Types of Health Insurance (Part 1)
Posted by Administrator on Jan 25, 2008
Health insurance is available through two types of plans: group or individual. Group plans are offered through an employer or association; individual plans are purchased directly through an insurance company. (For purposes of this brochure, “individual” refers to you and, where applicable, your dependents).
If you work for a company that offers a group insurance plan, or even a choice of plans to its employees, obtaining health insurance may not be a problem. However, if you are not covered by a group plan, or if you want different or additional coverage other than that offered by your employer, you may want to consider buying individual health insurance coverage for yourself or your family, or determine your eligibility for association or government sponsored health insurance.
Source: ins.state.pa.us
Private Medical Insurance - An Independent Guide To Buying Private Health Cover
Posted by Administrator on Jan 21, 2008
This independent guide to buying private medical insurance, published by the Association of British Insurers, has been designed to help you understand more about how private medical insurance works, so that you can make an informed choice before you buy an insurance policy.
The Association of British Insurers are the recognised trade organisation for insurance companies operating in the United Kingdom. In addition to this guide, the literature you receive from companies providing private medical insurance should contain an outline of the products which you are considering buying.
I’m uninsured and living in New York. What are my health insurance options?
Posted by Administrator on Jan 18, 2008
Every New Yorker is guaranteed the right to buy health insurance. New Yorkers cannot be discriminated against because of their health status or age. However, a pre-existing condition waiting period may be imposed on you for up to 12 months if you let your insurance lapse for more than 63 days. You should always make sure you have continuous health insurance coverage in order to avoid such a waiting period.
You have three basic options for obtaining health insurance as an individual other than employer or union plans in New York:
Q&A
Posted by Administrator on Jan 11, 2008
Q What is the first thing I should know about buying health coverage?
A Your aim should be to insure yourself and your family against the most serious and financially disastrous losses that can result from an illness or accident. If you are offered health benefits at work, carefully review the plans, literature to make sure the one you select fits your needs. If you purchase individual coverage, buy a policy that will cover major expenses and pay them to the highest maximum level. Save money on premiums, if necessary, by taking large deductibles and paying smaller costs out-of-pocket.
Glossary (Part 3)
Posted by Administrator on Jan 7, 2008
Pre-Existing Condition
An illness or condition which was treated or diagnosed before the policy was issued. Many policies will not pay benefits for pre-existing conditions, or will only cover treatment of them after the policy has been in force for a specified period of time. This varies based on whether the policy is group or individual coverage.
Renewal and Premium Increase
Determine the conditions under which your policy may be renewed or the premiums increased. Ask what type of renewal provision applies to your policy.
Glossary (Part 2)
Posted by Administrator on Jan 7, 2008
Effective Period
The date health insurance protection begins.
Elimination Period
Specified number of days that you must be eligible for coverage or disabled before the policy begins to pay benefits.
Exclusions and Limitations
Conditions or circumstances in which benefits are not payable or may be limited. Some examples of exclusions are suicide or self-inflicted injuries, injuries resulting from war, on-the-job accidents covered by workers� compensation, eye or dental treatment, cosmetic surgery, services for which no charge is made, and services that are not medically necessary. Some policies also may place limitations on or exclude treatment of mental illness or substance abuse.
Source: ins.state.pa.us
Glossary (Part 1)
Posted by Administrator on Jan 7, 2008
Coinsurance
The share of your covered expenses, usually a percentage, you must pay after the deductible is reached. For example, a policy may require you to pay twenty percent of the cost up to a certain dollar amount.
Conversion of Privileges
Allows the participant or beneficiaries to convert coverage to a different plan of insurance without providing evidence of insurability. The privilege granted by a group policy is to convert to an individual policy upon termination of group coverage.