• The Coverage Corner

Health Care Costs Stop Rising as People Can’t Afford to See Their Doctors

| February 3, 2012

scissorsIn 2011, health care costs across the country decreased, meaning that people were not spending as much at the doctor or utilizing their health insurance coverage to the same degree that they did in previous years. Additionally, in 2010, the health expenditure rate only increased 0.1 percent from the previous year, implying that far less people are making claims on their insurance.

While a decrease in cost always sounds like a good idea, the truth is that this downward trend might promise trouble in the future. In terms of diagnosis and treatment, those who have avoided making claims can not only increase future expenses, but can put their health at risk. When people put their medical issues to the side and ignore those little aches and pains, these important red flags go ignored which means that health problems can fester and worsen over time.

Yet, due to past economic downturn, going to the doctor sadly wasn’t an option for many people. As such, insurance claims went down and the cost of health care did as well. But this stagnancy won’t last for long. Now that the economy is showing slight signs of improvement, coupled with the health care reform that will kick in 2014, health insurance claims promise to rise in the future.

Come 2014, the company-based health insurance model that the majority of insured individuals have become comfortable with will be flipped upside down, transitioning to individual-based models instead. Defined benefit models will also transition to defined contribution models. Because employees will have more control when it comes to deciding which insurance plan is best for them, it is now more important than ever for employees to educate themselves when it comes to their health care wants and needs.

Also, the individual mandate will require every individual to purchase health insurance or pay a fine starting in 2014. At this time, many consumers will be finding health for the first time or through an insurance exchange.

General Healthcare, Health Care Reform, Individual Health Insurance |

Tips to Help Same-Sex Couples Receive Health Insurance Benefits

| February 2, 2012

michigan Recently, a poll performed in Michigan discovered that 54 percent of voters opposed domestic partnership health insurance benefits for public employees. The results of this survey come on the heels of the shocking ban Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder implemented against domestic benefits for same-sex partners in his state.

While the ACLU challenges this ban in federal court, the issue raises many questions and fears for same-sex partners across the country. Many couples might wonder how they can afford the insurance they need and what steps they should take to ensure their right to adequate and affordable health care. Luckily, the number of companies which offer their employees same-sex partnership benefits is on the rise, and many are hopeful that the future will offer equal benefits to all citizens.

However, even if your company does offer same-sex benefits, the reality is that achieving such benefits can be difficult and frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do which will make the process easier. Consider the following:

Look into your state’s policy. Currently, there is no national definition of what it means to be in a domestic partnership, and therefore the definition is determined on a state-by-state basis. Education equals empowerment, and with the right information, you can be sure that you are getting the right benefits for you and your partner.

Evidence of partnership is almost always required. While it might be troubling to have to ‘prove’ your relationship with your partner, particularly to those in your workplace, it is a necessary part of the process. Since many states still do not recognize same-sex marriage, it isn’t as simple as handing over a marriage certificate. In some cases, you might be able to offer a domestic partnership certificate (which can be acquired at your local courthouse or city clerk’s office), but in other cases you might be asked to share receipts, leases, or bills — essentially anything that can prove that you and your partner share fiscal responsibilities together. Length of relationship as well as age might come into play (for instance, Illinois health insurance rules require that someone must be 19 years of age or older to receive same-sex benefits).

While this part of the process can be frustrating, remember, it will be worth it in the end when you and your partner both have the health insurance coverage that you need.

Do your homework. By now, most people know that all health insurance companies are not created equal, and neither is every health plan. Do some research online and look throughout GoHealthInsurance.com in order to learn more about what plan is right for you and your partner. Remember, your health comes first!

Group Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance, Politics and Legislation |

Marriage and Health Insurance

| February 1, 2012

Whether you have recently tied the knot or plan to this year, this infographic will help you understand what you should consider when thinking about changing your health insurance coverage. More dependents are being added to plans as states pass same-sex marriage legislation and large employers start offering domestic partnership coverage.

Unfortunately, women are more likely to go without health insurance coverage than men – leaving them more susceptible to being denied coverage or going without completely. Receiving health insurance through marriage is a large source of where women get their coverage but this can create additional problems during divorce or a split.

Before you get married or enter a domestic partnership, talk about your health insurance options. Does it make sense to join a group plan? How much does it cost to add a dependent or spouse to a group plan? Is it more affordable to have separate individual plans or join one as a family?

Marriage and health insurance

Group Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance |

Why Patients Should Negotiate During Their Check-Up

| January 31, 2012

doctortoysWhen it comes to medical care, most tend to take their doctor’s word when it comes to undergoing necessary procedures, medications, and treatment protocol. The thought of questioning the doctor or inquiring more into an advised treatment seems foreign to most people. After all, we were always taught the doctor knows best. Yet, in today’s current health care climate and down economy, patients everywhere can benefit from getting more proactive when it comes to their own health insurance costs and treatment plans.

Over 50 million Americans are uninsured in this country, and that staggering number doesn’t include the millions of Americans who are vastly underinsured or those who are struggling with hefty health care costs. And, while most doctors do have their patient’s health and best interests at heart, the truth is that it behooves all of us to be more involved with our health care decisions.

Instead of blindly accepting your doctor’s diagnosis or paying thousands of dollars for a big-ticket procedure, put the brakes on for a moment and do your research. Ask questions and get involved. Any good doctor will be happy to answer your questions and explain the procedure to you.

Whether it is a routine checkup or treating an injury, remember that you have the right (and the responsibility) to be proactive when faced with the possibility of a new prescription, procedure, or treatment. Below are a few examples of helpful questions to ask next time you meet with your doctor:

  • How will this test/procedure affect my treatment?
  • How accurate is the test/procedure? Will it need to be performed again?
  • What is the downside if I choose to opt out of the treatment?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I can make first that may work instead?
  • Are there any cost-effective alternatives?
  • Is there a generic form of this prescription available?

Asking questions such as these and staying involved is one of the most important steps to take when it comes to saving money on health care and health insurance coverage. Many patients are often surprised to learn that asking a few simple questions can lead to helpful information that may potentially save you hundreds. Of course, health must always come first, but in this economy, saving any amount of money can go a long way in protecting you and your family’s future, so don’t be afraid to speak up and get involved.

General Healthcare, Group Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance |

Florida Works to Control Health Care Costs

| January 30, 2012

floridaFlorida Legislature is considering a bill that would require doctors and health care centers to post prices of their services.

This bill is being applauded by consumer advocates as many patients are perplexed by the cost of health care services and how much health insurance will pay for a service.

Why is posting the costs of health care services such a good idea?

  • No surprises. With the costs of services posted, you will know what you are paying for out-of-pocket. There are no surprises later when you get the bill and allow you to budget appropriately.
  • Ability to shop around. When you are shopping for clothes, groceries or anything else, you typically shop around to find out where to get the best deal. If health care costs were posted, then you would have the opportunity to find a place that offers health care that you can afford.
  • More competition. If every physician is required to post costs, it could create competition to keep prices low.

Of course doctors aren’t very happy with the legislation because it would create a lot more work for them. Also, it could get confusing to the price of a service for people who are uninsured and insured. Currently health insurance companies negotiate prices for health care services to get their customers a good deal with that physician.

Florida is the only state besides Massachusetts to consider this innovative idea. Massachusetts created an individual health insurance mandate in 2006 but it has yet to reduce health insurance costs. In fact, health insurance costs are extremely expensive in the state. To help battle the rising costs, Massachusetts politicians have been considering passing a similar bill to this Florida legislation.

Many consumers probably think that health care reform is supposed to control escalating health care costs but it actually falls short of that. Reform does more to control the costs of health insurance than health care — prompting states to take action.

Group Health Insurance, Health Care Reform, Individual Health Insurance |

Five Health Insurance Companies with Mobile Apps

| January 27, 2012

blackberryJust in case you didn’t have enough mobile apps on your smart phone, your health insurance company may have one to help you as well.

Here are a list of a few insurance companies and what their mobile application features include:

Blue Cross Blue Shield: The Blue Cross Blue Shield app has a provider finder where you can find the nearest urgent care centers, doctors, and hospitals. You can access your member ID card, view your health plan, claims you’ve made and access health and wellness information. The mobile app allows for the user profile to be edited and you can contact customer service instantly.

United Healthcare: With their mobile app, questions can be asked via the app and a representative will call back with an answer. You can also search for providers, view and share your member ID card and information.

Aetna: Aetna offers a mobile app that allows users to find a doctor, hospital, dentist, and pharmacy. Directions are offered through the app along with office phone numbers. Users can look up claims, their member ID card, check drug prices, view personal health records, and check balances.

Humana: With Humana’s mobile app, you can set up medication text reminders and sign up for pharmacy refill reminders. You can also shop for health insurance plans, check claims and your coverage. Also, Member ID information is available, and you can check for nearby doctors, hospitals and urgent care facilities.

Anthem: Anthem has a mobile app and site for your convenience. The app includes nutrition information on more than 100,000 products. Users can search for food products, and build healthy grocery lists to them email friends or family. You can also search for an in-network doctor while you are on the go, from any web-enabled device.

Group Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance |

4 Reasons to Utilize Stand Alone Dental and Vision Insurance

| January 26, 2012

toothbrushesIf your insurance policy does cover dental and vision insurance, it may not be the full coverage you need. Many times health insurance policies do not provide dental and vision insurance at all giving consumers the chance to purchase a policy with more coverage.

Here’s why it can be better to get stand alone dental and vision:

1. Vision benefits may not be completely covered. When health policies do involve vision insurance, it can lack some key features. For example, if you have glasses, contacts or a family history of vision problems, try to get a plan with more coverage for these benefits. Stand alone insurance could be better because it is more likely to cover glaucoma screenings, as well as glasses and contacts.

2. Restrictions on your vision. Some health insurance plans have restrictions on coverage of exams and corrective lenses. There are various policies that cover only certain components of an annual eye check-up and the rest will have to be paid for by you. If you choose your own stand alone policy, you have more freedom to find a policy that has fewer restrictions based on your needs.

3. Limited, not true dental insurance. Think about what dental services you or your family may need this year. Then consider the cost and whether the maximum annual benefit of your health policy will cover those services. Do you need more coverage, do you need less? These are great things to think about before getting major dental work or braces. With a stand alone dental policy, you may have more options and different features available that you can choose from.

4. Waiting periods. Waiting periods are the period of time specified in a health insurance policy which must pass before some or all of your health care coverage can begin – these are usually common with pre-existing conditions. Stand alone dental plans typically have shorter waiting periods than health insurance policies.

Group Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance |

5 Benefits of a High Deductible Health Plan

| January 25, 2012

booksWhether you are shopping for a new insurance plan, or you already have one and are looking for ways to save money, it is important to take a look at the benefits of a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). While a High Deductible Health Plan may not be for everyone, there are some attractive qualities.

1. Lower premiums. The deductible may be higher and you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket expenses as health expenses come along, but your monthly premiums are lower. High deductibles allow your health insurance coverage to be more affordable and a better fit for your budget since your premiums are a reoccurring spending.

2. You can become eligible for an HSA account. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) is an account where you put money into it, so the funds can be used when health expenses arise. The funds out into the HSA are not subject to federal income tax and gain interest on the money you deposit and can be withdrawn, tax-free, for health-related expenses. These expenses also roll over and accumulate year to year.

3. If you’re in good health, you save. When you’re in good health your expenses are usually less than the deductible. Meaning you have less doctor visits, less prescriptions, less hospital visits, to pay for out-of-pocket, so the deductible essentially does not matter.

4. After 64, you HSA withdraws are tax-free. If you choose to do a High Deductible Health Plan and go the Health Savings Account route; you can withdraw from the HSA balance, for any reason, after you reach the age of 64-years-old, tax-free.

5. High Deductible Health Plan is typically a PPO. A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) usually adds flexibility to get coverage for out-of-network health care providers. An HDHP can give you the flexibility to see out-of-network providers.

Group Health Insurance, Individual Health Insurance |

Health Care Reform Becomes a Cartoon [Video]

| January 24, 2012

For those who are still confused about health care reform, the Kaiser Family Foundation created a video to help explain consumer questions. The video even highlights the political partiality that still exists after its passage.

Think of this as the Sesame Street version of a 1,000 page law.

What questions do you still have about health care reform? Are you worried your health insurance costs will increase or that you’ll lose your plan?

Health Care Reform, Individual Health Insurance |

What to Avoid When Comparing Health Insurance Quotes

| January 24, 2012

crossbandaidsComparing products across any site can seem like a time-consuming process and unfortunately, finding health insurance coverage can be a little more complicated.

To make it easy on yourself consider the following tips of what not to do:

1. Enter your personal information on more than one site. When you enter your information, you may get telephone calls. To avoid an excess amount of phone calls, just enter your information on one site.

2. Use a site that redirects you to another site. Many health insurance sites don’t have quoting technology. If you are taken to another site for health insurance then try to avoid putting your information in the site that redirected you. There are only two major platforms that compare health insurance quotes across the country: GoHealthInsurance.com and ehealth.

3. Don’t enter your personal information if you are just researching plans. Wait until you are serious about purchasing a policy.

4. Look for the TRUSTe and VeriSign logo on a site before filling out personal information. If you are really worried then click on the logos to make sure the site has active accounts.

5. If you are interested in a particular health insurance company don’t compare plans just on their site, other companies may have better benefits or services.

6. If you have pre-existing conditions, don’t lie when applying for a plan and don’t apply for a plan. It’s better to talk with a health insurance agent to see if they know what health insurer may accept you with that condition or they may refer you to join a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) instead. The PCIP plans were created by health care reform and are offered in every state.

Individual Health Insurance |