Sunday, February 17, 2008
Want Health Insurance Coverage You Can Trust?
NY AG: UnitedHealth overcharges for out-of-plan services
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/insurance/2008-02-13-cuomo-healthinsurers_N.htm
By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY
Several of the nation's largest health insurers used data rigged so that patients would overpay for visits to doctors outside the insurers' own networks, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo alleged Wednesday.
Cuomo, who last year took on insurers over the methods they used to rank doctors on quality and cost, said he intends to file a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiary, Ingenix, which supplied the data.
Because that data is used by other insurers, Cuomo said he also is launching an industrywide investigation. His office has subpoenaed 16 other insurers, including Aetna, CIGNA and Humana.
"This involved fraud in the hundreds of millions of dollars affecting thousands and thousands of families," Cuomo said.
The allegations come as the majority of insured patients in the country belong to a type of insurance that — unlike HMOS — allows patients to go outside their insurers' networks to seek care from unaffiliated doctors.
Cuomo alleges that United and Ingenix manipulated data so that insurers would pay less to those non-network doctors for such care — and patients would pay more.
United says it is cooperating with the attorney general's investigation and defends its Ingenix data. The data "is rigorously developed, geographically specific, comprehensive" and uses methods common in the health care industry, United says in a statement.
But Cuomo alleges that a six-month investigation by his staff uncovered problems with the data, including the use of outdated information and deliberate manipulations.
"This is a big deal," says Kevin Lembo, who heads a Connecticut health agency that advocates for consumers. "I can't recall a case that has dug this deeply into the reimbursement methods of managed-care companies."
At the center of Cuomo's allegations is a situation many patients find themselves in: They go to an out-of-network doctor and get a bill.
Generally, insurance policies require patients to pay 20% to 30% of that bill, and the insurer pays the rest. But insurers usually pay only their share of whatever they determine to be doctors' "usual and customary" fees.
Many insurers, including United, use Ingenix data to gauge how much doctors in an area typically charge. Ingenix calculates those charges by using claims data submitted by insurers.
Cuomo alleges that Ingenix manipulated the data to knock out high-cost claims, thus lowering the average doctor fee to the insurers' advantage.
For example, he said, the fair market rate in an area might be $200 for a doctor's office visit. By knocking out the higher claims, Ingenix would show that doctors in the area charged perhaps only $77. The insurer would then pay its share of the bill — say, 80% — of $77, or about $62. The patient, however, would pay $138, the balance between what the insurer paid and the $200.
Karen Ignagni, CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, the industry's lobbying group, released a statement questioning why the visits cost $200. "As medical costs continue to soar, this is the discussion that public policy leaders need to have," she said.
When members complained about such low reimbursement, "United refused to explain," said a letter sent Wednesday from the attorney general's office to United.
(end of article)
Notice that Assurant Health is not mentioned in that article. Wouldn't you like to protect your family dependably?
Bobby Mobini
Personal Asset Protection Specialist
Work: 404-697-9197 Email: bmobini@hotmail.com
Professional Profile
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/5/a3/577
Affordable and Reliable Health Insurance
http//bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/insurance/2008-02-13-cuomo-healthinsurers_N.htm
By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY
Several of the nation's largest health insurers used data rigged so that patients would overpay for visits to doctors outside the insurers' own networks, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo alleged Wednesday.
Cuomo, who last year took on insurers over the methods they used to rank doctors on quality and cost, said he intends to file a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiary, Ingenix, which supplied the data.
Because that data is used by other insurers, Cuomo said he also is launching an industrywide investigation. His office has subpoenaed 16 other insurers, including Aetna, CIGNA and Humana.
"This involved fraud in the hundreds of millions of dollars affecting thousands and thousands of families," Cuomo said.
The allegations come as the majority of insured patients in the country belong to a type of insurance that — unlike HMOS — allows patients to go outside their insurers' networks to seek care from unaffiliated doctors.
Cuomo alleges that United and Ingenix manipulated data so that insurers would pay less to those non-network doctors for such care — and patients would pay more.
United says it is cooperating with the attorney general's investigation and defends its Ingenix data. The data "is rigorously developed, geographically specific, comprehensive" and uses methods common in the health care industry, United says in a statement.
But Cuomo alleges that a six-month investigation by his staff uncovered problems with the data, including the use of outdated information and deliberate manipulations.
"This is a big deal," says Kevin Lembo, who heads a Connecticut health agency that advocates for consumers. "I can't recall a case that has dug this deeply into the reimbursement methods of managed-care companies."
At the center of Cuomo's allegations is a situation many patients find themselves in: They go to an out-of-network doctor and get a bill.
Generally, insurance policies require patients to pay 20% to 30% of that bill, and the insurer pays the rest. But insurers usually pay only their share of whatever they determine to be doctors' "usual and customary" fees.
Many insurers, including United, use Ingenix data to gauge how much doctors in an area typically charge. Ingenix calculates those charges by using claims data submitted by insurers.
Cuomo alleges that Ingenix manipulated the data to knock out high-cost claims, thus lowering the average doctor fee to the insurers' advantage.
For example, he said, the fair market rate in an area might be $200 for a doctor's office visit. By knocking out the higher claims, Ingenix would show that doctors in the area charged perhaps only $77. The insurer would then pay its share of the bill — say, 80% — of $77, or about $62. The patient, however, would pay $138, the balance between what the insurer paid and the $200.
Karen Ignagni, CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, the industry's lobbying group, released a statement questioning why the visits cost $200. "As medical costs continue to soar, this is the discussion that public policy leaders need to have," she said.
When members complained about such low reimbursement, "United refused to explain," said a letter sent Wednesday from the attorney general's office to United.
(end of article)
Notice that Assurant Health is not mentioned in that article. Wouldn't you like to protect your family dependably?
Bobby Mobini
Personal Asset Protection Specialist
Work: 404-697-9197 Email: bmobini@hotmail.com
Professional Profile
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/5/a3/577
Affordable and Reliable Health Insurance
http//bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com
Why You Need Life Insurance
Bobby Mobini
Why Do I Need Life Insurance?
Insurance is seen as a necessity to ensure a continuation of your family income, should the income provider pass away or become disabled. You might think that insurance would be less important as the value of your investments and other assets grow. In fact, very often the opposite happens. You build an increasing tax liability as your wealth increases or as you build your assets. Insurance can become an important vehicle for reducing your income tax burden. The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide for dependents on death of a primary wage earner, but life insurance can also serve as an outstanding tool for transferring wealth to the next generation. There are a variety of life insurance products specially structured to provide targeted benefits, including: *Term endowment insurance *Whole life insurance *Children's plan *Pension plan *Unit linked insurance plans Insurance can also be used effectively as an investment vehicle. Proper planning can help minimize the drain taxation can have on your business or estate. Planning means you choose how your assets get distributed. It involves a step-by-step approach and ensures that you receive only expert advice. The result could be a plan customized just for you. You can use a tax-advantaged life insurance strategy to build a fund that grows on a tax-sheltered basis. You can select the investments and decide how much add when to invest. At a time like retirement, this tax-sheltered fund can be useful to provide a tax-free income. On death, the insurance proceeds and the investment funds are paid to your beneficiary, tax-free. Using insurance can be a cost-effective way of creating a legacy. No wonder insurance is viewed as an important investment for retirees and those approaching retirement.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Bobby Mobini Flexible, Reliable Health and Life Insurance http://bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com http://bmobini.spaces.live.com Bus: (404)697-9197 Fax: (678)802-6266 */*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Why You Need Life Insurance
Many financial experts believe life insurance to be the keystone of sound financial planning. It could be a significant tool in the following situations: Replaces income for dependents If people rely on their own income, life insurance could replace which income for them if you die. The most usually known case of this is parents with young children. However, it could also relate to couples in which the survivor would be monetarily stricken by the income lost through the death of a partner, and to dependent adults, such as parents, siblings or mature children who only to depend on you financially. Insurance to replace your income could be particularly useful if the government- or employer-sponsored reimbursement of your existing spouse or domestic partner would be reduced after your death. Pay ultimate expenses Life insurance would pay your funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts and remedial expenses are not covered by health insurance. Create a heritage for your heirs Even if you have no other property to pass to your heirs, you could make a heritage by buying a life insurance policy and name them as beneficiaries. Make major openhanded contributions By making a charity the recipient of your life insurance policy, you could make a much bigger donation than if you donated the cash equal of the policy’s premiums. • Pay central “death” taxes and state “death” taxes Life insurance reimbursement could pay estate taxes so that your heirs would not have to settle other assets or take a minor inheritance. Changes in the federal “death” tax rules among now and January 1, 2011 would likely lower the impact of this tax on some people, but some states are equalizing those federal decreases with increases in their state-level “death” taxes. • Create your source of savings Some types of life insurance make a cash cost that, if not paid out as a death advantage, could be borrowed or withdrawn on the owner’s demand. Since most people make paying their life insurance policy premiums a soaring precedence, buying a cash-value kind insurance policy could year a kind of “forced” savings plan Furthermore, the interest accredited is tax deferred (and tax excepted if the money is paid as a death claim).
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Bobby Mobini Flexible, Reliable Health and Life Insurance http://bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com http://bmobini.spaces.live.com Bus: (404)697-9197 Fax: (678)802-6266
xxxx
Different Types of Life Insurance
Getting life insurance is essential if you want to be sure your loved ones and financial interests are covered. Although many young people do not need life insurance, the urgency of maintaining your own policy inevitably rises as you age. It's not unusual for people to amass considerable assets heading into their 50s and 60s, and that means you simply need to account for such moneys in the event of your untimely passing. The good news is that the insurance industry has devised several ways to cover the bases with a reasonable policy, giving you many options to choose from. Term life insurance is one of the most common, and with good reason. Unlike the broad suite of permanent life insurance types, term insurance allows you to maintain far more flexibility in your finances. If you have ever wondered what the difference is, the name says it all: term life insurance is designed to last for only a set period of time. There are a number of advantages associated with this approach, principal among them that it tends to be cheaper than its longer-lasting counterpart. You may also believe your worth or debts will change after a given period of time - again, term life insurance allows you to cap that financial relationship wherever you see fit. Permanent life insurance comes in a variety of types, from whole and universal to so-called survivorship insurance. The most pressing question when determining which type to get may be how you want your money to be invested and used over the length of that policy. Whole life is generally considered the more conservative type, as it maintains a fixed premium rate and involves considerable investments that may or may not be returned to the policy holder in the form of a dividend. All the expenses are fixed, of course, but you may say larger dividends than expected depending on the markets. Universal life insurance works somewhat differently. Instead of flat premiums, you get to choose how much money you put into the investment arm of that policy. Although the carrier still determines when and how to invest the moneys, you can expect higher yield options to pay more in a bull market. Many such policies also include a provision that lets you apply your accumulated cash account against your annual premiums - a boon if you want your money to start working for you. Each of the major permanent life insurance types allows for so-called "variable" iterations as well. For the most part, these offer greater flexibility in terms of the investment decisions that may grow or shrink your account. Savvy investors and anyone who likes to play the market may find more satisfaction and financial benefit in these fluid and adaptive policies. No matter what type of life insurance you choose, the important thing is to provide for the people you will leave behind. Shop around for different estimates and be sure and ask questions about any fine print you may have missed. The devil is often in the details when it comes to insurance.
Affordable Health Insurance - Have You Thought Of These Great Options?
There are things that will make a huge difference on your health insurance rate. However, most of them will require some form of adjustment, commitment and/or research on your part. If you are ready to do these, here are things that will help you save a great deal. 1. You will as well attract a more affordable health insurance rate if you have a healthy routine. The quality of your diet will sooner or later have an effect on your health insurance rate. Removing fats, cholesterol and high carb from your diet will make it easier for you to maintain the ideal weight, live a healthier life and, as a result, attract cheaper health insurance rates. In the same way, you will be healthier and therefore have to see the doctor less if you are committed to exercise up to thirty minutes daily. 2. Even though you are advised against self-medication, there are situations where you shouldn't visit a doctor. Clear examples are viral infections like flu for which your doctor can really do nothing. It's generally known that doctors can't do you much good if you have a viral infection. If your doctor cannot do anything about a health condition then I think it is unwise to spend about $100 to see him or her. Other instances are minor bruises that just simple first aid will handle properly. If you don't know these simple things take out time to read books on them especially if you have little kids. There are many things that you can (and should) handle if you have invested the time to learn and also have a well-equipped first aid box. However, if you don't know what to do, go ahead visit your doctor. But, please, know your limits and be aware that there are situations you must refer to a doctor even if you know what to do. You are not permitted by law to attempt some things except you're a certified medical practitioner even if you know what to do. Having the right balance is necessary in this and such matters. If you do this right you will pay less in health insurance and at the same time not endanger lives. 3. There are individuals who are not eligible for special health insurance for low-income earners and at the same time find it very difficult to pay for regular health insurance. If you're among such individuals, you'll benefit greatly if you get a discount medical card. A discount medical card makes you eligible to use a network of doctors who are contracted to give card carriers health care services at a lower rate. This card is not managed by insurance companies. It is as well a great alternative for individuals who may have a pre-existing health condition that will make them uninsurable with most health insurance schemes or make them get high health insurance premiums. No one is declined for any reason. Just pay your monthly fee and you'll have access to a network of doctors who will bill you less for their services. 4. This shouldn't be a problem for most individuals but we'll still have to talk about it... Apart from the fact that you are putting your life in danger, using banned or unregistered drugs will increase you health insurance premium. And where the use of certain drugs is legally approved, misusing them will also make you spend more on health insurance rates. Self medication should be avoided both for the serious implications to your health and health insurance rates. 5. Believe it or not, your driving culture can have a negative effect on your health insurance rate. Rough driving charges and other traffic offences can effectively add to your health insurance premium. An individual who drives roughly might make a health insurance claim soon as they are more likely to require medical attention. You will reduce your health insurance rates if you cultivate a good habit behind wheels. Sports cars and super bikes will increase your premium since they make you a higher risk. The higher probability of an accident means you could be injured and need to make a health insurance claim.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Bobby Mobini
Flexible, Reliable Health and Life Insurance
http://bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com
http://bmobini.spaces.live.com
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Why Do I Need Life Insurance?
Insurance is seen as a necessity to ensure a continuation of your family income, should the income provider pass away or become disabled. You might think that insurance would be less important as the value of your investments and other assets grow. In fact, very often the opposite happens. You build an increasing tax liability as your wealth increases or as you build your assets. Insurance can become an important vehicle for reducing your income tax burden. The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide for dependents on death of a primary wage earner, but life insurance can also serve as an outstanding tool for transferring wealth to the next generation. There are a variety of life insurance products specially structured to provide targeted benefits, including: *Term endowment insurance *Whole life insurance *Children's plan *Pension plan *Unit linked insurance plans Insurance can also be used effectively as an investment vehicle. Proper planning can help minimize the drain taxation can have on your business or estate. Planning means you choose how your assets get distributed. It involves a step-by-step approach and ensures that you receive only expert advice. The result could be a plan customized just for you. You can use a tax-advantaged life insurance strategy to build a fund that grows on a tax-sheltered basis. You can select the investments and decide how much add when to invest. At a time like retirement, this tax-sheltered fund can be useful to provide a tax-free income. On death, the insurance proceeds and the investment funds are paid to your beneficiary, tax-free. Using insurance can be a cost-effective way of creating a legacy. No wonder insurance is viewed as an important investment for retirees and those approaching retirement.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Bobby Mobini Flexible, Reliable Health and Life Insurance http://bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com http://bmobini.spaces.live.com Bus: (404)697-9197 Fax: (678)802-6266 */*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Why You Need Life Insurance
Many financial experts believe life insurance to be the keystone of sound financial planning. It could be a significant tool in the following situations: Replaces income for dependents If people rely on their own income, life insurance could replace which income for them if you die. The most usually known case of this is parents with young children. However, it could also relate to couples in which the survivor would be monetarily stricken by the income lost through the death of a partner, and to dependent adults, such as parents, siblings or mature children who only to depend on you financially. Insurance to replace your income could be particularly useful if the government- or employer-sponsored reimbursement of your existing spouse or domestic partner would be reduced after your death. Pay ultimate expenses Life insurance would pay your funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts and remedial expenses are not covered by health insurance. Create a heritage for your heirs Even if you have no other property to pass to your heirs, you could make a heritage by buying a life insurance policy and name them as beneficiaries. Make major openhanded contributions By making a charity the recipient of your life insurance policy, you could make a much bigger donation than if you donated the cash equal of the policy’s premiums. • Pay central “death” taxes and state “death” taxes Life insurance reimbursement could pay estate taxes so that your heirs would not have to settle other assets or take a minor inheritance. Changes in the federal “death” tax rules among now and January 1, 2011 would likely lower the impact of this tax on some people, but some states are equalizing those federal decreases with increases in their state-level “death” taxes. • Create your source of savings Some types of life insurance make a cash cost that, if not paid out as a death advantage, could be borrowed or withdrawn on the owner’s demand. Since most people make paying their life insurance policy premiums a soaring precedence, buying a cash-value kind insurance policy could year a kind of “forced” savings plan Furthermore, the interest accredited is tax deferred (and tax excepted if the money is paid as a death claim).
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/* Bobby Mobini Flexible, Reliable Health and Life Insurance http://bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com http://bmobini.spaces.live.com Bus: (404)697-9197 Fax: (678)802-6266
xxxx
Different Types of Life Insurance
Getting life insurance is essential if you want to be sure your loved ones and financial interests are covered. Although many young people do not need life insurance, the urgency of maintaining your own policy inevitably rises as you age. It's not unusual for people to amass considerable assets heading into their 50s and 60s, and that means you simply need to account for such moneys in the event of your untimely passing. The good news is that the insurance industry has devised several ways to cover the bases with a reasonable policy, giving you many options to choose from. Term life insurance is one of the most common, and with good reason. Unlike the broad suite of permanent life insurance types, term insurance allows you to maintain far more flexibility in your finances. If you have ever wondered what the difference is, the name says it all: term life insurance is designed to last for only a set period of time. There are a number of advantages associated with this approach, principal among them that it tends to be cheaper than its longer-lasting counterpart. You may also believe your worth or debts will change after a given period of time - again, term life insurance allows you to cap that financial relationship wherever you see fit. Permanent life insurance comes in a variety of types, from whole and universal to so-called survivorship insurance. The most pressing question when determining which type to get may be how you want your money to be invested and used over the length of that policy. Whole life is generally considered the more conservative type, as it maintains a fixed premium rate and involves considerable investments that may or may not be returned to the policy holder in the form of a dividend. All the expenses are fixed, of course, but you may say larger dividends than expected depending on the markets. Universal life insurance works somewhat differently. Instead of flat premiums, you get to choose how much money you put into the investment arm of that policy. Although the carrier still determines when and how to invest the moneys, you can expect higher yield options to pay more in a bull market. Many such policies also include a provision that lets you apply your accumulated cash account against your annual premiums - a boon if you want your money to start working for you. Each of the major permanent life insurance types allows for so-called "variable" iterations as well. For the most part, these offer greater flexibility in terms of the investment decisions that may grow or shrink your account. Savvy investors and anyone who likes to play the market may find more satisfaction and financial benefit in these fluid and adaptive policies. No matter what type of life insurance you choose, the important thing is to provide for the people you will leave behind. Shop around for different estimates and be sure and ask questions about any fine print you may have missed. The devil is often in the details when it comes to insurance.
Affordable Health Insurance - Have You Thought Of These Great Options?
There are things that will make a huge difference on your health insurance rate. However, most of them will require some form of adjustment, commitment and/or research on your part. If you are ready to do these, here are things that will help you save a great deal. 1. You will as well attract a more affordable health insurance rate if you have a healthy routine. The quality of your diet will sooner or later have an effect on your health insurance rate. Removing fats, cholesterol and high carb from your diet will make it easier for you to maintain the ideal weight, live a healthier life and, as a result, attract cheaper health insurance rates. In the same way, you will be healthier and therefore have to see the doctor less if you are committed to exercise up to thirty minutes daily. 2. Even though you are advised against self-medication, there are situations where you shouldn't visit a doctor. Clear examples are viral infections like flu for which your doctor can really do nothing. It's generally known that doctors can't do you much good if you have a viral infection. If your doctor cannot do anything about a health condition then I think it is unwise to spend about $100 to see him or her. Other instances are minor bruises that just simple first aid will handle properly. If you don't know these simple things take out time to read books on them especially if you have little kids. There are many things that you can (and should) handle if you have invested the time to learn and also have a well-equipped first aid box. However, if you don't know what to do, go ahead visit your doctor. But, please, know your limits and be aware that there are situations you must refer to a doctor even if you know what to do. You are not permitted by law to attempt some things except you're a certified medical practitioner even if you know what to do. Having the right balance is necessary in this and such matters. If you do this right you will pay less in health insurance and at the same time not endanger lives. 3. There are individuals who are not eligible for special health insurance for low-income earners and at the same time find it very difficult to pay for regular health insurance. If you're among such individuals, you'll benefit greatly if you get a discount medical card. A discount medical card makes you eligible to use a network of doctors who are contracted to give card carriers health care services at a lower rate. This card is not managed by insurance companies. It is as well a great alternative for individuals who may have a pre-existing health condition that will make them uninsurable with most health insurance schemes or make them get high health insurance premiums. No one is declined for any reason. Just pay your monthly fee and you'll have access to a network of doctors who will bill you less for their services. 4. This shouldn't be a problem for most individuals but we'll still have to talk about it... Apart from the fact that you are putting your life in danger, using banned or unregistered drugs will increase you health insurance premium. And where the use of certain drugs is legally approved, misusing them will also make you spend more on health insurance rates. Self medication should be avoided both for the serious implications to your health and health insurance rates. 5. Believe it or not, your driving culture can have a negative effect on your health insurance rate. Rough driving charges and other traffic offences can effectively add to your health insurance premium. An individual who drives roughly might make a health insurance claim soon as they are more likely to require medical attention. You will reduce your health insurance rates if you cultivate a good habit behind wheels. Sports cars and super bikes will increase your premium since they make you a higher risk. The higher probability of an accident means you could be injured and need to make a health insurance claim.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Bobby Mobini
Flexible, Reliable Health and Life Insurance
http://bmobini.mymedicalquotes.com
http://bmobini.spaces.live.com
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*
Health-Saving Tips
Health Insurance Tips
Home Business Medical Plans - Find Affordable Small Business Health Insurance
By Marilyn Katz
The only small and home business owners who are not worried about health insurance, usually have some other form of coverage. Some are covered through a spouse's group health plan, and some already have a retirement plan from earlier employment or military service. However many small business owners have made their career out of what they do now, and so they must rely on themselves to provide a medical plan for themselves, and their family. If you do not have employees, you need to look at individual coverage. If you have a couple of employees then you have a choice to make. A small business group plan is a great benefit, and it tends to attract and retain qualify people. However, premiums for small groups are expensive and risky. Since their is only a small pool of people to spread the risk, and since federal law mandates that insurance companies have to accept everybody, expect to pay for a policy! Now you will be able to deduct some of this expense from your business taxes. You can also expect your employees to share some of the cost. Also, remember that employees do like group health insurance as a workplace benefit. So consider this option, but keep in mind, that costs and extra paperwork can be daunting. On the other hand, individual health insurers get to underwrite everybody they accept. Younger and/or healthier people will get a cheaper rate. Older people, or especially those with health conditions, will either get charged more, or they may not be able to get a plan to accept them at all! Of course, every state has some sort of high risk plan for people who cannot obtain their own plan, but expect to pay for this.
Employees must pay for the premium themselves, but some companies will let you pay a list bill. You withdraw the amount from each worker's paycheck. Because you will not have the burden of carrying the plan yourself, maybe you can afford to pay your employees a bit more to make up for it. The advantage for the employees is that their policy is portable, and so they can take it with them even if they leave your company. Another advantage for healthy employees, is that the premium should be lower. However, less healthy employees, may have a hard time, and you should probably consult with an experienced agent for options. Now, if you do not have any employees at all, or if you only employ your spouse, then you must get a family plan. If premiums seem to high, I suggest looking at very high deductible major medical with Health Savings Accounts (HSA). You can offset the deductible with the money in the HSA, and those contributions have tax advantages. Plus, if you retire and join Medicare with any money left in your account, you can add it to your retirement savings without a penalty! I cannot tell you how to find cheap medical coverage, but I can tell you how to protect yourself from the risk of huge bills or having trouble finding the right care while saving some money on your monthly bill.
Important Guidelines For Choosing Your Health Insurance Provider
By Gabriel J. Adams Choosing a health insurance provider can be a daunting task. Although you know you will be happy you have coverage when you need it, insurance is one of those things we all would rather not have to think about. It is important to choose carefully so that when the need for coverage does arise (and yes, it always does) you will be prepared. Here are some of the things to consider when deciding which provider and plan are right for you and your family. Company Health Insurance Your workplace may offer health insurance, and they will generally deal with one provider. This limits your options, but can save you money since these are group plans. This also simplifies the process of setting up your plan since configuration and management of your coverage can often be completed and/or assisted on site at your workplace through your HR department. But again, there are disadvantages of company health insurance. Although it does hold the benefit of saving you money, you might not get the kind of coverage that matches the medical situation of you and your family. Even if you are self-employed there is a plan available to you, through the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). Individual and Group Health Insurance Many people are disappointed when they discover that health insurance is either not offered by their employer or that the coverage offered is not well-suited to their individual needs. What people often fail to recognize is that it is possible to choose your own health insurance provider! Most companies offer individual plans and group plans, and you need not go through your workplace to get coverage. Again, you may save monthly by going through your workplace's group plan, but is that worth it if the plan does not give you the coverage you really want or need? Before or during open enrollment at work, do some research online and compare what is offered by plans that you can get on your own. You may be surprised that you can get affordable coverage that is more appropriate for your family's health circumstances. What to Consider When you consider a health insurance provider, consider some of the following questions. Make a list of the answers and compare, and then choose a provider whose answers are best for your particular priorities.
1. How much are monthly premiums? Are these fixed or fluctuating?
2. What is covered: office visits, medications, minor or major surgeries?
3. What types of coverage is offered in terms of medical, dental, and vision?
4. What kind of out-of-pocket deductibles and co-payments might apply?
5. Will you be able to choose your own doctor? If limited to a network, how big?
6. Is an HSA (health savings account) offered? What are the details, if so?
7. Will your children or spouse be covered?
8. Can you cover children without a parent being required in the plan?
9. Are short term plans available?
10. What time commitment are you locked into? When can you adjust your plan?
11. Does the provider offer online setup and management for coverage?
Putting It All Together If you notice any other benefits offered by some companies which are not on this list, start asking the competition if they offer those benefits as well. Get organized, do some basic research, go online, make calls, and take good notes. Finally, review your notes and compare. Follow this process and you will be sure to find affordable and comprehensive coverage to perfectly match the insurance needs of you and your family.
Bobby MobiniPersonal Asset Protection Specialist
Work: 404-697-9197
Email: bmobini@hotmail.com
Professional Profile
Affordable and Reliable Health Insurance (click here)
See who we know in common
Want a signature like this?
Home Business Medical Plans - Find Affordable Small Business Health Insurance
By Marilyn Katz
The only small and home business owners who are not worried about health insurance, usually have some other form of coverage. Some are covered through a spouse's group health plan, and some already have a retirement plan from earlier employment or military service. However many small business owners have made their career out of what they do now, and so they must rely on themselves to provide a medical plan for themselves, and their family. If you do not have employees, you need to look at individual coverage. If you have a couple of employees then you have a choice to make. A small business group plan is a great benefit, and it tends to attract and retain qualify people. However, premiums for small groups are expensive and risky. Since their is only a small pool of people to spread the risk, and since federal law mandates that insurance companies have to accept everybody, expect to pay for a policy! Now you will be able to deduct some of this expense from your business taxes. You can also expect your employees to share some of the cost. Also, remember that employees do like group health insurance as a workplace benefit. So consider this option, but keep in mind, that costs and extra paperwork can be daunting. On the other hand, individual health insurers get to underwrite everybody they accept. Younger and/or healthier people will get a cheaper rate. Older people, or especially those with health conditions, will either get charged more, or they may not be able to get a plan to accept them at all! Of course, every state has some sort of high risk plan for people who cannot obtain their own plan, but expect to pay for this.
Employees must pay for the premium themselves, but some companies will let you pay a list bill. You withdraw the amount from each worker's paycheck. Because you will not have the burden of carrying the plan yourself, maybe you can afford to pay your employees a bit more to make up for it. The advantage for the employees is that their policy is portable, and so they can take it with them even if they leave your company. Another advantage for healthy employees, is that the premium should be lower. However, less healthy employees, may have a hard time, and you should probably consult with an experienced agent for options. Now, if you do not have any employees at all, or if you only employ your spouse, then you must get a family plan. If premiums seem to high, I suggest looking at very high deductible major medical with Health Savings Accounts (HSA). You can offset the deductible with the money in the HSA, and those contributions have tax advantages. Plus, if you retire and join Medicare with any money left in your account, you can add it to your retirement savings without a penalty! I cannot tell you how to find cheap medical coverage, but I can tell you how to protect yourself from the risk of huge bills or having trouble finding the right care while saving some money on your monthly bill.
Important Guidelines For Choosing Your Health Insurance Provider
By Gabriel J. Adams Choosing a health insurance provider can be a daunting task. Although you know you will be happy you have coverage when you need it, insurance is one of those things we all would rather not have to think about. It is important to choose carefully so that when the need for coverage does arise (and yes, it always does) you will be prepared. Here are some of the things to consider when deciding which provider and plan are right for you and your family. Company Health Insurance Your workplace may offer health insurance, and they will generally deal with one provider. This limits your options, but can save you money since these are group plans. This also simplifies the process of setting up your plan since configuration and management of your coverage can often be completed and/or assisted on site at your workplace through your HR department. But again, there are disadvantages of company health insurance. Although it does hold the benefit of saving you money, you might not get the kind of coverage that matches the medical situation of you and your family. Even if you are self-employed there is a plan available to you, through the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). Individual and Group Health Insurance Many people are disappointed when they discover that health insurance is either not offered by their employer or that the coverage offered is not well-suited to their individual needs. What people often fail to recognize is that it is possible to choose your own health insurance provider! Most companies offer individual plans and group plans, and you need not go through your workplace to get coverage. Again, you may save monthly by going through your workplace's group plan, but is that worth it if the plan does not give you the coverage you really want or need? Before or during open enrollment at work, do some research online and compare what is offered by plans that you can get on your own. You may be surprised that you can get affordable coverage that is more appropriate for your family's health circumstances. What to Consider When you consider a health insurance provider, consider some of the following questions. Make a list of the answers and compare, and then choose a provider whose answers are best for your particular priorities.
1. How much are monthly premiums? Are these fixed or fluctuating?
2. What is covered: office visits, medications, minor or major surgeries?
3. What types of coverage is offered in terms of medical, dental, and vision?
4. What kind of out-of-pocket deductibles and co-payments might apply?
5. Will you be able to choose your own doctor? If limited to a network, how big?
6. Is an HSA (health savings account) offered? What are the details, if so?
7. Will your children or spouse be covered?
8. Can you cover children without a parent being required in the plan?
9. Are short term plans available?
10. What time commitment are you locked into? When can you adjust your plan?
11. Does the provider offer online setup and management for coverage?
Putting It All Together If you notice any other benefits offered by some companies which are not on this list, start asking the competition if they offer those benefits as well. Get organized, do some basic research, go online, make calls, and take good notes. Finally, review your notes and compare. Follow this process and you will be sure to find affordable and comprehensive coverage to perfectly match the insurance needs of you and your family.
Bobby MobiniPersonal Asset Protection Specialist
Work: 404-697-9197
Email: bmobini@hotmail.com
Professional Profile
Affordable and Reliable Health Insurance (click here)
See who we know in common
Want a signature like this?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
