Senin, 14 Desember 2009

Online Health Insurance Leads

Health insurance lead generation systems provide a stead stream of potential clients for health insurance brokers. Health insurance leads are considered to be people who may need health coverage to supplement the health coverage provided by their employer. A health insurance lead can also be someone who is self-employed and needs to obtain coverage for themselves or their entire family. Health insurance brokers rely on health insurance leads systems to supply them with enough potential clients to keep their business going. There are a large number of people who either need additional coverage or are in business for themselves and need an individual or family health insurance plan.

Health insurance lead services are available at a reasonable cost to health insurance brokers. Typically, health insurance leads companies will charge an annual or monthly fee for the leads and account maintenance. When considering a health insurance lead system, it is best to look for one that offers an unlimited amount of leads for one low monthly fee. Some companies that provide health insurance leads charge a per-lead fee. Make sure the leads are guaranteed for you money back or at least a guarantee that the company will replace them free of additional charges.

The way it works is through referral systems. The qualified health insurance lead fills out a form on the health insurance leads provider's website. Upon receipt of the form, the lead service emails the health insurance agent the information submitted by the health insurance lead. The health insurance agent then contacts the health insurance lead via email or phone and provides them with a quote on the type of health insurance coverage they are looking for. In order to obtain the most qualified health insurance leads, health insurance brokers can give the leads service company specific information about the types of coverage offered.

Many health insurance lead generation systems come with automated email follow-ups. It is important for the insurance agent to contact the health insurance leads as soon as possible. Some of the health insurance leads are provided to more than one insurance agent. With the cost of health care constantly rising, the health insurance industry is very competitive and timing could make the difference between success and failure. With a consistent health insurance lead generation system and quick follow-ups, a steady stream of high quality leads will continue to come in. This could give you a huge advantage over the competition.

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Selasa, 08 Desember 2009

Life Insurance 101

Life insurance is one of the simplest and most powerful forms of financial protection for you and your family. However, choosing the right type and amount of insurance can be difficult and confusing. Life Insurance is a long term commitment. The point of life insurance is to replace income that would be lost if the policyholder dies.

You must decide which for of life insurance is best suited for your needs. Term life, whole life, universal life, permanent life and employer life insurance are among the various types of life insurance you will need to investigate. The internet is one of the best places to search for types and quotes of insurance. Be sure to compare same type insurance when getting quotes as not all insurances are equal.

Term life insurance is death protection for a term of one or more years. Term life insurance is generally the cheapest life insurance available. Whole Life Insurance is the most common type of permanent insurance. Joint term life insurance is a program which covers typically married couples to protect their children in case of death of either or both parents. Whole life insurance is sometimes bought as an investment. The premium for whole life insurance is initially greater than that required for term insurance; however, the premium will not increase like term insurance will and cash value will accrue. Group life insurance is a form of term life that is sold to companies to cover their employees. This type of insurance generally will not cover the needs of a family if the employee dies while working. Universal Life Insurance is a flexible-premium, adjustable benefit life insurance policy that accumulates account value. Decreasing term life insurance is very popular with home owners and mortgage companies mainly to cover the remainder of the mortgage owed.

There are two basic types of life insurance: term and permanent. The premiums for term insurance are usually the lowest among the different types of life insurance, but will increase in cost with the age of the insured. Unlike other types, term life insurance has no cash value, savings or investment elements that procure administrative costs and require higher premiums. Certain types of whole life insurance are touted as vehicles for saving or investing money for retirement, commonly called cash-value policies. Choosing the type and amount of insurance needed is a very personal decision.

Because changes in your life will affect your coverage needs, you should review your life insurance policy often. Empty-nesters, retirees need to reconsider insurance coverage as they age. Remember, the purpose of life insurance is to replace your income should you die. Life insurance is therefore a gift that you give to someone else. Like savings, investments, and homeownership, life insurance is an essential part of financial planning. That's what life insurance is for, planning for what you can't predict. Proper life insurance is critical to your loved ones financial well being.

By Will Jones

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Kamis, 03 Desember 2009

Types of Life Insurance Policies You Can Find Online

Buying a life insurance policy is a vital decision to make as it will last you your entire life. Consider some critical points that determine an ideal insurance policy like your family is taken care of in the event of your death. It should also be useful as retirement income, finance for your dependents, as collateral for loans and cash withdrawals. Ask a lot of questions and take many quotes for the right vital information. An ideal life insurance policy is one that best meets your needs.

There are different kinds of insurance, the main one being term life which is inexpensive and therefore, popular. Compare the policy terms as well as premium prices for each type to ensure that you are indeed getting what you are paying for. Carefully go through the fine print for quotes regarding health coverage. Getting all the vital information in the beginning can save you a lot of your money in the long run.

Current day offers from insurance companies include coverage of terminal illnesses. Joint policies in such a case should be avoided as the joint owner is left out of insurance coverage at the event of the death of the other partner insured.

Some questions you need to ask are if it is a policy that repays after a certain period or only on the death of the insurer? If the quote is a reviewable quote or a guaranteed quote- as under the reviewable policy the premium is subject to increase from time to time while the guarantee quote provides for a constant premium value payment. If the quote is for a specific term like ten years, you become free to opt for a different insurance company and insurance policy and coverage.

Ask yourself - does the quote include insurance for retired individuals? It can be expensive to get an insurance cover after retirement. Are there any loopholes in the policy? Did you spend enough time on the 'fine print' and if every aspect is crystal clear?

Be sure of the validity of name, location and financial background of the insurance company so that you can place your trust and avoid confusion later. The best term life coverage gives you greater flexibility in the future.

Selecting the best life insurance quote means choosing the insurance company with the best rating. If you are confident with your choice, it is time for you to call the agent.

By John Fagan Jr

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Jumat, 27 November 2009

Top 5 Insurance Tips For All

These are the top and most famous tips for everyone who wants to buy insurance of any category whether it is related to health insurance, car insurance, home insurance, travel or any other. Just remember these insurance tips and you will be safe:)

Top 5 Insurance Tips

1. Try to buy enough cover but don't overdo it. Cover all of the bases, from house mortgages to health plans to every single child's education, but don't overspend on coverage that you won't ever need or those that are easy to cover on your own.

2. Always read the fine print. If you are having trouble understanding all of the terms and rules, get help from someone else or a lawyer. You don't want to be caught in a loophole somewhere down the line just because you didn't read the fine print, or did not understand everything that was written.

3. Research and shop around. Don't buy insurance from the first agency that you encounter. Look around and shop for lowest rates and the best support they can provide. If an insurance agency realizes you are comparing, you may end up being offered special rates or discounts just because they really want to get your business. Agencies are also less likely to trick you if they find out that you know what you want and are not afraid to look in different places.

4. If you already have other insurances, make sure you have a reliable record before shopping around for new ones. If you are spotty with your monthly or annual payments, you may have trouble finding low rates or even insurance agencies willing to entertain you.

5. Use the Internet to your advantage. Get free assessments and compare rates online, look for feedback from past clients just to see if an agency treats its clients well.

By Umer Hayat

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Jumat, 16 Oktober 2009

Advice on Short Term Health Insurance Policies

Short term health insurance is a good solution for many types of people. These groups include young adults who have just been dropped from their parents' health insurance policies and those who are in between regular individual health insurance policies, such as those who have lost their job. If you find yourself needing short term health insurance, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when shopping about for the perfect plan:

High deductible may be best for your wallet: With this type of insurance, you are going to want to try and save as much money as you can, especially if you are out of work. As such, you will want to find a short term health insurance plan that has low premiums-this often means high deductibles. Since this type of plan does not cover routine medical care, the only way you should need to pay a deductible is if you have an emergency, such as an accident. Since the odds are low that you will use this insurance in the short span of 6-12 months, a high deductible is appropriate for this situation. If the worst does happen, at least you are not footing the entire bill, just a little more than you would have.

Make sure the carrier will allow you to extend your plan if needed: There are always limits on how long you can have a short term health insurance policy, but some limits are longer than others. Furthermore, some providers allow you to extend the policy if needed. You never know what will happen and how long you will need the policy for; therefore, it is good to go with a short term insurance provider who allows for flexibility.

Lastly, don't keep the plan longer than you have to: Short term insurance is not intended for long term use and, as such, it skimps out on important coverage areas like checkups and preventive care. These plans are simply so that you don't find yourself saddled with enormous medical bills because you happened to have had an accident while between insurance plans. If you are out of work for more than a year, it may be best to look for individual health insurance policies that will provide more coverage. If you need long term health insurance and are looking for a cheaper solution than buying an individual plan, look for groups or associations that you can join which allow members to sign up under their group plan.

By Aaron Buck

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Advice on Short Term Health Insurance Policies

Short term health insurance is a good solution for many types of people. These groups include young adults who have just been dropped from their parents' health insurance policies and those who are in between regular individual health insurance policies, such as those who have lost their job. If you find yourself needing short term health insurance, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when shopping about for the perfect plan:

High deductible may be best for your wallet: With this type of insurance, you are going to want to try and save as much money as you can, especially if you are out of work. As such, you will want to find a short term health insurance plan that has low premiums-this often means high deductibles. Since this type of plan does not cover routine medical care, the only way you should need to pay a deductible is if you have an emergency, such as an accident. Since the odds are low that you will use this insurance in the short span of 6-12 months, a high deductible is appropriate for this situation. If the worst does happen, at least you are not footing the entire bill, just a little more than you would have.

Make sure the carrier will allow you to extend your plan if needed: There are always limits on how long you can have a short term health insurance policy, but some limits are longer than others. Furthermore, some providers allow you to extend the policy if needed. You never know what will happen and how long you will need the policy for; therefore, it is good to go with a short term insurance provider who allows for flexibility.

Lastly, don't keep the plan longer than you have to: Short term insurance is not intended for long term use and, as such, it skimps out on important coverage areas like checkups and preventive care. These plans are simply so that you don't find yourself saddled with enormous medical bills because you happened to have had an accident while between insurance plans. If you are out of work for more than a year, it may be best to look for individual health insurance policies that will provide more coverage. If you need long term health insurance and are looking for a cheaper solution than buying an individual plan, look for groups or associations that you can join which allow members to sign up under their group plan.

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Senin, 31 Agustus 2009

Choosing a Health Insurance Quote: The Best Bang for your Buck

Most people get a series of health insurance quotes when shopping around. Everyone requires health insurance of some sorts, whether you are single, married have kids or are a student – and quotes help narrow down your options. However, the process can be quite a tedious one! Not only will this decision affect your levels of medical care, it will also affect your pocketbook. This article will help you manage the choices available to you when shopping for a health insurance quote, so that your medical requirements and budget are both met satisfactorily.
Most of the health insurance quotes that you’ll receive will be grouped into one of three categories:

Health Insurance Quotes: Indemnity of Fee-For-Service Plans


The plans that our parents used to use were probably indemnity plans; these health insurance quotes allow you to visit any doctor of your choosing. Highly desirable by many people, these types of health insurance quote are in great demand, however, they are becoming harder and harder to come by, and seem to be creeping up in price. But many consumers are willing to pay this price, because of the convenience and flexibility these plans offer.

Health Insurance Quotes: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

HMOs are becoming more and more common lately; most health insurance quotes are for this type of plan nowadays. HMOs are, essentially, a group of health service providers who bundle their services together in a fixed price option. If your doctor doesn’t refer you to certain care, then you won’t be eligible to receive payment for it under your health insurance quote. These types of plans are good for people who know they won’t need any specialized services, and if your budget is a factor, this is one of the lower, and more predictable options.

Health Insurance Quotes: Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

PPOs are a health insurance quote that combines aspects the two aforementioned plans. PPOs offer the same type of managed group services as HMOs, but also allow users to go outside of their network without a referral. It only makes sense, though, that using this option will cost you more out-of-pocket expenses, but it is covered partially. PPOs are a good middle ground health insurance quote option; you get the flexibility of using your group of health care providers or ones outside of the network, and the costs for this type of plan are in the middle range of the three (although costs can be a bit less predictable).

Health Insurance Quotes: Where to Go?

Many consumers get their health insurance quotes from their workplace, which may or may not be partially paid for through the company. If your company doesn’t offer this benefit, perhaps talk to professional organizations, unions, banks, club or other group that you belong to – they may have an option that is attractive to you. If you cannot find group coverage this way, you can always opt for individual coverage – but this is by far the most expensive health insurance quote option out there. Talking to an insurance agent who can assist you with the quote process is a good idea, if this is your only avenue.

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Selasa, 11 Agustus 2009

Average Premium For Health Insurance - Any Idea?

What do you understand about Health Insurance?

It is an insurance coverage that pays for your medical expenses when you suffer from illnesses or accidents. Before making decision to purchase this medical insurance, many people are very concern about their investment cost - the premium. Does the premium cost a lot? Is it affordable by a normal employee? This article brings you a brief idea about the average premium for healthcare coverage.

First of all, let's see what key factors that determine the premium of the insurance.

• The type of health insurance, i.e. individual or group insurance
• The age of the policy holders
• The health status of the policy holders; whether pre-existing conditions are included or excluded
• The coverage and benefits required by the policy holders
• The specific regulations set by each of the state government
• The duration of the policy, i.e. short term or long term
• The lifestyle of the policy holders, for instance, smokers or non-smokers, alcohol drinkers or non-drinkers

Now, after knowing the factors that affect the premium, we explore further.

For group policy, the average premium for an employer to pay for his individual employee is about USD 4,800 per year. If the coverage includes the employee's family (a family of four members), the premium is at the average of USD 17, 700 annually.
Due to financial crisis, the employers who are suffering from the hard times have another option. They can opt for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) coverage. The employers who use COBRA will spend around USD 350 per month on premium, which is relatively low if compared with the premium of standard group policy.

On the other hand, for individual policy, the premium varies due to different needs of the individual. In the market, there are a wide range of selections offered by many insurance providers to suit different individual needs. The premium can be high if the applicants have pre-existing conditions. The cost can also be low and afforded by most of the people.

In fact, obtaining the calculation of premium precisely is quite difficult. It varies from one individual to another. It also varies from a group of people to another. However, for those who are uninsured at the moment, having a rough idea about the average cost for medical insurance is important in assisting them to allocate their budget.

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Sabtu, 08 Agustus 2009

The Reasons Why People Are Denied Medical Insurance

Every day hundreds of applicants are denied medical insurance. For years, insured individuals assumed it was a lack of income or the absence of a stable employer that caused many in the United States to not have medical insurance. While expenses and employment do play a role in those who are denied medical insurance there are many other issues that contribute to the problem of why millions of Americans are uninsured. There are several reasons big health insurance carriers deny millions of people and below are a few of them:

Medications From the Past - Almost any type of medication that was prescribed by a doctor can result in an individual being denied coverage in the future. Most people assume that medications for conditions that have to do with the major organs such as the heart, brain, or stomach or all reasonable reasons for denial, but even medications for simple ailments raise red flags with insurance companies. A MSN report in 2008 explained how a woman was denied medical insurance for taking a fertility drug to conceive her two sons. A past history of taking medications such as anti-depressants are also a huge reason many people are denied medical insurance.


Incurable STDs - Medical insurance company will not insure most individuals who have an STD such as herpes, HPV, or HIV. Although denial claims vary from state to state, in most states an individual with an STD is considered uninsurable.

Smoking and Drinking - Individuals who drink socially or smoke are almost instantly denied health insurance due to their increased risk of illness. Most medical insurance companies request that you disclose information about your drinking habits and association with cigarettes. Any association with alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs results in an instant denial of medical insurance.

Weight - In most cases a medical insurance company will deny someone coverage because they are overweight. In these cases the medical insurance company will simply state that the individual doesn't meet the height and weight guidelines that are required to be insured. Some medical insurance companies will evaluate the denial if the individual loses the weight. Underweight individuals are also frequently denied health insurance.

Family History - People who have family histories of cancer, diabetes, or any disease that is considered genetic have a higher rate of denials than those with a healthy family. In these cases, the individual is not evaluated based on their own health but on how healthy family members are.

Pre-existing Conditions - Most insurance companies will deny any applicant that has a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition could be something less serious such as allergy problems or something more serious such as diabetes. A pre-existing condition is one of the main reasons that many people are denied medical insurance.

An individual who is denied medical insurance has a few options available. One option is to appeal the denial. By appealing the denial, questioning the insurance company, and finding out how coverage could be possible, some people are able to get their denials overturned. Another option is to evaluate other health insurance companies that have guidelines that could possibly allow the person to become covered. A final option is to receive a plan from a high-risk pool. Many states have an option called a high-risk pool that allows individuals who are considered medically uninsurable to obtain coverage despite the risk.

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Senin, 03 Agustus 2009

Government Measures to Help With Health Insurance

The rising unemployment rate is causing not just job loss but also the loss of valuable health insurance coverage for many people. In response, the federal government has enacted new legislation to help with COBRA coverage as well as state aid to families with children.

Changes to COBRA

COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1986. Under COBRA, if you worked for a company that had more than 20 employees, then you are able to continue on the group health insurance plan for as much as 18 months. The downside of COBRA is that it can be quite expensive. In most states, recipients report that COBRA payments account for more than 75% of their unemployment benefit. However, under the recently passed Economic Stimulus Package, you could be eligible for assistance with 65% of your COBRA premium.

To qualify for the program you must have lost your job between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Your income must be less than $125,000 for an individual and less than $250,000 a year for a family. If you did not take advantage of COBRA initially, you can still sign up for it. If you did sign up for COBRA coverage, you won't get any money back for the premiums you have already paid, but you will be eligible for assistance from the point after the law has taken effect. Under the new law you will pay 35% of the premium, and the government pays the other 65%. Your assistance could continue for as much as nine months.


State Children's Health Insurance Program

Another measure the federal government has taken recently to help people with health insurance coverage is to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program or SCHIP. The law will provide $32 billion to the program over the next five years and expand coverage to from 7 to 11 million children. SCHIP is designed to provide health care coverage for children up to age 19 and pregnant women, in families whose income is low, but not low enough to qualify for Medicaid. A portion of the funding will come from an increase in the tax on cigarettes.

Under SCHIP, the federal government provides the states with matching funds to provide health care for families with children. To qualify, families could earn only up to 200% of the poverty level. Under the new law, families can earn up to 300% of the poverty level and still qualify for SCHIP. Each state has set up their program differently, so programs can vary from state to state.

If you find yourself out of a job and out of health insurance, two recent measures by the federal government may provide some assistance. The first are changes to the COBRA program in which the government could pick up to 65% of the cost of your health insurance premium. The other is the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Either of these options could provide short-term assistance with health insurance coverage.
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Sabtu, 25 Juli 2009

Getting a Good Health Insurance Plan - Some Useful Tips

It is very important that everyone buys a good health insurance plan. This helps them to pay for their medical care before they get sick or when sick. With a good health plan, you don't have to bother yourself about your medical bills because you are always ready for any sudden sickness attack. This is a relief for unprepared expenditures and you have no worries concerning your health because your plan take care of it all.

When buying a health cover plan, it is best you know the quality of service offered. This is because some insurers do not add some types of surgery, some needed inclusions and accident cover. There are guidelines that govern these policies; your knowledge of these rules and regulations will help you a great deal. For instance, you may end up with a yearly contract that does not include some needed amenities in the hospital.


Pregnancies, injuries and out of patient visits are the major cover services you find in most health insurance plans. While previously existing sickness likes cancer and sickle cell anemia and situations that endangers one's life are not included. In many occasions, you will discover that insurers give you paramount health care via their relationship with licensed hospitals and experienced doctors.

If you wish to get the best health cover provider, the right place to start is the internet. On the internet, you will contact reliable providers via trusted health cover websites, then you compile a list of available quotes from different of insurers, compare them and make the right choice.

Where to Get Trusted Health Insurance Companies, Compare Their Free Quotes and Choose Your Ideal Policy Online?
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Sabtu, 18 Juli 2009

Low Income Health Insurance - Some Options For People on a Tight Budget

Medical care is extremely expensive and without health insurance, getting the care you need when you need it can be very difficult. People with health insurance get much better care than the uninsured do, they also get that care in a more timely fashion. For people that need coverage but simply can't afford it, there are some low income health insurance options available.

One option to consider would be a high deductible health plan also known as catastrophic health insurance. When your deductibles are high your monthly payments will be much lower. The problem is that the deductibles are so high that things like regular doctors visits and checkups would not be covered because paying for a doctors visit out of pocket would be less than paying the deductible for this type of plan. This type of plan is more for things like surgery, hospitalization, and other "catastrophic" incidents that would be very expensive.


One way to help pay for your less expensive and more common medical needs would be to set up a health savings account. A health savings account or HSA is a good way to save money on health insurance and works well in conjunction with a high deductible health plan. An HSA is like a savings account that is earmarked for health care expenses. Money would be taken out of your paycheck and deposited into the account at the end of each pay period. The money that goes into the HSA is free from any federal income tax and because it is taken out of your pay check it lowers your taxable income.

The money in an HSA can be taken out to pay for medical expenses without paying any taxes on the money. At age 65 the money in the account can be taken out for any reason at any time without any penalties.

Setting up a health savings account in conjunction with a high deductible health plan can be a good option for low income health insurance but it's not for everyone. A high deductible plan protects you in case of serious illness or injury and a health savings account helps lower the cost of occasional doctors visits but, if you have some type of chronic illness or require frequent doctors visits for any reason then you would be better served by a more traditional health insurance plan.

The best way to save money on any type of health insurance is to do some comparison shopping. You can get multiple quotes online from a number of different providers in just a few minutes and doing so would allow you to quickly and easily find the coverage you need at the best possible price
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Sabtu, 11 Juli 2009

Public Health Insurance - An Essential Lifesaver For the American Health System

There is much debate about the type of insurance proposals that will be required in the new health system currently being negotiated in Congress. President Obama has just come out in support of a public health plan, which is opposed by private insurers who say that they could not compete with a public health plan that didn't have to make a profit. Supporters of the public plan proposal correctly say that it would give people more choices and create more competition. Opponents argue that private health plans would go out of business, leaving only an entirely government-run health care system.

Of course all sides are exaggerating and taking up extreme positions. They will all in time compromise and hopefully reach some form of agreement. The sad part is that at present they don't seem to be thinking of the person at the center of all this - the patient. It is widely acknowledged that health care costs far too much in this country, while at the same time at least 47 million Americans are uninsured. So, from a patients perspective, if you do have health insurance, you are paying way too much for it, and getting poor value, and if you don't have it, then you just continue to suffer. What a dreadful choice. What an indictment of America.


The goals of overhauling the health care system are to lower costs and extend care to the uninsured. Obama wants a bill on his desk in October at the latest. Where can Congress begin to compromise, and why is it that Republicans in particular, believe that public health plans are likely to be so dreadful. What is the evidence for this belief beyond their own philosophical ideas. They regularly bring up the supposed ogre of "socialized medicine" whenever public plans are discussed, but there is no evidence whatsoever that countries with more federal control over their health systems, especially in Europe, have worse health outcomes that the USA. In fact the contrary is true, health outcomes are much better overall, and cost a lot less money per capita of population.

As a physician who has lived and worked in the USA, Australia and Britain, and who has an interest in how health services are organized, I think America could move forward in a relatively simple way as long as we always keep the patient at the center of any health system we plan. It is essential that we do not design a health system primarily to protect profit levels for some or all of the various constituents, whether they be providers, health insurers or pharmaceutical companies. We have the opportunity of picking the best parts of other health systems from around the world and including these in the eventual plan to reform American health care, and we should learn from other countries.

What should we do?

Firstly we need a public-private partnership philosophy. Australia is a good example where this works excellently. That means public and private, not just private. American core business and social philosophies are based on capitalist principals so any new approach to health care must combine the need for profits in certain sectors of the health system, with the need to develop a number of core public health services that may be less likely to ever achieve a profit. Funding for care has to involve choice and should be provided in many instances through payment for annual or episodic whole of person care, rather than on individual piece rates as at present. These capitated payment systems work well for Kaiser Permanente, and in Britain. The primary gain from this approach is that it tends to force more resources into the prevention of illness and wellness promotion, rather than into the treatment of illnesses that have already commenced.

The public component of the health care system, seemingly strongly supported by President Obama, would include universal basic health insurance as well as catastrophic care insurance. We know that this type of system works well in America and is widely accepted and popular, because we have the very successful example of Medicare for seniors. Effectively broadening the base of Medicare for other populations would prevent many of the bankruptcies caused by healthcare costs, and would cover many of the current uninsured. Public insurance would then be likely to pay for many emergency and geographically isolated health services, as well as public health services, pre and postnatal and early child care as well as care of some special populations who cannot afford private health insurance such as the unemployed, and certain impoverished or geographically isolated groups. Medicare for seniors would of course continue. These are areas where there will be less competition from private insurers who have typically kept away from them, but of course any private health insurers would be able to enter these markets and compete if they wished.

The private component would be funded with the aid of broader tax incentives or similar financial tools to encourage most people (or companies) to take out private insurance. The aim should be that at least 80-90% of the population should have private insurance, whether it be comprehensive insurance, or top-up insurance to support core government provided insurance. It is important to reach this level of insurance to ensure that we all are financially responsible for at least a reasonable proportion of our health care costs. Here the Republicans are right as it is important that we do not see health care as something that is provided for free. The private sector should offer a full range of services from birth to death, but the industry should be more carefully regulated so that they would, for instance, be prevented from excluding patients on the grounds of pre-existing conditions. They should also have the ability to charge extra for certain "non-essential" services such as cosmetic surgery.

These ideas are taken from what I consider to be the best parts of the American, Australian and British health systems. No country has a perfect health system, and no country ever will. America can afford to choose the best from other countries as it debates how to improve its health care system. Lets hope that Congress can be creative, look outwardly, and not get bogged down in political dogma.
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Minggu, 05 Juli 2009

Is Medicare at Risk From National Health Care?

The money to fund a new National Health Care System is going to have to come from someplace. The cost is estimated in some circles at over 1.3 trillion dollars over ten years. Some estimate the cost as much more. Most Government entitlement programs have a history of costing more than projected.

The Obama administration plans to partially offset this cost by saving 117 billion dollars over ten years on Medicare expenses. This will result in a decrease in the services covered by Medicare as doctors and hospitals leave a system that no longer pays them adequately.

A decision has evidently been made that the elderly are going to die anyway so why bother giving them the quality of health care that could prolong their lives. Don't you think your life is worth saving/?

What are the elderly going to do to protect their medical insurance benefits? Will they protest these proposed changes? Will they contact their Senators and Congressmen to evidence their dissatisfaction and back it up at the ballot box in the 2010 interim elections? Will elderly organizations finally come off their neutral stand and back up their members? Will Seniors organize to protect their benefits and access to their doctors?

Then there is the Administration's current position that they will force doctors who accept Medicare to accept a new proposed Government backed insurance carrier. This will only result in driving more doctors out of the system that accepts Medicare. There is already a movement by a number of doctors to stop accepting Medicare recipients because of poor payment conditions. And as part of the Administrations program to take benefits from Seniors, they are going to try and eliminate the private insurance companies that offer additional benefits to us over our basic Medicare plan. Who is going to make up the difference to us - Medicare?

Has the Democratic Party written off the elderly voter? Do they think they can get away with taking away our benefits to pay for the uninsured? Is this the kind of new National health Care system that you want? Do you want your hard earned health care benefits redistributed to others? Wake up Seniors. It's time to take a stand and protect your interests. It's time to find your voice and tell the powers that be that you are not going to take losing your benefits without them losing your vote.

Who gives the current Administration the right to say you don't need a particular medical treatment because you are going to die any way?
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Jumat, 26 Juni 2009

Cheapest Health Insurance For Families Online

Are you looking to purchase some cheap health insurance for you family? Then you came to the right place, because I will tell you right here how you can find the cheapest health insurance for families online!

Even though the prices for health and medical insurance policies in the United States are some of the highest in the world, it doesn't mean that you couldn't find an affordable health policy for you family. In fact many families have been surprised on how much money they can save on their insurance by comparing the prices from different companies.


So as you can probably by now already tell, to find cheap health and medical insurance for families you will have to compare multiple companies and their prices. Lets take a look at how exactly can you do that and end up with some cheap insurance for you and your family.

It is all very easy and you never have to leave your home when doing it. The only thing that you need to do is put down some information about you and your family on a small online form and that is it. In return you will get a list of price quotes from all the best health insurance providers, where from it is very easy for you to see that which of them can provide the cheapest policy for your own family.

Doing this comparison doesn't take a lot of your time and it will make sure that you in deed do end up finding the one company that can get you that cheapest insurance plan. It is also completely free of charge, so it doesn't cost you anything. There also is no obligation for you to buy health policy from any of the companies that provide you with their price quote.
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Kamis, 25 Juni 2009

Owning Health Insurance is a MUST!

On the subject of insurance, there are so many kinds of insurance like "Investment-Link" insurance, Accident Insurance, Endowment Insurance and many more. Will touch more on the different types of insurance on a later date.

Health Insurance is the topic that is going to be talked about here. What is Health Insurance? It is simple, it is regarding health. Medical cost is something that will happen and it is bound to happen to anyone because aging is inevitable.

Most people are ignorant on owning a Health Insurance simply because there is no cash back at the end of the term. Should this be the issue? It is your health for talking out loud. Would you gamble your life away due to no cash back? What is going to happen to your income, your family, your house? Who is going to pay for the food on the table and do not forget the medical bills?


As an agent in this industry, I have heard the most common thing clients keep saying this to me. "This is not a good time to own insurance." What nonsense!?

If you were to ask me when a good time to own insurance is, the answer would be yesterday. Then the question is why you ask me. It is simple, because you are healthy today and I cannot guarantee that you will be well tomorrow.

Listen, insurance is something that you can never get when you really need it most. No matter how much liquid you have.

Listen people, Health Insurance is a lot cheaper than the other types of insurance available and yet people are ignorant about it. Talking about being logical, the people themselves are not.

Today, call your trusted agent. I do not care who you own it from. It can be from anyone including myself but own a Health Insurance as a start. Own it, before it is too late.

Email for a non-obligatory consultation.
To end this, remember I have never sold insurance. I do not sell insurance. My duty is to help you own it if there is a need.
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Minggu, 21 Juni 2009

Finding an Insurance Policy That Works For You

Some of us wonder whether or not an insurance policy is something that we want. There are many contrasting forms of insurance policies that we can obtain for various reasons. The most ordinary include; dental, health, and life insurance. What we need to choose is if these are crucial enough to use.

Health Insurance

Many believe that health insurance is something that they must have and because of this they will work with the first company they are able to find or that they have the ability to afford. But,, we think that only individuals who are terribly ill or find themselves hurting from numerous health problems in just one year must invest in it. Those of you who just become sick once or twice a year with something - like a cold - we think you should save your money for something more simple.


Instead of utilizing health insurance you can spend much less by visiting a health clinic clinic when you are sick. They will not charge you as much and will prescribe you medication that is more affordable.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of the few types of insurance policies that we think everyone should invest in. Individuals who have these policies are assuring their remaining family members that when they die they can use hte money to cover any funeral bills and to stabilize them until they can regain their footing. There are lots of companies that will work with you to give you the plan that is better for you.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is similar to health insurance except that it simply covers dental problems. This is normally not as costly although you need to be be careful with the insurance company you choose and also the plan you want. Most people prefer to utilize private dental insurance because it lets them to make certain qualifications themselves and to select the provider they want.
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Sabtu, 20 Juni 2009

Average Premium For Health Insurance - Any Idea?

What do you understand about Health Insurance?

It is an insurance coverage that pays for your medical expenses when you suffer from illnesses or accidents. Before making decision to purchase this medical insurance, many people are very concern about their investment cost - the premium. Does the premium cost a lot? Is it affordable by a normal employee? This article brings you a brief idea about the average premium for healthcare coverage.

First of all, let's see what key factors that determine the premium of the insurance.
• The type of health insurance, i.e. individual or group insurance
• The age of the policy holders
• The health status of the policy holders; whether pre-existing conditions are included or excluded
• The coverage and benefits required by the policy holders
• The specific regulations set by each of the state government
• The duration of the policy, i.e. short term or long term
• The lifestyle of the policy holders, for instance, smokers or non-smokers, alcohol drinkers or non-drinkers

Now, after knowing the factors that affect the premium, we explore further.


For group policy, the average premium for an employer to pay for his individual employee is about USD 4,800 per year. If the coverage includes the employee's family (a family of four members), the premium is at the average of USD 17, 700 annually.
Due to financial crisis, the employers who are suffering from the hard times have another option. They can opt for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) coverage. The employers who use COBRA will spend around USD 350 per month on premium, which is relatively low if compared with the premium of standard group policy.

On the other hand, for individual policy, the premium varies due to different needs of the individual. In the market, there are a wide range of selections offered by many insurance providers to suit different individual needs. The premium can be high if the applicants have pre-existing conditions. The cost can also be low and afforded by most of the people.
In fact, obtaining the calculation of premium precisely is quite difficult. It varies from one individual to another. It also varies from a group of people to another. However, for those who are uninsured at the moment, having a rough idea about the average cost for medical insurance is important in assisting them to allocate their budget.
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Rabu, 17 Juni 2009

Choosing a Health Insurance Quote: The Best Bang for your Buck

Most people get a series of health insurance quotes when shopping around. Everyone requires health insurance of some sorts, whether you are single, married have kids or are a student – and quotes help narrow down your options. However, the process can be quite a tedious one! Not only will this decision affect your levels of medical care, it will also affect your pocketbook. This article will help you manage the choices available to you when shopping for a health insurance quote, so that your medical requirements and budget are both met satisfactorily.

Most of the health insurance quotes that you’ll receive will be grouped into one of three categories:


Health Insurance Quotes: Indemnity of Fee-For-Service Plans

The plans that our parents used to use were probably indemnity plans; these health insurance quotes allow you to visit any doctor of your choosing. Highly desirable by many people, these types of health insurance quote are in great demand, however, they are becoming harder and harder to come by, and seem to be creeping up in price. But many consumers are willing to pay this price, because of the convenience and flexibility these plans offer.

Health Insurance Quotes: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

HMOs are becoming more and more common lately; most health insurance quotes are for this type of plan nowadays. HMOs are, essentially, a group of health service providers who bundle their services together in a fixed price option. If your doctor doesn’t refer you to certain care, then you won’t be eligible to receive payment for it under your health insurance quote. These types of plans are good for people who know they won’t need any specialized services, and if your budget is a factor, this is one of the lower, and more predictable options.
Health Insurance Quotes: Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

PPOs are a health insurance quote that combines aspects the two aforementioned plans. PPOs offer the same type of managed group services as HMOs, but also allow users to go outside of their network without a referral. It only makes sense, though, that using this option will cost you more out-of-pocket expenses, but it is covered partially. PPOs are a good middle ground health insurance quote option; you get the flexibility of using your group of health care providers or ones outside of the network, and the costs for this type of plan are in the middle range of the three (although costs can be a bit less predictable).

Health Insurance Quotes: Where to Go?

Many consumers get their health insurance quotes from their workplace, which may or may not be partially paid for through the company. If your company doesn’t offer this benefit, perhaps talk to professional organizations, unions, banks, club or other group that you belong to – they may have an option that is attractive to you. If you cannot find group coverage this way, you can always opt for individual coverage – but this is by far the most expensive health insurance quote option out there. Talking to an insurance agent who can assist you with the quote process is a good idea, if this is your only avenue.
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Jumat, 05 Juni 2009

Cheap Health Insurance Quotes - Smart Ways to Facilitate Your Search

There are many interested people looking for cheap health insurance quotes but they might not be searching them using the right ways. The quotes can be obtained easily once you have mastered the tips and tricks.

The search for cheap health insurance quotes can be started by requesting quotes from a few insurance companies. You should not just be contented with one cheap quote because you will face a high risk of missing out other better deals offered by various insurance companies out there. Get as much quotes as you can and compare the price with their amount of coverage as well as the quality of their services. Then, choose a few best companies and call them directly and talk to their agents if you have their numbers or pay them a visit for more information.


The easiest way to look for cheap health insurance quotes is to look for them online. Go to at least three quotes sites and give them the same accurate information about yourself. It is better to visit as much sites as you can so that you will have more chances to bump into great offers. You can also choose to use insurance comparison sites to facilitate your search. In the websites, you will be given multiple quotes which are usually reliable for you to make better comparisons between the quotes for the best competitive price. By using these websites, you can see and compare the insurance quotes better besides helping you to make more informed and correct decision.

Otherwise, you could also look for cheap health insurance quotes in consumer guides. Price ranges are shown there and they will also provide you with further tips and tricks on how to get the best health insurance. However, please remember that the prices shown in consumer guides are merely a guide and you might need to pay more or less depending on your personal circumstances since everyone has different needs.
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Minggu, 31 Mei 2009

Factors That Affect The Average Health Insurance Cost

It is not easy to breakdown the average health insurance cost into a simple, single figure. This is due to the fact that the costs are dependent on many different factors and therefore, vary quite largely. Some of these factors have been discussed below briefly to help guide your search for the best insurance cost.

Locality

Every state has its own rules and regulations pertaining to health policies. Hence, the premiums on these policies differ significantly from state to state.


Type of Health Insurance

There are so many types of policies available in the market. You may choose from the available private health insurance policies, group health insurance policies (based on your job or an association that you belong to) or even from government-funded policies such as Medicare or Medicaid. The premiums on these policies differ greatly.

Age

Common sense tells us that there are certain health risks associated with certain age groups. Consequently, the premiums on the policies usually vary depending on the age of the insured.

Health Status

Most private health insurance policies require you to declare pre%u2013existing medical conditions. If you do have any such conditions, premiums on your health insurance are often charged significantly higher.

Lifestyle

If you consume alcohol, smoke and are overweight, you are considered to be more liable to suffer from certain health problems. Hence, it is likely to cost more.

Coverage

The cost naturally depends on the coverage provided as well. For example, coverage for maternity, office visits and brand prescription drugs tend to increase the cost of the health insurance. Dropping such covers that you do not need will bring down its cost.

Preventive Care and Well-Being Services

Some of it comes with additional benefits such as preventive care and well-being services. You may get to attend workshops on healthy eating or get a health club membership at a discount by getting these health insurance policies. But, usually, with these additional benefits come additional costs. For further information on average costs, you may want to refer to reports generated by The Association of Health Insurance Plans. These reports are often prepared based on the different factors that affect its costs.
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Rabu, 27 Mei 2009

Extensive Health Insurance Coverage Does Exist Online Today

Due to so many awareness programs, articles in magazines as well as customers interests in good health insurance policies being conducted, it has become extremely easy to find the best policy as it does actually exist. One major reason for this is the development of various new insurance agencies in the market which offer a huge range of different policies in different categories so that each class of customers can be satisfied.

Now due to the present condition of the economy worldwide most people are having a tough time in paying these insurance premiums on a regular basis specifically those people who purchased a very costly plan and are now wanting to do away with it as it would and up in saving some money to meet other monthly expenses.


There is no need to panic as experts are of the opinion that insurance is no longer seen as a luxury but has become a necessity. The medical costs of specialists are increasing each day hence one has to be wise and choose a health policy which has a great coverage at low costs.

The best way for you to see if great policies actually exist is by going on the internet and searching for all the best health coverage agencies. By doing this you can even check and see how well the policy suits your needs as well as your families.

Now gather cutthroat quotes from all your providers and then compare them with different features of individual plans and see which one fits in your budget. When you do this you can eliminate the ones that don't and narrow down on those plans which offer low premiums with adequate coverage. You can even bargain and get group discounts which can be applicable for you and your family together.

Once you have taken the advice of your health advisor relating to the amount of coverage required from your policy which will be done by seeing your health risks which your doctor will determine, then you will be able to negotiate on many aspects with the agency offering you the health insurance plan to get the exact plan that you are looking for.

If you act smartly and do a thorough research about all the various kinds of agencies in your area as well as city then you can close in on a few who exactly match your requirements. Suppose you narrow down to five companies, you are in a position of saving hundreds of dollars per month if you manage to negotiate and get a good deal where you get excellent coverage with low premiums.

This has to be done in such a way that the premium rate does not affect the health coverage you require even one bit. The quality of medical treatment is constantly rising and you must see that your insurance gets you the best possible treatment when required. Now is the time for you to start researching and looking for all companies in your area. Take the first step towards this and you will find yourself the owner of the best insurance policy with a low premium rate as well as extensive coverage.
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Selasa, 26 Mei 2009

How to Find Low Cost Health Insurance For the Self Employed

If you're self-employed and located in New York, obtaining a health insurance plan would be a top priority if you aren't already insured. With the rising cost of health care, price is always a key factor. For the most competitive rates going online is the first place to search. Without having to leave your home you can see what most of the carriers are offering and if it's affordable.

Most people who are self employed aren't aware of the options that are available. They usually contact an insurance company direct and are astounded to find out that an individual policy can cost over $1,000 per month and a family plan well over $3,000 per month. There are other options available, most self employed persons can join a local business association that may offer health insurance plans to their members.


One of the advantages of being self employed is that you will be able to deduct your health insurance premiums from your taxes. The deduction will help offset some of the premiums that you pay. However you cannot deduct your medical expenses unless it's in excess of 7.5 % of your income.

In New York, most insurance companies don't sell direct to the Self employed. Rather insurance companies establish relationships with business associations. They contract with these associations to handle enrollment & billing, lessening the burden on the insurance carrier. The companies that currently offer association health insurance plans in New York are Atlantis, Emblemhealth, Hip & Oxford.

Another way to help decide on a health insurance company is to ask other people who are also self-employed what plans they have and where they purchased their plan from. For many people along with business associations the Chamber of Commerce is a good organization to join. Besides the opportunity to purchase an insurance plan, most Chambers offer other business services and it gives you a great opportunity to meet other business persons in your area.

Whether you purchase your health insurance from a chamber, trade or business association you're actually buying into a Group plan. Essentially these organizations buy in bulk and pass the savings along to their members. In most cases these plans are almost always more affordable than individual plans. Unfortunately many shoppers don't take the time out to compare benefits but rather buy solely on price. Whichever route you choose before purchasing a plan, be sure to fully understand the benefits that are offered and compare the offering to your current coverage.
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Jumat, 22 Mei 2009

What is COBRA ? Is it Health Insurance?

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a U.S government agency concerned with providing continuity of health insurance to employees who left their jobs. This is an insurance program passed by the U. S Congress and signed by Ronald Reagan.

Purpose

COBRA is there to step in when the unexpected happens after loss of employment, as well as some other unexpected life situations. Examples are the following: death of the person covered in the insurance, an employee loses eligibility due to involuntary termination except for grave misconduct, divorce or legal separations that enables the spouse to be covered, and a dependent child who reaches the age that he or she is no longer covered to the insurance benefits.


COBRA allows coverage for up to 18 months, unless the person is deemed disabled by Family Social Security Administration, in which case the coverage can reach up to 29 months. In the case of divorce, coverage can last up to 36 months.

COBRA however does not provide coverage if the person has been terminated because of his own fault or the employer has gone out business.

COBRA allows the former employee to pay in full what the employer has previously paid for. Employees loose their coverage if they fail to make timely payments for these premiums.

Only 10% of Americans eligible for COBRA insurance enrolled in it in 2006 because they were not able to pay the employer in full after they left their jobs. The American Recovery Investment Act of 2009 passed by the House of Representatives provides 65% of people eligible for COBRA with 9 months of insurance. While some employees voluntarily help subsidize or fully cover the cost of insurance as part of a termination or exit package, commonly ex-employers pay for the entire cost.

However specific provisions and responsibilities may vary depending on the state, as in mini-COBRA plans for fewer than 20 employees. Those eligible for this subsidy are called Assistance Eligible individuals (AEI).

Employers who are subjected to Federal COBRA must:

* Inform terminated employees of their rights under ARRA by sending a series of notifications.

* Provide methods for Qualified AEIs to apply

* pay the 65 % subsidy and seek payment by filing the Amended form 941
COBRA is a way for the government to help temporarily those who are in immediate need of financial assistance especially for health care.
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Kamis, 21 Mei 2009

Don't Panic, Just Find New Health Insurance Quotes Online

A wide range of options in the health insurance policies proves out to be really helpful in terms of getting a good health security at affordable cost. There are different plans depending from person to family to companies. You can choose the one that suits you the best.

Many of these plans come not only at good prices but also have additional and lucrative benefits like flexible payment options, discounts, tie-ups with other insurance plans and many more. If you are forced to think that your insurance plan is not as competitive to give you these benefits of wide coverage and good premiums, then don't think about it much and simply go ahead and but a new insurance plan that will give you all of this.


With the growing needs and competition, you are sure enough to get some companies that will offer you what suits your need and that are a good coverage and nice premium package. You will find many of these companies giving you these benefits and hence you are free to choose whatever you want according to your budget.

With the advancements in various fields, the companies offering these plans are now available to talk to you through their representatives who are online every hour of the day so as to make the dealing and shopping all the more easier for you. You can get in touch with them any time you want and learn more about their policies.

If you are really keen or changing your plan or you think that your current provider hasn't given you the plan you want and that is a plan where you get wide coverage and benefits at a good price or also if your policy is ending, what you can do is change your provider by talking to the companies or going through their plans online and making that right choice of health insurance policy for yourself.

The various segments like family or employee health can be evaluated to get various quotes and you can get it through internet and you can also go through the companies, their plans, prices, discounts and many more.

Fix your budget for the future by getting check up done by your doctor and find out if there are chances of any problems in the future. Then, if you have doubts regarding the policy you have, then check them by comparing the other companies that offer other or similar policies in the same budget range. If you are still not satisfied with your plan, they go for the one that best suits your needs. Just pick the one that gives you the best coverage, better choice of doctors, travel coverage, discounts, etc and stay healthy.
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Selasa, 19 Mei 2009

Dangers In Buying Health Insurance Online

When faced with the dilemma of buying their own health insurance, consumers find a baffling array of choices, terms, waiting periods, deductibles and exclusions. What is the difference between coinsurance and a co pay anyway?

With less employers than ever offering health insurance benefits, people retiring earlier, and the trend toward self-employment and entrepreneurship, there are more people buying individual and family health insurance plans (IFP) than ever before.

Compounding the problem is the fact that health insurance is very complex, and consumers can easily make very serious mistakes that end up costing them tens of thousands of dollars - after it's too late.


Naturally, with the growth of the internet has come the growth of "online" health insurance marketplaces. Unlike term life insurance, auto or homeowner's insurance, health insurance has so many moving parts that it is not a commodity easily compared or purchased online. You are not buying an airline ticket from Travelocity, or a book from Amazon! Many online health insurance shoppers are duped into buying a virtually worthless "discount" plan instead of real insurance. Other consumers are under the mistaken impression that buying online will lower their premium - not true!
Here are the main problems in comparing and applying for health insurance from one of the online marketplaces.

First, not all of the sites have all of the plans available. When making such a critical and expensive purchase, wouldn't you want to have the entire universe of coverage available to you?

Secondly, it is almost impossible to get an accurate premium quote online. Most online health insurance sites quote the "standard" rate. There is no way to tell if the medication you're taking, or your height and weight ratio or any of the dozens of considerations that go in to the rate will effect your final price for coverage - you are flying blind!

Many online health insurance sites have "sponsored" or "featured" listings. After you enter your demographic info, available policies pop up. Often times the insurance company will have paid the site for premium placement, much like Google or Yahoo. Many mistakenly think this means it's the "best" policy for them, and with the dizzying array of options for coverage, it's not hard to see how they could make this potentially expensive mistake.

Last, and certainly not least, is the "service after the sale" aspect. If you run into a problem with a claim payment for instance, will the online health insurance website be there to act as your advocate with the insurance company?
What is the answer, you ask? The best and safest way to shop, compare and apply for individual and family health insurance coverage is through a reputable, experienced independent health insurance broker. Agents that sell mainly auto and homeowner's insurance may not have the expertise. Look for one that has at least five years in the business, and works with multiple insurance companies. The policy won't cost you any more than if you bought it online. A knowledgeable health insurance broker can help steer you away from the pitfalls, as well as answer your questions - including the ones you don't think to ask.
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Senin, 18 Mei 2009

A New Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPRA 2009)

The CHIP program has evolved over the years and is another option, via the government, for possible health insurance. However, please note that this government program is not a full blown health insurance plan like you could get through private health insurance companies and thus have limitations and coverage caps, etc. CHIP is a great possible option for those on a lower income or if one cannot get on an individual health insurance plan due to medical underwriting. Below is information on benefits that have been added to the CHIPS program this year.

Shortly after taking office, on February 4, 2009, President Obama signed into law new regulations and extension of benefits (CHIPRA) for an existing children's health insurance program (CHIP).

This act provides health insurance coverage to lower income pregnant women and children who do not qualify for the state assistance program, but who fall within 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL). It is designed to help children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford private health insurance.

The act was made effective April 1, 2009 and will continue through 2013.
Under this bill more than four million uninsured children will be able to get medical assistance. Increased tobacco taxes will offset the increase in spending which is currently estimated at more than $32 billion over the next four years.

Here are some important highlights of this bill:
- Dental care coverage increases. States must cover dental care under the children's health program. They will also be allowed to provide dental coverage as a supplement to private insurance.

- Legal immigrants qualify for assistance more quickly. Pregnant women and children under 21 are the ones affected. Previously, legal immigrants had to wait five years from the time they entered the United States before they were eligible for medical assistance from Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Now States are able to cover pregnant women and children who are legal immigrants.

- Financial eligibility requirements have been raised. This means more families can be helped. A pregnant woman's financial eligibility is now set at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level; a child under 19 is set at 200% of the FPL. The cap is set at 300%.

- States can choose how they want to implement this increased health coverage. They can expand Medicaid by increasing the maximum family income allowable for children. Or they can expand current health programs by increasing the number of children they will accept into the program or by opening the doors to allow higher-income families to participate. They are also able to establish new programs that comply with federal law. However the States choose to do it, they will receive matching funds from the federal government for the new children enrolled.
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Rabu, 13 Mei 2009

Cheap Car Insurance-7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs (Part 2)

Yes, here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.

1. Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you pay first out of any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this amount. Many people, particularly those who have had their insurance policy for a long time, have never considered whether they ought to vary their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are prepared to increase the risk of paying a larger amount in the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim you can save money by increasing your deductible.

2. Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain types of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Cars such as sports cars and also certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost more to insure. If you are buying a car then find out which makes and models these are before you buy.

3. Drive carefully. Although it sounds a little trite to say it, your car insurance cost is a factor of your risk profile. You won’t get cheap car insurance if you have had 3 speeding fines and 2 accidents in the last year. These things are all taken into account and you should take care with how you drive. It all adds up onto your bill. There are big safe driver discounts available.

4. Considering installing safety and anti theft devices in your car. Again these affect your risk profile. If you have a car that is safer and less at risk of theft it should be cheaper to insure. And if you have a car with certain safety devices now check that your insurance company is aware of these, if not tell them.

5. Look at your policy when it comes to renewal time, don’t just pay. There are some things that you can vary in your policy that will affect the cost. Often there are some things there which duplicate other insurance that you may have that can be eliminated. Be critical, look carefully and ask questions about all these before you renew your policy.

6. Have a look at who your other insurers are. Many insurers offer a discount for multiple policies. If you insure your house with a certain company then ring them up and find out if they do car insurance. Get a quote from them. Find out what discounts they offer.

7. Find a good online discount car insurance broker before renewing. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts of discount insurance brokers online where you can get fast quotes from a wide range of companies. Don’t just settle for the same company you always use. Car insurance rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before renewing any policy.

So if you’re in the market for cheap car insurance there’s some ideas for you. Don’t just accept that car insurance is always prohibitively expensive, get out there and do something about it.
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Sabtu, 09 Mei 2009

Cheap Car Insurance - 7 Tips To Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs (part 1)

Hi all, here are some tips to reduce your car insurance costs. With the cost of car insurance becoming more and more of an issue for the average American family, there are increasing numbers of people looking for cheap car insurance. But although it is possible to find cheap car insurance, the question remains, is it worth buying?
Everyone knows that car insurance companies are not all equal. Cheap car insurance is wonderful when paying the bill, but make a mistake on the company you select and you could find that the cheap car insurance policy that you found may turn into a nightmare. Cheap car insurance may not turn out to be so attractive when making a claim.
So if you have found a discount car insurance broker don’t just take the cheapest quote that you get. You need to find out a little about the insurance company that is offering the cheap car insurance rates.
And there’s ways to reduce the cost of your car insurance even with the best of companies. Here are some tips for those looking for cheap car insurance to help reduce the cost of car insurance without compromising other things.
To be continued… Read More ..

Jumat, 08 Mei 2009

Low Cost Health Insurance -- You'll Spend Less If You Use These Tips (part 2)

Okay next posting about low cost health insurance

4. Evaluate your health insurance coverage from time to time. Even if this does not lead to savings, it will ensure you always have enough health insurance. And then you can also discover while doing this routine check that you really do NOT need some coverage you have bought.
You will then lower your cost by dropping such unnecessary coverage. A good case is a family health insurance policy that still includes your married daughter who has another plan with her husband. It is very easy to forget little details like this.

5. You'll get cheaper premiums if you make your payments by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). This just means your insurance provider withdraws your premiums automatically from your account each month without sending you payment notices. This removes administrative costs like those incurred when mailing payment notices. Your premium is therefore lowered in line with the lower cost of giving you insurance.

6. You can save much money in health insurance if you get and compare health
insurance quotes from quotes sites. You will realize savings if you go to only one of such sites. However, you'll get better results by using at least five. The simple logic in this is that you'll receive many more health insurance quotes from many more insurance companies. This increases your chances of getting better offers. Read More ..

Kamis, 07 Mei 2009

Low Cost Health Insurance -- You'll Spend Less If You Use These Tips

Low cost health insurance: It is really very easy for everyone to find adequate coverage for a lot less. The only things that stand between you and getting a cheaper rate now are the right information and a resolve to use the tips you get. Below are a few things that will help you get to this goal...

1. Lines of duty that are regarded as hazardous get higher rates. You will get cheaper premiums if you leave a hazardous line of duty for a non-hazardous one. An individual who works in a nuclear plant can't attract similar rates with a clerk in the neighborhood supermarket.
2. If you intend to save in health insurance get a Flexible Spending Account. You can keep tax-free dollars to take care of your health needs. You can in addition roll over any amount you did not use in a year to the next tax-free. You can build a large reserve of funds for your health need tax-free if you have a Flexible Spending Account.
3. You'll pay less for health insurance if you're flexible in your choice of health care providers. For you to get the most affordable rates you may be compelled to use doctors and hospitals that belong to a particular group or network. That might suggest that you'll have to wave goodbye to your favorite doctor.

If you consider this to be too much for you to sacrifice then you can visit my next posting... Read More ..

Minggu, 26 April 2009

How To Get Best Life Insurance Quote?

Life insurance quotes can received from the diverse sources which includes insurance agents, insurance companies, and insurance brokers. It is advisable to insure ourselves through the reliable and reputed insurance companies and the sources.

Availing a life insurance
quote has a high degree of credibility but further enquiry should also be done before going for that policy. This can be easily done through listing top five insurance providers and then moving through the list and then narrowing down your search. This would be a good method as it can reduce scam and you will attain good value for your money.

Though, the insurance agents are also a good source but since they are associated to a single insurance company, you can’t get a policy in accordance with your needs. In order to find out the right policy, you need to visit different agents in different locations and then decide on a policy which will suit your needs.

The same problem you may have to face by meeting the life insurance companies directly. They may not provide you a good piece of advice as they have their own interest and may not tell you about the best policy available in the market. They are only concerned about their business rather than giving you a good advice.

The easiest and the best option for obtaining life insurance quotes for many companies and that also in the shortest possible time are the brokers. Though, the Internet can also provide you with the same services but questions are raised on the integrity of the quotes and the reality of the actual coverage. Read More ..