Wednesday, May 28, 2008

How can insurance companies include preexisting conditions without a health care mandate

How can insurance companies include preexisting conditions without a health care mandate?
If there's no mandate, and insurance companies are forced to give me affordable health care regardless of preexisting conditions, that means I only have to get health insurance when I come down with cancer.

I hear many Republicans stating that they are all for barring insurance companies from excluding those with preexisting conditions, but none of them explain how you can do so without a national mandate to buy health insurance like we have with auto insurance.
Politics - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Republicans can't think holistically. You'll never get through to them. Republicans, quick -- what does "holistic" mean? Didn't think so. LOL.
2 :
Expand Medicare and Medicaid to include everyone would solve the problem. Permit those who wish to have private insurance.
3 :
right-wingers live in a right-wing utopian dream world. ALL of their policies depend on the world being a perfect place and all people doing the right thing and not trying to take advantage of the system. When someone does, they just shrug and say AH-HA see libs! your ideas failed. expanding medicare and medicaid to include everyone would not solve any problems. the problem is that most doctors won't accept the stuff for office visits foricing people who need nonemergency treatement to go to the ER for it, costing tax payers evern more. And the health care bill did allow people to buy their own from their employers or on their own.
4 :
how "can" they? they can do whatever they want. You should be asking why WOULD they. There is no good reasons for an insurance company to insure a house that is already on fire. A mandate would be required for any sane business person to do that. And people that plan to get insurance AFTER they get sick, are the reason our healthcare system is broke. Not enough healthy people paying in to cover the people that are sick, so the premiums for those of us that purchase healthcare insurance are high. because the people without get sick anyway and then leach off the hospital and the hospitals have to pass their losses on to the insurance companies, who pass the costs on to us. By the way....I haven't heard any Republican on here saying they support preventing insurance companies from denying pre-existing conditions. I mean seriously, if you expect the insurance companies to accept them, they are either forced to instantly take a loss (which make NO business sense at all, and they ARE businesses), or make the premiums so high that the sick person is effectively paying the full hospital bill anyway, or to jack up the rest of our premiums a bunch even though we were responsible.
5 :
What they do is limit benefits related to the existing condition for the first year of coverage. I've never supported any action to prevent insurance companies from protecting themselves from the financial ravages of having to immediately cover pre-existing conditions in full. That would kill insurance companies, which would not be a good thing at all. Of course, better than a mandate would be free-market solutions to the problem, so that there could be interstate competition for insurance, giving people more choice and the benefit of lower costs due to more competition between insureres. Throw in tax credits for individuals at the same level that companies get for offering health care as a benefit, and you have created a condition where people can own their own insurance policies, and which will be portable for them, so they do not keep having to worry about it when they change employment. And, as ever, there is nothing in the Constitution that gives the federal government any authority to have any control or direct any resources to health care or health insurance.
6 :
That's what Obama said today to the Republicans at their retreat (Kind of funny that they even need one at all given the hard work they've put in this year! ) They said they have ideas. It's been a year and so far they at the stage of ideas. I do not think that they have an ability to solve issues. They are so good at having ideas though, aren't they? The point is that this all about words that can score points. There is no way to govern without strict regulatory mandates, other than jailing all the corporate lawyers indefinitely.
7 :
Insurance companies all require a waiting period and you would not be covered during that time usually 6 months to a year. I don't think the mandatory insurance rule will pass because it takes away freedom of choice. Look at the protests over government insurance for qualifying people. Americans want to choose a private plan over a public one even if it costs more. They feel private enterprise is better for American than the government. Rejecting people with a pre-existing condition is only one part of insurance reform.
8 :
Well, if there were no insurance companies or government coverage at all, sick people who showed up at a hospital would either have to find some way to pay the bill or not get treatment. Perhaps they would take out a loan if they didn't have that kind of money handy. Why can't we do that? I'm not necessarily talking about involving banks. But what's unfair about an insurance company requiring a person with a pre-existing condition to sign a contract to remain a customer or pay them back? That wouldn't be too different from cellphone companies forcing you to stay with them after they give you a free headset. That way you have a choice. Cover yourself beforehand and you're free to leave whenever you want. Cover yourself afterward and you're obligated to make up the difference. Everyone wins!
9 :
I have been looking into this topic quite a bit lately. I am recently out of work, my company closed and even the COBRA plan is being eliminated so I can't buy COBRA anymore. With that, I thought the company or whomever was taking it over was breaking some sort of law and they had to let me have COBRA anyway. Was I wrong? Yes. In my search for answers, I found many different websites that gave me info and many of them I received calls from a variety of insurance agents trying to sell me some insurance. In a nutshell I found out the following; If someone want to ensure (make sure, not protect) they have insurance options, they need to get insurance when they are healthy. Someone on this post said it perfectly, "How can an insurance company insure a house when it is already on fire?" We all know the answer. So, people need to get there own insurance before they get sick. If there is a mandate that everyone gets insurance, affordable needs to be relative. This means that the insurance company needs to be able to charge a sufficient premium over the entire group of people in the carriers portfolio, to ensure adequate funds are available to pay the claims. This means that people that are sick need to pay more for their insurance, or participate more in their health care expenses. Otherwise we will have healthy people paying way too much for their health insurance. Everyone needs to make sure their representatives and senators know this is how they feel. You see, health insurance is not rocket science. It is, simply put, a company collecting from a bunch to cover the expenses of a few. The healthy people pay a little, but need even less, the sick people pay more, and typically need more than they contribute. But in the end, it all needs to balance out. The healthy people get to pay less than the sick, but a little more in premiums than what they will need for there health costs so that when (not if, but when) something big happens, they have the ability to pay. Someone in this post said we need medicare to be expanded to cover everyone. Well, I for one do not like that idea. Every year we see our Medicare benefits in jeopardy. We know the medicare system does not work already. My father has medicare. Basically most of those on medicare are sick, or will be soon. It is expensive to treat the typical medicare recipient. Can we really burden this plan anymore than it is already? There are not any simple answers to that question, but certainly not a blanket one of "lets expand medicare!" There is a website that has a lot if videos that I think helped me understand how health insurance works. This is not the only one. It just happens to be pretty easy to understand. And I did not have to sign in or give my name or phone number so that I get a bunch of calls from insurance people. (I did get a quote and put a bogus name and e-mail address, I got the quote and no-one called me.) www.insurancequotesandmore.com.
10 :
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Can my wife have health insurance through her parents and myself

Can my wife have health insurance through her parents and myself?
We're married and her parents don't know. My insurance doesn't cover her treatment but her parents' insurance plan for her will. Is it illegal to have health insurance for 1 person from 2 companies? And will her parents find out that she's married with insurance if she uses their health insurance plan?
Other - Health - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Naw it's not illegal. The hospital/clinic will ask for her insurance and just tell them the one she's on with her parents-they aren't going to look anything up beyond that.
2 :
health-quotes.talk4fun.net - here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.


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Tuesday, May 20, 2008

How expensive is health insurance in the United States is it only a one off payment per year or is it monthly

How expensive is health insurance in the United States is it only a one off payment per year or is it monthly?
I know that there has been a lot of arguments for and against free health in the United States because millions of Americans can't afford health insurance so I am wondering how much health insurance is in the States and can do you have to pay monthly or yearly plans with insurance companies.

Current Events - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Depends, Hon. I'm one of the fortunate ones; I have health care provided by my husband's employer (for now, anyways). My own job doesn't provide it. Most major health care providers charge clients monthly, and it gets expensive....hundreds of dollars monthly, in many cases, and for-profit angencies can deny people because of preexisting conditions (heart problems, or cancer for instance.) The sad fact is that over 50,000 Americans die annually as a direct result of lacking health care; this is a fact. It's pathetic that even one individual should live or die because they lack the finances to purchase insurance; the government needs to act NOW.
2 :
I'm in my 50's and I pay $730 every month for insurance coverage with Avmed of Florida. But it's a high deductible plan and there's also a high out-of-pocket. Basically, I would have to pay up to $3000 before the insurance kicked in. There are pages and pages of exclusions, so numerous medical conditions are not covered. I suspect a lot of people have a plan similar to mine. I have never been admitted to a hospital, but my insurance has increased 40% in the past 12 months. Not good. I'm getting raped for the greed and profit of a company that has me in a noose. No choice. Yet.
3 :
Being from the UK I am not qualified to answer this, but what a great question, and what great answers you have so far.
4 :
You can have the choice of paying monthly or yearly. Whichever you decide. As for how much it would cost, would depend on what state you were living in, how many people were on the plan and what/if any health conditions you might have. As an example, the average premium for a healthy family of 4 is over $1000 a month and in Utah where I am at, the average is just over $400.
5 :
The basic health insurance policy provides insurance against medical expenses that are outcome of sickness & accident. This is a novice term that refers to various surgical, medical & hospital benefits. The broad category of medical cover provides an extensive range of benefits for medical hospital & surgical care.
6 :
You can have both options, try this site heinsurance.notlong.com here you can get quotes from different companies.
7 :
In the U.S. health insurance coverage for one individual can run anywhere between $4000-10,000+. It all depends on plan design, the richer the benefits the more expensive the plan. Your premiums are due monthly but I'm sure some insurers would allow you to pay annually. There is so much on this subject, but I think I've answered your questions.



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Friday, May 16, 2008

Will my health insurance still be covered if i start college a little late

Will my health insurance still be covered if i start college a little late ?
I'm an 19 year old male who recently registered for college late, all of the classes for right now are taken up so they told me to enroll for the spring semister, will i still be able to be covered for health insurance under my parents ?? My parents said that i must go to school in order for my insurance to still be covered. Will my health insurance still be covered ???
Insurance - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
no, it will not
2 :
The coverage of health insurance is a subject of the insurance companies. If the insurance company has agreed to grant you health cover at the belated age of 19 ys. then you will get the coverage otherwise not.
3 :
Only your parents can answer that by consulting their specific policy.
4 :
Have your parents read the policy very carefully. Many policies state that as long as you are in school and can be claimed as a dependent on your parent's taxes, you can be covered. The IRS rules are that to be a student, you must be enrolled full-time for any part of 5 months during the year. (You must also live at home and not support yourself.) If you were in High School in January to May of 2009, you could still be a dependent for tax purposes for all of 2009. If you enroll in January 2010 and attend school for 5 months in 2010, you could still be a dependent then. Please note that support test. If you are not in school in the fall semester, you need to be working your butt off earning money. If you just earn the money and do not spend it, you can still meet the support test to be claimed as a dependent. See IRS publication 501 for the support test. When I was in college, I took time off for internships. My father and I would very carefully do the form to ensure that we could prove I was still his dependent. It was extremely important to us because of insurance, exemptions, etc. (Dad made enough money to be subject to audits, so we wanted to be able to defend any audit.) Literally, my dad would tell me, put this much of your income into savings and don't touch it. If you need money, ask me for it.
5 :
John, we have a health plan that can work with your situation. For more information send a email reply. Thank you.


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Monday, May 12, 2008

How can I get health insurance for my parents

How can I get health insurance for my parents?
My parents are in their early 50's, and do not have health insurance. They are struggling with money, so paying for health insurance is the last thing on their minds.
 Can I purchase health insurance for them? I have never purchased insurance before (I have always received it through employers). Some facts: › We live in NJ › They own their own small business › They are NOT my dependents › They are in good shape - no pre-existing medical problems Any advice or point in the right direction is appreciated!
Other - General Health Care - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Your parents raised you right! Yes you can pay for there insurance. You can contact an insurance broker or you can contact the insurance company. Beware of companies to be claiming to be health insurance company's. They can rip you off. Google them and see what kind of Company they really are. Go with companies you are familiar with.
2 :
Contact a LOCAL agent that works with all of the major companies in your area. The agent can help you find them the best plan for their situation and budget. The agent can explain what you get and, more importantly, what you don't get with each policy. There is no extra charge using an agent. Your parents will have to sign for the policy but you are allowed to pay.


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Thursday, May 8, 2008

What health insurance would offer the best coverage for rhinoplasty/septoplasty

What health insurance would offer the best coverage for rhinoplasty/septoplasty?
I'm having rhinoplasty. Health insurance should cover some of it since I'm going to correct a deviated septum for breathing problems. Anyone know what health insurance plan/s provides the most coverage for this procedure. I live in southern CA. Thanks.
Other - General Health Care - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If the procedure is medically necessary, it should be covered as would any other illness or injury. If it is only for cosmetic reasons, it won't be covered. Ask your doctor if (s)he can help you sell it as medically necessary. Then call your insurance company and ask for a pre-approval of the procedure. Good luck Don http://mtnhealthinsurance.com
2 :
A surgery like that will cost lots of money.. so you'll definitely want to search EVERY health plan.. You'll want to know what the pro's and con's are of each service... I had neck surgery 2 or 3 weeks ago.. this is the site i used: http://hot-auctions.info/healthplancomparison.php



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Sunday, May 4, 2008

What happens with your health insurance while your on maternity leave

What happens with your health insurance while your on maternity leave?
Since I won't be getting my paycheck while I'm on maternity leave, what will happen with my health insurance? My employer pays most of it, but they still take about $100 a week out of my check for what I have to pay.
 If I'm not getting a paycheck while I'm on leave, how will my insurance be paid? I have short term disability that I pay into voluntarily every week, so that's what I'll be living off of while I'm out, which isn't really much. How will the insurance get paid?
Insurance - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
You still have to pay your insurance, even when you are out on FMLA. Most likely, the money will be deducted from your first paycheck when you get back. You might talk to HR and see if they can spread it out over a few checks, they might do this for you.
2 :
You still have to pay it, you are still receiving the benefits of the policy. Contact your HR department to see how they handle it. You might be required to send them a check every week, or it might come out when you return.
3 :
You will still be responsible for paying for your portion of the insurance payment. You should make an appointment with your Human Resource representative to find out how your company does this. They may deduct this from your pay upon returning, or they may require that he money be paid upfront or bi-weekly. It depends on the company you work for.
4 :
You'll have to ask your employer. At worst, you'll have to cut a check for it. At best, the employer will advance it, and subtract what you owe out of the next paycheck(s) you get after you return to work. Babies DO take 9 months to grow, so you've got time to put away some money and save for the extra costs.



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Thursday, May 1, 2008

Canceling health insurance with the company your work for

Canceling health insurance with the company your work for?
A gal at work is having some problems canceling her health insurance with the company we work for. Our company is saying she CAN NOT cancel her health insurance policy with BCBS since its not open enrollment. The reason she wants to cancel is because she got coverage with a different company. Is it legal for our company to say she CAN NOT cancel her policy??? How could she afford to pay for both!
Insurance - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Yeah? It sounds like the gal at work fails to understand the concept of group health insurance. There are open enrollment periods. There are mandatory participation rules. Either she cancels her other policy (not BCBS) or she quits her job.
2 :
She can cancel at anytime by filling out a form declining coverage. Maybe HR doesnt know that. May think that only at open enrollment can be made.
3 :
Or she pays for both until her work insurance open enrollment period. She should have research before she committed to the new insurance, should have looked into what the company's insurance policy said or asked the Human Resources/Insurance management dept. about the opting out. The company gets a certain rate depending on the number of participants so people cannot just sign on or opt out at will.
4 :
it is not the employer it is the Insurance company they have there rules and she must abide by them, they only way she can do it is with a qualifying event and getting other insurance doesn't count, as one said she either quits or cancels he other insurance until open enrollment, it can't be done any other way
5 :
Those rules are determined by the agreement made between the insurer issuing the group plan and her employer. She'll have to wait until the "open enrollment" period.
6 :
It is not the company that says this, it's the insurance company. The insurance company only allows for changes during open enrollment or if there is a significant life event, such as marriage, birth of a child, death of an immediate family member, etc. This is the only time changes can be made. Why does the insurance company do this? It prevents people from getting insurance only when they need it and not being insured when they don't need insurance. For example, most people only visit the dentist once every 6 months. If an insurance company allowed participants to sign up and cancel their insurance at any time, then you could sign up for dental insurance the month that you are going to the dentist (so that the insurance company will pay) and then the next month cancel the policy because after all you won't be going to the dentist for another 5 months. Then you could sign up for dental insurance the month you go to the dentist, then immediately cancel. While less common, the same thing can be true for health insurance. A person could decide to get health insurance one month, when they know they have to go to the doctor (i.e. they just came down with the flu and need to go to the doctor) and then once they are well again cancel their coverage. I completely empathize with your co-worker. If a person doesn't understand insurance very well, then it would make sense that the company should allow her to cancel her health insurance. Whoever helped her get health insurance through a different company should have reviewed this with her so she wouldn't have to pay premiums for two health insurance policies.
7 :
Its from federal IRS regulations regarding pre-tax benefit plans. There are very specific regulations from the IRS regarding open enrollments and when a person can drop coverage. The ONLY way to drop coverage when is not open enrollment is to have a "qualifying event." (The HR department should be able to provide you/her a list of qualifying events, for reference.) If she doesn't meet the definition of a "qualifying event," then she has to keep the coverage until open enrollment. There's nothing that can be done, other than quitting the job. The employer's hands are tied, due to the IRS regulations. She should have investigated this BEFORE obtaining other coverage. These coverage rules/IRS regulations are very well-known and apply to ALL employers who offer such plans. This isn't some new-fangled thing that your employer came up with on their own.
8 :
Right. She cannot cancel her health insurance, unless she quits her job. Getting new coverage with a different company is NOT a qualifying event, in accordance with the IRS, to allow you to CANCEL coverage. Except for death or divorce, you can only ADD coverage, during a qualifying event. You can't delete, except for open enrollment. This is the law, and it's an IRS tax law. It's not the employer making this decision. Not only is it legal for the company to make her keep carrying coverage, it's required for them to do it - by law. If she's dropping one plan, it will have to be the new plan. Sorry.
9 :
Please tell your friend at work NOT to cancel her group policy. The cost may be higher, but she may have a rude awakening on the back end of her personal insurance when something goes wrong. Personal insurance is notorious for "straining a gnat" when it comes to coverage.



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