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We’ve previously looked at the first three rules when choosing an individual health insurance plan: Rule #1) Review the benefits of any group plans carefully before you commit; Rule #2) Compare benefits of at least 3 plans before you buy and; Rule #3) Know your options. The broker at MyHealthQuoter.com can help you find plans, compare plans, and choose the right options for you.
Now let’s look at the rest of the things you should think about as you look to purchase health insurance coverage.
Rule #4 – Keep in mind that the premium you pay to buy health insurance buys you two things: 1) benefits before your deductible and then 2) benefits after you have reached the maximum out of pocket expenses. In a co-pay plan, your benefit before the deductible is the co-pay (a flat fee you pay for doctor’s visits and prescriptions). For plans tied to Health Savings Accounts, this benefit is typically unlimited free preventive services (free mammograms, pap tests, and annual physicals).
But your premium also buys you coverage AFTER the deductible up to the lifetime limit of the plan. Most plans have a lifetime limit of $3M, $5M or even as high as $7M. Your deductible is the amount you pay before the full benefit of your insurance kicks in. Your coinsurance is the amount you must cost-share after your annual deductible, typically 80% by the insurance company and 20% by you, the insured. You stop sharing completely once you’ve met the out of pocket maximum.
Here’s a great video that explains a lot:
Rule #5 – Even if you feel it’s expensive to buy an Ohio individual health insurance plan, it’s even more expensive to get sick or have an accident without any coverage at all. Having to rely on the emergency room for health care is one of the most expensive ways there is. Typically, an individual health insurance plan can cost anywhere from 30% to 50% less than a comparable group plan just simply because group plans are required to provide coverage to everyone, regardless of health. What often happens in a group plan is that the individuals who have the most serious health issues sign up for the plan, while the young, healthy individuals do not, forcing the group plan to be more expensive. As an individual plan owner, your premium will be based on your specific health situation.
Rule #6 – Keep track of all of your medical-related expenses. It’s true that ordinarily medical expenses, including insurance premiums, are not tax deductible until they exceed 7.5% of your income. But if you are in a lower income bracket and end up having a serious health issue, that 7.5% number can be reached more quickly than you think. Also, if you are self-employed or your employer offers a flexible spending account, you can get a tax break without meeting the threshold.
Rule #7 – Shop around and use the tool at MyHealthQuoter.com to comparison shop and get free health insurance quotes. Ask a broker, not an agent, for help. A broker offers all the carrier choices and represents you, while an agent typically represents the insurance company. A broker can not only help you find the best plans but can explain the variations in plan design and benefits.
The broker at MyHealthQuoter is here to help. Visit us online today for a free health insurance quote. Or call us today at 1-866-577-3620 for personal help in choosing the most affordable and comprehensive Ohio individual health insurance plans available. There is no reason to be uninsured. We can find a plan that is right for you.
Dental and Accident Insurance; United Health Care Ancillary Products. Get a instant quote, apply online;
https://www.unitedhealthonesupplement.com/Ancillary/Quote/QuotePlanList.aspx?QID=19894
Most dental care coverage places an emphasis on regular preventive care by covering small routine costs. A thorough examination by the dentist and a set of x-rays are all it usually takes to diagnose a problem.
By placing an emphasis on prevention, and by covering regular teeth cleaning and check-ups, Americans saved nearly $100 billion in dental care costs during the 1980s.
Purchasing an Ohio individual health insurance plan is not always easy. Services like MyHealthQuoter make it easier than it used to be, but ultimately, you are the one who has to make the final decision, so there are 7 Rules you should consider when considering what Ohio individual health insurance policy to buy.
Today, we’ll look at Rules #1, #2, and #3. Next week, we’ll review Rules #4-#7.
Rule #1 – If your employer offers a group insurance policy, review the provisions and coverage carefully. If you are married and you both have coverage available through an employer, you’ll have to compare the two plans to see which gives the entire family the best coverage at the most affordable price. Employers usually pay 50% of the premium for the employee, but often do not contribute as much, if any, to the coverage for dependents. Sometimes, it makes more economic sense to peel the dependents off of your employer’s group plan and cover them separately. Call MyHealthQuoter at 1-866-577-3620 for a free policy review. For more information, review this previous post: http://www.ohioindividualhealthinsurance.net/?p=60
Rule #2 – You MUST take the time and effort to compare the costs and benefits of at least two, or preferably three plans. There is no such thing as standard coverage and some carriers may have exclusions or coverage different than the others. You cannot make the decision to buy an Ohio individual health insurance plan based on the premium cost alone. The low premium plan may have high out of pocket costs (deductibles and coinsurance) that make it not ideal for you. Your MyHealthQuoter broker can help you decipher the benefits and can help you with the cost comparison.
Rule #3 – Even good coverage can have a major exclusion or loophole that makes it not appropriate for your particular health and financial situation. You have to be aware of all your options. A traditional co-pay plan costs hundreds of dollars more than a high-deductible plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA), but if you do not have the financial discipline to put money aside each month into your HSA, the co-pay plan may be your best option. For more information on HSAs, see http://www.myhealthquoter.com/healthsavingsaccount.html.
You may want to talk to your representative at MyHealthQuoter about obtaining a supplemental plan if your only affordable choice has limitations. You may also want to purchase the PeoplePlus discount plan to help with some of the commonly uncovered expenses like dental or vision coverage.
Next week, we’ll look at how your individual health insurance premium benefits you, why you should keep track of all of your medical-related expenses, and how tools like MyHealthQuoter.com can help you in the search for Ohio individual health insurance.
The broker at MyHealthQuoter is here to help. Visit us online today for a free quote. Or call us today at 1-866-577-3620 for personal help in choosing the most affordable and comprehensive Ohio individual health insurance plans available.
Ohioans without a health plan have to carefully consider the costs and benefits of buying an Ohio individual health insurance plan. For most, the benefits outweigh the costs and they make the decision that it’s better to pinch pennies now and pay for health insurance than to take the chance and not have coverage when a major medical situation arises. At MyHealthQuoter, we help dozens of people every day find the plan that best suits their needs.
But for some, there is simply no affordable solution and they opt to take the risk that they and their family will stay healthy. If something happens, they know they can go to the emergency room at their local hospital and still get medical care.
Emergency room care is the most inefficient and most costly way to administer health care. Yet too many people without health insurance wait to seek health care until they end up in the emergency room because they can’t afford insurance or routine care. This causes those with insurance to pay more to cover those costs. The premiums continue to rise, health care becomes too costly, and more people join the ranks of the uninsured.
The health care system is broken and everyone needs to do their part.
Health insurance companies need to do a better job at holding down costs and managing their overhead and administrative costs. They have the power to negotiate better rates. They can invest in technologies that streamline their processes.
Doctors and hospitals need to focus on better outcomes and run fewer unnecessary tests. Doctors need to have some protection from frivolous and non-sustainable lawsuits. Where possible, processes need to become more efficient. Initiatives like electronic medical records need to be implemented sooner rather than later.
The pharmaceutical companies need to check their pricing models. While their investment in research and development of new drugs is needed, the costs of that research needs to be better managed and should not result in a drug that costs $.10 to make being sold for $100.
The government needs to make sure that regulations are helping the industry and the citizens, not causing undue expense and burden.
Individuals need to take more responsibility for their own health care. Everyone should have regular, routine health screenings. Chronic conditions, like diabetes or asthma, need to be managed. Diet and exercise should become a part of daily life. Tobacco, alcohol, and drug consumption should be curtailed. Alternative therapies should be explored. It should harder to sue your doctor unless there is clear negligence. And whenever possible, individuals need to make sure they have adequate health insurance coverage, like an Ohio individual health insurance plan.
Our government officials are still debating what government action will be taken. There are several proposals being discussed, ranging from mandating that every American buy health insurance, to a completely government-run universal coverage health care system, and everything in between. Every plan has its pros and cons. But without significant changes being made by every group involved – insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, lawyers, government agencies and individuals — true reform will not occur.
In the meantime, if you can’t wait for health care reform and are in need of an Ohio individual health insurance plan and would like a free quote today, please visit us at My Health Quoter or call 1-866-577-3620. We are here to help you understand your options and get you into the very best Ohio individual health insurance plan for you.
Even if you are currently uninsured, we may be able to help. Call us at 1-866-577-3620 or visit MyHealthQuoter today.
Good news for those individuals who have not been able to obtain an Ohio individual health insurance plan because of pre-existing conditions. You no longer have to be without coverage. There is now a high-risk pool, officially known as the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan. The plan was authorized through the Patient and Protection Affordable Care Act, signed into law in March, 2010.
Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)
Ohio has chosen to administer its own high-risk pool through Medical Mutual and the Ohio Department of Insurance. Applications will be accepted beginning August 1, 2010, with coverage effective September 1, 2010. There will be a limited number of policies available, perhaps as few as 2,000 to start but the number may be expanded as time goes on.
To be eligible, individuals must have a qualified pre-existing medical condition, must have been without insurance coverage for six months or longer, and must have two denials of coverage from traditional insurance carriers. Documentation from a health professional can also be used. The applicant must show proof of Ohio residency and proof of citizenship or proof of legal status to reside in the United States.
The plan is to provide somewhat affordable Ohio individual health insurance for those individuals who are currently unable to obtain insurance. Non-smoking rates will be between $188 and $545 per month, depending on age and benefits provided. The yearly out-of-pocket costs for an individual cannot exceed $5,950 or $11,900 for a family, excluding the cost of the premiums. There will be no waiting period for coverage for the pre-existing conditions. The plan will cover a range of benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs.
This pool is meant to provide temporary coverage until additional provisions of the national health reform law takes effect in January, 2014. In January, 2014, these pre-existing insurance plans will terminate and the enrollees will be transitioned to the new American Health Benefit Exchanges.
Purchase of these policies is voluntary and individuals will be able to cancel the policies once enrolled.
This insurance is for individuals with major pre-existing conditions ONLY. Even if you do not currently have insurance, you may be eligible for an Ohio individual health insurance plan through one of the major Ohio carriers, like Anthem Blue Cross, Humana, Aetna, United Healthcare, or even Medical Mutual at a much lower rate than the pool plan. Approximately 92% of people who are currently uninsured could be insured by a traditional plan. Make sure you visit MyHealthQuoter to get a free quote and see what options may be available to you.
If you currently have coverage, it is not wise to drop your insurance now to become uninsured for six months. There is no guarantee that there will be any available spots when you have completed the six-month wait, and the gamble that you will not get sick is not worth the risk.
To get a free quote, please visit MyHealthQuoter or call us at 1-866-577-3630. We will be happy to assist you.
For people with a health savings compatible Ohio individual health insurance plan, setting up a Health Savings Account (referred to as an HSA) is a recommended option. HSAs are a special kind of bank account that allows you to put money aside to specifically cover out-of-pocket health-related expenses, like co-pays, deductibles, medications, etc. You can even pay for vision and dental expenses with funds from an HSA.  It is also sometimes referred to as a Medical IRA.
One of the most attractive features of HSAs is their preferred tax status. Every dime you contribute into the account is tax deductible up to $3,050 per year for an individual or $6,150 for families. This tax deduction is available even if you do not itemize your deductions on your federal return. Plus, HSA accounts earn interest, and your balance grows tax-free. As long as the money is spent on medical-related items, you never pay income tax on the money that you contribute or the interest it earns. Unlike a flexible spending account, you are not required to spend the money within a certain timeframe, but can let the money grow year after year.
An HSA is owned by you and you can decide which bank to use and how to use the funds. Most accounts provide a debit card that you can use at the pharmacy or the doctor’s office so you can keep track of your expenses. Your HSA is not tied to any specific Ohio individual health insurance, but you do need to have a qualified health insurance plan to be eligible. Individuals who have chosen high-deductible health insurance plans find having an HSA to be very beneficial since much of their routine health expenses are not covered by insurance. This gives them an incentive to save the money to pay for their expenses that would normally be covered by insurance. You must be under the age of 65 and not covered by any other health insurance plan or Medicare to set up an HSA.
Depending on your situation, your employer can make contributions to your HSA on your behalf as part of your compensation.
One caution: because it is your own bank account, you can withdraw money anytime you like for any purpose. However, if you use the funds for anything other than allowable health care related expenses, you must pay income tax plus a 10% penalty (increases to 20% in 2011). Upon attaining age 65, you may also use the funds for non-medically related expenses and avoid the penalty, but you will still pay income tax on the withdrawn amount.
If you have questions about high deductible health insurance plans, health savings accounts, or any other insurance needs, please allow us to help you find the right solution. If you have a qualified health savings compatible Ohio individual health insurance plan but have not yet set up a Health Savings Account, be sure to talk to one of the representatives at MyHealthQuoter by calling 1-866-577-3620. We would be glad to help you get it set up today. Also, be sure to check out our newly introduced PeoplePlusCard discount program. You’ll be able to save even more on your health expenses.
Good News! Saving money on many of your routine health-related expenses just got a little easier. Introducing the PeoplePlusCard. This discount program is not insurance, but a savings card which provides a selection of discounts at participating providers to supplement the provisions of your Ohio individual health insurance plan. MyHealthQuoter.com is proud to be providing this service to its customers. 
Some of the benefits provided with the PeoplePlusCard include:
- Consult a Doctor™ by phone (24/7). A national network of board certified physicians provide consultations via telephone or email, free of charge, day or night. Not sure you should head to the emergency room? You can call a doctor, discuss your symptoms and hear about possible treatment options from the comfort of your home. The doctors can also prescribe medications and phone to your local pharmacy when appropriate. This service can save you time and money by avoiding unnecessary doctor’s office or ER visits.
- Coast to Coast Vision™. Save 10%to 30% on eye exams at select locations. In addition, discounts of 10% to 60% are available on eye-wear and replacement contact lens. If you are considering LASIK surgery, you can save 40% to 50% off the national average cost with this program.
- Chiropractic. Save with free initial consultation, 50% off diagnostic services, and 30% off treatment and most other services.
- Aetna Dental Access. Save 15% to 50%* on general dentistry, x-rays, fillings, and cleanings, plus root canals, crowns, orthodontia and periodontics at over 76,000** locations.
- Pharmacy. Save 10% to 60% on most medications. Accepted at over 60,000 retail pharmacies. Guaranteed lowest prices on mail order maintenance medications.
- Lab and Imaging. Discounts of 10% to 60% for MRI and CT procedures as well as discounts on blood tests and all other lab testing.
But health costs are not the only areas where the PeoplePlusCard provides savings. Look at these other benefits:
- LifeLock® Membership. Get identity theft protection backed by a $1 million service guarantee. Reduce credit card offers and junk mail, early notification of identity threats, and get one annual free credit report from all 3 major credit bureaus.
- The Expense Tracker. Find $200-$500 per month in misspent money by accurately tracking your expenses. This software program makes it easy to get a grip on your finances. Get instant balance updates using web or text messages and daily, monthly. Easily generate yearly spending reports.
- Roadside Assistance. Don’t get stranded on the side of the road. Call for help with a tire change, dead battery, lost keys (or keys locked inside the car), gas delivery, collision assistance, parts delivery, or parts installation, plus up to 15 miles towing.
- Financial Helpline. Live, confidential, objective guidance from experienced, accredited financial counselors. 24/7 direct access by phone to financial resource center.
Everyone can benefit from these savings. This savings program normally sells for $29.95 per month, but you can purchase the program through MyHealthQuoter.com for only $19.95 when you use the Promo Code: MyHealth. That’s $10 per month in additional savings.
Disclosures
This plan is NOT insurance.
This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services.
This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services.
The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization.
This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period.
FL, LA, MS, ND, OK, SC, SD and TX residents: Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. MD Residents: The membership fee and one-time registration fee (minus $5.00) will be refunded if cancelled within the first 30 days and upon return of the discount card. MA Residents: The plan is not insurance coverage and does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. Discount Medical Plan Organization: New Benefits, Ltd., Attn: Compliance Department, PO Box 671309 Dallas, TX 75367-1309, 800-800-7616. Internet website address to obtain participating providers www.locateproviders.com. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. The discount medical card program makes available, before purchase and upon request, a list of program providers, including the name, city, state, and specialty of each program provider located in the cardholder’s service area.
* Actual costs and savings vary by provider and geographical area.
** According to the Aetna Enterprise Provider Database as of October 1, 2008.
The discount program provides access to the Aetna Dental Access® network. This network is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company (ALIC). Neither ALIC nor any of its affiliates offers or administers the discount program. Neither ALIC nor any of its affiliates is an affiliate, agent, representative or employee of discount program. Dental providers are independent contractors and not employees or agents of ALIC or its affiliates. ALIC does not provide dental care or treatment and is not responsible for outcomes.
Vision, Dental and Chiropractic benefits are not available to VT residents.
Discount Lab Work Benefit is not available to NJ, NY and RI residents.
It happens. Almost every Ohio individual health insurance provider denies claims they shouldn’t at one time or another. If it happens to you, here are some steps you should take immediately to get it resolved. Do not delay. Some companies allow only 60 days to file an appeal to a denial, so you have to act immediately. 
First, talk to your doctor and ask them to review the paperwork they submitted following your health care treatment. Sometimes, it’s a simple as a coding error at the doctor’s office. Many denied claims are reversed once the doctor’s office submits revised paperwork.
If the doctor’s office believes the paperwork was submitted correctly, then request a copy of your medical records information and any test results that were done concerning the health concern that is being denied coverage. You have a right to these documents. You must then read your policy documents. Yes, it’s tedious, but read through the coverages section carefully. If you still believe the insurer has made a mistake, your next call should be to your Ohio individual health insurance agent.
Your Ohio individual health insurance agent is your most valuable ally when it comes to disputing a claim. He or she can understand the myriad of health insurance terms and can “speak the language” of the insurer. Most agents, like the ones at MyHealthQuoter, are there to help you, not the insurance companies. You will need to provide your agent with a copy of the denial letter, your medical records, and any correspondence from your doctor.
All insurance plans have an appeals or complaint process. In order to get results, you must follow the procedures as laid out. Your health insurance agent understands that process and can guide you. Often, they will speak with the health insurance provider on your behalf. However, if you choose to pursue the complaint on your own, make sure you document every telephone call, who you talk with, and what is said.
If you do not get satisfaction from your insurer, you have the option in Ohio to file a request for an investigation from the Ohio Department of Insurance. There is a form online at http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Pages/ComplaintMain.aspx to get you started or you can call 1-800-686-1526. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which can often help you resolve issues like this.
Your last option would be to file a civil lawsuit, perhaps even in small claims court, against your health insurer. Again, you must be aware of any deadlines that must be met in order to preserve your legal rights.
But the majority of denials from Ohio individual health insurance plan can be resolved quickly and easily before it comes to this step.
If you have a claim that has been denied and you do not have an agent, or if you are seeking affordable Ohio individual health insurance, we would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. Do not hesitate to contact us at (866) 577-3620, toll-free, or visit our website MyHealthQuoter. We are here to assist you, so contact us today.
Congratulations to all those new college graduates.
It’s a time of celebration and transition.  For many new grads, it’s time now to go out and seek that first “real” job with benefits like health insurance and a 401-K.
But make sure your Ohio health insurance coverage does not lapse in the meantime. A lapse in coverage can make it harder for you to obtain coverage later for pre-existing conditions, at least at this time. If you have been on a “student” plan through your college or university, once you graduate, you may no longer eligible for coverage. But don’t despair. There are options.
1) If that first job isn’t waiting for you right now, consider taking advantage of any extension options on your current policy. Depending on your plan, you may be able to stay on the plan for 3 to 6 months after graduation. But not always, so you have to check.
2) Look at obtaining coverage under your parents’ health insurance. As of September 23, 2010, all employer-based health insurance plans will be required to cover adult children up to age 26, whether enrolled in school or not, if they currently offer dependent care (most do). Some carriers have implemented this provision early, while others are postponing access until the company’s open enrollment period (typically January). So talk to your parents and see if it’s an option. (Oh, and make sure you reimburse your parents for any additional monthly premium cost they incur on your behalf.)
3) Consider purchasing an Ohio individual health insurance plan, especially if you are considering self-employment or your career path is uncertain. If you are young and healthy, you will find that an individual health insurance policy can be very affordable. If you have pre-existing conditions, you want to avoid any lapses in coverage. To look at the various available plans and get a free quote, visit MyHealthQuoter.com or talk to one of our representatives at 1-866-577-3620. This is often your best option.
4) Another option to consider is what is called “short-term” health insurance. These policies are specifically designed to cover short gaps in health insurance coverage, like between graduation and that first job. These policies tend to be cheaper than most other policies because you can only get them if you are relatively healthy to start with. The typical term is 6-12 months, but you can find policies that can be extended to as long as 36 months. You can cancel them without penalty as soon as your employer’s health insurance coverage kicks in. The downside to a short-term plan is that if you were to be diagnosed with a chronic health issue, like diabetes or cancer, your plan will expire at the end of your term and it will be unlikely that you can have it renewed. You will then find it hard to obtain a permanent individual health insurance plan. That’s one of the reasons why you should consider getting a permanent Ohio individual health insurance plan instead of the short-term plan if you can afford to do so.
Choosing an Ohio individual health insurance plan can be daunting. Let us help you find the right solution. You can’t buy insurance anywhere for less. Worried about getting the best price? How much you pay for insurance is regulated by your state’s Department of Insurance and when you work with one of our trusted benefit specialists you get access to the lowest pricing in the state, guaranteed.
We have helped over 7000 clients find affordable health insurance we are committed to providing you with flexible cost options, quality products and top-notch service.
We make insurance companies compete for your business and we can help find a great plan to meet almost any budget. Visit our website today to find the lowest priced Ohio individual health insurance options.
MyHealthQuoter.com or call us at 1-866-577-3620.
New for 2010: Tax Credit for Small Groups
The IRS recently released materials for those wishing to claim the small business health care tax credit for 2010. A provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), this tax credit is designed to encourage small groups to offer health care coverage for the first time or enable them to maintain the coverage they already have. It will likely provide assistance to about four million small businesses.
This tax credit can be significant for a qualifying small group. In 2010, the maximum credit is 35% of employer-paid premiums; for tax-exempt organizations, the maximum is 25% of employer-paid premiums. In 2014, the maximum increases to 50% of employer-paid premiums; for tax-exempt organizations, it increases to 35% of employer-paid premiums. In order to qualify for the credit, the employer must not employ more than 25 employees and the average annual compensation of those employees must not exceed $40,000.
Here’s a look at how a company with 10 employees could benefit:
- Employees: 10
- Wages: $250,000 or $25,000 per worker
- Employer Health Care Costs: $70,000
2010 tax credit: $24,500 (35% credit)
2014 tax credit: $35,000 (50% credit)
For more examples, click here.
While there is no formal guidance yet, the IRS has provided educational resources for small businesses wishing to claim the credit this year. Click here to see the following information:
- Eligibility rules
- Amount of credit
- Three simple step to determine a small group’s eligibility
- More tax credit scenarios
- FAQs
You can expect more health care reform updates like this one throughout the year. We’re eager to get information out to you as soon as possible, so you can get the most from the new legislation. As always, please contact your sales representative with questions or for more information.
To determine eligibilty, call toll-free; (866) 577-3620
To set up a free assessment meeting, visit the following site,complete and submit the form;
http://www.myhealthquoter.com/group-health-quote-form.html
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