Individual plans for health insurance are to become, at the point of my writing, compulsory for everyone to have. Therefore, the right to choose an individual plan health insurance is now the largest financial as well as the importance of the body. Here is how to choose individual health insurance plans.
1. There are many individual health insurance plans that address the needs of many. Take note of their individual health needs, day to day finance and risk tolerance. Individual plans for health insurance with high deductibles as Tonik meet younger people who tend to have better health, less finance, and greater tolerance for risk. In general, the older you get the lowest should try to make your deductible. If you have special needs or prescriptions for chronic diseases such as asthma, consider a plan individual health insurance, with special considerations for those things.
2. Choose individual plans of health insurance for their HMO or PPO distinction. Adjust your selection of individual plans with an HMO or PPO. HMOs offer lower prices, but offer greater flexibility PPO coverage and more. HMOs are usually sponsored by an employer, because doctors can rely on consistent service commission business, but usually does not work as well for individual owners or self employed persons. Congress's plan 'is more like a PPO. Narrow PPO plans even if you can afford.
3. Insurance Compare individual health plans as a businessman. These companies are not your friends. Choose your supplier. Once your level of coverage from step 1 and type of insurance coverage in step 2, it is time to choose the provider. This is where the technical aspects to stop and start the business. Insurance companies tend to be quite strict in the price, which makes things easier to compare. You absolutely must compare all insurance companies of good reputation to get the lowest price, and you should read all the information. Do not be afraid to change, if, after registration, the fine print is not exactly what you thought it was as long as your coverage does not lapse, pre-existing conditions should not apply pending. Insurance companies usually make most out of individual health insurance plans. Keeping costs down. To get the best price, do not tell insurance companies anything negative about their health that are not directly asked.
For more information visit http://www.healthinsurance-specialist.info
Paul Van Scott has been a specialist blogger since 1998.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_VanScott
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Utah Awaits Reforms in Family Health Insurance
The Utah legislature had begun its health reforms long begun the President had thought about it. A number of health reforms were legislated in 2008 and 2009. Thus the Affordability Act and its provisions come as no surprise to Utah and its residents.
Parents in Utah will now be able to include children, up to the age of 26, in their own coverage. Now 11, 600 individuals will have access to affordable health care through their parents' coverage. This and a host of other changes await the families in Utah.
Here is a look at some of health reforms in Utah.
• Families will now be provided with tax credits to ensure that they have affordable coverage. Tax credits will also benefit 40,500 small business firms who provide insurance to employees and their families.
• A $5 billion temporary early retiree reinsurance program will help 38, 500 people and their families. This program will be effective from June 1, 2010.
• Since more Utahns will be covered, cost-shifting will be eliminated. Families earlier had to pay $1000 more due to cost-shifting.
• The Utah health insurance Exchange will provide families with insurance choices to increase competition and enable more consumer choice. Families can compare the cost and benefits to choose a coverage that is affordable.
• Families in Utah will also have guaranteed choices of insurances irrespective of whether the members lose or change jobs or move or get sick.
• New plans will cover prevention and wellness benefits at no charge to families in Utah.
• More than a million Utah families will not have to worry about their coverage running out as insurance companies would not be able to place lifetime limits.
• Children with pre-existing conditions would not be denied insurance coverage anymore. This comes as a big relief to parents in Utah. This provision will be extended to all residents of Utah from the year 2014.
• The family's choice of doctors will be maintained. The same goes for the choice of plans. If a family is happy with the coverage they have at the moment, they do not need to change it.
• $40.1 million dollars from the Centre are available for Utah to provide coverage for uninsured residents with pre-existing conditions. The Federal government will administer the program if the Utah government chooses not to run it.
About 1.6 million residents in Utah and their families will no longer have to worry about the whopping out of pocket expenses when their cover runs out. This is because insurance companies will no longer be able to place lifetime limits on the plans that they offer.
The Act also protects 186,000 residents and families of Utah who had purchased covers from fraudulent insurance practices.
Utah, for the first time, will have the option of Federal Medicaid that will provide funding to all low-income populations, irrespective of their age, family status or disability.
The residents of Utah have always been game for insurance reforms. And the Affordability Act will give the families in Utah to look forward to a healthy future.
Shaun Mike is a well known health expert in Utah. He has published various articles in numerous publications on issues related to Family health insurance in Utah.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Mike
Parents in Utah will now be able to include children, up to the age of 26, in their own coverage. Now 11, 600 individuals will have access to affordable health care through their parents' coverage. This and a host of other changes await the families in Utah.
Here is a look at some of health reforms in Utah.
• Families will now be provided with tax credits to ensure that they have affordable coverage. Tax credits will also benefit 40,500 small business firms who provide insurance to employees and their families.
• A $5 billion temporary early retiree reinsurance program will help 38, 500 people and their families. This program will be effective from June 1, 2010.
• Since more Utahns will be covered, cost-shifting will be eliminated. Families earlier had to pay $1000 more due to cost-shifting.
• The Utah health insurance Exchange will provide families with insurance choices to increase competition and enable more consumer choice. Families can compare the cost and benefits to choose a coverage that is affordable.
• Families in Utah will also have guaranteed choices of insurances irrespective of whether the members lose or change jobs or move or get sick.
• New plans will cover prevention and wellness benefits at no charge to families in Utah.
• More than a million Utah families will not have to worry about their coverage running out as insurance companies would not be able to place lifetime limits.
• Children with pre-existing conditions would not be denied insurance coverage anymore. This comes as a big relief to parents in Utah. This provision will be extended to all residents of Utah from the year 2014.
• The family's choice of doctors will be maintained. The same goes for the choice of plans. If a family is happy with the coverage they have at the moment, they do not need to change it.
• $40.1 million dollars from the Centre are available for Utah to provide coverage for uninsured residents with pre-existing conditions. The Federal government will administer the program if the Utah government chooses not to run it.
About 1.6 million residents in Utah and their families will no longer have to worry about the whopping out of pocket expenses when their cover runs out. This is because insurance companies will no longer be able to place lifetime limits on the plans that they offer.
The Act also protects 186,000 residents and families of Utah who had purchased covers from fraudulent insurance practices.
Utah, for the first time, will have the option of Federal Medicaid that will provide funding to all low-income populations, irrespective of their age, family status or disability.
The residents of Utah have always been game for insurance reforms. And the Affordability Act will give the families in Utah to look forward to a healthy future.
Shaun Mike is a well known health expert in Utah. He has published various articles in numerous publications on issues related to Family health insurance in Utah.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Mike
Cheap Health Insurance - Want to Save?
No matter how much we complain about the cost of health care and health plans, we know we have to be covered because our health is an issue not to be toyed with. To find cheap health insurance, look through the suggestions listed below and make the savings you so desire.
Today, the cheapest health plan you can get is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). This is a health plan that operates with a network of hospitals and doctors. The down side is that you would only see doctors in the network and only with hospitals in the network. The monthly premium for this is probably the cheapest you can find.
Another health plan that is similar to the HMO is the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). The difference here is that you pay for your medical services as is necessary unlike in the HMO where you have a fixed monthly charge. This plan is a bit costlier than the HMO.
A third plan to consider is a Point of Service Plan (POS). In a POS plan, the features of a HMO and a PPO are combined. In this plan, you can however see a doctor or a specialist outside your network. This plan cost more than the HMO and the PPO but less than the regular health plans out there.
Some people may still want the traditional health plans. This plans usually cost a lot. One way to lower your rates with a traditional plan is to opt for a high deductible. A high deductible translates to lower rates. The high deductible can be a challenge sometimes which is why many people go for a Health Savings Account (HSA) plan. The Health Savings Account combines with a high deductible health plan. The health savings account is an account where you can save money and earn tax free interest. The funds in this account can only be used for health related issues. You can therefore save for your high deductible with this account.
If you are getting coverage for you and your family members, find out what it would cost to get separate coverages as against a combined coverage. You may find that because of the age of your family members, you can get a cheaper deal if you got separate policies for them.
The plans shown above are not by any means a full list of the plans available. Compare health insurance rates and you would find cheap health plans for you and your family. You can compare health insurance rates by getting health quotes from quotes comparison sites online.
Today, the cheapest health plan you can get is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). This is a health plan that operates with a network of hospitals and doctors. The down side is that you would only see doctors in the network and only with hospitals in the network. The monthly premium for this is probably the cheapest you can find.
Another health plan that is similar to the HMO is the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). The difference here is that you pay for your medical services as is necessary unlike in the HMO where you have a fixed monthly charge. This plan is a bit costlier than the HMO.
A third plan to consider is a Point of Service Plan (POS). In a POS plan, the features of a HMO and a PPO are combined. In this plan, you can however see a doctor or a specialist outside your network. This plan cost more than the HMO and the PPO but less than the regular health plans out there.
Some people may still want the traditional health plans. This plans usually cost a lot. One way to lower your rates with a traditional plan is to opt for a high deductible. A high deductible translates to lower rates. The high deductible can be a challenge sometimes which is why many people go for a Health Savings Account (HSA) plan. The Health Savings Account combines with a high deductible health plan. The health savings account is an account where you can save money and earn tax free interest. The funds in this account can only be used for health related issues. You can therefore save for your high deductible with this account.
If you are getting coverage for you and your family members, find out what it would cost to get separate coverages as against a combined coverage. You may find that because of the age of your family members, you can get a cheaper deal if you got separate policies for them.
The plans shown above are not by any means a full list of the plans available. Compare health insurance rates and you would find cheap health plans for you and your family. You can compare health insurance rates by getting health quotes from quotes comparison sites online.
Individual Health Insurance - A Necessary Evil
Insuring your health is of the utmost importance nowadays, in view of the increasing health problems amongst adults as well as children. The expenses incurred while getting yourself treated at hospitals is phenomenal. You obviously want to go to the best hospital for treatment, after all who would want to take a risk with their life. It is here where health or medical insurance comes into play and helps us save our money.
Many organizations cover the health expenses of their employees' and their families. But to save money, buying individual health insurance from a private company proves to be useful. The premium of the insurance is increasing and the employers in some way or the other are cutting their costs either by decreasing their take home pay or making it a part of the annual package thereby passing on the burden to the employees. Therefore just depending on the insurance facility provided by your organization may not be the best deal. Buying individual health insurance does not only cover you but also your spouse and children.
The most important thing to be kept in mind while buying individual health insurance is that if not researched properly, it can prove to be a big mistake. Insurances do have hidden costs and one must go for affordable health insurances. You must be clear about the reason why you need a health insurance. If you have health problems your request to buy a policy may be rejected or your policy may have some exclusions. Companies may charge high premiums and therefore they should be looked into in detail. It must be kept in mind that companies offering lower premiums may not be the best. Attention must be paid to the services offered and not the amount of premium.
It is better to do your homework and research on the different companies and get health insurance quotes from them. You can then choose the one that is most affordable. One way is to go for those companies which offer discounts on few medical services and it has been seen that these discounts can amount to 60% on paying a nominal fee on a monthly or annual basis which is still lesser than the traditional individual health insurance plans. Also you should see how flexible your plan is in terms of whether you can choose your own doctor and so on but this may come at a higher price. To save money you may want to go for a plan where the deductible is high.
Are you looking to buy Individual health Insurance, Simply click the link to find out how you can save on your next Health Plan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_Kings
Many organizations cover the health expenses of their employees' and their families. But to save money, buying individual health insurance from a private company proves to be useful. The premium of the insurance is increasing and the employers in some way or the other are cutting their costs either by decreasing their take home pay or making it a part of the annual package thereby passing on the burden to the employees. Therefore just depending on the insurance facility provided by your organization may not be the best deal. Buying individual health insurance does not only cover you but also your spouse and children.
The most important thing to be kept in mind while buying individual health insurance is that if not researched properly, it can prove to be a big mistake. Insurances do have hidden costs and one must go for affordable health insurances. You must be clear about the reason why you need a health insurance. If you have health problems your request to buy a policy may be rejected or your policy may have some exclusions. Companies may charge high premiums and therefore they should be looked into in detail. It must be kept in mind that companies offering lower premiums may not be the best. Attention must be paid to the services offered and not the amount of premium.
It is better to do your homework and research on the different companies and get health insurance quotes from them. You can then choose the one that is most affordable. One way is to go for those companies which offer discounts on few medical services and it has been seen that these discounts can amount to 60% on paying a nominal fee on a monthly or annual basis which is still lesser than the traditional individual health insurance plans. Also you should see how flexible your plan is in terms of whether you can choose your own doctor and so on but this may come at a higher price. To save money you may want to go for a plan where the deductible is high.
Are you looking to buy Individual health Insurance, Simply click the link to find out how you can save on your next Health Plan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_Kings
How to Find Affordable Health Insurance For You and Your Family
In a time when health insurance rates continue to rise, the consensus reaches the conclusion there is nothing that can be done and that personal healthcare costs will continue to skyrocket. However, in an effort to "go against the grain," I want to offer some advice and some strategies to take that can help lower the burden of insurance expenses.
When you have decided that it's time to drop your old plan and are in the market for new coverage, you must be sure to shop around. Depending on where you live, different insurance companies may have different rates. Because insurers use your zip code as a factor in determining the monthly premium, Plan X from ABC Company can vary in rates from city to city across the state. Therefore, you need to shop and compare plans from all the major insurance carriers in your state to ensure you are getting the best price and benefits. This can be done easily with the assistance of a trustful broker or through a website of a broker. Having a broker with your interests in mind is critical and can help simplify the plan-finding process.
Another thing you want to be aware of when searching the health insurance market is the relative age of the proposed plans. Generally, the older a specific plan is, the higher the monthly premium is. This is seen regularly when a certain health plan is retired and is no longer offered by the insurer. Because the plan is no longer offered, only those who previously held the policy can remain in that core group, which means the age and respective risks of the insureds will rise. In return, the rates on these policies will rise ever faster, and those stuck in the plan will be forced to pay the price. If you hold a health policy that has been or will soon be retired, it is in your best interest to switch to a new plan if your medical history permits. To give an example, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia recently issued two new plans, Premier and SmartSense, that replaced the older policies Flexible Choice and Keycare Preferred. While the two older plans are still offered, the rates are considerably higher than Premier and SmartSense.
Have you ever considered a high deductible health plan (HDHP)? Although the annual deductible is higher (as the name implies), these health plans offer most if not all the same benefits of a fully-loaded plan. HDHPs will still cover catastrophic accidents or serious illnesses, which can potentially lead to huge medical expenses. In fact, some HDHPs will have the same maximum out-of-pocket limit as other insurance policies, so you won't pay any more out of your pocket with a HDHP when the medical bill runs high. Best of all, high deductible health plans are usually more affordable with lower monthly premiums than cadillac plans. For more detailed information about HDHPs, check out a previous article I've written entitled "Using High Deductible Health Insurance Plans to Lower Cost of Health Insurance."
Lastly, but perhaps the most important factor in finding affordable health insurance, is to live a healthy lifestyle. This may appear obvious, but you never want to put your personal health on the back burner. Not only will it deteriorate your health, but it will become harder to find low cost health coverage with an extensive medical and prescription drug history.
By following these steps, finding health insurance you can afford should become much easier. Remember to always shop around and compare plans to ensure you have the best plan available that fits your needs and budget. Having a strong relationship with a broker will help the process and can give you insight about alternatives you may have never thought.
Brandon Brooks is a licensed health and life insurance agent in the state of Virginia. For more information on finding affordable health insurance plans and answers to many questions you may have, visit his website. USA Online Health Insurance is an independent health insurance agency located in Virginia, specializing in individual and family, dental, senior/Medicare, small business, and long term care insurance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Brooks
When you have decided that it's time to drop your old plan and are in the market for new coverage, you must be sure to shop around. Depending on where you live, different insurance companies may have different rates. Because insurers use your zip code as a factor in determining the monthly premium, Plan X from ABC Company can vary in rates from city to city across the state. Therefore, you need to shop and compare plans from all the major insurance carriers in your state to ensure you are getting the best price and benefits. This can be done easily with the assistance of a trustful broker or through a website of a broker. Having a broker with your interests in mind is critical and can help simplify the plan-finding process.
Another thing you want to be aware of when searching the health insurance market is the relative age of the proposed plans. Generally, the older a specific plan is, the higher the monthly premium is. This is seen regularly when a certain health plan is retired and is no longer offered by the insurer. Because the plan is no longer offered, only those who previously held the policy can remain in that core group, which means the age and respective risks of the insureds will rise. In return, the rates on these policies will rise ever faster, and those stuck in the plan will be forced to pay the price. If you hold a health policy that has been or will soon be retired, it is in your best interest to switch to a new plan if your medical history permits. To give an example, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia recently issued two new plans, Premier and SmartSense, that replaced the older policies Flexible Choice and Keycare Preferred. While the two older plans are still offered, the rates are considerably higher than Premier and SmartSense.
Have you ever considered a high deductible health plan (HDHP)? Although the annual deductible is higher (as the name implies), these health plans offer most if not all the same benefits of a fully-loaded plan. HDHPs will still cover catastrophic accidents or serious illnesses, which can potentially lead to huge medical expenses. In fact, some HDHPs will have the same maximum out-of-pocket limit as other insurance policies, so you won't pay any more out of your pocket with a HDHP when the medical bill runs high. Best of all, high deductible health plans are usually more affordable with lower monthly premiums than cadillac plans. For more detailed information about HDHPs, check out a previous article I've written entitled "Using High Deductible Health Insurance Plans to Lower Cost of Health Insurance."
Lastly, but perhaps the most important factor in finding affordable health insurance, is to live a healthy lifestyle. This may appear obvious, but you never want to put your personal health on the back burner. Not only will it deteriorate your health, but it will become harder to find low cost health coverage with an extensive medical and prescription drug history.
By following these steps, finding health insurance you can afford should become much easier. Remember to always shop around and compare plans to ensure you have the best plan available that fits your needs and budget. Having a strong relationship with a broker will help the process and can give you insight about alternatives you may have never thought.
Brandon Brooks is a licensed health and life insurance agent in the state of Virginia. For more information on finding affordable health insurance plans and answers to many questions you may have, visit his website. USA Online Health Insurance is an independent health insurance agency located in Virginia, specializing in individual and family, dental, senior/Medicare, small business, and long term care insurance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Brooks
When Traveling Abroad Get Worldwide Health Insurance
If you're planning on taking a trip to another country, then it might be a good idea to get worldwide health insurance. This way you're protected against the unexpected. For one, if you get sick in a third world country, can you trust the care. With global health insurance, you would be flown to a more developed region for quality care. If you didn't have the insurance, you can only imagine what the costs would be.
Before you get off the plane to where you're visiting, make sure you research where you're going. Learn what travel tips are appropriate for this region. Do you need a certain pill for protection against diseases like malaria? The other form of protection is to have worldwide health insurance. If an illness or injury would occur, you would have confidence that everything would be taken care of.
However, this doesn't mean you should live without a certain amount of caution. Because there are certain illnesses or injuries that can happen, it's wise to protect against malaria, diarrhea, driving accident injuries, swimming injuries, and others. This is why you should make sure to follow the highest quality of hygiene and make sure to eat and drink wisely. Make sure to protect against mosquitoes, because Malaria could be a concern.
Even though you may protect yourself by eating wisely and drinking water with care, the unexpected can happen in an instant. This is why worldwide heath insurance will provide protection against a medical emergency to lost baggage. Some policies will be on-call 24-7 to offer travel assistance if a problem would arise. Wherever you go or whatever you do, make sure to purchase a policy that fit's the needs. You'll want to think of every possibility, as this is one time it's better to be prepared.
Andy Hughes is a researcher, blogger, and an expert on worldwide health insurance. Click this link to get your FREE quote or find more practical cost-cutting insurance tips and advice at this site: Cheap Health Insurance
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_J._Hughes
Before you get off the plane to where you're visiting, make sure you research where you're going. Learn what travel tips are appropriate for this region. Do you need a certain pill for protection against diseases like malaria? The other form of protection is to have worldwide health insurance. If an illness or injury would occur, you would have confidence that everything would be taken care of.
However, this doesn't mean you should live without a certain amount of caution. Because there are certain illnesses or injuries that can happen, it's wise to protect against malaria, diarrhea, driving accident injuries, swimming injuries, and others. This is why you should make sure to follow the highest quality of hygiene and make sure to eat and drink wisely. Make sure to protect against mosquitoes, because Malaria could be a concern.
Even though you may protect yourself by eating wisely and drinking water with care, the unexpected can happen in an instant. This is why worldwide heath insurance will provide protection against a medical emergency to lost baggage. Some policies will be on-call 24-7 to offer travel assistance if a problem would arise. Wherever you go or whatever you do, make sure to purchase a policy that fit's the needs. You'll want to think of every possibility, as this is one time it's better to be prepared.
Andy Hughes is a researcher, blogger, and an expert on worldwide health insurance. Click this link to get your FREE quote or find more practical cost-cutting insurance tips and advice at this site: Cheap Health Insurance
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_J._Hughes
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Go Online to Find the Best Health Insurance Choice
Some people feel like they don't have a health insurance choice and struggle with paying outrageous bills. It can be difficult if your place of work doesn't offer insurance or only pays a part of it. It becomes even more difficult if you're in charge of finding your own. Depending on your income level, this is when it's time to contact an insurance agent or company and see if there's different options.
There are two main kinds of insurance, and they are managed care and fee-for-service. They differ greatly, but both generally cover everything from surgical, medical, and hospital expenses. Most plans will cover prescription drugs and some or all of dental coverage.
It will help to work with a trustworthy insurance service, because they will help you find the appropriate coverage. They will guide you through the paperwork and make sure you don't sign up for any unnecessary programs. For example, your newborn baby probably doesn't need to be covered under dental for at least a year.
Life is usually much easier if there isn't any pre-existing conditions to worry about. Age bracket and gender are other factors. While many businesses provide insurance for their employees, there are many in the United States who aren't capable of paying for the high costs. This is why many of the above characteristics will decide what category a person will fall into and decide if it's affordable or not. This is why many people feel like they don't have a health insurance choice when looking for coverage.
If you feel this way, then contact an agency or go online to see the different options. When going online, you may find more possibilities because different agencies will fight to provide a health insurance choice. This means you get the best insurance deal available.
Andy Hughes is a researcher, blogger, and an expert on health insurance choice. Click this link to get your FREE quote or find more practical cost-cutting insurance tips and advice at this site: Cheap Health Insurance
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_J._Hughes
How to Find Quality Cheap Health Insurance That You Can Afford
Good cheap health insurance is not that hard to find, as others might think. You only need to know some strategies to use and it is possible to find the right and affordable coverage that will meet all of your requirements. You know very well of the high medical expenses that one incurs whenever there is a need to be hospitalized for various medical conditions. Hence, it is imperative that you should have a coverage which will take care of the large medical bills that need to be paid after a treatment. With insurance, you will be able to get prompt and proper medical attention any time you need one, without putting your family in an economic disaster.
But since there are a lot of plans that are available on the market today, it is often frustrating to find a good cheap health insurance. So before you do your shopping, have a list of all the requirements that you need in a coverage. Know the health conditions that exist in you and look for a policy that will meet them in terms of the insurance premium that you need to pay on a regular basis. You can always find a provider that will cover all of your existing medical conditions, but at a cost. The trick is to be able to find an affordable insurance that will cover all of your needs.
In finding good cheap health insurance, never be confused with premium and premium health insurance. Premium refers to the amount that you need to pay on a monthly, quarterly, biannual, or annual basis. Premium health insurance, on the other hand, refers to a coverage which is a lot more expensive than regular coverage. It has a wider coverage and the claim limit is higher, which accounts for its higher cost.
To find out the best providers that offer quality cheap health insurance, it is best to make use of the Internet. Those providers that appear on the top of your search list can generally be trusted more than those found at the bottom or succeeding pages. Get your choice from the top listed companies and conduct your own investigation on them. Have an appointment with around five companies and discuss your situation with them. Do not make the mistake of signing below the dotted line of an insurance contract with the first company on your list so that you can analyze the quotes from several companies. Only then would you be able to find a good cheap health insurance.
Julie has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in health and fitness, you can also check out her latest article on understanding how to find quality cheap health insurance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_Wise
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Auto Insurance Principles Should Apply to Health Insurance
Many Americans rely on their automobiles to get to work. No automobile means no job, no rent or mortgage money, no food. A single parent, struggling to make ends meet in the suburbs with 100,000 miles on the odometer, would presumably welcome the guaranteed opportunity for low-priced insurance that would take care of every possible repair on her auto until the day that it reaches 200,000 miles or falls apart, whichever comes first. Especially if the insurance is valid regardless of whether she even changes the oil in the interim.
So why aren't the auto insurance companies writing such coverage, either directly or through used auto dealers? And given the importance of reliable transportation, why isn't the public demanding such coverage? The answer is that both auto insurers and the public know that such insurance can't be written for a premium the insured can afford, while still allowing the insurers to stay solvent and make a profit. As a society, we intuitively understand that the costs associated with taking care of every mechanical need of an old automobile, particularly in the absence of regular maintenance, aren't insurable. Yet we don't seem to have these same intuitions with respect to health insurance.
If we pull the emotions out of health insurance, which is admittedly hard to do even for this author, and look at health insurance from the economic perspective, there are several insights from auto insurance that can illuminate the design, risk selection, and rating of health insurance.
Auto insurance comes in two forms: the traditional insurance you buy from your agent or direct from an insurance company, and warranties that are purchased from auto manufacturers and dealers. Both are risk transfer and sharing devices and I'll generically refer to both as insurance. Because auto third-party liability insurance has no equivalent in health insurance, for traditional auto insurance, I'll examine only collision and comprehensive insurance -- insurance covering the vehicle -- and not third-party liability insurance.
Bumper to Bumper
The following are some commonly accepted principles from auto insurance:
* Bad maintenance voids certain insurance. If an automobile owner never changes the oil, the auto's power train warranty is void. In fact, not only does the oil need to be changed, the change needs to be performed by a certified mechanic and documented. Collision insurance doesn't cover cars purposefully driven over a cliff.
* The best insurance is offered for new models. Bumper-to-bumper warranties are offered only on new cars. As they roll off the assembly line, automobiles have a low and relatively consistent risk profile, satisfying the actuarial test for insurance pricing. Furthermore, auto manufacturers usually wrap at least some coverage into the price of the new auto in order to encourage an ongoing relationship with the owner.
* Limited insurance is offered for old model autos. Increasingly limited insurance is offered for old model autos. The bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, the power train warranty eventually expires, and the amount of collision and comprehensive insurance steadily decreases based on the market value of the auto.
* Certain older autos qualify for additional insurance. Certain older autos can qualify for additional coverage, either in terms of warranties for used autos or increased collision and comprehensive insurance for vintage autos. But such insurance is offered only after a careful inspection of the automobile itself.
* No insurance is offered for normal wear and tear. Wiper blades need replacement, brake pads wear out, and bumpers get dings. These aren't insurable events. To the extent that a new car dealer will sometimes cover some of these costs, we intuitively understand that we're "paying for it" in the cost of the automobile and that it's "not really" insurance.
* Accidents are the only insurable event for the oldest automobiles. Accidents are generally insurable events even for the oldest autos; with few exceptions service work isn't.
* Insurance doesn't restore all vehicles to pre-accident condition. Auto insurance is limited. If the damage to the auto at any age exceeds the value of the auto, the insurer then pays only the value of the auto. With the exception of vintage autos, the value assigned to the auto goes down over time. So whereas accidents are insurable at any vehicle age, the amount of the accident insurance is increasingly limited.
* Insurance is priced to the risk. Insurance is priced based on the risk profile of both the automobile and the driver. The auto insurer carefully examines both when setting rates.
* We pay for our own insurance. And with few exceptions, automobile insurance isn't tax deductible. As a result, the fear of increasing insurance rates due to traffic violations and/or accidents changes our driving behavior and we sometimes select our automobiles based on their insurability.
Each of the above principles is supported by solid actuarial theory. Although most Americans can't describe the underlying actuarial theories, most everyone understands the above principles of auto insurance at the intuitive level. For sure, as indispensable automobiles are to our lifestyles, there is no loud national movement, accompanied by moral outrage, to change these principles.
Unsustainable Market
In contrast, similar principles are routinely violated in health insurance. To demonstrate this, let's return to the same suburban mother from the opening paragraph. She's busy working, driving to and from work, and driving her kids to school and activities. She ends each day exhausted, sitting on the couch with fast food. She's obese, has a sedentary life, a bad diet, and hasn't taken the time to go to the doctor in years. After a simple injury doesn't heal for weeks, she turns up at the emergency room and learns she has type II diabetes. Although type II diabetes is controllable, changing diet and exercise habits and properly tracking her condition takes time and effort and she's never quite successful in implementing the necessary lifestyle changes.
So the initial emergency room visit is only the first of a long list of health care related to non-controlled diabetes and other problems associated with obesity. Whether she has individual or group insurance, her insurance pays for each episode of care, without singling her out for a premium increase, and without charging her any more cost sharing than is charged to the healthiest and most medically diligent insureds. Her coverage continues until she voluntarily changes insurance companies and/or employers or becomes eligible for Medicare. If she's covered under group insurance she may not even pay any premium. Her insurance continues unabated, even though the disease was caused by neglecting her body and she maintains her poor lifestyle even after the disease becomes known.
This just wouldn't happen in auto insurance. This scenario is the auto insurance equivalent of guaranteed access to low-priced auto insurance that takes care of every possible repair, including damage already done, until the day the car falls apart so completely it's unsalvageable (death) or reaches 200,000 miles (Medicare), regardless of whether she even changes the oil (takes care of herself) in the interim.
As a society, we don't expect this in private-market auto insurance, but we expect it in private-market health insurance. Furthermore, there's a chorus of national and state interests, which continuously pushes us further away from the auto insurance principles.
The current private health insurance market isn't sustainable. Prices have been consistently increasing faster than inflation for decades. Each year, insureds use more health care than ever before and more people have no insurance at all. Most actuaries and other people in the private health insurance market don't want national health insurance with its bureaucracy and one-size-fits-all benefits. Yet, we're trying to sustain a private insurance system, which violates the very principles we know are necessary for private insurance markets.
Yes, health insurance involves the sacredness of human life and is therefore different from auto insurance. But if we're to sustain a private-market solution to health insurance, actuaries need to explain to the larger society, in terms that society understands, the rationale for the following principles:
* As sacred as health care is, it's still an economic transaction that has to be balanced by individuals and societies, against other economic choices. It can't be unlimited. Sometimes it will be secondary to other choices. On a given day, for example, the mother in our scenario may value her car more than her health.
* Insurance premiums should be paid by the individual and tied to controllable risk factors. This will provide the best incentive for the control of risk factors.
* Although it's hard to draw the line between abuse, neglect and ignorance, self-abuse shouldn't be insured and we need to draw that line somewhere.
* The private market can't provide unlimited, self-directed health insurance.
* Routine care and ongoing treatments of chronic conditions can be pre-funded, can even be subsidized, but they don't constitute "insurable events."
* Insurance can't be expected to keep every human body in pristine condition. No amount of health care will prevent everyone's ultimate death.
* Comprehensive, unlimited, non-subsidized private-market coverage isn't possible for people with severely impaired health.
* The private health market can provide limited non-subsidized health insurance, such as protection from accidents, to even health-impaired individuals.
* Individuals who can afford to do so and who take good care of themselves should be able to "buy up" to better coverage. People have the option of buying up for everything else in life.
Discussion of these principles is lacking from most of the current health insurance debate. If society can intuitively understand how similar principles apply to health insurance, then they should be able understand the principles in the health insurance context. We need to initiate the debate.
This commentary is solely the opinion of its author. It does not express the official policy of the American Academy of Actuaries; nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of the Academy's individual officers, members, or staff
Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com. [http://www.precedent.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patt_Carpenter
So why aren't the auto insurance companies writing such coverage, either directly or through used auto dealers? And given the importance of reliable transportation, why isn't the public demanding such coverage? The answer is that both auto insurers and the public know that such insurance can't be written for a premium the insured can afford, while still allowing the insurers to stay solvent and make a profit. As a society, we intuitively understand that the costs associated with taking care of every mechanical need of an old automobile, particularly in the absence of regular maintenance, aren't insurable. Yet we don't seem to have these same intuitions with respect to health insurance.
If we pull the emotions out of health insurance, which is admittedly hard to do even for this author, and look at health insurance from the economic perspective, there are several insights from auto insurance that can illuminate the design, risk selection, and rating of health insurance.
Auto insurance comes in two forms: the traditional insurance you buy from your agent or direct from an insurance company, and warranties that are purchased from auto manufacturers and dealers. Both are risk transfer and sharing devices and I'll generically refer to both as insurance. Because auto third-party liability insurance has no equivalent in health insurance, for traditional auto insurance, I'll examine only collision and comprehensive insurance -- insurance covering the vehicle -- and not third-party liability insurance.
Bumper to Bumper
The following are some commonly accepted principles from auto insurance:
* Bad maintenance voids certain insurance. If an automobile owner never changes the oil, the auto's power train warranty is void. In fact, not only does the oil need to be changed, the change needs to be performed by a certified mechanic and documented. Collision insurance doesn't cover cars purposefully driven over a cliff.
* The best insurance is offered for new models. Bumper-to-bumper warranties are offered only on new cars. As they roll off the assembly line, automobiles have a low and relatively consistent risk profile, satisfying the actuarial test for insurance pricing. Furthermore, auto manufacturers usually wrap at least some coverage into the price of the new auto in order to encourage an ongoing relationship with the owner.
* Limited insurance is offered for old model autos. Increasingly limited insurance is offered for old model autos. The bumper-to-bumper warranty expires, the power train warranty eventually expires, and the amount of collision and comprehensive insurance steadily decreases based on the market value of the auto.
* Certain older autos qualify for additional insurance. Certain older autos can qualify for additional coverage, either in terms of warranties for used autos or increased collision and comprehensive insurance for vintage autos. But such insurance is offered only after a careful inspection of the automobile itself.
* No insurance is offered for normal wear and tear. Wiper blades need replacement, brake pads wear out, and bumpers get dings. These aren't insurable events. To the extent that a new car dealer will sometimes cover some of these costs, we intuitively understand that we're "paying for it" in the cost of the automobile and that it's "not really" insurance.
* Accidents are the only insurable event for the oldest automobiles. Accidents are generally insurable events even for the oldest autos; with few exceptions service work isn't.
* Insurance doesn't restore all vehicles to pre-accident condition. Auto insurance is limited. If the damage to the auto at any age exceeds the value of the auto, the insurer then pays only the value of the auto. With the exception of vintage autos, the value assigned to the auto goes down over time. So whereas accidents are insurable at any vehicle age, the amount of the accident insurance is increasingly limited.
* Insurance is priced to the risk. Insurance is priced based on the risk profile of both the automobile and the driver. The auto insurer carefully examines both when setting rates.
* We pay for our own insurance. And with few exceptions, automobile insurance isn't tax deductible. As a result, the fear of increasing insurance rates due to traffic violations and/or accidents changes our driving behavior and we sometimes select our automobiles based on their insurability.
Each of the above principles is supported by solid actuarial theory. Although most Americans can't describe the underlying actuarial theories, most everyone understands the above principles of auto insurance at the intuitive level. For sure, as indispensable automobiles are to our lifestyles, there is no loud national movement, accompanied by moral outrage, to change these principles.
Unsustainable Market
In contrast, similar principles are routinely violated in health insurance. To demonstrate this, let's return to the same suburban mother from the opening paragraph. She's busy working, driving to and from work, and driving her kids to school and activities. She ends each day exhausted, sitting on the couch with fast food. She's obese, has a sedentary life, a bad diet, and hasn't taken the time to go to the doctor in years. After a simple injury doesn't heal for weeks, she turns up at the emergency room and learns she has type II diabetes. Although type II diabetes is controllable, changing diet and exercise habits and properly tracking her condition takes time and effort and she's never quite successful in implementing the necessary lifestyle changes.
So the initial emergency room visit is only the first of a long list of health care related to non-controlled diabetes and other problems associated with obesity. Whether she has individual or group insurance, her insurance pays for each episode of care, without singling her out for a premium increase, and without charging her any more cost sharing than is charged to the healthiest and most medically diligent insureds. Her coverage continues until she voluntarily changes insurance companies and/or employers or becomes eligible for Medicare. If she's covered under group insurance she may not even pay any premium. Her insurance continues unabated, even though the disease was caused by neglecting her body and she maintains her poor lifestyle even after the disease becomes known.
This just wouldn't happen in auto insurance. This scenario is the auto insurance equivalent of guaranteed access to low-priced auto insurance that takes care of every possible repair, including damage already done, until the day the car falls apart so completely it's unsalvageable (death) or reaches 200,000 miles (Medicare), regardless of whether she even changes the oil (takes care of herself) in the interim.
As a society, we don't expect this in private-market auto insurance, but we expect it in private-market health insurance. Furthermore, there's a chorus of national and state interests, which continuously pushes us further away from the auto insurance principles.
The current private health insurance market isn't sustainable. Prices have been consistently increasing faster than inflation for decades. Each year, insureds use more health care than ever before and more people have no insurance at all. Most actuaries and other people in the private health insurance market don't want national health insurance with its bureaucracy and one-size-fits-all benefits. Yet, we're trying to sustain a private insurance system, which violates the very principles we know are necessary for private insurance markets.
Yes, health insurance involves the sacredness of human life and is therefore different from auto insurance. But if we're to sustain a private-market solution to health insurance, actuaries need to explain to the larger society, in terms that society understands, the rationale for the following principles:
* As sacred as health care is, it's still an economic transaction that has to be balanced by individuals and societies, against other economic choices. It can't be unlimited. Sometimes it will be secondary to other choices. On a given day, for example, the mother in our scenario may value her car more than her health.
* Insurance premiums should be paid by the individual and tied to controllable risk factors. This will provide the best incentive for the control of risk factors.
* Although it's hard to draw the line between abuse, neglect and ignorance, self-abuse shouldn't be insured and we need to draw that line somewhere.
* The private market can't provide unlimited, self-directed health insurance.
* Routine care and ongoing treatments of chronic conditions can be pre-funded, can even be subsidized, but they don't constitute "insurable events."
* Insurance can't be expected to keep every human body in pristine condition. No amount of health care will prevent everyone's ultimate death.
* Comprehensive, unlimited, non-subsidized private-market coverage isn't possible for people with severely impaired health.
* The private health market can provide limited non-subsidized health insurance, such as protection from accidents, to even health-impaired individuals.
* Individuals who can afford to do so and who take good care of themselves should be able to "buy up" to better coverage. People have the option of buying up for everything else in life.
Discussion of these principles is lacking from most of the current health insurance debate. If society can intuitively understand how similar principles apply to health insurance, then they should be able understand the principles in the health insurance context. We need to initiate the debate.
This commentary is solely the opinion of its author. It does not express the official policy of the American Academy of Actuaries; nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of the Academy's individual officers, members, or staff
Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at http://www.precedent.com. [http://www.precedent.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patt_Carpenter
Group Health Insurance Plan For Your Business
What is the cover offered on group health Insurance policy?
Group health Insurance plans can be defined as an insurance coverage through an employer or other entity that covers all individuals in the group.
Group health insurance is something that everyone wishes they had since groups get better rates than individuals when it comes to health care (insurance in general). Many people who are self employed or want the best rates incorporate to give the insurance company the look of a larger corporation and they try to obtain cheaper health insurance rates. Group insurance is discounted when compared to individual health insurance so getting on a group plan is a plus. Keep in mind that group insurance is just part of the equation. Deductibles, co pays, and other variables go into the rate you get, so individual health insurance or family health insurance may be just as affordable in the long run.
A group health Insurance policy is an Insurance cover which is arranged by an employer for his employees. This type of Insurance cover enables the employer to pay only part of the premium for the Insurance policy covering his employees.
Essentially Group health Insurance plan is an Insurance policy applied for by the employer to cover his employee's medical expenses. Formerly an employer was expected to 100% employee benefits but now an employer only has to contribute just a part of the employee's insurance premium.
With the new law passed by Congress, the employee's net expenses for the group health insurance policy have been greatly reduced.
How can businesses benefit from this policy?
It is a well known truth that group health insurance plans are greatly valued by employees, most employees even place group health insurance policy second after monetary compensation. Organizations who have in place such policies have confirmed that group health insurance policies have enabled them employ and retain the best hands in their business. Employers are not left out from enjoying the benefits of group health insurance plans; most employers have not yet purchased health for themselves. They stand to get a better and cheaper insurance plan if they purchase Insurance via a company than if they were to purchase an individual health insurance policy.
A group medical insurance policy offers an additional special bonanza in the form of tax incentives for the employer and employees. For instance, as an employer you stand in a position to reduce your payroll taxes, but providing your employees with group health Insurance as part of a whole payment compensation package, thereby deducting 100% of the premium that you would have had to pay on a qualifying group health insurance plan. Also your employees would be able to pay their part of their monthly premium using pre-tax funds.
Although an employer is required to pay some percentage of an employee's individual premium, which ranges from 25% to 50%, depending on the state's laws and the insurance company. Also, if the employee wants to extend coverage to a spouse or dependant, the employer may choose to pay a percentage of that cost, but is not required to do so. Without ant question group health insurance is the most affordable health insurance available today, so if as an employee you're given that option, you should really consider it, Often, spouses and children can be included under such a plan.
What are the factors you need to watch for a good group health insurance policy?
Employers may choose to offer free-service insurance plans, preferred service supplier or a health maintenance plan. Available on the Internet are group health insurance instant quotes, most health insurance organizations also provide group health insurance quotes via their network of agents in addition of making it available for visitors to their offices.
One of the factors an organization need to watch out for in a group health insurance policy is the bottom line. It is no more or less than simply this: group health insurance is less expensive than a couple of individual policies. This is the truth. But, it still is not cheap, in fact no health care program in America is.
Employers may use the guidelines below to select a health insurance plan that meets your needs:
* Study the websites and brochures of the health insurance companies you have short listed to engage.
* Make a comparison of their services, costs and what they pay.
* Find out if there are services or illnesses that are excluded from the policy.
* Take notes of the starting and ending dates of the insurance policy.
* Check to confirm when the cover starts as some health insurance companies only cover you from your third payment.
* Stay away from policies that limit your choice as to whether you can choose a period to stay with them.
* And finally stay away from any group health insurance policy that only covers limited diseases.
Employers are encouraged to choose Group health insurance plans that suits their needs, whether it is the preferred service supplier, traditional insurance cover or the health maintenance plan.
Kingsley Duru has an BSc (Banking & finance). Insuranceavenue.info offers our visitors the best of Insurance articles, review and endeavors to find the best possible deals for our customers. To find travel insurance, long term care insurance, business insurance visit Insurance Avenue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kingsley_Duru
Group health Insurance plans can be defined as an insurance coverage through an employer or other entity that covers all individuals in the group.
Group health insurance is something that everyone wishes they had since groups get better rates than individuals when it comes to health care (insurance in general). Many people who are self employed or want the best rates incorporate to give the insurance company the look of a larger corporation and they try to obtain cheaper health insurance rates. Group insurance is discounted when compared to individual health insurance so getting on a group plan is a plus. Keep in mind that group insurance is just part of the equation. Deductibles, co pays, and other variables go into the rate you get, so individual health insurance or family health insurance may be just as affordable in the long run.
A group health Insurance policy is an Insurance cover which is arranged by an employer for his employees. This type of Insurance cover enables the employer to pay only part of the premium for the Insurance policy covering his employees.
Essentially Group health Insurance plan is an Insurance policy applied for by the employer to cover his employee's medical expenses. Formerly an employer was expected to 100% employee benefits but now an employer only has to contribute just a part of the employee's insurance premium.
With the new law passed by Congress, the employee's net expenses for the group health insurance policy have been greatly reduced.
How can businesses benefit from this policy?
It is a well known truth that group health insurance plans are greatly valued by employees, most employees even place group health insurance policy second after monetary compensation. Organizations who have in place such policies have confirmed that group health insurance policies have enabled them employ and retain the best hands in their business. Employers are not left out from enjoying the benefits of group health insurance plans; most employers have not yet purchased health for themselves. They stand to get a better and cheaper insurance plan if they purchase Insurance via a company than if they were to purchase an individual health insurance policy.
A group medical insurance policy offers an additional special bonanza in the form of tax incentives for the employer and employees. For instance, as an employer you stand in a position to reduce your payroll taxes, but providing your employees with group health Insurance as part of a whole payment compensation package, thereby deducting 100% of the premium that you would have had to pay on a qualifying group health insurance plan. Also your employees would be able to pay their part of their monthly premium using pre-tax funds.
Although an employer is required to pay some percentage of an employee's individual premium, which ranges from 25% to 50%, depending on the state's laws and the insurance company. Also, if the employee wants to extend coverage to a spouse or dependant, the employer may choose to pay a percentage of that cost, but is not required to do so. Without ant question group health insurance is the most affordable health insurance available today, so if as an employee you're given that option, you should really consider it, Often, spouses and children can be included under such a plan.
What are the factors you need to watch for a good group health insurance policy?
Employers may choose to offer free-service insurance plans, preferred service supplier or a health maintenance plan. Available on the Internet are group health insurance instant quotes, most health insurance organizations also provide group health insurance quotes via their network of agents in addition of making it available for visitors to their offices.
One of the factors an organization need to watch out for in a group health insurance policy is the bottom line. It is no more or less than simply this: group health insurance is less expensive than a couple of individual policies. This is the truth. But, it still is not cheap, in fact no health care program in America is.
Employers may use the guidelines below to select a health insurance plan that meets your needs:
* Study the websites and brochures of the health insurance companies you have short listed to engage.
* Make a comparison of their services, costs and what they pay.
* Find out if there are services or illnesses that are excluded from the policy.
* Take notes of the starting and ending dates of the insurance policy.
* Check to confirm when the cover starts as some health insurance companies only cover you from your third payment.
* Stay away from policies that limit your choice as to whether you can choose a period to stay with them.
* And finally stay away from any group health insurance policy that only covers limited diseases.
Employers are encouraged to choose Group health insurance plans that suits their needs, whether it is the preferred service supplier, traditional insurance cover or the health maintenance plan.
Kingsley Duru has an BSc (Banking & finance). Insuranceavenue.info offers our visitors the best of Insurance articles, review and endeavors to find the best possible deals for our customers. To find travel insurance, long term care insurance, business insurance visit Insurance Avenue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kingsley_Duru
Where Can You Get Affordable Health Insurance?
What is health Insurance
The main reason why you need an affordable health insurance is to help you plan ahead in case of unexpected costly emergencies. The only way you can accomplish this is to compare prices from most leading insurance companies and also choosing a health insurance plan that best suits you. Back in the days, getting a cheap health insurance plan was simply unaffordable. But these days, individuals, small groups, families and students can choose a health insurance plan that is best for them, e.g. like acquiring a help insurance plan that ensures that an individual suffering from any previous medical condition is not excluded.
Private health insurance plan is totally an unrestricted open market, so those who do not yet have a health insurance plan should consider taking out a plan. For those who are seeking good medical health insurance program, having one is possible through the help of specific companies which specializes in providing health care insurance for individuals and also meeting their requirements and also staying within your budget.
Also for individuals who do not want to use a company, then they can use the internet. One major way Americans get health insurance coverage is mostly through their employers. Many employers them receive health insurance coverage for their workers for a limited time thus enabling them receive health insurance coverage. The internet provides an option for a cheaper health insurance. There are lots of companies that provide all types of health insurance plans, making it possible for you and your family to have a specific reasonable and affordable health care insurance plan. Finding out what kind of reputation the company has and how long the company has been in business is a smart idea.
Having a kind of ideal they have for you is advisable also making sure they have been licensed in your state, because it is of no use getting an insurance with a form which has no license and cant get the exact health insurance you want, many agents will help work hard for you, so you could have an affordable health insurance plan which you and your family could live with without great cost. Everyone wants the best health insurance both for themselves and for their families, but only the best health care insurance can do this with low premiums and full coverage.
What are the advantages of health insurance?
Having the right and the best health care insurance is difficult. In order not to get confused, one needs to decide which the best is by doing his or her research thoroughly. The first step to take includes checking out the credentials and also their past performances of the very company you are considering. Just as on insurance outfits does a background check of individuals before accepting proposals, one should also review the financial status including the customer care services of the insurer, by so doing; you stand the chance to know which health insurance company's best for you. One major way for you to get ratings of these agencies such as A.M best or Moody's is by using the better business bureau. Many employers use the health insurance scheme to either attract or even retain their quality employers. The health insurance coverage might be a personal scheme or a group scheme organized and sponsored by the employers for employers who work between 20-29 hours per week.
Companies also do not add cost of fringe benefits alongside health insurance, to the price of their product and service. Over the past decades, the cost of health insurance has increased tremendously, surpassing the general rate of inflation in most past years.
The different types of health insurance includes individual health insurance, affordable employee health insurance which is also known as group health insurance, affordable family health insurance, affordable business health insurance etc, your monthly insurance is determined by certain numerous different things. For instance, most premiums based on or according to your age. So your health insurance rates changes accordingly with the type of health policy you have. If your health insurance is basically for yourselves or your entire family, the procedures must surely have an impact on any quote you are young or advanced in age, self employed receiving health insurance companies will adjust your premium based upon your age and this will also affect the cost of your health insurance.
What are the Disadvantages of health insurance?
Since unforeseen occurrences may occur any time, one will never know when an accident is likely to happen, be it the need to be admitted in the hospital for stitches or a broken bone, you may be in the position to receive help quickly without the worry of receiving a huge bill, unlike when you don't have a health insurance your credit rating beers all the cost. But you can prevent all this problems from happening and also protecting your credits for your future health financially. Increasing the amount of your health insurance deduction is another way in which you can help make sure your insurance rates are lowered. This higher monthly premium is necessary for anyone who has an existing health problem that requires an extensive medical treatment getting variety of quotes from insurance companies which meets for your health and budgets standards, is a wise decision when selection an health insurance. Searching can be done online and this will have saved you money as well.
Many people feel that they are healthy enough, so they don't need health insurance because they have never had any major medical problems but one thing to note against the possible health insurance is the protection against the possible health problem that may happen in future. It might happen to you in particular or any member of your family, so why not plan on having an affordable health insurance plan today.
Kingsley Duru has an BSc (Banking & finance). Insuranceavenue.info offers our visitors the best of Insurance articles, review and endeavors to find the best possible deals for our customers. To find travel insurance, long term care insurance, business insurance visit Insurance Avenue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kingsley_Duru
The main reason why you need an affordable health insurance is to help you plan ahead in case of unexpected costly emergencies. The only way you can accomplish this is to compare prices from most leading insurance companies and also choosing a health insurance plan that best suits you. Back in the days, getting a cheap health insurance plan was simply unaffordable. But these days, individuals, small groups, families and students can choose a health insurance plan that is best for them, e.g. like acquiring a help insurance plan that ensures that an individual suffering from any previous medical condition is not excluded.
Private health insurance plan is totally an unrestricted open market, so those who do not yet have a health insurance plan should consider taking out a plan. For those who are seeking good medical health insurance program, having one is possible through the help of specific companies which specializes in providing health care insurance for individuals and also meeting their requirements and also staying within your budget.
Also for individuals who do not want to use a company, then they can use the internet. One major way Americans get health insurance coverage is mostly through their employers. Many employers them receive health insurance coverage for their workers for a limited time thus enabling them receive health insurance coverage. The internet provides an option for a cheaper health insurance. There are lots of companies that provide all types of health insurance plans, making it possible for you and your family to have a specific reasonable and affordable health care insurance plan. Finding out what kind of reputation the company has and how long the company has been in business is a smart idea.
Having a kind of ideal they have for you is advisable also making sure they have been licensed in your state, because it is of no use getting an insurance with a form which has no license and cant get the exact health insurance you want, many agents will help work hard for you, so you could have an affordable health insurance plan which you and your family could live with without great cost. Everyone wants the best health insurance both for themselves and for their families, but only the best health care insurance can do this with low premiums and full coverage.
What are the advantages of health insurance?
Having the right and the best health care insurance is difficult. In order not to get confused, one needs to decide which the best is by doing his or her research thoroughly. The first step to take includes checking out the credentials and also their past performances of the very company you are considering. Just as on insurance outfits does a background check of individuals before accepting proposals, one should also review the financial status including the customer care services of the insurer, by so doing; you stand the chance to know which health insurance company's best for you. One major way for you to get ratings of these agencies such as A.M best or Moody's is by using the better business bureau. Many employers use the health insurance scheme to either attract or even retain their quality employers. The health insurance coverage might be a personal scheme or a group scheme organized and sponsored by the employers for employers who work between 20-29 hours per week.
Companies also do not add cost of fringe benefits alongside health insurance, to the price of their product and service. Over the past decades, the cost of health insurance has increased tremendously, surpassing the general rate of inflation in most past years.
The different types of health insurance includes individual health insurance, affordable employee health insurance which is also known as group health insurance, affordable family health insurance, affordable business health insurance etc, your monthly insurance is determined by certain numerous different things. For instance, most premiums based on or according to your age. So your health insurance rates changes accordingly with the type of health policy you have. If your health insurance is basically for yourselves or your entire family, the procedures must surely have an impact on any quote you are young or advanced in age, self employed receiving health insurance companies will adjust your premium based upon your age and this will also affect the cost of your health insurance.
What are the Disadvantages of health insurance?
Since unforeseen occurrences may occur any time, one will never know when an accident is likely to happen, be it the need to be admitted in the hospital for stitches or a broken bone, you may be in the position to receive help quickly without the worry of receiving a huge bill, unlike when you don't have a health insurance your credit rating beers all the cost. But you can prevent all this problems from happening and also protecting your credits for your future health financially. Increasing the amount of your health insurance deduction is another way in which you can help make sure your insurance rates are lowered. This higher monthly premium is necessary for anyone who has an existing health problem that requires an extensive medical treatment getting variety of quotes from insurance companies which meets for your health and budgets standards, is a wise decision when selection an health insurance. Searching can be done online and this will have saved you money as well.
Many people feel that they are healthy enough, so they don't need health insurance because they have never had any major medical problems but one thing to note against the possible health insurance is the protection against the possible health problem that may happen in future. It might happen to you in particular or any member of your family, so why not plan on having an affordable health insurance plan today.
Kingsley Duru has an BSc (Banking & finance). Insuranceavenue.info offers our visitors the best of Insurance articles, review and endeavors to find the best possible deals for our customers. To find travel insurance, long term care insurance, business insurance visit Insurance Avenue.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kingsley_Duru
Florida Health Insurance Rate Hikes and Quotes
Florida Health Insurance Rate Hike
Florida Health insurance premiums have touched new heights! Every Floridian has the common knowledge that most annual health insurance contracts will endure a rate increase at the end of the year. This trend is not new and should be expected. Every time this issue pops up it seems as though the blame game starts. Floridians blame Health insurance companies; Health insurance companies blame Hospitals, Doctors and other medical care providers, Medical care providers blame inflation and politicians, well, we really don't know what they do to help the issue... No one seems to be interested in finding the real cause of the health insurance premium rate increase. Most individuals, self employed, and small business owners have taken Florida Health Insurance Rate Hikes as the inevitable evil.
Hard Facts
What are various reports telling us? Why do Health insurance premium have annual rate increases?
Rate of inflation and heath insurance premium rate increase.
America's health expenditure in the year 2004 has increased dramatically, it has increased more than three time the inflation rate. In this year the inflation rate was around 2.5% while the national health expenses were around 7.9%. The employer health insurance or group health insurance premium had increased approximately 7.8% in the year 2006, which is almost double the rate of inflation. In short, last year in 2006, the annual premiums of group health plan sponsored by an employer was around $4,250 for a single premium plan, while the average family premium was around $ 11,250 per year. This indicates that in the year 2006 the employer sponsored health insurance premium increased 7.7 percent. Taking the biggest hit were small businesses that had 0-24 employees. There health insurance premiums increased by nearly 10.4%
Employees are also not spared, in the year 2006 the employee also had to pay around $ 3,000 more in their contribution to employer's sponsored health insurance plan in comparison to the previous year, 2005. Rate hikes have been in existence since the "Florida Health Insurance" plan started. In covering an entire family of four, a person will experience an increase in premium rate at every annual renewal. If they would have kept the record of their health insurance premium payments they will find that they are now paying around $ 1,100 more than they paid in the year 2000 for the same coverage and with the same company. The same item was found by the Health Research Educational Trust and the Kaiser Family Foundation in their survey report of the year 2000. They found out that the premiums of health insurance that is sponsored by the employer increases by around 4 times than the employee's salary. This report also stated that since 2000 the contribution of employees in group health insurance sponsored by employer was increased by more than 143 percent.
One business man predicts that if nothing is done and the Health insurance premiums keep increasing that in the year 2008, the amount of health premium contribution to employer will surpass their profit. Professionals within and outside the field of Florida health insurance, think that the reason for increase in Florida health insurance premium rates are due to many factors, such as high administration expenditure, inflation, poor or bad management, increase in the cost of medical care, waste etc.
Florida health insurance rate hikes affect whom?
Rising rates of Florida health insurance generally affects most of the Floridians who live in our beautiful state. The highest affected individudals are the minimum wage and low wage workers. Recent drops in the renewal of health insurance are mostly from this low income group. They just can't afford the high premiums of Florida health insurance. They are in the situation where they can not afford the medical care and they can not afford the medical insurance premiums that are assosiated with adequate coverage. Almost half of all Americans are of the opinion that they are more worried about the high health insurance rate and high cost of health care, over any other bill they have on a monthly basis. A survey also finds that around 42% of Americans can not afford the high cost of health care services. There is one very interesting study conducted by Harvard University researchers. They found out that 68% of people who filed bankruptcy covered themselves and their family by health insurance. Average out-of-pocket deductibles for people filed bankruptcy were around $ 12,000 per year. They also found some co-relation between medical expenditure and bankruptcy. A national survey also reports that main reason for people not to take health insurance is the high premium rate of health insurance.
How to reduce Florida's high health insurance cost? Nobody knows for sure. There are different opinions and experts are not agreeing with each other. Health professionals believe that if we can raise the number of healthy people by improving the lifestyle and regular exercise, good diets etc. than naturally they will need less medical care services which decreases the demands of health care and hence the cost.( This year in Florida the smoking rate has increased by 21.7 percent) One Floridian sarcastically suggested that there are 'highs' and 'lows' in health care that are needed to reversed. That the state of Florida is to 'high' in cost of medical care compare to other States and 'low' in the quality of health care.
Florida Health insurance rate hike has attracted many frauds. These frauds float many bogus insurance companies and offer cheap health insurance rate which attract many people to them. These companies usually through assosiations that are based in other states.
Meanwhile reputable Florida health insurance companies provide different types of health insurance like employer sponsored group health insurance, small business health insurance, individual health insurance etc. to vast number of employees and their families. Still there are many people in Florida that lack any health coverage. Today the employer also has found it challenging to decide how to offer employer sponsored group health insurance to their employees, so that both of them arrive at some point of agreement.
For Floridians it is very important to shop around for a quality health insurance program that doesn't break the bank.
You need to find an agent or web portal like Florida Health Insurance Web, http://www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com that offers a variety of products. There you will most likely be able to get quotes, compare plans, and apply online.
Florida Health Insurance Consultants can help you!
Morgan Moran
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Q_Moran
Florida Health insurance premiums have touched new heights! Every Floridian has the common knowledge that most annual health insurance contracts will endure a rate increase at the end of the year. This trend is not new and should be expected. Every time this issue pops up it seems as though the blame game starts. Floridians blame Health insurance companies; Health insurance companies blame Hospitals, Doctors and other medical care providers, Medical care providers blame inflation and politicians, well, we really don't know what they do to help the issue... No one seems to be interested in finding the real cause of the health insurance premium rate increase. Most individuals, self employed, and small business owners have taken Florida Health Insurance Rate Hikes as the inevitable evil.
Hard Facts
What are various reports telling us? Why do Health insurance premium have annual rate increases?
Rate of inflation and heath insurance premium rate increase.
America's health expenditure in the year 2004 has increased dramatically, it has increased more than three time the inflation rate. In this year the inflation rate was around 2.5% while the national health expenses were around 7.9%. The employer health insurance or group health insurance premium had increased approximately 7.8% in the year 2006, which is almost double the rate of inflation. In short, last year in 2006, the annual premiums of group health plan sponsored by an employer was around $4,250 for a single premium plan, while the average family premium was around $ 11,250 per year. This indicates that in the year 2006 the employer sponsored health insurance premium increased 7.7 percent. Taking the biggest hit were small businesses that had 0-24 employees. There health insurance premiums increased by nearly 10.4%
Employees are also not spared, in the year 2006 the employee also had to pay around $ 3,000 more in their contribution to employer's sponsored health insurance plan in comparison to the previous year, 2005. Rate hikes have been in existence since the "Florida Health Insurance" plan started. In covering an entire family of four, a person will experience an increase in premium rate at every annual renewal. If they would have kept the record of their health insurance premium payments they will find that they are now paying around $ 1,100 more than they paid in the year 2000 for the same coverage and with the same company. The same item was found by the Health Research Educational Trust and the Kaiser Family Foundation in their survey report of the year 2000. They found out that the premiums of health insurance that is sponsored by the employer increases by around 4 times than the employee's salary. This report also stated that since 2000 the contribution of employees in group health insurance sponsored by employer was increased by more than 143 percent.
One business man predicts that if nothing is done and the Health insurance premiums keep increasing that in the year 2008, the amount of health premium contribution to employer will surpass their profit. Professionals within and outside the field of Florida health insurance, think that the reason for increase in Florida health insurance premium rates are due to many factors, such as high administration expenditure, inflation, poor or bad management, increase in the cost of medical care, waste etc.
Florida health insurance rate hikes affect whom?
Rising rates of Florida health insurance generally affects most of the Floridians who live in our beautiful state. The highest affected individudals are the minimum wage and low wage workers. Recent drops in the renewal of health insurance are mostly from this low income group. They just can't afford the high premiums of Florida health insurance. They are in the situation where they can not afford the medical care and they can not afford the medical insurance premiums that are assosiated with adequate coverage. Almost half of all Americans are of the opinion that they are more worried about the high health insurance rate and high cost of health care, over any other bill they have on a monthly basis. A survey also finds that around 42% of Americans can not afford the high cost of health care services. There is one very interesting study conducted by Harvard University researchers. They found out that 68% of people who filed bankruptcy covered themselves and their family by health insurance. Average out-of-pocket deductibles for people filed bankruptcy were around $ 12,000 per year. They also found some co-relation between medical expenditure and bankruptcy. A national survey also reports that main reason for people not to take health insurance is the high premium rate of health insurance.
How to reduce Florida's high health insurance cost? Nobody knows for sure. There are different opinions and experts are not agreeing with each other. Health professionals believe that if we can raise the number of healthy people by improving the lifestyle and regular exercise, good diets etc. than naturally they will need less medical care services which decreases the demands of health care and hence the cost.( This year in Florida the smoking rate has increased by 21.7 percent) One Floridian sarcastically suggested that there are 'highs' and 'lows' in health care that are needed to reversed. That the state of Florida is to 'high' in cost of medical care compare to other States and 'low' in the quality of health care.
Florida Health insurance rate hike has attracted many frauds. These frauds float many bogus insurance companies and offer cheap health insurance rate which attract many people to them. These companies usually through assosiations that are based in other states.
Meanwhile reputable Florida health insurance companies provide different types of health insurance like employer sponsored group health insurance, small business health insurance, individual health insurance etc. to vast number of employees and their families. Still there are many people in Florida that lack any health coverage. Today the employer also has found it challenging to decide how to offer employer sponsored group health insurance to their employees, so that both of them arrive at some point of agreement.
For Floridians it is very important to shop around for a quality health insurance program that doesn't break the bank.
You need to find an agent or web portal like Florida Health Insurance Web, http://www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com that offers a variety of products. There you will most likely be able to get quotes, compare plans, and apply online.
Florida Health Insurance Consultants can help you!
Morgan Moran
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Q_Moran
Buy The Right Health Insurance For Your Stage Of Business Growth
Buy quality self employed health insurance coverage that's right for your stage of business growth, with an eye to the future.
Right now, you're the only employee of your company and you need the peace of mind provided by a quality insurance plan. Before you ask for a self employed health insurance quote, though, look at these three business growth scenarios. Then decide what kind of self employed health insurance coverage and benefits you need before you buy health insurance online.
1) I expect to remain the sole employee of my business. Solution: simply ask for a self employed health insurance online quote.
Shop around and ask for a health insurance online quote from reputable insurance agencies that provide quality customer service. Then buy health insurance online from the agency that meets your needs and your budget.
Also read up on and / or consult an accountant to discover how you can deduct the cost of your self employed health insurance coverage. You'll want to take advantage of every deduction possible without make a costly error in what's allowable.
2) I expect to hire employees within the next year. Solution: ask about temporary self employed health insurance coverage and also ask for a group health insurance quote.
Let's say that you've gotten a self employed health insurance quote that pleases you. There's just one more step to take before you buy health insurance online. Ask the insurance agent to discuss how you will transition from self employed health insurance coverage to group health insurance once you hire your employees.
If the insurance agent is too busy to talk about this, then look elsewhere for a health insurance online quote. Also, monitor the dates on your temporary health insurance policy carefully because you don't want a lapse between the end of your temporary health insurance and the beginning of your group policy.
3) I am ready to hire anywhere from two to fifty people. Solution: ask which group health insurance plan provides you the benefits that you -- and your employees -- will need.
Congratulations! Your business must be thriving and growing. Discuss this anticipated growth with insurance agents. Compare and contrast the health insurance online quote that they give you for group insurance policies and choose the one that will treat your best assets -- your new employees -- right.
You can then use your group health insurance benefits as a recruiting tool to hire and retain top quality staff that will keep your business moving in the right direction. When you buy health insurance online you are in fact investing in your company and its assets.
Time for a self employed health insurance quote or for group health insurance? Either way, choose the insurance agent that provides quality coverage and service, no matter what stage of growth you're in.
Take a good hard look at where your business is headed. Decide whether you need self employed health insurance coverage or group health insurance. Then get your self employed health insurance quote and buy health insurance online that will keep you -- and your employees (current or future) -- safe, secure and covered.
Charles Mondrus is the president of Blue Cross of California American Health Insurance an agency selling Blue Cross of California health insurance and Blue Shield of California health insurance plans for individuals and employers. Charles and his team of insurance experts are licensed to sell Blue Cross California health insurance, as well as Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Colorado, Nevada and Georgia. Discover how you can find secure and affordable Blue Cross California coverage at AmericanHealth911.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Mondrus
Right now, you're the only employee of your company and you need the peace of mind provided by a quality insurance plan. Before you ask for a self employed health insurance quote, though, look at these three business growth scenarios. Then decide what kind of self employed health insurance coverage and benefits you need before you buy health insurance online.
1) I expect to remain the sole employee of my business. Solution: simply ask for a self employed health insurance online quote.
Shop around and ask for a health insurance online quote from reputable insurance agencies that provide quality customer service. Then buy health insurance online from the agency that meets your needs and your budget.
Also read up on and / or consult an accountant to discover how you can deduct the cost of your self employed health insurance coverage. You'll want to take advantage of every deduction possible without make a costly error in what's allowable.
2) I expect to hire employees within the next year. Solution: ask about temporary self employed health insurance coverage and also ask for a group health insurance quote.
Let's say that you've gotten a self employed health insurance quote that pleases you. There's just one more step to take before you buy health insurance online. Ask the insurance agent to discuss how you will transition from self employed health insurance coverage to group health insurance once you hire your employees.
If the insurance agent is too busy to talk about this, then look elsewhere for a health insurance online quote. Also, monitor the dates on your temporary health insurance policy carefully because you don't want a lapse between the end of your temporary health insurance and the beginning of your group policy.
3) I am ready to hire anywhere from two to fifty people. Solution: ask which group health insurance plan provides you the benefits that you -- and your employees -- will need.
Congratulations! Your business must be thriving and growing. Discuss this anticipated growth with insurance agents. Compare and contrast the health insurance online quote that they give you for group insurance policies and choose the one that will treat your best assets -- your new employees -- right.
You can then use your group health insurance benefits as a recruiting tool to hire and retain top quality staff that will keep your business moving in the right direction. When you buy health insurance online you are in fact investing in your company and its assets.
Time for a self employed health insurance quote or for group health insurance? Either way, choose the insurance agent that provides quality coverage and service, no matter what stage of growth you're in.
Take a good hard look at where your business is headed. Decide whether you need self employed health insurance coverage or group health insurance. Then get your self employed health insurance quote and buy health insurance online that will keep you -- and your employees (current or future) -- safe, secure and covered.
Charles Mondrus is the president of Blue Cross of California American Health Insurance an agency selling Blue Cross of California health insurance and Blue Shield of California health insurance plans for individuals and employers. Charles and his team of insurance experts are licensed to sell Blue Cross California health insurance, as well as Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Colorado, Nevada and Georgia. Discover how you can find secure and affordable Blue Cross California coverage at AmericanHealth911.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Mondrus
Florida Health Insurance - Take Advantage of the Internet's Price Transparency
Florida health insurance companies are now feeling the effects of the increased price transparency that the Internet brings. Now longer is it a process of days or even weeks to obtain multiple health insurance quotes from top Florida health insurance companies. The simplest and most efficient way to obtain health insurance in Florida is simply to make the top health insurance companies in the state (Golden Rule/United Healthcare, Aetna, and Humana) compete for your business!
If you cringe at the thought of a United Healthcare agent, an Aetna agent, and a Humana agent all clustering around you amongst a swarm of other Florida health insurance agents and trying to push their company's policy upon you then read on; for health insurance shopping on the Internet has simplified everything. There are numerous Florida health insurance websites that offer Florida health insurance quotes but there are quite a few very important distinctions between the different types.
There are two main types of websites that offer Florida health insurance quotes to Florida health insurance shoppers: Marketing Organizations and Insurance Agencies.
Marketing Organizations do not sell insurance, are not regulated by any insurance department, and generally have no knowledge whatsoever concerning Florida health insurance. However, they can offer consumers a somewhat appealing service. How can they assist in purchasing health insurance?
They act as a middleman between Florida health insurance shoppers and Florida health insurance agents. When Mrs. Smith in Tampa, FL requests a health insurance quote then the marketing company sells her information as a lead to 5 or more Florida insurance agents.
Ignoring the privacy issues and the issue of the qualifications of the health insurance agents that will be purchasing your information there is the larger and more practical issue of do you really want to have 5+ insurance agents aggressively seeking your business?
Imagine that each health insurance agent is taught in their sales training to call you at least 5 times and email you at least 3 times before "giving up" on you as an insurance prospect: that means that you have received 25 phone calls and 15 emails from various insurance agents!
The second type of website that offers Florida health insurance quotes is the website that is run by an insurance agency (note that it is very important to find only an independent Florida insurance agency - meaning an agency that is not tied to working with only one health insurance company but can show you health insurance quotes from all of the top Florida health insurance companies. This is also why we will ignore the quasi third group of websites that offer Florida health insurance quotes: the health insurance carrier websites themselves. These can be a good service but very time consuming. There is a better way to shop for Florida health insurance. Read on-).
Most independent insurance agency websites offer a feature that will allow you to request Florida health insurance quotes. However, there is a much better way to shop for Florida health insurance! Rather than waiting for your request for health insurance quotes to be filled; look for a website that offers instant and LIVE Florida health insurance quotes from top Florida health insurance companies.
With instant LIVE Florida health insurance quotes you have the best of both worlds: you receive the benefits of competitive pricing by viewing the top Florida health insurance companies quotes side by side (the strong point of the marketing organization website model) as well as personal, expert help (the strong point of the insurance agency website model). Not to mention the added benefit of viewing the health insurance quotes from the different health insurance companies in the same format - enabling easy side by side comparisons of benefits. This allows for a true "apples to apples" comparison.
View up to 20 LIVE Florida health insurance quotes from top Florida health insurance companies like Aetna, Humana and Golden Rule/United Healthcare all in less than 20 seconds! View LIVE Florida health insurance quotes now and take advantage of the Internet's price transparency!
Get free health insurance quotes by comparing all of the top health insurance plans in your zip code - in less time than it takes to brush your teeth!
Comparison shop multiple insurance companies instantly and in real time by viewing free Florida health insurance quotes: Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Ohman
If you cringe at the thought of a United Healthcare agent, an Aetna agent, and a Humana agent all clustering around you amongst a swarm of other Florida health insurance agents and trying to push their company's policy upon you then read on; for health insurance shopping on the Internet has simplified everything. There are numerous Florida health insurance websites that offer Florida health insurance quotes but there are quite a few very important distinctions between the different types.
There are two main types of websites that offer Florida health insurance quotes to Florida health insurance shoppers: Marketing Organizations and Insurance Agencies.
Marketing Organizations do not sell insurance, are not regulated by any insurance department, and generally have no knowledge whatsoever concerning Florida health insurance. However, they can offer consumers a somewhat appealing service. How can they assist in purchasing health insurance?
They act as a middleman between Florida health insurance shoppers and Florida health insurance agents. When Mrs. Smith in Tampa, FL requests a health insurance quote then the marketing company sells her information as a lead to 5 or more Florida insurance agents.
Ignoring the privacy issues and the issue of the qualifications of the health insurance agents that will be purchasing your information there is the larger and more practical issue of do you really want to have 5+ insurance agents aggressively seeking your business?
Imagine that each health insurance agent is taught in their sales training to call you at least 5 times and email you at least 3 times before "giving up" on you as an insurance prospect: that means that you have received 25 phone calls and 15 emails from various insurance agents!
The second type of website that offers Florida health insurance quotes is the website that is run by an insurance agency (note that it is very important to find only an independent Florida insurance agency - meaning an agency that is not tied to working with only one health insurance company but can show you health insurance quotes from all of the top Florida health insurance companies. This is also why we will ignore the quasi third group of websites that offer Florida health insurance quotes: the health insurance carrier websites themselves. These can be a good service but very time consuming. There is a better way to shop for Florida health insurance. Read on-).
Most independent insurance agency websites offer a feature that will allow you to request Florida health insurance quotes. However, there is a much better way to shop for Florida health insurance! Rather than waiting for your request for health insurance quotes to be filled; look for a website that offers instant and LIVE Florida health insurance quotes from top Florida health insurance companies.
With instant LIVE Florida health insurance quotes you have the best of both worlds: you receive the benefits of competitive pricing by viewing the top Florida health insurance companies quotes side by side (the strong point of the marketing organization website model) as well as personal, expert help (the strong point of the insurance agency website model). Not to mention the added benefit of viewing the health insurance quotes from the different health insurance companies in the same format - enabling easy side by side comparisons of benefits. This allows for a true "apples to apples" comparison.
View up to 20 LIVE Florida health insurance quotes from top Florida health insurance companies like Aetna, Humana and Golden Rule/United Healthcare all in less than 20 seconds! View LIVE Florida health insurance quotes now and take advantage of the Internet's price transparency!
Get free health insurance quotes by comparing all of the top health insurance plans in your zip code - in less time than it takes to brush your teeth!
Comparison shop multiple insurance companies instantly and in real time by viewing free Florida health insurance quotes: Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_Ohman
Need Health Insurance Coverage? Learn how to Choose your Health Insurance with Confidence and Ease
Four Steps to Help You Get the Most from Your Health insurance Coverage Finding, buying, and understanding health insurance coverage options aren't always easy tasks. Here are some easy tips to follow on how to start your journey through all of the online healthcare madness.
Step One - Make a list of your current health conditions, medications, and any other current health related issues. You'll also want to make a note of your primary concerns and questions about choosing adequate health insurance.
Step Two - Get information from several health insurance providers. Not all health care plans are the same. It's well worth the time and effort to review more than once health insurance policy. It can save you time, money, and improve the quality of your healthcare in the future.
Some of the big names in Health insurance may be a great place to start your comparisons such as: Golden Rule Insurance, Celtic Insurance, American Medical Security Insurance, Time Insurance, UNICARE Insurance, Humana Insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Insurance just to name a few.
Those of you looking for Michigan Medicaid and Medicare help must first meet the requirements for qualifications. Each county may have different requirements such as income and more. Check with your local health department for more information.
Step Three - Review each health insurance plan making notes of benefits provided for these basic coverage sections: physical exams, specialists' care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, emergency care Ob-Gyn care, preventative care, and alternative care coverage. Remember to evaluate using the notes you made in step one.
Pay careful attention to co-pays, spending limits, and deductible amounts in each section for each health insurance plan you're reviewing. The goal is to do what's called "comparison shopping." As you go through this process, most likely one or two health care policies will seem to meet your needs better than the others.
Step Four - Once you've picked out two or three possible health insurance plans, make notes of questions and concerns about each. Now it's time to get your questions answered and make your decision.
It's important to make sure you're speaking with a qualified, licensed health insurance agent. Don't hesitate to continue to ask questions until you feel you have all the information you need to make a good choice.
Other Helpful Information
Compare Health insurance Plans Online and Save Time
Take your time to find what you need at a price you can afford. What is great about looking for Health insurance options online is you can compare plans and benefits first on your own, without talking to different representatives. Most Health insurance companies offer FREE online services and FREE online instant rate quotes. All that is required is for you to quickly fill out a secured application. In the matter of minutes you should have your results in front of you. Just in case you have questions these companies have licensed Health insurance professionals waiting for your call.
Keep it Going! Who Can Benefit From Temporary Health insurance?
Temporary health insurance or short-term medical insurance is also available in Michigan and will allow you to have coverage for a temporary amount of time. This type of insurance isn't right for everyone. Inquiries of this form of health care usually comes from those who are between jobs, seasonal employees, laid-off and can even benefit young adults recently coming off of their parents' health plan. Plans tend to last somewhere between six months but some have been known to go twelve months.
Temporary Health insurance forms are much more simple than permanent insurance. Coverage on a short-term plan can begin as quickly as twenty-four hours. This insurance caters to unseen accidents and illness. Because it is temporary, they do not typically cover preventive care, vision, dental or pre-existing conditions. For pre-existing conditions you may want to check your COBRA benefits. There Are Other Ways to Keep Your Health insurance after Losing Your Job
Don't let recent un-employment keep you from the care that you need! For instance if a loved one is expecting, the last thing you want is to lose your maternity insurance. There is another alternative called consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA. This type of insurance normally last longer than temporary or short-term insurance but it is still a type of temporary insurance. Normally COBRA policies can last for approximately eighteen months. For more detailed information on COBRA's extended policy plans talk to your employer about their specific Health insurance carrier's plan. Many people don't know about temporary Health insurance coverage. In fact, people take chances between coverage all the time because of lack of knowledge. The advantage of temporary Health insurance coverage is to fill a gap in coverage. Although this is temporary coverage is great to have, it does not replace permanent coverage. Michigan HIPAA Laws and How They Could Effect You
If you currently have pre-existing conditions and are looking into short-term Health insurance coverage WAIT! You may be buying health coverage that will not cover you and then make you ineligible for the care that you need. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA plans are mainly for those who have pre-existing conditions and may have trouble getting health insurance. These plans can be extremely expensive. The HIPAA Federal law gives a person immediate access to comparable coverage when leaving employment that provided coverage.
Get familiar with your rights and consult your benefits advisor to discuss the best options for you. You can take back your health with Health insurance companies where there is a plan to fit everyone's need. Reading up and doing your homework on plans that pertain to your needs can help eliminate useless information and help you find the right Health insurance plan much faster.
Copyright 2006 Lisa Ip
Lisa Ip is president of Uniforce Insurance, which she founded in 1994, in Madison Heights, Michigan. For more information regarding health insurance in Michigan, visit http://www.uniforceinsurance.com or call 888-302-RATE
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Ip
Step One - Make a list of your current health conditions, medications, and any other current health related issues. You'll also want to make a note of your primary concerns and questions about choosing adequate health insurance.
Step Two - Get information from several health insurance providers. Not all health care plans are the same. It's well worth the time and effort to review more than once health insurance policy. It can save you time, money, and improve the quality of your healthcare in the future.
Some of the big names in Health insurance may be a great place to start your comparisons such as: Golden Rule Insurance, Celtic Insurance, American Medical Security Insurance, Time Insurance, UNICARE Insurance, Humana Insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Insurance just to name a few.
Those of you looking for Michigan Medicaid and Medicare help must first meet the requirements for qualifications. Each county may have different requirements such as income and more. Check with your local health department for more information.
Step Three - Review each health insurance plan making notes of benefits provided for these basic coverage sections: physical exams, specialists' care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, emergency care Ob-Gyn care, preventative care, and alternative care coverage. Remember to evaluate using the notes you made in step one.
Pay careful attention to co-pays, spending limits, and deductible amounts in each section for each health insurance plan you're reviewing. The goal is to do what's called "comparison shopping." As you go through this process, most likely one or two health care policies will seem to meet your needs better than the others.
Step Four - Once you've picked out two or three possible health insurance plans, make notes of questions and concerns about each. Now it's time to get your questions answered and make your decision.
It's important to make sure you're speaking with a qualified, licensed health insurance agent. Don't hesitate to continue to ask questions until you feel you have all the information you need to make a good choice.
Other Helpful Information
Compare Health insurance Plans Online and Save Time
Take your time to find what you need at a price you can afford. What is great about looking for Health insurance options online is you can compare plans and benefits first on your own, without talking to different representatives. Most Health insurance companies offer FREE online services and FREE online instant rate quotes. All that is required is for you to quickly fill out a secured application. In the matter of minutes you should have your results in front of you. Just in case you have questions these companies have licensed Health insurance professionals waiting for your call.
Keep it Going! Who Can Benefit From Temporary Health insurance?
Temporary health insurance or short-term medical insurance is also available in Michigan and will allow you to have coverage for a temporary amount of time. This type of insurance isn't right for everyone. Inquiries of this form of health care usually comes from those who are between jobs, seasonal employees, laid-off and can even benefit young adults recently coming off of their parents' health plan. Plans tend to last somewhere between six months but some have been known to go twelve months.
Temporary Health insurance forms are much more simple than permanent insurance. Coverage on a short-term plan can begin as quickly as twenty-four hours. This insurance caters to unseen accidents and illness. Because it is temporary, they do not typically cover preventive care, vision, dental or pre-existing conditions. For pre-existing conditions you may want to check your COBRA benefits. There Are Other Ways to Keep Your Health insurance after Losing Your Job
Don't let recent un-employment keep you from the care that you need! For instance if a loved one is expecting, the last thing you want is to lose your maternity insurance. There is another alternative called consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA. This type of insurance normally last longer than temporary or short-term insurance but it is still a type of temporary insurance. Normally COBRA policies can last for approximately eighteen months. For more detailed information on COBRA's extended policy plans talk to your employer about their specific Health insurance carrier's plan. Many people don't know about temporary Health insurance coverage. In fact, people take chances between coverage all the time because of lack of knowledge. The advantage of temporary Health insurance coverage is to fill a gap in coverage. Although this is temporary coverage is great to have, it does not replace permanent coverage. Michigan HIPAA Laws and How They Could Effect You
If you currently have pre-existing conditions and are looking into short-term Health insurance coverage WAIT! You may be buying health coverage that will not cover you and then make you ineligible for the care that you need. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA plans are mainly for those who have pre-existing conditions and may have trouble getting health insurance. These plans can be extremely expensive. The HIPAA Federal law gives a person immediate access to comparable coverage when leaving employment that provided coverage.
Get familiar with your rights and consult your benefits advisor to discuss the best options for you. You can take back your health with Health insurance companies where there is a plan to fit everyone's need. Reading up and doing your homework on plans that pertain to your needs can help eliminate useless information and help you find the right Health insurance plan much faster.
Copyright 2006 Lisa Ip
Lisa Ip is president of Uniforce Insurance, which she founded in 1994, in Madison Heights, Michigan. For more information regarding health insurance in Michigan, visit http://www.uniforceinsurance.com or call 888-302-RATE
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Ip
Health Insurance Fraud: What You Should Know
Health insurance fraud represents one of America's largest taxpayer rip-offs ever, costing Americans literally billions of dollars every year.
Due to rampant deception, scams and abuse in the health care system, consumers are forced to pay the price--literally--through escalating medical costs and rising health insurance premiums.
And government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, designed to help the low-income and elderly, represent two of the biggest losers of all.
Health Insurance Scams
According to the Insurance Information Institute, health providers and facilities such as doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic labs and attorneys routinely attempt to defraud the health insurance system...with devastating results.
How do they do it? In a number of ways, including:
1. Billing health insurance companies for expensive treatments, tests or equipment patients never had or never received
2. Double- or triple-billing health insurers for the same treatments
3. Giving health care recipients unnecessary, dangerous, or life-threatening treatments
4. Selling low-cost health insurance coverage from fake insurance companies
5. Stealing medical information and using it to bill health insurance companies for phantom treatments
If health insurance fraud knocks on your door, these types of scams may leave you with medical debts, damaged credit ratings, falsified health records, a high level of stress and overpriced health insurance premiums...or the inability to get any health insurance at all.
So what can you do about it?
Report it; then fight back!
What to Watch For
The first step to fighting health insurance fraud is keeping your eyes and ears open for abuse.
Be especially watchful for providers who:
* Charge your health insurance company for services you never received or medical procedures you don't need
* Give you prescriptions for controlled substances for no justified medical reason
* Bill your health insurance company for brand-name drugs when you actually get generics
* Misrepresent cosmetic or other health care procedures not usually covered by health insurance plans as covered
If you notice a health care provider doing any of these things, keep all supporting paperwork handy for reference, and then contact your health insurance company to let them know.
Then, if you're a Medicare or Medicaid recipient, call the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and report the abuse.
Finally, contact your state department of insurance or the local police.
Fighting Health Insurance Fraud
To keep yourself from falling victim to health insurance fraud, take the following steps to fight back:
* Check with your state insurance department to make sure your health insurance company is licensed in your state.
* Check out your health insurance company for consumer complaints, fraud convictions and bankruptcies through your state department of insurance.
* Keep detailed medical records.
* Carefully review your billing statements.
* Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
* Avoid salespeople offering free health services or advice.
* Protect your medical records and information.
* Make sure you know what your health insurance policy covers--and what it doesn't.
* Never pay your health insurance premiums in cash.
* Be wary if you're asked to pay a full year's premium up front.
* Be on guard against medical providers claiming to be connected with federal programs or the government.
* Beware of health insurance companies offering you coverage at an unreasonably low price.
* Ask your health insurance provider about anything you don't understand regarding your bills.
Making a Difference
Protect your right to health insurance, lower your premiums and keep your medical information safe. All it takes is a little education, a watchful eye, and the willingness to make a difference!
About InsureMe Penny Hagerman is a copywriter and insurance information expert with InsureMe in Englewood, Colorado. InsureMe links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for insurance quotes. Specializing in auto, home, life, long-term care and health insurance quotes, the InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit InsureMe.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Hagerman
Due to rampant deception, scams and abuse in the health care system, consumers are forced to pay the price--literally--through escalating medical costs and rising health insurance premiums.
And government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, designed to help the low-income and elderly, represent two of the biggest losers of all.
Health Insurance Scams
According to the Insurance Information Institute, health providers and facilities such as doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic labs and attorneys routinely attempt to defraud the health insurance system...with devastating results.
How do they do it? In a number of ways, including:
1. Billing health insurance companies for expensive treatments, tests or equipment patients never had or never received
2. Double- or triple-billing health insurers for the same treatments
3. Giving health care recipients unnecessary, dangerous, or life-threatening treatments
4. Selling low-cost health insurance coverage from fake insurance companies
5. Stealing medical information and using it to bill health insurance companies for phantom treatments
If health insurance fraud knocks on your door, these types of scams may leave you with medical debts, damaged credit ratings, falsified health records, a high level of stress and overpriced health insurance premiums...or the inability to get any health insurance at all.
So what can you do about it?
Report it; then fight back!
What to Watch For
The first step to fighting health insurance fraud is keeping your eyes and ears open for abuse.
Be especially watchful for providers who:
* Charge your health insurance company for services you never received or medical procedures you don't need
* Give you prescriptions for controlled substances for no justified medical reason
* Bill your health insurance company for brand-name drugs when you actually get generics
* Misrepresent cosmetic or other health care procedures not usually covered by health insurance plans as covered
If you notice a health care provider doing any of these things, keep all supporting paperwork handy for reference, and then contact your health insurance company to let them know.
Then, if you're a Medicare or Medicaid recipient, call the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and report the abuse.
Finally, contact your state department of insurance or the local police.
Fighting Health Insurance Fraud
To keep yourself from falling victim to health insurance fraud, take the following steps to fight back:
* Check with your state insurance department to make sure your health insurance company is licensed in your state.
* Check out your health insurance company for consumer complaints, fraud convictions and bankruptcies through your state department of insurance.
* Keep detailed medical records.
* Carefully review your billing statements.
* Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
* Avoid salespeople offering free health services or advice.
* Protect your medical records and information.
* Make sure you know what your health insurance policy covers--and what it doesn't.
* Never pay your health insurance premiums in cash.
* Be wary if you're asked to pay a full year's premium up front.
* Be on guard against medical providers claiming to be connected with federal programs or the government.
* Beware of health insurance companies offering you coverage at an unreasonably low price.
* Ask your health insurance provider about anything you don't understand regarding your bills.
Making a Difference
Protect your right to health insurance, lower your premiums and keep your medical information safe. All it takes is a little education, a watchful eye, and the willingness to make a difference!
About InsureMe Penny Hagerman is a copywriter and insurance information expert with InsureMe in Englewood, Colorado. InsureMe links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for insurance quotes. Specializing in auto, home, life, long-term care and health insurance quotes, the InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit InsureMe.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Hagerman
Health Savings Accounts - An American Innovation in Health Insurance
INTRODUCTON - The term "health insurance" is commonly used in the United States to describe any program that helps pay for medical expenses, whether through privately purchased insurance, social insurance or a non-insurance social welfare program funded by the government. Synonyms for this usage include "health coverage," "health care coverage" and "health benefits" and "medical insurance." In a more technical sense, the term is used to describe any form of insurance that provides protection against injury or illness.
In America, the health insurance industry has changed rapidly during the last few decades. In the 1970's most people who had health insurance had indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance is often called fee-forservice. It is the traditional health insurance in which the medical provider (usually a doctor or hospital) is paid a fee for each service provided to the patient covered under the policy. An important category associated with the indemnity plans is that of consumer driven health care (CDHC). Consumer-directed health plans allow individuals and families to have greater control over their health care, including when and how they access care, what types of care they receive and how much they spend on health care services.
These plans are however associated with higher deductibles that the insured have to pay from their pocket before they can claim insurance money. Consumer driven health care plans include Health Reimbursement Plans (HRAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), high deductible health plans (HDHps), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Of these, the Health Savings Accounts are the most recent and they have witnessed rapid growth during the last decade.
WHAT IS A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available to taxpayers in the United States. The funds contributed to the account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. These may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses at any time without federal tax liability.
Another feature is that the funds contributed to Health Savings Account roll over and accumulate year over year if not spent. These can be withdrawn by the employees at the time of retirement without any tax liabilities. Withdrawals for qualified expenses and interest earned are also not subject to federal income taxes. According to the U.S. Treasury Office, 'A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care.
HSA's enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.' Thus the Health Savings Account is an effort to increase the efficiency of the American health care system and to encourage people to be more responsible and prudent towards their health care needs. It falls in the category of consumer driven health care plans.
Origin of Health Savings Account
The Health Savings Account was established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act passed by the U.S. Congress in June 2003, by the Senate in July 2003 and signed by President Bush on December 8, 2003.
Eligibility -
The following individuals are eligible to open a Health Savings Account -
- Those who are covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
- Those not covered by other health insurance plans.
- Those not enrolled in Medicare4.
Also there are no income limits on who may contribute to an HAS and there is no requirement of having earned income to contribute to an HAS. However HAS's can't be set up by those who are dependent on someone else's tax return. Also HSA's cannot be set up independently by children.
What is a High Deductible Health plan (HDHP)?
Enrollment in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a necessary qualification for anyone wishing to open a Health Savings Account. In fact the HDHPs got a boost by the Medicare Modernization Act which introduced the HSAs. A High Deductible Health Plan is a health insurance plan which has a certain deductible threshold. This limit must be crossed before the insured person can claim insurance money. It does not cover first dollar medical expenses. So an individual has to himself pay the initial expenses that are called out-of-pocket costs.
In a number of HDHPs costs of immunization and preventive health care are excluded from the deductible which means that the individual is reimbursed for them. HDHPs can be taken both by individuals (self employed as well as employed) and employers. In 2008, HDHPs are being offered by insurance companies in America with deductibles ranging from a minimum of $1,100 for Self and $2,200 for Self and Family coverage. The maximum amount out-of-pocket limits for HDHPs is $5,600 for self and $11,200 for Self and Family enrollment. These deductible limits are called IRS limits as they are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In HDHPs the relation between the deductibles and the premium paid by the insured is inversely propotional i.e. higher the deductible, lower the premium and vice versa. The major purported advantages of HDHPs are that they will a) lower health care costs by causing patients to be more cost-conscious, and b) make insurance premiums more affordable for the uninsured. The logic is that when the patients are fully covered (i.e. have health plans with low deductibles), they tend to be less health conscious and also less cost conscious when going for treatment.
Opening a Health Savings Account
An individual can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. However not all insurance companies offer HSAqualified health insurance plans so it is important to use an insurance company that offers this type of qualified insurance plan. The employer may also set up a plan for the employees. However, the account is always owned by the individual. Direct online enrollment in HSA-qualified health insurance is available in all states except Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Contributions to the Health Savings Account
Contributions to HSAs can be made by an individual who owns the account, by an employer or by any other person. When made by the employer, the contribution is not included in the income of the employee. When made by an employee, it is treated as exempted from federal tax. For 2008, the maximum amount that can be contributed (and deducted) to an HSA from all sources is:
$2,900 (self-only coverage)
$5,800 (family coverage)
These limits are set by the U.S. Congress through statutes and they are indexed annually for inflation. For individuals above 55 years of age, there is a special catch up provision that allows them to deposit additional $800 for 2008 and $900 for 2009. The actual maximum amount an individual can contribute also depends on the number of months he is covered by an HDHP (pro-rated basis) as of the first day of a month. For eg If you have family HDHP coverage from January 1,2008 until June 30, 2008, then cease having HDHP coverage, you are allowed an HSA contribution of 6/12 of $5,800, or $2,900 for 2008. If you have family HDHP coverage from January 1,2008 until June 30, 2008, and have self-only HDHP coverage from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, you are allowed an HSA contribution of 6/12 x $5,800 plus 6/12 of $2,900, or $4,350 for 2008. If an individual opens an HDHP on the first day of a month, then he can contribute to HSA on the first day itself. However, if he/she opens an account on any other day than the first, then he can contribute to the HSA from the next month onwards. Contributions can be made as late as April 15 of the following year. Contributions to the HSA in excess of the contribution limits must be withdrawn by the individual or be subject to an excise tax. The individual must pay income tax on the excess withdrawn amount.
Contributions by the Employer
The employer can make contributions to the employee's HAS account under a salary reduction plan known as Section 125 plan. It is also called a cafeteria plan. The contributions made under the cafeteria plan are made on a pre-tax basis i.e. they are excluded from the employee's income. The employer must make the contribution on a comparable basis. Comparable contributions are contributions to all HSAs of an employer which are 1) the same amount or 2) the same percentage of the annual deductible. However, part time employees who work for less than 30 hours a week can be treated separately. The employer can also categorize employees into those who opt for self coverage only and those who opt for a family coverage. The employer can automatically make contributions to the HSAs on the behalf of the employee unless the employee specifically chooses not to have such contributions by the employer.
Withdrawals from the HSAs
The HSA is owned by the employee and he/she can make qualified expenses from it whenever required. He/She also decides how much to contribute to it, how much to withdraw for qualified expenses, which company will hold the account and what type of investments will be made to grow the account. Another feature is that the funds remain in the account and role over from year to year. There are no use it or lose it rules. The HSA participants do not have to obtain advance approval from their HSA trustee or their medical insurer to withdraw funds, and the funds are not subject to income taxation if made for 'qualified medical expenses'. Qualified medical expenses include costs for services and items covered by the health plan but subject to cost sharing such as a deductible and coinsurance, or co-payments, as well as many other expenses not covered under medical plans, such as dental, vision and chiropractic care; durable medical equipment such as eyeglasses and hearing aids; and transportation expenses related to medical care. Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are also eligible. However, qualified medical expense must be incurred on or after the HSA was established.
Tax free distributions can be taken from the HSA for the qualified medical expenses of the person covered by the HDHP, the spouse (even if not covered) of the individual and any dependent (even if not covered) of the individual.12 The HSA account can also be used to pay previous year's qualified expenses subject to the condition that those expenses were incurred after the HSA was set up. The individual must preserve the receipts for expenses met from the HSA as they may be needed to prove that the withdrawals from the HSA were made for qualified medical expenses and not otherwise used. Also the individual may have to produce the receipts before the insurance company to prove that the deductible limit was met. If a withdrawal is made for unqualified medical expenses, then the amount withdrawn is considered taxable (it is added to the individuals income) and is also subject to an additional 10 percent penalty. Normally the money also cannot be used for paying medical insurance premiums. However, in certain circumstances, exceptions are allowed.
These are -
1) to pay for any health plan coverage while receiving federal or state unemployment benefits.
2) COBRA continuation coverage after leaving employment with a company that offers health insurance coverage.
3) Qualified long-term care insurance.
4) Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance for: Part A (hospital and inpatient services), Part B (physician and outpatient services), Part C (Medicare HMO and PPO plans) and Part D (prescription drugs).
However, if an individual dies, becomes disabled or reaches the age of 65, then withdrawals from the Health Savings Account are considered exempted from income tax and additional 10 percent penalty irrespective of the purpose for which those withdrawals are made. There are different methods through which funds can be withdrawn from the HSAs. Some HSAs provide account holders with debit cards, some with cheques and some have options for a reimbursement process similar to medical insurance.
Growth of HSAs
Ever since the Health Savings Accounts came into being in January 2004, there has been a phenomenal growth in their numbers. From around 1 million enrollees in March 2005, the number has grown to 6.1 million enrollees in January 2008.14 This represents an increase of 1.6 million since January 2007, 2.9 million since January 2006 and 5.1 million since March 2005. This growth has been visible across all segments. However, the growth in large groups and small groups has been much higher than in the individual category. According to the projections made by the U.S. Treasury Department, the number of HSA policy holders will increase to 14 million by 2010. These 14 million policies will provide cover to 25 to 30 million U.S. citizens.
In the Individual Market, 1.5 million people were covered by HSA/HDHPs purchased as on January 2008. Based on the number of covered lives, 27 percent of newly purchased individual policies (defined as those purchased during the most recent full month or quarter) were enrolled in HSA/HDHP coverage. In the small group market, enrollment stood at 1.8 million as of January 2008. In this group 31 percent of all new enrollments were in the HSA/HDHP category. The large group category had the largest enrollment with 2.8 million enrollees as of January 2008. In this category, six percent of all new enrollments were in the HSA/HDHP category.
Benefits of HSAs
The proponents of HSAs envisage a number of benefits from them. First and foremost it is believed that as they have a high deductible threshold, the insured will be more health conscious. Also they will be more cost conscious. The high deductibles will encourage people to be more careful about their health and health care expenses and will make them shop for bargains and be more vigilant against excesses in the health care industry. This, it is believed, will reduce the growing cost of health care and increase the efficiency of the health care system in the United States. HSA-eligible plans typically provide enrollee decision support tools that include, to some extent, information on the cost of health care services and the quality of health care providers. Experts suggest that reliable information about the cost of particular health care services and the quality of specific health care providers would help enrollees become more actively engaged in making health care purchasing decisions. These tools may be provided by health insurance carriers to all health insurance plan enrollees, but are likely to be more important to enrollees of HSA-eligible plans who have a greater financial incentive to make informed decisions about the quality and costs of health care providers and services.
It is believed that lower premiums associated with HSAs/HDHPs will enable more people to enroll for medical insurance. This will mean that lower income groups who do not have access to medicare will be able to open HSAs. No doubt higher deductibles are associated with HSA eligible HDHPs, but it is estimated that tax savings under HSAs and lower premiums will make them less expensive than other insurance plans. The funds put in the HSA can be rolled over from year to year. There are no use it or lose it rules. This leads to a growth in savings of the account holder. The funds can be accumulated tax free for future medical expenses if the holder so desires. Also the savings in the HSA can be grown through investments.
The nature of such investments is decided by the insured. The earnings on savings in the HSA are also exempt from income tax. The holder can withdraw his savings in the HSA after turning 65 years old without paying any taxes or penalties. The account holder has complete control over his/her account. He/She is the owner of the account right from its inception. A person can withdraw money as and when required without any gatekeeper. Also the owner decides how much to put in his/her account, how much to spend and how much to save for the future. The HSAs are portable in nature. This means that if the holder changes his/her job, becomes unemployed or moves to another location, he/she can still retain the account.
Also if the account holder so desires he can transfer his Health Saving Account from one managing agency to another. Thus portability is an advantage of HSAs. Another advantage is that most HSA plans provide first-dollar coverage for preventive care. This is true of virtually all HSA plans offered by large employers and over 95% of the plans offered by small employers. It was also true of over half (59%) of the plans which were purchased by individuals.
All of the plans offering first-dollar preventive care benefits included annual physicals, immunizations, well-baby and wellchild care, mammograms and Pap tests; 90% included prostate cancer screenings and 80% included colon cancer screenings. Some analysts believe that HSAs are more beneficial for the young and healthy as they do not have to pay frequent out of pocket costs. On the other hand, they have to pay lower premiums for HDHPs which help them meet unforeseen contingencies.
Health Savings Accounts are also advantageous for the employers. The benefits of choosing a health Savings Account over a traditional health insurance plan can directly affect the bottom line of an employer's benefit budget. For instance Health Savings Accounts are dependent on a high deductible insurance policy, which lowers the premiums of the employee's plan. Also all contributions to the Health Savings Account are pre-tax, thus lowering the gross payroll and reducing the amount of taxes the employer must pay.
Criticism of HSAs
The opponents of Health Savings Accounts contend that they would do more harm than good to America's health insurance system. Some consumer organizations, such as Consumers Union, and many medical organizations, such as the American Public Health Association, have rejected HSAs because, in their opinion, they benefit only healthy, younger people and make the health care system more expensive for everyone else. According to Stanford economist Victor Fuchs, "The main effect of putting more of it on the consumer is to reduce the social redistributive element of insurance.
Some others believe that HSAs remove healthy people from the insurance pool and it makes premiums rise for everyone left. HSAs encourage people to look out for themselves more and spread the risk around less. Another concern is that the money people save in HSAs will be inadequate. Some people believe that HSAs do not allow for enough savings to cover costs. Even the person who contributes the maximum and never takes any money out would not be able to cover health care costs in retirement if inflation continues in the health care industry.
Opponents of HSAs, also include distinguished figures like state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, who called them a "dangerous prescription" that will destabilize the health insurance marketplace and make things even worse for the uninsured. Another criticism is that they benefit the rich more than the poor. Those who earn more will be able to get bigger tax breaks than those who earn less. Critics point out that higher deductibles along with insurance premiums will take away a large share of the earnings of the low income groups. Also lower income groups will not benefit substantially from tax breaks as they are already paying little or no taxes. On the other hand tax breaks on savings in HSAs and on further income from those HSA savings will cost billions of dollars of tax money to the exchequer.
The Treasury Department has estimated HSAs would cost the government $156 billion over a decade. Critics say that this could rise substantially. Several surveys have been conducted regarding the efficacy of the HSAs and some have found that the account holders are not particularly satisfied with the HSA scheme and many are even ignorant about the working of the HSAs. One such survey conducted in 2007 of American employees by the human resources consulting firm Towers Perrin showed satisfaction with account based health plans (ABHPs) was low. People were not happy with them in general compared with people with more traditional health care. Respondants said they were not comfortable with the risk and did not understand how it works.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, early experience with HAS eligible high-deductible health plans reveals low satisfaction, high out of- pocket costs, and cost-related access problems. Another survey conducted with the Employee Benefits Research Institute found that people enrolled in HSA-eligible high-deductible health plans were much less satisfied with many aspects of their health care than adults in more comprehensive plans People in these plans allocate substantial amounts of income to their health care, especially those who have poorer health or lower incomes. The survey also found that adults in high-deductible health plans are far more likely to delay or avoid getting needed care, or to skip medications, because of the cost. Problems are particularly pronounced among those with poorer health or lower incomes.
Political leaders have also been vocal about their criticism of the HSAs. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. issued the following statement criticizing the HSAs "The President's health care plan is not about covering the uninsured, making health insurance affordable, or even driving down the cost of health care. Its real purpose is to make it easier for businesses to dump their health insurance burden onto workers, give tax breaks to the wealthy, and boost the profits of banks and financial brokers. The health care policies concocted at the behest of special interests do nothing to help the average American. In many cases, they can make health care even more inaccessible." In fact a report of the U.S. governments Accountability office, published on April 1, 2008 says that the rate of enrollment in the HSAs is greater for higher income individuals than for lower income ones.
A study titled "Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans: Are They an Option for Low-Income Families? By Catherine Hoffman and Jennifer Tolbert which was sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation reported the following key findings regarding the HSAs:
a) Premiums for HSA-qualified health plans may be lower than for traditional insurance, but these plans shift more of the financial risk to individuals and families through higher deductibles.
b) Premiums and out-of-pocket costs for HSA-qualified health plans would consume a substantial portion of a low-income family's budget.
c) Most low-income individuals and families do not face high enough tax liability to benefit in a significant way from tax deductions associated with HSAs.
d) People with chronic conditions, disabilities, and others with high cost medical needs may face even greater out-of-pocket costs under HSA-qualified health plans.
e) Cost-sharing reduces the use of health care, especially primary and preventive services, and low-income individuals and those who are sicker are particularly sensitive to cost-sharing increases.
f) Health savings accounts and high deductible plans are unlikely to substantially increase health insurance coverage among the uninsured.
Choosing a Health Plan
Despite the advantages offered by the HSA, it may not be suitable for everyone. While choosing an insurance plan, an individual must consider the following factors:
1. The premiums to be paid.
2. Coverage/benefits available under the scheme.
3. Various exclusions and limitations.
4. Portability.
5. Out-of-pocket costs like coinsurance, co-pays, and deductibles.
6. Access to doctors, hospitals, and other providers.
7. How much and sometimes how one pays for care.
8. Any existing health issue or physical disability.
9. Type of tax savings available.
The plan you choose should according to your requirements and financial ability.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Questions and Answers about Health Insurance- A Consumer Guide' published jointly by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
2 http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_savings_account
3 2002 AHIP Survey of Health Insurance Plans
4 "How High Is Too High? Implications of High-Deductible Health Plans" Davis, Karen; Michelle Doty and Alice Ho. The Commonwealth Fund, April 2005
5 http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/schs/pdf/hsa_tri-fold_brochure.pdf
6 HSA/HDHP CENSUS 2008 by Hannah Yoo, Center for Policy and Research, America's Health Insurance Plans
7"HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Early Enrollee Experiences with Accounts and Eligible Health Plans" John E. Dicken Director, Health Care.
8 Thomas Wilder and Hannah Yoo, "A Survey of Preventive Benefits in Health Savings Account (HSA)Plans, July 2007," America's Health Insurance Plans, November 2007
9 Gladwell, Malcolm, "The Moral Hazard Myth", The New Yorker (29-08-2005)
10 2008 Benchmark Survey HAS Bank
11. Employer Health Benefits 2007 Annual Survey, Kaiser Family Foundation
12. Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans: Are They An Option for Low-Income Families?Catherine Hoffman and Jennifer Tolbert for Kaiser Family Foundation, October 2006
13. Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003
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In America, the health insurance industry has changed rapidly during the last few decades. In the 1970's most people who had health insurance had indemnity insurance. Indemnity insurance is often called fee-forservice. It is the traditional health insurance in which the medical provider (usually a doctor or hospital) is paid a fee for each service provided to the patient covered under the policy. An important category associated with the indemnity plans is that of consumer driven health care (CDHC). Consumer-directed health plans allow individuals and families to have greater control over their health care, including when and how they access care, what types of care they receive and how much they spend on health care services.
These plans are however associated with higher deductibles that the insured have to pay from their pocket before they can claim insurance money. Consumer driven health care plans include Health Reimbursement Plans (HRAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), high deductible health plans (HDHps), Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Of these, the Health Savings Accounts are the most recent and they have witnessed rapid growth during the last decade.
WHAT IS A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available to taxpayers in the United States. The funds contributed to the account are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit. These may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses at any time without federal tax liability.
Another feature is that the funds contributed to Health Savings Account roll over and accumulate year over year if not spent. These can be withdrawn by the employees at the time of retirement without any tax liabilities. Withdrawals for qualified expenses and interest earned are also not subject to federal income taxes. According to the U.S. Treasury Office, 'A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care.
HSA's enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.' Thus the Health Savings Account is an effort to increase the efficiency of the American health care system and to encourage people to be more responsible and prudent towards their health care needs. It falls in the category of consumer driven health care plans.
Origin of Health Savings Account
The Health Savings Account was established under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act passed by the U.S. Congress in June 2003, by the Senate in July 2003 and signed by President Bush on December 8, 2003.
Eligibility -
The following individuals are eligible to open a Health Savings Account -
- Those who are covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).
- Those not covered by other health insurance plans.
- Those not enrolled in Medicare4.
Also there are no income limits on who may contribute to an HAS and there is no requirement of having earned income to contribute to an HAS. However HAS's can't be set up by those who are dependent on someone else's tax return. Also HSA's cannot be set up independently by children.
What is a High Deductible Health plan (HDHP)?
Enrollment in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) is a necessary qualification for anyone wishing to open a Health Savings Account. In fact the HDHPs got a boost by the Medicare Modernization Act which introduced the HSAs. A High Deductible Health Plan is a health insurance plan which has a certain deductible threshold. This limit must be crossed before the insured person can claim insurance money. It does not cover first dollar medical expenses. So an individual has to himself pay the initial expenses that are called out-of-pocket costs.
In a number of HDHPs costs of immunization and preventive health care are excluded from the deductible which means that the individual is reimbursed for them. HDHPs can be taken both by individuals (self employed as well as employed) and employers. In 2008, HDHPs are being offered by insurance companies in America with deductibles ranging from a minimum of $1,100 for Self and $2,200 for Self and Family coverage. The maximum amount out-of-pocket limits for HDHPs is $5,600 for self and $11,200 for Self and Family enrollment. These deductible limits are called IRS limits as they are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In HDHPs the relation between the deductibles and the premium paid by the insured is inversely propotional i.e. higher the deductible, lower the premium and vice versa. The major purported advantages of HDHPs are that they will a) lower health care costs by causing patients to be more cost-conscious, and b) make insurance premiums more affordable for the uninsured. The logic is that when the patients are fully covered (i.e. have health plans with low deductibles), they tend to be less health conscious and also less cost conscious when going for treatment.
Opening a Health Savings Account
An individual can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. However not all insurance companies offer HSAqualified health insurance plans so it is important to use an insurance company that offers this type of qualified insurance plan. The employer may also set up a plan for the employees. However, the account is always owned by the individual. Direct online enrollment in HSA-qualified health insurance is available in all states except Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
Contributions to the Health Savings Account
Contributions to HSAs can be made by an individual who owns the account, by an employer or by any other person. When made by the employer, the contribution is not included in the income of the employee. When made by an employee, it is treated as exempted from federal tax. For 2008, the maximum amount that can be contributed (and deducted) to an HSA from all sources is:
$2,900 (self-only coverage)
$5,800 (family coverage)
These limits are set by the U.S. Congress through statutes and they are indexed annually for inflation. For individuals above 55 years of age, there is a special catch up provision that allows them to deposit additional $800 for 2008 and $900 for 2009. The actual maximum amount an individual can contribute also depends on the number of months he is covered by an HDHP (pro-rated basis) as of the first day of a month. For eg If you have family HDHP coverage from January 1,2008 until June 30, 2008, then cease having HDHP coverage, you are allowed an HSA contribution of 6/12 of $5,800, or $2,900 for 2008. If you have family HDHP coverage from January 1,2008 until June 30, 2008, and have self-only HDHP coverage from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008, you are allowed an HSA contribution of 6/12 x $5,800 plus 6/12 of $2,900, or $4,350 for 2008. If an individual opens an HDHP on the first day of a month, then he can contribute to HSA on the first day itself. However, if he/she opens an account on any other day than the first, then he can contribute to the HSA from the next month onwards. Contributions can be made as late as April 15 of the following year. Contributions to the HSA in excess of the contribution limits must be withdrawn by the individual or be subject to an excise tax. The individual must pay income tax on the excess withdrawn amount.
Contributions by the Employer
The employer can make contributions to the employee's HAS account under a salary reduction plan known as Section 125 plan. It is also called a cafeteria plan. The contributions made under the cafeteria plan are made on a pre-tax basis i.e. they are excluded from the employee's income. The employer must make the contribution on a comparable basis. Comparable contributions are contributions to all HSAs of an employer which are 1) the same amount or 2) the same percentage of the annual deductible. However, part time employees who work for less than 30 hours a week can be treated separately. The employer can also categorize employees into those who opt for self coverage only and those who opt for a family coverage. The employer can automatically make contributions to the HSAs on the behalf of the employee unless the employee specifically chooses not to have such contributions by the employer.
Withdrawals from the HSAs
The HSA is owned by the employee and he/she can make qualified expenses from it whenever required. He/She also decides how much to contribute to it, how much to withdraw for qualified expenses, which company will hold the account and what type of investments will be made to grow the account. Another feature is that the funds remain in the account and role over from year to year. There are no use it or lose it rules. The HSA participants do not have to obtain advance approval from their HSA trustee or their medical insurer to withdraw funds, and the funds are not subject to income taxation if made for 'qualified medical expenses'. Qualified medical expenses include costs for services and items covered by the health plan but subject to cost sharing such as a deductible and coinsurance, or co-payments, as well as many other expenses not covered under medical plans, such as dental, vision and chiropractic care; durable medical equipment such as eyeglasses and hearing aids; and transportation expenses related to medical care. Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are also eligible. However, qualified medical expense must be incurred on or after the HSA was established.
Tax free distributions can be taken from the HSA for the qualified medical expenses of the person covered by the HDHP, the spouse (even if not covered) of the individual and any dependent (even if not covered) of the individual.12 The HSA account can also be used to pay previous year's qualified expenses subject to the condition that those expenses were incurred after the HSA was set up. The individual must preserve the receipts for expenses met from the HSA as they may be needed to prove that the withdrawals from the HSA were made for qualified medical expenses and not otherwise used. Also the individual may have to produce the receipts before the insurance company to prove that the deductible limit was met. If a withdrawal is made for unqualified medical expenses, then the amount withdrawn is considered taxable (it is added to the individuals income) and is also subject to an additional 10 percent penalty. Normally the money also cannot be used for paying medical insurance premiums. However, in certain circumstances, exceptions are allowed.
These are -
1) to pay for any health plan coverage while receiving federal or state unemployment benefits.
2) COBRA continuation coverage after leaving employment with a company that offers health insurance coverage.
3) Qualified long-term care insurance.
4) Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance for: Part A (hospital and inpatient services), Part B (physician and outpatient services), Part C (Medicare HMO and PPO plans) and Part D (prescription drugs).
However, if an individual dies, becomes disabled or reaches the age of 65, then withdrawals from the Health Savings Account are considered exempted from income tax and additional 10 percent penalty irrespective of the purpose for which those withdrawals are made. There are different methods through which funds can be withdrawn from the HSAs. Some HSAs provide account holders with debit cards, some with cheques and some have options for a reimbursement process similar to medical insurance.
Growth of HSAs
Ever since the Health Savings Accounts came into being in January 2004, there has been a phenomenal growth in their numbers. From around 1 million enrollees in March 2005, the number has grown to 6.1 million enrollees in January 2008.14 This represents an increase of 1.6 million since January 2007, 2.9 million since January 2006 and 5.1 million since March 2005. This growth has been visible across all segments. However, the growth in large groups and small groups has been much higher than in the individual category. According to the projections made by the U.S. Treasury Department, the number of HSA policy holders will increase to 14 million by 2010. These 14 million policies will provide cover to 25 to 30 million U.S. citizens.
In the Individual Market, 1.5 million people were covered by HSA/HDHPs purchased as on January 2008. Based on the number of covered lives, 27 percent of newly purchased individual policies (defined as those purchased during the most recent full month or quarter) were enrolled in HSA/HDHP coverage. In the small group market, enrollment stood at 1.8 million as of January 2008. In this group 31 percent of all new enrollments were in the HSA/HDHP category. The large group category had the largest enrollment with 2.8 million enrollees as of January 2008. In this category, six percent of all new enrollments were in the HSA/HDHP category.
Benefits of HSAs
The proponents of HSAs envisage a number of benefits from them. First and foremost it is believed that as they have a high deductible threshold, the insured will be more health conscious. Also they will be more cost conscious. The high deductibles will encourage people to be more careful about their health and health care expenses and will make them shop for bargains and be more vigilant against excesses in the health care industry. This, it is believed, will reduce the growing cost of health care and increase the efficiency of the health care system in the United States. HSA-eligible plans typically provide enrollee decision support tools that include, to some extent, information on the cost of health care services and the quality of health care providers. Experts suggest that reliable information about the cost of particular health care services and the quality of specific health care providers would help enrollees become more actively engaged in making health care purchasing decisions. These tools may be provided by health insurance carriers to all health insurance plan enrollees, but are likely to be more important to enrollees of HSA-eligible plans who have a greater financial incentive to make informed decisions about the quality and costs of health care providers and services.
It is believed that lower premiums associated with HSAs/HDHPs will enable more people to enroll for medical insurance. This will mean that lower income groups who do not have access to medicare will be able to open HSAs. No doubt higher deductibles are associated with HSA eligible HDHPs, but it is estimated that tax savings under HSAs and lower premiums will make them less expensive than other insurance plans. The funds put in the HSA can be rolled over from year to year. There are no use it or lose it rules. This leads to a growth in savings of the account holder. The funds can be accumulated tax free for future medical expenses if the holder so desires. Also the savings in the HSA can be grown through investments.
The nature of such investments is decided by the insured. The earnings on savings in the HSA are also exempt from income tax. The holder can withdraw his savings in the HSA after turning 65 years old without paying any taxes or penalties. The account holder has complete control over his/her account. He/She is the owner of the account right from its inception. A person can withdraw money as and when required without any gatekeeper. Also the owner decides how much to put in his/her account, how much to spend and how much to save for the future. The HSAs are portable in nature. This means that if the holder changes his/her job, becomes unemployed or moves to another location, he/she can still retain the account.
Also if the account holder so desires he can transfer his Health Saving Account from one managing agency to another. Thus portability is an advantage of HSAs. Another advantage is that most HSA plans provide first-dollar coverage for preventive care. This is true of virtually all HSA plans offered by large employers and over 95% of the plans offered by small employers. It was also true of over half (59%) of the plans which were purchased by individuals.
All of the plans offering first-dollar preventive care benefits included annual physicals, immunizations, well-baby and wellchild care, mammograms and Pap tests; 90% included prostate cancer screenings and 80% included colon cancer screenings. Some analysts believe that HSAs are more beneficial for the young and healthy as they do not have to pay frequent out of pocket costs. On the other hand, they have to pay lower premiums for HDHPs which help them meet unforeseen contingencies.
Health Savings Accounts are also advantageous for the employers. The benefits of choosing a health Savings Account over a traditional health insurance plan can directly affect the bottom line of an employer's benefit budget. For instance Health Savings Accounts are dependent on a high deductible insurance policy, which lowers the premiums of the employee's plan. Also all contributions to the Health Savings Account are pre-tax, thus lowering the gross payroll and reducing the amount of taxes the employer must pay.
Criticism of HSAs
The opponents of Health Savings Accounts contend that they would do more harm than good to America's health insurance system. Some consumer organizations, such as Consumers Union, and many medical organizations, such as the American Public Health Association, have rejected HSAs because, in their opinion, they benefit only healthy, younger people and make the health care system more expensive for everyone else. According to Stanford economist Victor Fuchs, "The main effect of putting more of it on the consumer is to reduce the social redistributive element of insurance.
Some others believe that HSAs remove healthy people from the insurance pool and it makes premiums rise for everyone left. HSAs encourage people to look out for themselves more and spread the risk around less. Another concern is that the money people save in HSAs will be inadequate. Some people believe that HSAs do not allow for enough savings to cover costs. Even the person who contributes the maximum and never takes any money out would not be able to cover health care costs in retirement if inflation continues in the health care industry.
Opponents of HSAs, also include distinguished figures like state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, who called them a "dangerous prescription" that will destabilize the health insurance marketplace and make things even worse for the uninsured. Another criticism is that they benefit the rich more than the poor. Those who earn more will be able to get bigger tax breaks than those who earn less. Critics point out that higher deductibles along with insurance premiums will take away a large share of the earnings of the low income groups. Also lower income groups will not benefit substantially from tax breaks as they are already paying little or no taxes. On the other hand tax breaks on savings in HSAs and on further income from those HSA savings will cost billions of dollars of tax money to the exchequer.
The Treasury Department has estimated HSAs would cost the government $156 billion over a decade. Critics say that this could rise substantially. Several surveys have been conducted regarding the efficacy of the HSAs and some have found that the account holders are not particularly satisfied with the HSA scheme and many are even ignorant about the working of the HSAs. One such survey conducted in 2007 of American employees by the human resources consulting firm Towers Perrin showed satisfaction with account based health plans (ABHPs) was low. People were not happy with them in general compared with people with more traditional health care. Respondants said they were not comfortable with the risk and did not understand how it works.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, early experience with HAS eligible high-deductible health plans reveals low satisfaction, high out of- pocket costs, and cost-related access problems. Another survey conducted with the Employee Benefits Research Institute found that people enrolled in HSA-eligible high-deductible health plans were much less satisfied with many aspects of their health care than adults in more comprehensive plans People in these plans allocate substantial amounts of income to their health care, especially those who have poorer health or lower incomes. The survey also found that adults in high-deductible health plans are far more likely to delay or avoid getting needed care, or to skip medications, because of the cost. Problems are particularly pronounced among those with poorer health or lower incomes.
Political leaders have also been vocal about their criticism of the HSAs. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. issued the following statement criticizing the HSAs "The President's health care plan is not about covering the uninsured, making health insurance affordable, or even driving down the cost of health care. Its real purpose is to make it easier for businesses to dump their health insurance burden onto workers, give tax breaks to the wealthy, and boost the profits of banks and financial brokers. The health care policies concocted at the behest of special interests do nothing to help the average American. In many cases, they can make health care even more inaccessible." In fact a report of the U.S. governments Accountability office, published on April 1, 2008 says that the rate of enrollment in the HSAs is greater for higher income individuals than for lower income ones.
A study titled "Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans: Are They an Option for Low-Income Families? By Catherine Hoffman and Jennifer Tolbert which was sponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation reported the following key findings regarding the HSAs:
a) Premiums for HSA-qualified health plans may be lower than for traditional insurance, but these plans shift more of the financial risk to individuals and families through higher deductibles.
b) Premiums and out-of-pocket costs for HSA-qualified health plans would consume a substantial portion of a low-income family's budget.
c) Most low-income individuals and families do not face high enough tax liability to benefit in a significant way from tax deductions associated with HSAs.
d) People with chronic conditions, disabilities, and others with high cost medical needs may face even greater out-of-pocket costs under HSA-qualified health plans.
e) Cost-sharing reduces the use of health care, especially primary and preventive services, and low-income individuals and those who are sicker are particularly sensitive to cost-sharing increases.
f) Health savings accounts and high deductible plans are unlikely to substantially increase health insurance coverage among the uninsured.
Choosing a Health Plan
Despite the advantages offered by the HSA, it may not be suitable for everyone. While choosing an insurance plan, an individual must consider the following factors:
1. The premiums to be paid.
2. Coverage/benefits available under the scheme.
3. Various exclusions and limitations.
4. Portability.
5. Out-of-pocket costs like coinsurance, co-pays, and deductibles.
6. Access to doctors, hospitals, and other providers.
7. How much and sometimes how one pays for care.
8. Any existing health issue or physical disability.
9. Type of tax savings available.
The plan you choose should according to your requirements and financial ability.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Questions and Answers about Health Insurance- A Consumer Guide' published jointly by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)and America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
2 http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_savings_account
3 2002 AHIP Survey of Health Insurance Plans
4 "How High Is Too High? Implications of High-Deductible Health Plans" Davis, Karen; Michelle Doty and Alice Ho. The Commonwealth Fund, April 2005
5 http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/schs/pdf/hsa_tri-fold_brochure.pdf
6 HSA/HDHP CENSUS 2008 by Hannah Yoo, Center for Policy and Research, America's Health Insurance Plans
7"HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Early Enrollee Experiences with Accounts and Eligible Health Plans" John E. Dicken Director, Health Care.
8 Thomas Wilder and Hannah Yoo, "A Survey of Preventive Benefits in Health Savings Account (HSA)Plans, July 2007," America's Health Insurance Plans, November 2007
9 Gladwell, Malcolm, "The Moral Hazard Myth", The New Yorker (29-08-2005)
10 2008 Benchmark Survey HAS Bank
11. Employer Health Benefits 2007 Annual Survey, Kaiser Family Foundation
12. Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans: Are They An Option for Low-Income Families?Catherine Hoffman and Jennifer Tolbert for Kaiser Family Foundation, October 2006
13. Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003
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