In today’s world the #1 product you must have is Health Insurance. Without health insurance you could be one step away from bankruptcy. Even worse, this financial fear – ignited by rising monthly premiums - often keeps people who need medical care away from seeking it, resulting in diminished health and quality of life.
This article is not written to be a scare tactic. It is my hope that someday soon our country, or at least our state, will come together to realize the value of a universal healthcare system and put it into action. Until then, we must continue to pay for our health plan premiums and medical services. We don’t ever plan on getting in an accident or becoming ill. But if and when we do will be protected and on the road to a healthy recovery or will we be bankrupt and on or off the road to recovery?
Unfortunately, rates for health plans continue to rise. Anthem Blue Cross (CA) is raising some plans as much as 50% on March 1, 2009. Companies often raise rates on their plans once per year. Talk to your agent about ways to get you, your family, and/or your employees covered appropriately for less dough overall.
In rough economic times like these the insurance companies aren't making this situation any easier on us. So we must be responsible consumers. It would be wise to think of alternatives. What are some ways we can measurably change our lifestyles in order to better afford the appropriate health plan? One less cup of coffee per day could make a big difference. That could be as much as $90 per month (depending on the type of coffee).
Look for "Sales". Shop with your agent for a plan that fits your lifestyle AND your budget. Higher deductible plans are a good pick these days, with some of them still offering low annual maximum out-of-pocket limits. Look for plans that do not cover maternity benefits or that cover 3-5 office visits per year with a defined co-pay. Plans like this usually save money in monthly premiums.
There are still a multitude of solid, comprehensive plans on the market. Having a health insurance plan is a worthy and valued cost. To a seemingly healthy person it may seem like throwing good money away. You could potentially be throwing a lot more away if you are Without Health Insurance...
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Young Invincibles
YOU ARE IN YOUR 20's or 30's. You feel healthy and somewhat indestructible. Common colds, the flu, or a stomach bug may try to wrestle you into the doctor’s office on occasion, but you have a history of winning that battle before the MD even gets a phone call. There is no reason in your mind that you need to have health insurance.
Maybe you had insurance until you graduated from college and were soon kicked off of your parents’ plan and now it may seem like an empty and unwanted expense. You just may be indestructible. In fact, the insurance carriers hope that you are. They call people like you “Young Invincibles” and they even create health plans tailored to you.
The truth is that this is the best time to go get health insurance because it is the easiest situation to be in to secure yourself a low rate and good coverage. If you wait until that first moment of vulnerability – a skiing accident, a bike fall, food poisoning, an emergency room visit, etc. – it may be too late and an even more unwanted cost may arrive in your mailbox…a non-negotiated, uninsured rate bill from the doctor’s office or hospital that could far exceed your yearly health insurance plan premium.
Health Insurance rates are less expensive than you might think. If you have the right agent to help you apply and get approved for the most appropriate plan you may even feel a greater sense of invincibility…with an added touch of maturity.
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
Maybe you had insurance until you graduated from college and were soon kicked off of your parents’ plan and now it may seem like an empty and unwanted expense. You just may be indestructible. In fact, the insurance carriers hope that you are. They call people like you “Young Invincibles” and they even create health plans tailored to you.
The truth is that this is the best time to go get health insurance because it is the easiest situation to be in to secure yourself a low rate and good coverage. If you wait until that first moment of vulnerability – a skiing accident, a bike fall, food poisoning, an emergency room visit, etc. – it may be too late and an even more unwanted cost may arrive in your mailbox…a non-negotiated, uninsured rate bill from the doctor’s office or hospital that could far exceed your yearly health insurance plan premium.
Health Insurance rates are less expensive than you might think. If you have the right agent to help you apply and get approved for the most appropriate plan you may even feel a greater sense of invincibility…with an added touch of maturity.
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Health Insurance Puzzle: Piece the Family Together by Breaking Up the Pieces
BUYING HEALTH INSURANCE AS A FAMILY is like sitting around the coffee table putting a puzzle together. But instead of one possible outcome, the pieces can fit together to make an album of finished puzzle pictures. The strategy, however, is no different. The key to completing the puzzle is to find the corner pieces or flat-sided pieces so you can fill in the middle accordingly.
The corner pieces to your health insurance puzzle represent the make-up of your family. How many members are there and what is your budget? A Family Health Insurance plan can start with just two people. It is very common for a party of two or more to purchase a "Family" health insurance policy assuming their will be value-added benefits in terms of cost and coverage. In fact, the opposite is usually true. The overall benefits might be greater when you split the plan up if your family has three or less members.
Often times a family policy for two people can cost more in monthly premium than two separate policies combined. Plus, the deductibles and limits per person don't change. A family of three will be somewhat similar. A family can really start to save money on purchasing a plan together when there are four or more members because the monthly premium stays the same after three family members and the combined yearly deductible can decrease.
The flat-sided pieces to your puzzle represent the needs of each family member. Some health insurance plans are more appropriate for males and others are more appropriate for females. Plans that don't include maternity benefits can cost much less in monthly premium, often have low or NO deductibles, and can usually only be purchased by an individual. Some of these plans are even appropriate for women because they have an "escape clause" that allows the member to slide into a high-deductible maternity plan should she become pregnant.
How does your puzzle look now? It is time to fill in the middle and complete your puzzle. The final piece to this puzzle is your health insurance agent. Your puzzle's picture can change from year to year and your agent's job is to help you solve it.
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
The corner pieces to your health insurance puzzle represent the make-up of your family. How many members are there and what is your budget? A Family Health Insurance plan can start with just two people. It is very common for a party of two or more to purchase a "Family" health insurance policy assuming their will be value-added benefits in terms of cost and coverage. In fact, the opposite is usually true. The overall benefits might be greater when you split the plan up if your family has three or less members.
Often times a family policy for two people can cost more in monthly premium than two separate policies combined. Plus, the deductibles and limits per person don't change. A family of three will be somewhat similar. A family can really start to save money on purchasing a plan together when there are four or more members because the monthly premium stays the same after three family members and the combined yearly deductible can decrease.
The flat-sided pieces to your puzzle represent the needs of each family member. Some health insurance plans are more appropriate for males and others are more appropriate for females. Plans that don't include maternity benefits can cost much less in monthly premium, often have low or NO deductibles, and can usually only be purchased by an individual. Some of these plans are even appropriate for women because they have an "escape clause" that allows the member to slide into a high-deductible maternity plan should she become pregnant.
How does your puzzle look now? It is time to fill in the middle and complete your puzzle. The final piece to this puzzle is your health insurance agent. Your puzzle's picture can change from year to year and your agent's job is to help you solve it.
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Travel Insurance...Take-Off With No Worries!
Your trip is planned and you can almost feel your feet sinking into the white sand beach; or the cool rush of the mountain as your skis blaze down the face; or the ship docking in port on the Mediterranean. Whatever your destination or travel agenda may be, the last thing you want to think about is the probability or the possibility that something might inhibit your travel plans.
Most likely everything will go as planned. Perhaps there will be a small flight delay, a touch of altitude sickness, a junky hotel room. These common travel bumps are tiny scars on our adventurous skins that we glance at with laughter and nostalgia. But, now more than ever, it is the larger events – some unforeseen and many easily predictable – that leave much more than a memory scar, that are responsible for cancellations and interruptions, baggage loss or theft for many of today’s travelers. Often times these mishaps lead to thousands of dollars spent on trips that were only partially enjoyed or not enjoyed at all.
Enter Travel Insurance! A ten minute discussion with a professional and knowledgeable Travel Insurance Agent is a nice place to start. You will often find that for 10%-15%of the cost of your trip you can insure you travels against trip cancellation and trip interruption (due to illness to you, a travel companion, or an immediate family member not traveling with you). These policies can also guard against travel delays, baggage loss, delay, or theft and most importantly, Emergency Medical Services and Evacuation.
Most importantly, make sure to know the rules that the insurance carrier of your choice has towards covering pre-existing conditions. In order to have pre-existing conditions covered, some companies require you to purchase your travel insurance anytime before making the majority payment for your trip. Other companies require you to buy travel insurance within 15 days of your initial trip deposit date.
There are many travel insurance carriers and even more plan options to choose from. I have found that two of the most reliable travel insurance carriers are HTH Worldwide and AIG Travel Guard Insurance. These two companies provide an menu of plan options to fit your needs and your travels. They also have competitive rates and thorough and helpful customer service and claims teams.
Working with a travel insurance agent who has a good relationship with carriers and their claims teams will ensure you the best possible service and to keep the investment of your trip well protected. Your agent should be available to you throughout the purchasing process, throughout your travels, and to guide you through a claim should you need to submit one. Your agent should also supply you with the knowledge for the proper protocol to access doctors and you insurance carrier while you are out of the country.
Wouldn’t you like to travel without the financial worry should something cause your trip to be canceled or interrupted, or if you need immediate medical attention while traveling abroad? Chances are you probably won’t have to use it. The peace of mind that you are well protected can allow you to take-off, land, explore, and relax with a smile and a sense of freedom.
Stay tuned to this blog for more tips on purchasing Travel Insurance…
Click here for free Travel Insurance Quotes!
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
Most likely everything will go as planned. Perhaps there will be a small flight delay, a touch of altitude sickness, a junky hotel room. These common travel bumps are tiny scars on our adventurous skins that we glance at with laughter and nostalgia. But, now more than ever, it is the larger events – some unforeseen and many easily predictable – that leave much more than a memory scar, that are responsible for cancellations and interruptions, baggage loss or theft for many of today’s travelers. Often times these mishaps lead to thousands of dollars spent on trips that were only partially enjoyed or not enjoyed at all.
Enter Travel Insurance! A ten minute discussion with a professional and knowledgeable Travel Insurance Agent is a nice place to start. You will often find that for 10%-15%of the cost of your trip you can insure you travels against trip cancellation and trip interruption (due to illness to you, a travel companion, or an immediate family member not traveling with you). These policies can also guard against travel delays, baggage loss, delay, or theft and most importantly, Emergency Medical Services and Evacuation.
Most importantly, make sure to know the rules that the insurance carrier of your choice has towards covering pre-existing conditions. In order to have pre-existing conditions covered, some companies require you to purchase your travel insurance anytime before making the majority payment for your trip. Other companies require you to buy travel insurance within 15 days of your initial trip deposit date.
There are many travel insurance carriers and even more plan options to choose from. I have found that two of the most reliable travel insurance carriers are HTH Worldwide and AIG Travel Guard Insurance. These two companies provide an menu of plan options to fit your needs and your travels. They also have competitive rates and thorough and helpful customer service and claims teams.
Working with a travel insurance agent who has a good relationship with carriers and their claims teams will ensure you the best possible service and to keep the investment of your trip well protected. Your agent should be available to you throughout the purchasing process, throughout your travels, and to guide you through a claim should you need to submit one. Your agent should also supply you with the knowledge for the proper protocol to access doctors and you insurance carrier while you are out of the country.
Wouldn’t you like to travel without the financial worry should something cause your trip to be canceled or interrupted, or if you need immediate medical attention while traveling abroad? Chances are you probably won’t have to use it. The peace of mind that you are well protected can allow you to take-off, land, explore, and relax with a smile and a sense of freedom.
Stay tuned to this blog for more tips on purchasing Travel Insurance…
Click here for free Travel Insurance Quotes!
Health Insurance Needs for you, your Family, or your Business?
Click here for a free Health Insurance Quote!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Cost-Effective HSA Health Insurance Plans
The following are a few great health insurance plans in the market that have very comprehensive coverage and can help you save money.
Cost-Effect California HSA Plans for 2008
Health Savings Account Plans : These plans are tax incentive health insurance plans that are growing in supply and popularity every year. Many HSA plans lack co-pays, so general coverage does not start until the deductible is met. This often lowers the cost of the monthly premium which makes these plans enticing at first glance.
Your accountant may recommend an HSA health plan because of its tax advantages. When you open a Health Savings Account through a compatible health insurance plan it allows you to put money away (up to $2850 per year now) tax free. This money can accumulate interest and can be used to pay for your medical services and Medicare premiums (when the time comes) with the use of a debit card that is authorized only for these uses. Also important, your accumulated funds and interest will rollover year to year.
Blue Cross Lumenos Plans are designed to encourage preventative care. They cover Annual Physical Exams, OB-GYN Exams, and Well Baby Care at 100%.
Some Popular HSA-Compatible Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross Lumenos HSA plans
• Blue Shield Shield Spectrum Savings Plans
• Aetna MC Open Access HSA Plans
• Health Net Simple Choice HSA
Click here for your free California Health Insurance quote!
Cost-Effect California HSA Plans for 2008
Health Savings Account Plans : These plans are tax incentive health insurance plans that are growing in supply and popularity every year. Many HSA plans lack co-pays, so general coverage does not start until the deductible is met. This often lowers the cost of the monthly premium which makes these plans enticing at first glance.
Your accountant may recommend an HSA health plan because of its tax advantages. When you open a Health Savings Account through a compatible health insurance plan it allows you to put money away (up to $2850 per year now) tax free. This money can accumulate interest and can be used to pay for your medical services and Medicare premiums (when the time comes) with the use of a debit card that is authorized only for these uses. Also important, your accumulated funds and interest will rollover year to year.
Blue Cross Lumenos Plans are designed to encourage preventative care. They cover Annual Physical Exams, OB-GYN Exams, and Well Baby Care at 100%.
Some Popular HSA-Compatible Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross Lumenos HSA plans
• Blue Shield Shield Spectrum Savings Plans
• Aetna MC Open Access HSA Plans
• Health Net Simple Choice HSA
Click here for your free California Health Insurance quote!
Cost-Effective HMO Health Insurance Plans
The following are a few great health insurance plans in the market that have very comprehensive coverage and can help you save money.
Cost-Effective California HMO's for 2008
Saver or Value HMO's (Health Maintenance Organization): These plans provide the extremely comprehensive coverage of an HMO, but the addition of a deductible lowers the monthly premium. These plans still carry low co-pays. HMO's are a good option for women who are planning to become pregnant. The maximum-out-of pocket limit is normally significantly lower than a PPO. When the math is done to equate the difference in total spending one may get more for the money with a Saver or Value HMO.
Some Popular HMO Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross Saver HMO
• Blue Shield Access Value
Click here for your free California Health Insurance quote!
Cost-Effective California HMO's for 2008
Saver or Value HMO's (Health Maintenance Organization): These plans provide the extremely comprehensive coverage of an HMO, but the addition of a deductible lowers the monthly premium. These plans still carry low co-pays. HMO's are a good option for women who are planning to become pregnant. The maximum-out-of pocket limit is normally significantly lower than a PPO. When the math is done to equate the difference in total spending one may get more for the money with a Saver or Value HMO.
Some Popular HMO Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross Saver HMO
• Blue Shield Access Value
Click here for your free California Health Insurance quote!
Cost-Effective PPO Health Insurance Plans
The following are a few great health insurance plans in the market that have very comprehensive coverage and can help you save money.
Cost-Effective California PPO Plans for 2008
First Dollar Plans: These plans have a $0 deductible so the member is paying only a percentage (usually 40%) of the negotiated rate for services from the very start of the policy. First Dollar Plans normally carry a doctor's visit co-pay from $25 - $40. Such plans do not include maternity benefits*, which helps to keep the monthly premiums down. *This may be a concern for women, but companies that carry these plans will often let you slide into their high deductible plan (~$5000 deductible) that includes maternity benefits should the member become pregnant.
These plans include different drug options to choose from...No Rx, Generic Only Rx, or Comprehensive Rx (Brand Name).
Some Popular First Dollar Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross Right Plan PPO 40
• Blue Shield Active Start 25 & 35
• Aetna MC Open Access 25
• Kaiser Permenente $25 & $50 Copayment Plan
• Health Net Simple Value 30 & 40
Blue Cross Smart Sense Plans: These are really flexible plans that offer 4 different deductibles ($500, $1500, $2500, & $5000), low monthly premiums, and a very low Annual Maximum Out-Of-Pocket of $2500. No Maternity Benefits and a choice of Generic Only Rx or Comprehensive Rx.
Medical/Dental/Vision Plans: These plans carry low deductibles that are often equal to their maximum out-of-pocket limits. They also include basic dental benefits and vision exams. These plans do not include maternity benefits and only include a Generic Drug option. Such plans are marketed toward the 19-29 age group, but these plans may be appropriate at any age.
Some Popular Medical/Dental/Vision Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross TONIK (has 3 different deductible options) *TONIK has strict underwriting guidelines. It is advisable to consult your health insurance agent before applying.
• Blue Shield Essential Plans
Click here for your free California Health Insurance quote!
Cost-Effective California PPO Plans for 2008
First Dollar Plans: These plans have a $0 deductible so the member is paying only a percentage (usually 40%) of the negotiated rate for services from the very start of the policy. First Dollar Plans normally carry a doctor's visit co-pay from $25 - $40. Such plans do not include maternity benefits*, which helps to keep the monthly premiums down. *This may be a concern for women, but companies that carry these plans will often let you slide into their high deductible plan (~$5000 deductible) that includes maternity benefits should the member become pregnant.
These plans include different drug options to choose from...No Rx, Generic Only Rx, or Comprehensive Rx (Brand Name).
Some Popular First Dollar Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross Right Plan PPO 40
• Blue Shield Active Start 25 & 35
• Aetna MC Open Access 25
• Kaiser Permenente $25 & $50 Copayment Plan
• Health Net Simple Value 30 & 40
Blue Cross Smart Sense Plans: These are really flexible plans that offer 4 different deductibles ($500, $1500, $2500, & $5000), low monthly premiums, and a very low Annual Maximum Out-Of-Pocket of $2500. No Maternity Benefits and a choice of Generic Only Rx or Comprehensive Rx.
Medical/Dental/Vision Plans: These plans carry low deductibles that are often equal to their maximum out-of-pocket limits. They also include basic dental benefits and vision exams. These plans do not include maternity benefits and only include a Generic Drug option. Such plans are marketed toward the 19-29 age group, but these plans may be appropriate at any age.
Some Popular Medical/Dental/Vision Plans in the Market include:
• Blue Cross TONIK (has 3 different deductible options) *TONIK has strict underwriting guidelines. It is advisable to consult your health insurance agent before applying.
• Blue Shield Essential Plans
Click here for your free California Health Insurance quote!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
