 Posted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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I've read this thread, and feel the need to "supplement" some of the answers given.
Discount cards are NOT insurance products. They are simply (supposedly) a way to receive a discount on medical services. In fact, on the more reputable one's - if there is such a thing - they even make the applicant initial a box stating such.
For those who have a chronic illness, such as Diabetes, which makes in nearly impossible to obtain and qualify for individual health insurance coverage, these "discount" plans are, unfortunately, where most people are forced to turn. The only exception being those states that have "risk pools", and even those are mighty expensive.
Also, before you sign up for one of these "discount" plans, try and find a few physicians that are "in-network", and call them to see if a)they still accept the card, and b)what type of discount one can receive on services rendered.
Now, another "supplement" plan may be the likes of AFLAC, Colonial, etc. Which pays you, the consumer, directly, to help with medical expenses incurred due to injury, and time off work. Most of what AFLAC and Colonial have are group-only benefits; however, depending on what state you're in, they may have one or two "stand-alone" products, such as a hospital plan or cancer plan. Please check with a local agent.
Now, on to the Medicare/Long Term Care situation:
Medicare pays for any care and therapies that will help you "improve" and "get better". Medicare is not for "custodial" care. In other words, once you've leveled off, and are no longer getting better, Medicare will not provide services, unless you have a Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, plan. And, even then, there will be a point where those services will end.
Long Term Care is for situations, where it's been documented and authorized by a physician or social worker that your predicament will not improve, and from here on out, you will need assistance.
In the interest of brevity, that, in a nutshell, is what separates Long Term Care coverage from Medicare Coverage. |
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Insurebob
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Joined: 24 Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Location: Atlanta, Ga
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