Monday, April 28, 2008

Why is private health insurance always considered to the answer to all ills

Why is private health insurance always considered to the answer to all ills?
As demonstrated to me by my own insurance, health insurance is designed to protect against problems that end after a year or two. If you problem will continue through your life, they simply raise your premium until the insurance costs more than the treatments. I feel very insulted by the insistence on this site that private health insurance can be an answer for long term illness. Why does anyone think that?

Other - Cars & Transportation - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I haven't seen the other answers, but I don't think it's the answer to everything. But if you look at many public health systems, they don't always address chronic illness very well either. Many times they will look at a treatment, come up with a figure of X thousands of dollars per year of life extension, and decide it isn't worth it.
2 :
you are insulted? then be insulted. It is evident that you want something for nothing and that everyone should pay for your needs. welfare? socialism? these things do not benefit society as a whole and is bad everywhere it is tried. private insurance is the best and you can choose not to have it. under socialism you have no choice . and then when you are in the system , the system cannot afford to give you the care you need so it will be rationed. Someone will decide if you should get treatment or not based on what they perceive as your value to society. death panel? imagine being an old person in this system.
3 :
The laws are different for group insurance and individual insurance. Group policies are required to cover everybody in the group. Of course if one person in the group has a lot of claims, it causes the premiums to go up for everybody in the group. People in a large group wouldn't notice those increases as much as a small business would. If the laws were changed a little individual plans wouldn't be such a bad deal. In the long run everybody is going to have to change their health care expectations. If you have a chonic illness that doesn't cause you to be disabled, your best choice will be to take a job at a large company where your health care expenses won't be noticed.
4 :
I recommend you this site where you can compare quotes so you can find the best option for you http://Cheap-Health-Insurance-USA.info

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Thursday, April 24, 2008

How can i tell if my health insurance benefits are pre taxed

how can i tell if my health insurance benefits are pre taxed?
Keep in mind, your health insurance premiums can't be deducted if they're taken out of your paycheck as pre-tax dollars. However, after-tax health insurance premiums are deductible, but they still are subject to a limitation of 7.5% of your AGI. If you're self-employed, you may deduct a portion of your health insurance premiums as an adjustment. The self-employed deductible portion is 100% in 2007.
United States - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Ask your employer. They will tell you. Actually they should provide a form for you to sign every year verifying your benefit selections and how you want to have your healthcare premiums treated. Nearly all healthcare insurance through a job are part of a Section 125 plan and are deducted pre-tax. You generally have the option to pay them with tax paid dollars but I'm at a loss to explain how that could be beneficial to anyone.
2 :
If you have to ask your employer, your pay statements are NOT well designed. MY pay statement has 3 sections under deductions: Pre-Tax Deductions, Taxes, and Other deductions. Which section is your insurance deduction under? If that doesn't help, you will have to ask your employer. You mentioned self-employment. If you are self employed and need to ask, you NEED an accountant DESPERATELY.
3 :
OKay, it's nice that you read a publication somewhere (it made for a funny looking question since you quoted from the pub). When you get your W-2, look at box 14, many companies list the amount of health care benefits there. Also Compare the amount in box 2 (your wages for social security purposes) and the amount shown as ytd wages on your last paycheck stub. If your health care was pre-tax, the amount in box 2 will be LESS than the YTD wages on the paycheck. Boston--Pre-tax health care lowers your social security earnings. This *will* ultimately reduce the monthly payment one receives from SSA. It *may* also affect how pension payments are paid out. I happen to be a devout saver--anything I don't pay as taxes now, I save. My savings should be enough to compensate for any loss in benefits. The quick estimator at the SSA web site (plugging in $40,000 and 41,500 as the annual income with pre and post tax dollars) shows about a $30 difference in monthly benefits. At the 15% tax bracket, someone would pay $20/month more in tax now. If FERS uses the $40,000 number for retirement (assuming 20 years government service) , that would be another $25 a month as well.

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Sunday, April 20, 2008

Why does Health Insurance not pay for Chantix, to help people to stop smoking

Why does Health Insurance not pay for Chantix, to help people to stop smoking?
Why does Health Insurance not pay for Chantix, to help people to stop smoking? I just recently got a prescription for Chantix to help me quit smoking, and insurance will not pay for it? The pharmacist told me that pretty much no insurance will pay for this.

Why is it, we are told by scientists, doctors, media, and yes insurance that we need to stop smoking, but yet insurance will not pay o help us have a successful chance at quitting?
Other - General Health Care - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
i work in a pharmacy and wonder the same thing, I've seen very few insurances that do pay on Chantix, but not many.
2 :
Chantix is too dangerous. I wouldn't touch the stuff.
3 :
Health insurance companies are part of the exclusive club of the corporate oligarchy and to do so would hurt their profits from tobacco sales.
4 :
Sometimes things just don't make sense. I agree that it's silly for health insurance not to pay for this drug. I must say though that here are better methods for quitting smoking. Hypnosis is the best method and has the highest percentage of people that quit permanently.http://smoking.ygoy.com/2009/02/18/hypnosis-to-quit-smoking/http://www.quit-stop-smoking-hypnosis.com/
5 :
Get it switched to generic Zyban (bupropion). Bupropion is almost always covered because it has two indications: depression and smoking cessation. It is not as good as Chantix, but still much better than everything else. Most insurances do pay for Chantix or require a prior authorization.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

HEALTH iNSURANCE

hEALTH iNSURANCE?
I pay 120 dollars a week for health ins. at my work .I have a $3000 individual deduct. and $9000 family deduct which in my opinion sucks. Is this what its like everywhere or is my company just being cheap and passing off costs to employees.
Small Business - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Sounds on par with most companies.
2 :
More and more companies are being forced to pass along more of the costs so that they can offer insurance at all. My weekly premium nearly doubled from last year to this year and it did double the year before. Most of the estimates I have read put the total insurance premium per person to be between $8000 and $10000 per year so your employer may be picking up as much of the tab as they can and have to pass along the rest to you. That deductible is pretty high so the best thing you could do is open an HSA to put some of that money away pre-tax and have it ready for health related expenses.
3 :
Welcome to the horrible world of Health Insurance in America. Yes, your expenses are typical for most young employees and most companies now in America. Unfortunately the situation is getting worse. As you get older the expenses will rise. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. :-( But that's how it is.
4 :
I've worked in health care & insurance for the last 10 years or so... & I can say, yours is worse than most group health plans.

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Saturday, April 12, 2008

What are the dangers in using my health insurance to get medication for someone else

What are the dangers in using my health insurance to get medication for someone else?

My boyfriend neeeeds to quit smoking, he smokes like more than a pack a day! But! He doesnt have health insurance, and i have great health insurance through my job. Are there any potential dangers to getting him a prescription for chantix on my health insurance ? (i socially smoke so it wouldnt be a huge stretch at the docs office) Could it increase my insurance costs to admit that i am a "smoker" to insurers?
Other - General Health Care - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
what country are you in? i am in australia and i work for a private health insurer. If you do live in Australia or a country that has a similar system, it does not increase the cost of your private health insurance if you are a smoker. if you are however caught for claiming medication that is not for yourself under your private health insurance, your health cover will be terminated and you run the risk of legal action. I hope that helps!
2 :
It won't increase your premiums because you're on your employer's group plan, but if you ever submit a large claim, your insurance company could comb through your records, discover that you "lied" about not being a smoker and use that as an excuse to deny your claim. If your boyfriend wants to quit and can't do it without the drug, he can pay for the prescription himself without insurance. I also think he'll be more likely to stick to the program if he spends his own money on it. The cost will be worth it if he successfully quits because he will no longer have to spend $40 a week ($2,000 a year) on cigarettes.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

What health insurance is best and affordable for my wife

What health insurance is best and affordable for my wife?
We had a baby 3 months ago, but I am looking for health insurance that is good and affordable for my wife. Any suggestions?
Other - General Health Care - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Leave America. France, England, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand...actually most of the developed countries in the world have good health insurance but it is not available in the US because...well ask the insurance companies why not.
2 :
There is no possible way for us to answer this. Health insurance (if you are not able to get in on a group insurance plan through work) is based on previous health history. You should NEVER LIE on these. Because we don't know your wife's health background, we can't give you an answer. ALL companies charge based on history, sex, and smoking. www.ehealthinsurance.com You seem to not really know a lot about this subject, so you are going to want to get someone to help you understand what all the termanology is so that you don't make a costly mistake. If you are married, most every employer will allow you to add both your wife and your dependant (your child). This will be at a MUCH lower cost than buying something seperate. If you are NOT married, many states have rights for opposite sex domestic partners on their insurance plans. If YOU are working, go to your HR department and speak with your "Benifits Coordinator" to ask all the questions you need to ask. They are there to help!
3 :
Yea it sucks how our health-care system hasn't caught up yet. It makes me furious. Anyhow, I've heard Blue Cross/Blue Shield is good and I believe it's the most inexpensive. I had Cigna for a while and that was good. Health-Net is pretty good only if you don't have any pre-existing conditions otherwise they really raise the premium. Look into Eatna as well. I've heard there a little more pricier in comparison to the others but I've also heard that they seem to cover more.
4 :
Hello, Unfortunately this is not a quick answer. There are some things to consider: If buying insurance in the the private insurance market there are many different types of plans. There are several questions that you will want to ask before selecting a plan: 1) Will I need my wife's plan to cover maternity for future babies? Some plans cover maternity, some do not. 2) How much premium can I afford to pay every month? 3) If something major should happen to my wife, what would be the maximum that I could afford to pay. (This will help determine the deductible of the plan that you'll pick) There are wesbites available that will allow you to look at plans from several carriers (Blue Cross vs. Health Net vs. Aetna, etc) and compare benefits and premiums. A site like this could be helpful in your research. The typical rule of thumb will be that the higher monthly premium you pay for a plan, the better or "richer" the benefits will be. That is a trade off that applies accross all carriers for the most part. Have you wife think about how much she used her health plan in a "typical" year. (i.e., non maternity year) This can help you pick a plan that will not having you paying for services you don't need, but will provide the coverage that you and your wife want. Good luck! Kathy K www.premiumwatchdog.com
5 :
In general, these days (21st century) the best is a combination of a HSA plan extremely high deductible and MySimpleCard for the everyday dr's visits. Best overall coverage for the buck as a combination. Give us more details and we can help more specifically.

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Friday, April 4, 2008

Are health insurance premiums that I pay and are deducted from my paycheck paid with after-tax dollars

Are health insurance premiums that I pay and are deducted from my paycheck paid with after-tax dollars?
My health insurance is through my employer but I have to pay part of the premium and it is deducted from my paycheck each pay period. I am filing my taxes and am being asked if the premiums are paid for with after-tax dollars. Any answers?
United States - 8 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
They are with after-tax dollars unless you are participating in a section 125 plan or the like.
2 :
No, if your insurance is deducted from your paycheck it is paid before taxes. The question is referring to people who purchase insurance individually outside of work.
3 :
Premiums are tax deductable as a part of your medical expenses if you are filing long form. You add up every co-pay you made to doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions and the total cost you paid for these premiums and then you get a percent of that total back on your taxes. Anything that you paid for any type of health care is deductable as long as you have a receipt (or in the case of health premiums you pay) they are on the W2.
4 :
I pay mine with pre-tax dollars because my employer gives me that oppurtunity. It actually says on my paystub that the amount taken from me was pre-tax. If it doesn't state it on your paystub, you'd have to ask whomever does the payroll at your place of business to confirm how the deductions were taken from you.
5 :
You should be able to get that information from your HR/company. A lot of companies have what they call a "cafeteria plan" which pays your insurance first then the rest of the income is taxed.
6 :
Your pay stub should have a break down of what went where. Taxes are usually taken out first thing, then other things such as credit union, health ins. and so on. Medical expenses, including ins. are deductible IF they exceed a certain % of you income (long form). And simple enough, you may be able to ask your employer or someone that does payroll. (Hope you get a refund:)
7 :
You should be able to tell from your pay statements. If you can't, ask your employer.
8 :
It could be either way depending on what kind of plan your employer has set up.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

How can a government run health insurance entity "compete" with private companies? Will it pay taxes

How can a government run health insurance entity "compete" with private companies? Will it pay taxes?
It boggles my mind that the proponents of a government run health insurance entity would actual state that this entity would bring competition to the insurance arena. How would these private businesses compete with someone who does not have to pay taxes. How do companies compete with an entity that can literally raise taxes to pay for operational costs or an entity that is funded non voluntarily by the citizens of the United States? Can the private insurance companies pass legislation that changes the rules of the game in the insurance business? No but the government could certainly dictate the rules of their own business by passing legislation in its favor. Can someone please give me a logical reason as to how this government run health insurance option would do anything other than run private insurance into the ground to ultimately pave the way for the government to be the only health care option?
Politics - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You apparently don't know that most U.S. companies don't pay taxes.
2 :
Once the government sticks its fingers into anything the potential for a monopoly arises.
3 :
They would force private providers to provide better care and lower their administrative costs (which are around 3 times higher than the admin. costs of European government-run systems). It would force for-profit providers to lower their profit margins, but it wouldn't run them into the ground. This isn't rocket science you know.
4 :
They could stop gouging consumers with excessive costs. They've gouged us for years, and those "healthcare" costs aren't actually used for healthcare, they line the CEO's wallet. Gouging just like the oil companies did for awhile. It needs to stop.
5 :
Your question can not be answered because you are absolutely right. No one can give you a legitimate reason because there isn't one.
6 :
Nothing can compete with free. It's not very difficult. All these left-wingers that come up with all these theories about how it will force private companies to lower their standards is just BS. Why would anyone stick to a private health insurance plan when their tax dollars are already paying for another one?
7 :
That is also a major complaint I have with the government's bid to get a controlling share of GM. There is no way to compete with that as a private company.
8 :
it,s just a way for gov. officials to put money in there pockets again or family members just a scam

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