Health Insurance Questions

We all understand the importance of health insurance; however, as the types of health insurance continue to increase it is becoming more and more difficult to select the type of coverage that is best for you and your family. To help you find out which type of policy might benefit you the most, let’s take a look at the most common types of policies.

There is usually a lot of hype regarding HMOs so let’s look at that one first. A HMO is a health maintenance organization plan that works with a specified group of doctors and hospitals within the network. A primary healthcare physician is selected and you must obtain referrals for care that cannot be provided by that physician. The benefits of this type of plan are lower office visit costs and prescription drug co-pays. In addition, there will typically be either no or limited deductible costs for hospital stays. Depending on your coverage, there may also be no pre-existing condition cause limitations. It is also important to understand that your choice of doctors and hospitals will be limited with a HMO and you won’t be able to have out of network services covered.

A PPO or Preferred Provider Organization works similar to a HMO; however, the major difference is that you are not required to select a primary care physician. In addition to the benefit of being free to choose your own physician without worrying about a referral you also gain the benefit of limited or no deductible costs for hospital stays as well as a possible larger selection of physicians that might be available with a HMO. Out of network services may also be covered; however, for a higher charge than in network services.

A POS, or Point of Service, is also similar to a HMO in that you select a primary care physician. The difference is that you are free to choose out of network treatment if you’re willing to pay a higher out of pocket cost.
Another option is what is known as a traditional coverage policy. This type of policy will have a higher monthly premium as well as deductibles. In addition, you will generally be required to pay for services out of your own pocket up front and then submit claim reimbursement forms.

You may also wish to consider various types of disability plans, which cover a percentage of your income in the event that you experience an illness or accident that prevents you from working for a period of time. A short term disability plan will provide benefits from the first day of an accident or the eighth day of an illness up to 26 weeks. Generally, this type of plan will cover 66% of your weekly income.

Long term disability will begin after short term coverage has expired and will provide coverage for a variable term, depending on the policy you select. Some policies are limited to providing coverage up to two years while others will cover you up to the age of 65.

By: Joseph Kenny

About the Author:

columbus asked:


I don’t like the idea that I have to pay so much for my health insurance.I’m looking for cheap low cost health insurance for my family.I hope there will be sites that will make a discount when I purchase for all of my family.A friend of mine told me that I can save up to 30%, and also to get many benefits for my health insurance.Is that true.Where can I find the cheapest price for my family for my health insurance.

jack asked:


I am looking for a good and reasonably priced health insurance provider for my 9 year old son. Insurance through my work is outrageous so I’m looking for an outside provider. His mother is suppose to have already put him on CHIP with the state of TX (by court order) but she refuses to do so for some reason. I **** the idea of him being without health insurance. Anyone had any good experiences with certain companies? Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Caity R asked:


I start school in June and I’ve been off of my medication (adderall) ever since I graduated High School. I want to be back on it for when I start college in June. Does anyone know how to get prescribed to it for cheap without having health insurance?

Cheaper health insurance: You can rise above just wishing you had more affordable rates. You can start paying a lot less for superior coverage by reading and applying the following tips…

1. You’ll save by insuring your kids through state plans. There are criteria that must be fulfilled before you are considered eligible.

But check if you’re eligible as this will cost you nothing or very little in most cases. If you have a kid with a special ailment, you will save much if you insure such a kid through a state plan.

2. If you want to lower your rate then register with a group health expense sharing plan. This refers to a group of individuals who have decided to collectively provide themselves with health insurance coverage. Large churches and other large organizations are places where you can find such groups with less effort.

Each group normally creates its own set of rules, the type and scope of coverage offered, restrictions if any and more.

You can find out if your individual requirements are met by this kind of group. You can expect your rate to be cheaper if you get a group that meets your needs.

3. If you drive recklessly then be prepared to pay expensive health insurance rates. Being convicted of traffic offences isn’t just bad for your car insurance rate it also affects your health insurance rates. The simple reason is that if you’re such a driver, you’ll most likely require medical attention for crash related injuries than a very careful driver.

You’ll lower your costs if you develop a good habit behind wheels. If you drive a sports car or power bike, you’ll likely pay much more in health insurance. The higher probability of a crash means you could be injured and have to make a claim soon.

4. Some individuals find themselves in a position where they are not eligible for Medicaid and also find it difficult to pay for traditional health insurance. If you are one of such people, you will benefit greatly from a discount medical card.

A discount medical card qualifies you to make use of a network of health care providers who have agreed to give card carriers health care services at a lower rate. These cards aren’t managed by any health insurance carrier.

It’s also a wise choice for people who may have a pre-existing ailment that will disqualify them from most health insurance schemes or make them get high premiums. No one is declined for any reason. Simply pay your monthly fee and you will use a network of doctors who will charge you less for their services.

5. You’ll pay less in health insurance if you have more knowledge on it. Knowing what is in your best interest helps you make better decisions. Moreover, you’ll find it easier to get every opportunity that you’re eligible for if you have the right information.

You can get advice on health matters from government agencies by calling their number toll-free. One of such numbers is that of the National Health Information Center: 1-800-336-4797

6. You can get savings of hundreds of dollars on your health insurance policy by requesting for insurance quotes from quote sites. The best way is to visit a minimum of five sites and making sure that you provide the same (correct) information about yourself.

I recommend that you visit at least five quotes sites since that will ensure you do not miss out offers not presented by the other sites. This provides you a broader basis for doing better comparisons thereby increasing your chances of getting more for less.

By: Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

About the Author:

Liya asked:


I am looking for cheap insurance in MA that covers everything including dental.

johnetta asked:


I am looking for a good and reasonably priced health insurance provider for my 9 year old son. Insurance through my work is outrageous so I’m looking for an outside provider. His mother is suppose to have already put him on CHIP with the state of TX (by court order) but she refuses to do so for some reason. I **** the idea of him being without health insurance. Anyone had any good experiences with certain companies? Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

alex asked:


What is the most affordable life insurance and health insurance?
Where can I find Affordable Health and life insurance for me and my wife?
What is the best web site with online quote?
Any answer will be appreciated.

Hail_Victor asked:


I know this sounds arrogant due to the fact that a lot of people out there do not have health insurance to begin with. But I have 2 kids and I’m thinking of taking a job offer that will pay more than the job I currently have, however I won’t get any benefits for 2 months. What should I do?