Temporary Health Insurance
Monday October 02nd 2006, 7:26 am
Filed under: Health Information, Health News, Health Insurance

A major benefit of being a fulltime employee at an American corporation is the security of health coverage. Medical costs along with the cost of health insurance have skyrocketed in the past 60 years.

Under these circumstances, insurance coverage provided by employers, who enjoy tax benefits for giving health benefits to their workers, has helped foster loyalty and reduced the financial stress of thousands of American employees, many of whom would not be able to afford health insurance if purchased privately.

Just how expensive those skyrocketing insurance costs really are becomes painfully obvious when someone loses a job. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), requires insurance companies to continue to make their plans available to former employees who have left a group policy due to unemployment.

However, when you sign up for COBRA, you suddenly find yourself paying much more for your health coverage than what you were paying at the time you were employed. The financial burden can be unbearable, as at the same time you have probably lost your primary source of income. The national average cost per family for COBRA is in excess of $500 a month. For a relatively healthy person who rarely visits a doctor, the cost of COBRA may seem unacceptably high.

However, thousands of people who have opted not to continue with their health insurance because of its costs have come to regret the choice. In fact, every 30 seconds someone in the United States files for bankruptcy following a major medical emergency. The vast majority found themselves seriously sick or injured without health insurance coverage.

Fortunately, an inexpensive alternative to COBRA exists that can fill in the gaps between jobs. Temporary low-cost health insurance typically has a much higher deductible than COBRA, but also very affordable rates. It’s possible to receive coverage in a matter of days, if not hours.

Who generally purchases short-term temporary health insurance? The list includes people who have left a company for another job or were laid off, students wh are about to graduate from college and need a plan to cover them after they leave school and before the enter the workforce, spouses waiting for coverage from a wife or husband, young adults who are coming off parents’ health plans as a dependent, employees who are now working part time or as temporary workers, and other people who are waiting for permanent health insurance to commence.

While the affordable prices are attractive, it’s important to remember that temporary low-cost health insurance is considered a “stop gap” for individuals who are between jobs that normally provide complete healthcare benefits. These policies are not designed as a long-term solution.

Who Qualifies? Everyone who is young and healthy probably qualifies for temporary low-cost health insurance. Those that likely may not qualify include someone who has a pre-existing condition, is over the age of 65, or who has been rejected for insurance before. Pre-existing conditions are generally defined as any condition or symptom which you had during the 3-year period prior to the start of coverage.

Generally, the holder of a temporary low-cost health insurance policy should plan on having the policy a year or less. Some policies do last 2 years, and rarely last for 3 years or longer. Many policies allow people to renew after the policy has run its course, but usually customers are limited to renewing a policy only once.

Temporary low-cost health insurance policies apply on a per-illness or per-injury basis. You will likely be required to pay a deductible, with your insurance company paying some portion of the next $5,000 in healthcare expenses, before 100 percent coverage takes effect. Plan maximums are typically $1 million to $2 million. Healthcare expenses ranging from emergency services to surgery, prescription drugs to hospital care are typically covered by the policies.

If you do have a pre-existing condition, it’s unlikely you will qualify for temporary health insurance. But it’s still too financially risky to function without some kind of insurance coverage. Your best option may be to apply for a low-income health insurance plan. Medicare, a health insurance program of the federal government, covers senior citizens aged 65 and over, as well as the disabled of any age. Medicaid is usually available for pregnant women, depending on a woman’s income and family size.

Greg Roy is a business owner, writer, and father. Find out more about the benefits of health insurance at http://health.insurance-deal-s.com
 



Understanding Infertility Insurance - Don’t Get Caught Out
Friday September 29th 2006, 11:21 am
Filed under: Health Information, Health News, Health Insurance, Infertility

Infertility issues are stressful enough for couples to deal with and can create any number of emotional reactions. During treatment, couples are given the opportunity to realise their ambitions for conception yet, financially, it can present a huge burden on their resources. Infertility insurance should be strongly considered and in most cases can ease this financial burden.

Infertility Insurance - The Options

These can vary from country to country. Essentially, insurance in this area works like any other type of insurance depending on the type of procedures involved. You pay a monthly premium and are entitled to claim a percentage of the cost of the treatment.

However, because infertility is such a complex and at times, drawn out ordeal, the cost of treatment can amount to exhorbitant levels not to mention the uncertainty of success and it is for this reason insurance companies have been loathe to offer infertility coverage.

The good news though, particularly in the United States, is there is a shift towards making infertility insurance mandatory under typical health coverage schemes as has been already applied in some states.

Eligibility - Sorting Out The Confusion

If you are reading this and are planning to have your first child in the next couple of years then it may be a good time to look at the pros and cons of infertility insurance. Why? Well, there is certain criteria that needs to be met. Many couples have been left with huge financial committments because they investigated insurance only after infertility was established. So who is eligible?

Couples who haven’t been able to conceive for a certain period of time and who in most cases are under the age of 40 will be in a good position to qualify for insurance. Remember though, if infertility has already been established and treatment has commenced then it’s highly unlikely that coverage will be available.

Requirements made vary from insurer to insurer so make sure you check several options. If you have been an insurance policy holder for a certain period of time then again, you may be strongly considered for infertility coverage. There may be several grey areas regarding eligibility so be forthright and inquisitive when doing your due diligence.

There are several options available to propective policy holders who qualify but the main three categories include standard, refund and financing programs. Standard coverage involves a monthly premium and covers you up to a designated dollar amount. This is usually the most affordable type of infertility insurance.

Refund programs require treatment payments up front but in the event of unsuccessful procedures, then you are entitled to be refunded a portion of your initial outlay and this amount can vary significantly. Financing is a little more complex and if considering this option, then you need to discuss it with your clinic of choice.

One more thing… infertility insurance is an “umbrella” that encompasses any number of treatments. Be clear on exactly what you are being covered for. Avoid any nasty surprises following the completion of treatment by knowing exactly what your plan covers.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Read the latest infertility news and reviews including infertility insurance and related information at:http://www.infertilityline.com

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Dental Plans - Why Everyone Should Have One
Saturday September 23rd 2006, 11:37 am
Filed under: Natural Health Remedies, Health Information, Health Insurance, Dental Plans

If you haven’t yet noticed, you and your family all have teeth, well, except for maybe great-grandma Margaret. All kidding aside though, your teeth and mouth are so vastly important to your overall well being, you have a doctor that specializes in dealing only with issues of the mouth.

Dentists must learn and train for years before they are able to practice dentistry, they also use highly specialized and expensive equipment. Because of this, a visit to your dentist always leaves your wallet feeling a little lighter. The solution to this light-wallet phenomenon is quite simple - get a dental plan.

Indeed, not everyone can afford an all-inclusive dental plan where you get to pick your own dentist and receive additional coverage for certain dental operations, but financing in a cheap dental plan may very well save you a ton of money in the long run. People of all ages are prone to dental problems. From cavities to braces to the need for a root canal, there’s always something in your mouth that will cost you either money or pain.

Providers of dental insurance are numerous. They range wildly in cost and available options. A smart consumer who’s in need of a dental plan will research several different companies before finally deciding on the one that’s right for them. As with all insurance, a dental plan is a gamble of sorts.

You can either bet against the odds and not get insurance, hoping you or your family will never need treatment because you brush your teeth 5 times a day or you can go with the odds and essentially pay for your whole family to receive treatment in easy, predictable monthly payments.

A standard dental plan will typically cover two cleanings each year per member of the family. Also, fluoride treatments and x-rays during twice-yearly visits are often covered. Other services, including surgeries, emergency dental work and braces are split in some fashion between you and your dental plan provider. The arrangement should be at least 50/50, but always try to look for better than that.

All in all, a dental plan is a great way to ensure you won’t be financially strained at a time when a dental bill may be thousands of dollars. Plus, since you’re already paying for your dental services monthly, you’re much more likely to not neglect your oral health and visit your dentist when you know you’re supposed to. Indeed, purchasing dental insurance will one day have you thanking yourself graciously and smiling a bright, healthy smile because your wallet isn’t as empty as it certainly could have been and your teeth feel so good.

Summary:

Your teeth and mouth are so vastly important to your overall well being, you have a doctor that specializes in dealing only with issues of the mouth. Unexpected dentist bills can leave your wallet lighter than a feather on the moon, but a good dental plan will cut costs drastically and leave you with a healthy smile

Brooke Hayles Check Out More Helpful Information About Dental Plan For FREE! Visit http://dentalplanvault.com/ Now

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