, the everyday problems of modern life (like traffic jams, pollution and the spread of diseases) can increase many times over. Not having health insurance in Illinois can be like standing naked in the middle of a snowstorm in Chicago.
That is why more and more people are getting private health insurance plans. Being sick in these times is something many people can ill-afford. If their employers cannot get them sufficient medical coverage (if any), and the government cannot decide if it wants to take care of its citizens or not, health care is left in your hands.
Having choices and making the best of them
The best part about getting private health insurance plans is that you can get a plan that suits both your needs and your budget. The ones employers and government provide is a general kind of protection in most cases and may lack coverage in areas you think you need more protection in.
It is best to know first what health problems you or your family might encounter. Special medical conditions and needs have to be addressed when you plan to take out personal medical coverage. These will have to be factored into the common general services offered by health insurance plans (like coverage for regular checkups).
Accidents and severe illnesses are things you hope will never happen to you and your loved ones, but you must be open to the possibility that it could happen. Is your work riskier than most? What if your child broke something? Do you pass by an accident-prone area? Do you live in Tornado Alley?
You can always ask a health care provider for details on various health insurance plans. A respectable provider should be able to guide you through the coverage options and give you a plan with the medical insurance you want for what you are willing to pay.

Amiee Hughes gives advice on private health insurance plans and health insurance Illinois.

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Need Health Insurance? What to Consider Before You Buy

 By V Simon

Studies show that the majority of private bankruptcy filings in this country are an outcome of unpredicted medical-related bills. Sadly, this dilemma does not only have an effect on people that are without insurance, but households who do not have enough insurance to cover costs. A lot of people today that are insured have coverage due to their job. However with a lethargic financial state, several companies have reduced coverage, or simply pass the cost of health care to the workers. The consequence is that many of us have to spend more money on inadequate insurance protection that won't protect us in cases of moderate-severe injury or illness.
When Consumer Reports scanned the details of insurance policies classified as "cheap" packages they found that many will fail to cover the majority of expenses incurred. Consequently a good deal of customers that select their own insurance policies, or attain affordable health insurance by using an company, might discover that this insurance policy could leave them unprotected, and eventually saddled with a great deal of medical debt once they try to submit a claim. Thus, it's important for anybody that is now uninsured or inadequately insured to choose health insurance coverage that suits both temporary and long-range cost/coverage goals. Here's what to think about:
Rank your overall health care requirements
Usually, the majority of cheap insurance plans should be avoided since they are simply not effective in terms of costs, in the event that you suffer an illness or injury. To find the most effective insurance policy think back to a recent time when you had health coverage: Now, during that time when you were insured, how often did you actually go to the doctor? If you only went a few times, or less, a year, and mostly for preventative care, you're at the "least risky" end of the spectrum and can likely find a policy that is relatively inexpensive while providing decent coverage. Currently, the Affordable Care Act makes precautionary visits and tests free to all Americans, so these will be included in any plan you purchase. Thus, choosing a midrange insurance plan that has a small (ten to twenty-five dollar) copayment for the first couple of appointments should probably suit your needs, while keeping you from shelling out a lot out of your own cash on top of your own premium ranges.
What's your health like now?
Among the first details you should look at in advance of paying for any personal medical care insurance coverage package is the existing condition of your health and wellbeing. This is relevant for a couple of reasons: Primarily, even though the Affordable Care Act keeps insurance firms from canceling a policy as a result of a pre-existing illness/injury, this doesn't go into effective for until 2014. Also, you need to be honest about your health with any potential insurer, so you might as well start by being honest with yourself. Lastly, it is crucial that you review your overall health and take steps to improve it, if you can, before applying for insurance, in order to save money. If you happen to smoke cigarettes, try to stop. If you're even slightly overweight, think about getting a few extra minutes of exercise per day to demonstrate you've got a healthy lifestyle. Insurers look at the details of your current health, but the policies the policies that are the most cost-effective are reserved for people with healthy lifestyles.
Don't choose your health coverage based solely on the cost of the premium
There are alternatives to purchasing health insurance. For those living at or below poverty-level, most states, counties and large cities offer no-cost health care. To find out whether you qualify, or to find what options are available in your area, visit your state's official website, or the federal health insurance site: http://www.Healthcare.gov.
If you're not eligible for free coverage, you'll have to decide what type of insurance you want to purchase. Most insurance company websites offer standard policies that range in price from $90-$500 per month. But don't be enticed to automatically purchase the cheapest plan you see. That is because low premiums lead to higher prices for visits, tests, medications, and other procedures-in other words, things you can't avoid paying. This is how your, "Wow! What a deal!" low-cost insurance can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year.
Find coverage that suits your needs
The very best health coverage will be the one that: (1) matches your current healthcare needs, and (2) allows room for changes to your health status (particularly in case of unexpected illness or injury). Consider what your needs are now, as well as some more predictable medical needs? For example, do you require access to prescribed medication? Are you pregnant, or soon plan to be?
Healthcare policy options that tend to be most effective include packages that offer a little of everything. This includes visits to the doctor, out-of-area treatments, a hospital stay, emergency situations, medications, maternal treatment, and testing.
Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) to help you afford insurance
More and more employers as well as health insurers are offering plans that have low premiums but high deductibles. For some who make too much money to qualify for free state and local health care, a low-cost premium may be your only option. Plans that have low premiums (usually less than $90/month), come with large deductibles. If you choose a plan with a deductible of $1,200 or higher, you're eligible to get an accompanying Health Savings Account. By choosing a plan with an accompanying savings plan, you're essentially putting money aside to pay for your own future care, should the need arise. The good news is that HSA's are tax deductible. That's because most people with HAS's have money deducted directly from their pretax income, and placed into the account. Thus, in the event that you must choose a low-premium insurance option, finding one with a connected savings account is an excellent solution.

For more information about purchasing insurance, learning how to establish an online savings account, or paying off debt, visit the website.

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Supreme Court Argues ObamaCare: Will It Still Stand?

 By Butch Zemar

This is a historic week with the arguments about Healthcare Reform, also known as ObamaCare, held by the Supreme Court. It is not every day that the Supreme Court takes on arguments on cases such as this. In fact, it's been years since they last overturned something congress has done. Twenty-Six states sued the Health and Human Services because they believe the law signed two years ago has a constitutional linchpin, the mandate.
The mandate does not resonate with businesses and families throughout the nation. Not speaking for everyone, but many feel that not having health insurance will only affect them, not anyone else. Why should an act of congress change a personal choice? This leaves them very uncomfortable.
The other side of the coin is, they need the mandate to offset premiums. Many of the people have been waiting for this day of no underwriting and every one with health conditions will not be discriminated. This will cause more payouts in claims due to the risk the insurance company is taking on. Premiums historically have gone up, drastically, when this occurs. Just look at premiums in New Jersey and Massachusetts after such law has turned. Even with Massachusetts having the mandate, premiums still shot through the roof.
Maybe on the national level, with younger and healthier joining the ranks to offset premiums and not filing as many claims could be a good thing. Some studies have reflected that the premiums will go up, it is just a matter of time. At that point it, we will know if it really worked. It could be 18-36 months after the mandate takes affect. By then it could be too late.
What happens if we all went back to paying cash for everything like the good old days? There was a time that doctors made house calls and it was affordable. It was not like the doctor was under cutting the prices because they were able to put their kids through school. Now we have to go to their office and sit in the waiting room and breath in everyone's coughs, sniffles and other diseases as we wait for this doctor for almost an hour without any consideration to your time. Cash is king, they say. Some of this would change if they knew the customer is really their patient and not the insurance company and prices would become more competitive. This will help bring cost of healthcare down. More and more American's will have more 'skin' in the game and become more responsible to make wiser decisions.
Until then, we sit and wait for the Supreme Court to make a decision while some will point the finger and blame someone else or a politician for the decisions they make.

Arthur "Butch" Zemar is an insurance specialist and author at Elite Benefits of America. Elite Benefits of America are insurance Gurus to handle the details about insurance so business owners can focus on their passion. For more information please visit http://www.EliteBenefits.net

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Students and Health Insurance

 By Katherine L Dane

When you are a student, you have plenty to think about; tests, homework, clubs, organizations, and many more different things, health care isn't something that most students think about. However, you should think about it. There are a lot of things that can happen while you are in college, especially if you are involved in sports on or off campus or if you work with children or the elderly. A lot of campuses have their own health centers, but that may not be enough. If you have to go to the hospital, emergency room, or a specialized doctor that isn't provided by the school, then you could be paying for that visit yourself. Students should look into getting their own health care if they can, but many students don't know what their options are or haven't even thought about it.
The first reason why some don't think about health insurance as a student is because they may be on their parent's health insurance. Students can now stay on their parent's health insurance as a dependent until the age of 26. Of course the plan that your parents are on would have to offer dependent coverage. If it doesn't extend coverage to dependents that this may not be an option for you. For non-traditional or graduate students that are over the age of 26 you will have to find your own insurance even though you may be a full time student and your parent's insurance may offer dependent coverage. If you are older than 26 and/or your parents don't have extended coverage toward dependents, you may want to look into whether or not you can get health coverage through your college.
Some colleges and universities do have health plans that attendees can take advantage of. The type and amount of coverage that you may be able to receive through the college will change place to place. One college may offer an extended medical plan with a great monthly rate, but only if you use their in network doctors. However, another place it may not matter which doctor you see, but you may pay a higher rate. Another thing that you may need to consider is if you have a dependent yourself, this could be children, a spouse, or anyone else that you may claim as a dependent on your taxes, is there a plan through your college or university that extends to your dependents. When you start to look at the different plans that may be offered through your school, remember to read the fine print but also remember that you do have the option of getting health insurance on your own.
There are many people who decide to get their own health insurance and don't go through work or school to get it. Many insurance companies do offer special plans for students no matter what the age is, of course if that plan doesn't cover everything that you need it too, you can look at the regular health insurance plans. Getting the proper coverage for you and your family, if you have one, while you are in college is very important. Although you might think that since you are just getting a business degree or your masters degree, that you don't necessarily need insurance, the truth is you don't want to find yourself injured or sick without any type of coverage.

Katherine Dane
Career Planning
Health Care Reform Blogs

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Chronic Illnesses Covered by Most Medical Aids

 By Cecelia Owens

There are a lot medical aids offered in South Africa and all of them follow a set of rules that are created by the CMS (Council for Medical Scheme of South Africa) and they have also come up with a list of chronic diseases covered by the PMB's (Prescribed Minimum Benefits). This list contains 25 - 27 chronic illnesses. Each type of chronic disease needs a different amount of medicine prescribed per month that ensures continuous treatment. The list includes the following:
Addison's Disease
A type of renal insufficiency that targets the kidneys or adrenal glands.
Asthma
A lung disorder that causes difficulty in breathing by narrowing the airways, sometimes due to allergic reactions.
Bronchiectasis
A type of condition that causes destruction of the airway walls due to infection or inhalation of foreign objects.
Cardiac Failure
A disorder that causes the heart to maintain a sufficient amount of oxygen needed to support tissues.
Cardiomyopathy
A disease that destroys heart muscles.
Chronic Renal Disease
This disease renders the kidneys unable to excrete wastes.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
A disease that affects the lung's ability to inspire and expire properly.
Coronary Artery Disease
The thickening of artery walls in the heart.
Crohn's Disease
A disease that causes the large intestines and some parts of the small intestines to become inflamed.
Diabetes Insipidus
A disease that causes excessive urination and thirst due to imbalances of ADH (antiduretic hormones)
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
A Diabetes that is caused by the lack of insulin secretion.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Almost the same as Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, this disease is due to the relatively lack of insulin secretion of the pancreas
Dysrhythmias
This disease is caused by abnormal cardiac rhythms.
Epilepsy
A condition that causes seizures due to brain disorders.
Glaucoma
A disease that causes damage to the retina.
Haemophilia
A disease that renders the blood to clot properly.
Hyperlipidaemia
A disease caused by massive amounts of fatty acids in the blood.
Hypertension
This type of condition increases the blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism
This disease is caused by a relatively low amount of thyroid hormones.
Multiple Sclerosis
A disease that damages the protective layer of the brain and the spinal cord.
Parkinson's Disease
This condition causes involuntary shaking or tremors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A disease that causes joint deformity due to the inflammation of joints.
Schizophrenia
A condition affecting the brain resulting to psychotic thoughts and disturbing behavior.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
A disease that causes inflammation of the skin.
Ulcerative Colitis
A disease that causes inflammation of the large intestines and the rectum.
Most chronic diseases cannot be cured, however, this list ensures that the person suffering from any type of condition contained in the list, get medical coverage including consultations and tests. Getting the right information, ensures that proper handling and treatment of these chronic diseases are well observed.
There, however, are diseases that are included in the list but are only available to comprehensive and exclusive plans only. This is why it is better to gather information like medical history before signing up for any medical aid.

Cecelia Owens is a freelancer for medical aid website, MedicalAidSite.co.za and share her knowledge on Medical Aids in South Africa.

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Update Sept. 02 - 2010 All About "Health Insurance" Information By Insurance Experts

Health Insurance is defined as insurance to protect your health if any health program occurs in unforeseen future. It normally pays for medical expenses. It is sometimes used more broadly to include insurance covering disability or long-term nursing or custodial care needs. It may be provided through a government-sponsored social insurance program but only basic coverage, or from private insurance companies. It is wise to purchase comprehensive health insurance policy addition to your government coverages. A health insurance policy is a contract between an insurer and an individual or a group, in which the insurer agrees to provide specified health insurance at an agreed-upon price the premium.

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On-line Health Insurance Application
By Zubair Hasib

Applying for your health insurance coverage on-line has gotten easier and faster. Nowadays, as everything is becoming paperless, some health insurance carriers may require on-line application. In a way, it is good for you since you don't have to wait for an agent to come in to your home or work place and take-up anywhere from up to two hours of your valuable time. Most health insurance companies, and the agents that represent them, may have their own websites where you can directly apply on-line.

Still, I Recommend Going Through an Independent Agent

Here's why:

• If you have a question, you can just pick up the phone and call your agent or send an email to get an immediate response.
• Most Independent Agents are available after hours to help their clients with insurance needs.
• An Independent Agent represents more than one insurance company and will find you the best combination of price, coverage and service.
• An Independent Agent's website allows you to compare multiple premiums and plans from different companies, whereas the health carrier's web site does not. This way you can pick and choose the health insurance plan you want for you and your family.

Know Your Needs Before You Apply - An Independent Agent Can Help

Before picking a plan, make sure you know this:

• That the insurance premium fits your budget.
• The cost of the monthly premium, deductible, co-insurance and the co-payment is going to be. First of all, you have to make sure the insurance premium fits your budget.
• The deductible requirement applies each year of the health insurance policy and it should be met prior to coverage begins. Higher deductible plans usually have lower monthly premiums.
• Co-insurance is usually a percentage (i.e. 80/20, 70/30 or 50/50) of the cost that shows how much the insurance carrier will pay for your medical bill. Co-payment is a specified dollar amount a patient is required to contribute toward the cost of covered medical services.
• Both co-insurance and co-payments generally are applied after the patient has met any applicable plan deductible.
• Based on your health situation you must consider what type of doctor's office visit and prescription drug coverage you may need. Health plans are usually cheaper without that coverage.

Once the right plan is chosen, you need to gather all of your personal and medical information; i.e. primary care physician's name, address, phone number, your last visit, reason for last visit, any medication prescribed, name of the prescription, etc. If you cannot recall the dates, my advice is to contact your doctor's office to obtain that information (the same should apply in case you have been hospitalized). This will expedite your application process tremendously since it usually takes two weeks to hear back from the insurance carrier once you have submitted you application. If you already have an existing policy through a different carrier, I'd advise you not to cancel it until your new policy has been approved.

Zubair Hasib is an independent health insurance agent in California. He can be reached at 760-784-0351. Email address: zubairhasib@gmail.com

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Update August 17 - 2010 All About "Health Insurance" Information By Insurance Experts

Health Insurance is defined as insurance to protect your health if any health program occurs in unforeseen future. It normally pays for medical expenses. It is sometimes used more broadly to include insurance covering disability or long-term nursing or custodial care needs. It may be provided through a government-sponsored social insurance program but only basic coverage, or from private insurance companies. It is wise to purchase comprehensive health insurance policy addition to your government coverages. A health insurance policy is a contract between an insurer and an individual or a group, in which the insurer agrees to provide specified health insurance at an agreed-upon price the premium.
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How to Buy Health Insurance and Find Affordable Health Cover Quickly
By Andy Ryan


No matter who you are, these days you are in the market for a good deal on almost everything thing you buy. From groceries to electronics for most of us it's about getting the biggest bang for our buck. When it comes to the world of health insurance it is no different. We watch the price of everything including doctors visits and hospital care skyrocket and yet you are likely still making the same amount of money every month, you need to ask yourself the big question."How to buy health insurance" More importantly, you need to know how to get affordable health cover.
Now the term "Affordable health insurance" may seem to be a contradiction in terms. I mean for many of us when we look at the monthly premiums associated with health insurance it's hard to believe that for most of us the coverage is actually well worth the money we spend on insurance.
It's just a matter of perspective. When you are healthy and you are just going about your daily life, the cost of insurance coverage is what sticks out the most. but should something happen, even a mild illness for you or one of your family members, you quickly realize that it may seem like a lot of money every month for premiums, but when you look at the cost of health care without the insurance, you quickly change your mind.
What you really need to know is how to buy health insurance so you can save money. Now this does not mean that you should not look for a lower priced policy that offers you the coverage that you want to have. Simply taking the first offer that comes your way will often leave you paying more then you have to. While shopping for a good insurance deal is important, remember, just because one company has the lowest rate, make sure the coverage they are offering you is in the same league as their competition when buying affordable health cover.
Now the best tool you have available to do your comparison when you want to find out how to buy health insurance is to use the internet. Because of the accessibility and the sheer number of competitors you will not only be able to quickly get quotes from many different companies, but you will also be able to take advantage of the cut throat business online and use that to your advantage, pitting one heath insurance company against another to get the best deal that you can afford without having to sacrifice the coverage you need.
The best way to buy health insurance is online. It not only saves you money but ensures you are properly covered too. If you want affordable health cover start searching online now and cut out the middleman and the sales pressure.
Here is the best resource for Affordable Health Insurance just click here to save money now

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