Is there anything that I should consider before going for another health insurance carrier? I'd definitely like to know my areas of concern.
Total Comments: 8
Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 08:01 pm Post Subject:
You have an individual policy? What state are you in?
What is your/your dependents' health status? -- This is just a starting point.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 07:30 am Post Subject:
Policy- individual
State- IL
My health status - I'm 33 (no pre-existing conditions)
I've a girlfriend, but I don't live with her anymore.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 09:05 pm Post Subject:
Well, at age 33, you would be expected to be in excellent health, in which case qualifying for an individual policy should not be much trouble at all.
What's to know? Oh, how about what is and is not covered, and how much your out-of-pocket expense could be in one year, and what the lifetime limit of coverage is? Those are pretty good for starters.
When it comes time to fill out an application, just make sure you understand each question that is asked of you, and that you answer completely and truthfully. Do not attempt to hide anything, and if you aren't sure about something, ask your agent to speak to the company long before you submit an application.
But before even considering changing companies, what is the reason you are even considering a change? Is it simply the monthly/annual premium? If that's the case, you should first inquire about alternative plans available with your present company -- it doesn't just have a one-size-fits-all plan. There are definitely advantages to not switching companies. Chief among them is something known as incontestability.
And at your age, considering a Health Savings Account and High Deductible Health Plan might just be the alternative you are seeking. Be sure to inquire about those offerings, too.
Hope this helps.
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:18 am Post Subject:
If that's the case, you should first inquire about alternative plans available with your present company -- it doesn't just have a one-size-fits-all plan.
Do I simply go and ask them about a plan that costs lesser than the current one? Or do I take a different approach? Do I need to produce any other document in order to avail a lower cost?
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:26 am Post Subject:
What is your objective? Lower cost, more coverage, less coverage, HMO, PPO, EPO, POS, comprehensive major medical?
To be able to offer more assistance, it would be helpful to know what kind of coverage you have, what you want, and what you are willing to spend.
Please don't post specifics like policy #s, or personal identification.
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 07:24 am Post Subject:
To be able to offer more assistance, it would be helpful to know what kind of coverage you have, what you want, and what you are willing to spend.
All these factors are truly vital in order to come to a decision. You must collect all information regarding your latest coverage. You must keep a note of important facts e.g. the worth of your deductible, worth of medical costs to be reimbursed once your deductible is met etc.
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 04:47 am Post Subject:
Do you have a list of medications that you're getting? It's important.
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 05:42 am Post Subject:
It's important.
Calculate the total cost of medications each year. If your health insurance covers this cost, then add your copay with it and see how much you need to pay keeping insurance aside.
Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 08:01 pm Post Subject:
You have an individual policy? What state are you in?
What is your/your dependents' health status? -- This is just a starting point.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 07:30 am Post Subject:
Policy- individual
State- IL
My health status - I'm 33 (no pre-existing conditions)
I've a girlfriend, but I don't live with her anymore.
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 09:05 pm Post Subject:
Well, at age 33, you would be expected to be in excellent health, in which case qualifying for an individual policy should not be much trouble at all.
What's to know? Oh, how about what is and is not covered, and how much your out-of-pocket expense could be in one year, and what the lifetime limit of coverage is? Those are pretty good for starters.
When it comes time to fill out an application, just make sure you understand each question that is asked of you, and that you answer completely and truthfully. Do not attempt to hide anything, and if you aren't sure about something, ask your agent to speak to the company long before you submit an application.
But before even considering changing companies, what is the reason you are even considering a change? Is it simply the monthly/annual premium? If that's the case, you should first inquire about alternative plans available with your present company -- it doesn't just have a one-size-fits-all plan. There are definitely advantages to not switching companies. Chief among them is something known as incontestability.
And at your age, considering a Health Savings Account and High Deductible Health Plan might just be the alternative you are seeking. Be sure to inquire about those offerings, too.
Hope this helps.
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:18 am Post Subject:
If that's the case, you should first inquire about alternative plans available with your present company -- it doesn't just have a one-size-fits-all plan.
Do I simply go and ask them about a plan that costs lesser than the current one? Or do I take a different approach? Do I need to produce any other document in order to avail a lower cost?
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:26 am Post Subject:
What is your objective? Lower cost, more coverage, less coverage, HMO, PPO, EPO, POS, comprehensive major medical?
To be able to offer more assistance, it would be helpful to know what kind of coverage you have, what you want, and what you are willing to spend.
Please don't post specifics like policy #s, or personal identification.
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 07:24 am Post Subject:
To be able to offer more assistance, it would be helpful to know what kind of coverage you have, what you want, and what you are willing to spend.
All these factors are truly vital in order to come to a decision. You must collect all information regarding your latest coverage. You must keep a note of important facts e.g. the worth of your deductible, worth of medical costs to be reimbursed once your deductible is met etc.
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 04:47 am Post Subject:
Do you have a list of medications that you're getting? It's important.
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 05:42 am Post Subject:
It's important.
Calculate the total cost of medications each year. If your health insurance covers this cost, then add your copay with it and see how much you need to pay keeping insurance aside.
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