Saturday, June 28, 2008

Why was my health insurance terminated when I am 20 and fulltime college student

Why was my health insurance terminated when I am 20 and fulltime college student?
I am a dependant on my mother's health insurance from her employer. Recently I was sent a mail requesting a proof of enrollment to show that I am indeed a full-time student. I put in a proof of enrollment that I am taking the 12 units in college, plus I also sent a copy of my schedule for this semester.

Today I get a letter saying that my insurance has been terminated and I am no longer eligible because of my age. I thought full time students who are 21 and under can still be placed as a dependant? Is there a chance they just didnt receive my mail? If thats so, then why didnt they state that they didnt receive the required proof of enrollment instead of terminating me for my age? I want to call them but they are closed for the weekend, so any advice from you guys so I know what I am saying when im on the phone with them would be helpful. Btw it is not grades, I have a 3.5 gpa. All those telling me to call them up is useless since I already plan to, what I need is any advice on what to say when I do call them on monday, since they are closed for the weekend.
Insurance - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Maybe for grades???
2 :
Just call them and let them know about the whole issue. It's probably a simple mistake.
3 :
As long as you are full time I think you have the right to stay with them. Check with them Monday - they made a mistake. If you have a lot of healthcare expenditures get an attorney. PS: Never let your healthcare lapse if you can help it before getting insured with another company. If something happens to you in between they will all reject you! (USA! USA!)
4 :
not sure perhps 20 ther cutoff point get profesional advise
5 :
Read your contract (policy).
6 :
Contact them by phone and ask fo an explanation or write to them again.
7 :
This varies from policy to policy. Some cut off at 19, some at 24/25. Health insurance costs are rising dramatically. Far outpacing our wages and far outpacing any increase in company profits. One of the only ways to still offer insurance at all is to cut the benefits. The policy for my company has nearly tripled in less than 10 years. Our employees pay 20% of the cost AND 100% of the extra cost for spouse/kids. The coverage ends at 19 for dependents. We had no choice, it was either accept it, pay it, or we would cancel it all together. I would imagine that your mom's policy has changed. As the policy is actually your mother's she is the one that needs to call. Sorry
8 :
19 is the usual cut off. Also, they may not see 12 units as full time, as that is a very light load and most colleges would not even accept you as a student with only a couple of classes.
9 :
The only way you'll know for sure is when you speak with them on Monday. Just explain to them what you explained to us. Your mother should be the one to call since it's her policy not yours, there's a good chance that they won't speak to you since you are not the primary policy holder. As you said full time students are covered, 12 units is not full time that might be their reason for terminating your policy. But you won't know their reason until you've spoken to them. Usually once terminated they might not put you back on again without a premium.
10 :
It doesn't matter what your grades are - just that you are enrolled for full time status. I can see 2 scenarios happening here - 1) They just didn't get the info. When you sent it in, did you include something referencing you as a dependent on your mom's policy? If the document only had your name on it, they may not have been able to identify what policy it went with and thus weren't able to process it correctly. (Note to everyone - include the policy ID number and the name of the insured individual on ANY documents you send to your insurance company. It will be extremely helpful in making sure your document is processed correctly.) 2) Is the school you're attending accredited? Sometimes there's a clause that you have to be attending an accredited university, so if a person were attending a technical school, beauty school, etc. full time it wouldn't count. I suspect in your case that #1 occurred, and you should be able to get this resolved on Monday. Also, you can make the call yourself - anyone on a medical policy can make calls and discuss their own information, it doesn't only have to be the cardholder. (Sure, if you had never been on the policy at all, your mom would have to make the call. But you can call to discuss your own personal information, which includes full time student documentation.)

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

How has linking health insurance to employment had an impact on ordinary Americans

How has linking health insurance to employment had an impact on ordinary Americans?
I mean besides worrying that if the company you work for goes bankrupt there goes your health insurance and the COBRA extension; Also, wouldn't it be amazing if you could work the job you *want* rather than the one that offers the best benefits. Why do we still have this system as it limits self employment, small business growth and creates "job lock"? Ever tried buying insurance independently outside of an office pool with two pre-existing conditions? Even if you cut back on absolutely everything, it's still unaffordable.
Insurance - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1) It means that most working Americans (fulltime) do have health insurance through their companies. 2) It means that most Americans have absolutely no idea as to how much their health insurance REALLY costs: about $12,500-13,000/year for family coverage. I am with you, we are on COBRA and spend 25% of our income on health insurance. next year we will be uninsurable because my husband has had prostate cancer--not exactly his fault. My feeling is we will never have universal health coverage until ALL Americans understand how much health insurance really costs by having to pay for it themselves rather than getting it at a reduced cost thru their employers.
2 :
It depends on where you live. I'm insuring a 55 year old guy with brain cancer in Maryland for $211 per month on MHIP+ (Maryland Health Insurance Plan). Now if your state had that plan you'd have a different view of insurance. Last month I insured an already pregnant 28 year old for $150/month. Oh, and they both have $200 deductibles and all their pre-existing conditions are covered. My state is just a front-runner and goes about it the right way. You have to have been declined from other coverage to qualify for the plan (or have used up COBRA). It keep the numbers on the plan down, but it looks at health and income. Call your state Senator and ask why you don't have a plan like Maryland does! http://www.marylandhealthinsuranceplan.state.md.us/ And, if you're healthy and under 45 you can easily get a plan for less than $200/month. That certainly beats giving up 30% of your income for a plan.
3 :
Economic theory suggests that if workers fully value their health insurance benefits, they will bear the burden of higher premiums in the form of lower wages, with no change in the level of employment or total wage and benefit costs to employers. But if firms are limited in their ability to offset higher benefit costs through lower wages - for example, by minimum wage laws or union contracts - then rising premiums may cause employers to reduce their work force or shift employment to employees who do not receive benefits, such as part-time workers. Understanding the relationship between health insurance premiums and employment is of growing policy relevance, since many proposals to cover the uninsured rely on "employer mandates" that would require employers to cover workers. Rising premiums provide an opportunity to observe the labor market effects of higher benefit costs. You Can find lots of info about insurance here : http://www.allinsurancesecret.com
4 :
I agree, if you have great group insurance thu your employer, most people do not realize the true cost of insurance. My 1st time finding out was back in 1988. My employer when sign up came for all benefits; ie; vacation, LTD, STD, health insurance etc You had the choice to pick what options you wanted. On one side was the cost to the employee and the 2nd column was the cost to the employer. For health, if was free for the employee only, but addtl cost for spouse/family etc. But on the employers column showed just for the employee only was over $6K per year? I thought to myself, that cant be possible that my employer is paying out $6k per year for every employee in this company? (over 2,000 employees) But when I left the company for a new job in 1996, I had a 90 day waiting period for the new insurance to kick in, so I took out the Cobra and was paying over $500 per month till the new company kicked in. Fast forward to today. I imagine that many people cannot fathom that their insurance thu their employer might be $13K per year, even when they hear it on all the news shows. Or that many of the auto workers plans can cost almost $18K to $25k per year and one of the reasons for the doomed auto industry. RX costs; we live in an era that is producing so many good drugs out there and even if you look at the cost of insurance pays vs your copay does not give you a true cost since, they get a lower negotiated contract price with the insurance. I had great insurance 5 years ago with great RX coverage. One month the cost for a 3 month supply was $1200??? I found out when they informed me that we had to have this package shipped and had to be there to sign for it due to the cost of these drugs. If in doubt and taking drugs, call your local pharmacy and ask the cost for a drug without any insurance and most people may not realize that some simple drugs like Lipitor, Wellbutrim cost over $100 per month for 30 days only. Or get unlucky and lose your job and try and find a private plan and find out that even though you are taking Lipitor or blood pressure medicine that controls your condition, maybe barred by STATE LAW from getting insurance. Your only option is to get into the state HIGH RISK POOL, that maybe going bankrupt, waiting period and exorbitant rates that you may not be able to afford. And yes as a general rule, most people are locked into a system due to benefits of health care.

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Friday, June 20, 2008

How does the French health insurance system work

How does the French health insurance system work ?
Ok so im still writing this essay on how the health systems in france. However I do not understand how their health insurance works. So could someone explain it simply please.

I understand that most of their Health expenses is covered by the state- but that is all i get.
Other - General Health Care - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
look up socialized medicine or universal health care...
2 :
I've lived here in France for 9 years and am not an expert.... but.... Salaried employees pay tax as does their employer on their income, which is called 'Social Charges' this covers health and retirement among other things. However it doesn't usually cover 100% of health/medical costs!!!! Normally the standard contributions cover about 75% of the medical costs. People who are in the French health system have a 'Carte Vitale' (Health Card) which has a chip with their ID on. This allows them to get discount when they go to the Chemist for a prescription and allows the Doctor to access their records. Many people take out a private health insurance or 'Top Up health insurance' to take care of the final 25% medical fees. Normally if it's a serious illness then the standard state covers 100%, things like Broken legs, cancer etc. Good luck with the essay!

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Monday, June 16, 2008

How can I get health insurance for myself and family and pay for it as business expense without employees

How can I get health insurance for myself and family and pay for it as business expense without employees?
I'm a successful part time entrepreneur in California, but I maintain my day job because of the group health insurance they offer. I'd like to cut the apron string and go out completely on my own, but the insurance situation holds these plans hostage. I don't want to buy private health insurance, I would like to structure my one man business so that I can easily purchase group health insurance for myself and family. I'd like to purchase group insurance as opposed to private insurance so that I don't have to deal with preexisting conditions and riders, etc. Since I'm still a sole proprietor, I have plenty of leeway in regards to business structure, and I'm willing to change whatever is necessary to get the best deal possible. How can I get health insurance for myself and family and pay for it as business expense without employees?
Insurance - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
you can't legally.
2 :
First you need to find an insurance company that will sell you group insurance. I don't think it's going to be possible because of the fact you have no employees. Companies are not going to be interesting in providing group plans (with them giving a group discount) without a group for economies of scale. If you have a large family that is of employable age you MIGHT be able to employee them and have them covered.. BUT you're going to be paying for it like they were all separate families.. not in a covered policy of your own. I would be surprised if you could get this to work. I've heard TV commercials for small business insurance plans.. might want to google that.
3 :
In order to get group coverage you must have a minimum of four employees and have 75% participation to qualify.
4 :
Every states has different guide line for the group insurance. I suggest to check this http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Refby=614138&Type=health you will be contacted by the licensed agents who can help your question. It is free!

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

How do I deduct health insurance premiums from my taxes when I am self-employed

How do I deduct health insurance premiums from my taxes when I am self-employed?
We are losing my wife's health insurance and are going to be taking out a private health insurance policy.

I am self-employed and think I can deduct the premiums from my taxable income. Does anyone know if that is the case? I would appreciate anyone who could point me in the right direction.
United States - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 : yes
2 : yes, next year when you file (or later in the year, if you file quarterly for business purposes) you can deduct that as part of your self employment expenses. I am self employed (but not insured) and when i just recently filed i remember seeing that as one of the deduction lines, along with other expenses.
3 :
If you establish the policy in the name of the business (or your name if a sole proprietor), then you can deduct the premiums on the front of the 1040, line 29.

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Sunday, June 8, 2008

What is a discount health insurance plan for self employed in California who is an Urban Planner

What is a discount health insurance plan for self employed in California who is an Urban Planner?
I know that certain trade organizations offer discount health insurance under group rates if you join. However, I am unaware of any groups for a person who is self employed as an expeditor--a person who works in the urban planning field filing cases. He pays a exhoribant monthy premium for his health insurance.
Small Business - 1 Answers
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1 :
This site has helped me. Great savings! http://www.premierhealthcaresavings.com/196593/ Good luck to you!

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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

How can I get health insurance without a job that provides it

How can I get health insurance without a job that provides it?
I am planning on substitute teaching which doesn't offer health insurance. What is the best way to go about getting health insurance for just me?
Other - Health - 4 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Wait until the new laws take effect, or move to a country where they do it right (anywhere other than the USA).
2 :
You can buy many different types of health insurance from numerous firms. A quick look in your local yellow pages under "Insurance Brokers" (or similar) will turn up a bunch of agents. There are different types available at varying prices. I assume you are fairly young, so that works in your favor. You may also wish to ask about "catastrophic" coverage which is less expensive, but only starts paying off after the accrued bills reach a certain (high) amount.
3 :
There are hundreds of available plans in most areas. The best way for you to find the right plan would be to talk with a local agent that works with all of the major companies in your area. The agent can help you find the best plan for your situation and budget. They can explain what you get and, more importantly, what you don't get with each plan. There is no extra charge using an agent and you'll have someone local with which you can talk if you have questions in the future.
4 :
You buy it on your own. Lots of people do that. A high-deductible plan linked to a health savings account is your best bet. I got mine from Anthem, but there are other companies out there that offer them It varies from state to state.

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Sunday, June 1, 2008

How many health insurance policies written in USA in 2007 or 2006

How many health insurance policies written in USA in 2007 or 2006?
We understand that 49 million plus Americans do not have health insurance. There is individual and there is family insurance. Therefore, if 300 million Americans and 50 do not have health insurance then 250 million do. Were 250 million policies written?
Insurance - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well, your numbers are off. About 42 million PEOPLE here in the US have no health insurance, and about HALF of them aren't Americans. So you're looking at about 21,000,000 Americans. HALF of them are uninsured by choice. They don't WANT the health insurance. No, there aren't 250 million policies written. The vast, vast majority of Americans are covered by group health plans. My husband's employer has ONE policy, which covers over 3,000 employees, AND THEIR FAMILIES. Maybe, 15,000 people total. No one collects the number of policies there are in force. It's too vast a project, and every day, the number changes.

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