Archive for May, 2009
What are H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms?
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Medicine
Pandemic or Panic?
People are afraid of what they do not understand, causing panic and overreaction. With the proper knowledge, precautions can be taken to insure your health and that of your family. So here are the facts as we know them about H1N1 otherwise known as “Swine Flu”.
WebMD breaks down the facts and answers the most asked about questions. What are the swine flu symptoms? Are you protected with the flu vaccination? How is it passed on? What precautions can you take to avoid illness?
So although the US Government has declared swine flu to be a public health emergency and advises us to take precautions, “The World Health Organization has not declared swine flu to be a pandemic.”
If you think you are exhibiting symptoms of H1N1, visit your physician. If you do not have a health care provider and need help finding one, feel free to contact me.
When Do I Need Maternity Health Coverage
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Health Insurance
I know I want to have kids, but I’m not actively trying right now. When do I need maternity coverage?
This is the number one question I’m consistently asked. The fact is, once your pregnant, insurance companies consider that a “pre-existing condition”.
Therefore if you:
- Don’t currently carry maternity coverage on your health insurance plan before you become pregnant or
- Purchase a health insurance plan that covers maternity after you become pregnant
You will not be able to change over to a plan that covers maternity once you become pregnant. There are some health insurance carriers that will let you switch to a maternity based plan once you become pregnant if your plan doesn’t cover it, but you will pay a very high deductible-usually at least $5,000.00.
IMPORTANT: if there’s any chance you think you will be pregnant within the next year or two, carry a plan or purchase a plan that covers maternity! If you’re in the California area, contact us for more information.
Which is Cheaper, Group or Individual Health Plan?
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Health Insurance
I’m self-employed and run a small business. Is it less expensive to go with group health insurance?
Usually the answer to that question is “no”.
The reason is, unlike individual health insurance, with a group plan you cannot be declined for health insurance based on pre-existing health conditions. Therefore the premium reflects that, so if you and your employees are eligible for individual coverage, from an economical standpoint, that is a better option.
If you or one or more of your employees is declined, we can always submit an application for group coverage. Just be aware the premiums tend to be approximately 50% higher for group coverage.
Insurance Basics gives a very succinct breakdown of the differences, pros and cons of group and individual insurance policies.
Click here for more details or personal questions…
Do I Qualify for Health Care With Pre-existing Conditions
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Health Insurance
Did you have health issues in the past? Or are you currently taking prescription medications? Are you going to have trouble obtaining health insurance?
The fact is, when you apply for individual health insurance you have to go through medical underwriting, unlike group health insurance. Therefore, you could be declined for a number of things including the above mentioned.
I always advise my clients that if you currently have health insurance, even if you’re not happy with the plan, or think you’re paying too much, don’t cancel your current coverage until you’ve been approved for a new plan! Just because you were approved before, your health could have changed since original application was submitted and therefore there is no guarantee you will be approved now.
If you are declined, your agent will go over your options with you at that time. Once the reason for your decline is ascertained, you can then appeal the decision, or simply apply to another carrier. Since most carriers use similar underwriting guidelines, your agent will want to address the issue in question to give you the best possible chance of a favorable outcome next time around.
If you live in the California area and would like to discuss your specific case, feel free to request a FREE CONSULT Or if you have other health questions you’d like addressed in this blog, please let me know!
