Healthy Living Guides » Health Insurance

Frugal Family Health Insurance: Dream or Reality?

staff — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 16:37:13 +0000

You have a family and you now would like to get health insurance for your family and have it be cost effective. Well, don’t count on that if you are one of several thousands of Americans who either has a posh group medical plan at your job or doesn’t qualify for public medical assistance. Many say health care cost has gotten better the past few years and HMO and other managed care costs are better and lower than ever. Most of the working class America has a hard enough time paying a rent or mortgage, clothing, gas, food, and monthly bills. Who has the extra for a family medical plan? Even with a half way decent employer, you would still have to pay at least $150 per week to cover the kids and spouse. If you have no kids, the price doesn’t change. The only good thing is if you add more kids the plan doesn’t change then, either. What do you do if you don’t have an extra $150 a week to invest in this? What are your options to provide in case of an emergency?

5 Ways to Cut Your Health Insurance Costs

staff — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:45:48 +0000

Nearly one-third of all health insurance premiums increased to 30 percent or more. At that rate, the average cost of health insurance per employee will exceed $3,000. Seventy-three percent of senior executives believe health-care costs will continue to increase 20 percent or more each year for the next three years. The message here is clear: If you haven't already gotten serious about cutting your company's health-insurance costs, now is the time. It can be done.

PPO vs. HMO

staff — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:49:19 +0000

Both HMOs and PPOs have benefits and downfalls. This will be dependent on what you are looking for and what kind of coverage that best suits your needs. Many people swear by one or the other and have no desire for the opposing insurance. But they are very similar in many cases and the things that make them different, are where the benefit or deficit lies for the individual.

5 Tips to Trim Your Medical Expenses and Save

staff — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:42:46 +0000

With the rising cost of healthcare, medications, and insurance, it isn’t surprising that people are trying to figure out ways to avoid getting sick and choosing a better lifestyle to lower insurance costs. There is actually quite a bit one can do to help save same cash. It is just a matter of tweaking ones lifestyle choices and preventing health issues from arising or keeping the immune system up so you just don’t get as sick as much.

What Your Age and Habits Could Mean in Obtaining a Health Insurance Quote

staff — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:44:03 +0000

Age and lifestyle habits play a big role in how much coverage you will get and at what price you will pay. Many people think they can keep this hidden. Not only is that not always the case, you can get dropped and in some cases sued if you lied. Many companies have you get an exam and have all your previous records sent to them before determining your eligibility.

The Ins and Outs of Traditional Health Insurance

staff — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:47:10 +0000

The fee for service health coverage, also called indemnity, is the most traditional type of health insurance and was the usual standard. People with these plans had the freedom to see any doctor or health care provider they chose. There were no needs for referrals of any kind and you didn’t have to ask permission before seeking a doctor out. The good news is that this type of care is still here today and hasn’t changed. This seems like a great plan, and it is for those who just hate to have to ask others what they have to do.

The Six Top Things to Look For In a Health Insurance Plan

staff — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:52:27 +0000

When deciding on health insurance, one needs to be aware of his or her needs first and foremost. Many plans are similar but slight variations in coverage and expense. Most insurance companies offer similar deductibles and cover all the standard routine issues that arise in health. Some plans are more expensive and make the insured responsible for more expense but offer a wider range of control. Some plans are designed for the budget consciences individual and has more restrictions but costs less. So look at what type of health needs you have and think about how often you need to visit a doctor. Make sure your doctor is cooperative in giving referrals when needed as well. Here are some things to think about when deciding what plan is best for you.

High Deductibles: When is it the Right Option for You?

staff — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 16:27:06 +0000

You should know that high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are very important role in the health benefits marketplace today. The premiums are lower, which allows many employers, especially small businesses, to provide health benefits to their employees they might not otherwise be able to afford. HDHPs are one solution to the growing problem of the uninsured people today. HDHPs help raise consumer awareness of the real costs of health care, which is having a positive impact on rising health care costs. Research has also shown that people tend to take better care of them selves and go to the doctor less if they have to pay more for it.

Battling an Unfair Health Insurance Claim Can Pay Off

staff — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 16:01:50 +0000

Are you having trouble getting your insurance company to pay your medical health costs? Join the club. When managed care entered the insurance scene a decade ago, its mandate was to contain rising medical costs. One way to do that is to deny claims, even when claims are legitimate. The consumer backlash led to many states establishing independent review panels and requiring insurance companies to develop in-house appeal procedures. Forty-two states now have independent review boards whose decisions can override those of insurance companies. Most consumers don’t even realize these review boards exist.

Interpreting Health Insurance Hieroglyphics

staff — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 18:07:37 +0000

Trying to figure out everything that is on your insurance policy can feel like trying to read a new language. Having an illness or non-work related injury is devastating enough, trying to figure out what is covered and what is not can be a whole other picnic. Especially when prices on health care have raised so much. Even though managed care can really save people some serious money, you have to know what each term means and how it works in you specific plan. If you have a group plan from your employer you are definitely paying much less than if on your own, but do you really know what that plan really says or what it offers? Some people are better off and covered more for their own private plan once they figure out the medical lingo.