ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
13.10.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


How Good is Your Health Insurance Policy Really?

Author: Jon Arnold Author Ranking Gold | Posted: 17-07-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 6 | Rating:  (85) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!
How much do you know about your health insurance policy? If your company provides your health insurance then you probably know just about as much as most people. You know the doctors to use and how much you have to pay before the insurance begins. For those that purchase their own health insurance policy, then you have very different situation.

The cost is the first difference that most people notice if they switch from a group plan. When your employer offers health insurance, the cost is usually a lot lower if the group is large. One for the reasons is that they spread the risk the risk among a large group of people. The second includes the fact the cost of billing is lower because the company does the collection of premiums. The biggest reason for the price difference is that the employer pays part of the premium or all of it in very rare instances.

Frequently the coverage is broader in a group plan. The individual health plan seldom contains dental, prescription and eye care. The deductibles are often higher in an individual health insurance plan and coverage more limited. Often well baby care, wellness care, including physicals and smoking cessation and maternity are not part of the policy. Many employers discovered long ago how to keep costs down and increase coverage and you can do the same thing when you buy your health insurance policy.

Health insurance policies vary widely so you have to make some decisions about the type of coverage that you want. Do you want one that just covers major medical, the services of a hospital and outpatient surgery, or do you wand coverage that picks up the expense of doctors and routine physicals covered? When you include additional options and get a more comprehensive health insurance policy, the price goes up. Insurance company calculates the premium by presumed expense. They expect to pay more, because more people use the doctor and wellness care, so they increase the price accordingly.

Another way that companies keep the cost of the health insurance policy low is to use Health Maintenance Organizations, HMO’s. The doctors and hospitals in the group agree to a discounted charge, so the insurance company reduces the amount they charge the company. These types of plans are also available to the individual and create a cost savings without cutting corners. Often there is a co-pay for doctor’s visits and hospitalization and a few extra perks are in the package.

A final way to reduce the cost of a health insurance policy is to increase the deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost. Many companies use a partial self-insure to reduce the cost. The insurance plan covers everything but has a huge deductible, about $5000 per individual. The company then starts a side fund that covers those smaller claims so the employee only pays a small deductible. This type of plan is also available for the individual. It is a combination plan where some of the monthly payment goes into a savings account used for upfront expenses. This account belongs to the individual and receives tax-free growth as long as you use it for medical expenses. The payment for up-front bills comes from the savings. Once you reach the chosen limit, a much lower cost health insurance policy takes over. These plans are great for healthy individuals.

When you compare health coverage, look for a plan that suits your needs and budget. Check the reduction of premium as you increase the deductible and, even if you don’t have a MSA, set the savings aside to cover the additional out of pocket. Study your health insurance policy as the corporations do and you save on one of your biggest monthly expenses.
Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/how-good-is-your-health-insurance-policy-really-488284.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

For more insights and additional information about your Health Insurance Policy as well as getting a free quote on your custom health insurance policy, please visit our web site at http://www.healthinsurancetipsguide.com

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Health insurance????
By: coriandermay | 26-08-2008
my parents have been asking me and telling me so often about health insurance it gets quite aggrivating cause they ask about it so often.........right now I am working at a daycare and am really getting like 30 or less hours a week which isn't much for minimun wage of 7.25/hour....... I wanted to know if it is possible to work 2 jobs working about part time hours for both or at least one of them and be able to get health insurance especially with working a daycare job. I had looked a little online to see what was out there but havn't gotten far and not exactly sure what to look for but I do not want to pay alot for it either if I have to pay for it myself since I am not getting a big paycheck.......... what do u guys suggest??

Comments on United Benefits of America
By: Vickie | 25-08-2008
I'd like any comments on a health care company called United Benefits of America.  They have been calling me several times each day and I'm not getting a good feeling about this company.

US health insurance optio sec 125
By: IanSalter | 18-08-2008
Your employer is a small business and does not offer pretax health insurance premium payments under sec 125 what can you do to pay premiums pretax?

Medication
By: NIP1 | 11-07-2008
Who may change patient medication? Are insurance companies allowed to change patients meds, without a Doctors approval?

Define a group administrators job as it relates to ...
By: Deaconesswalton | 06-07-2008
Define a group administrators job as it relates to employer groups with health insurance.

Anyone in Rochester NY know of a health insurance ...
By: Ivy | 29-06-2008
Anyone in Rochester NY know of a health insurance for people with ESRD?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Insurance Articles

Tips for Buying Commercial Auto Insurance
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
Many people are opting for auto insurance due to its immense importance. However, there are certain things that must be taken care of before buying any auto insurance. Car insurance is equally beneficial to both the personal users and those using vehicles for their businesses.

Why Buy Auto Insurance?
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
Auto insurance serves as the future planning for the unforeseen damages to the car. It is a planning that can protect oneself against cost required to recover from damages. Auto insurance is like a financial plan and a tool that helps in various ways. Below are some of the reasons for understanding why buying auto insurance is a wise decision.

Making Driving Safe – Beware a Single Mistake Can Affect Your Life
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
Making driving safe is the best decision to take. If each person follows safety rules and curtails speeding limits, the number of accidents which are growing by the day would reduce considerably. Another method of safe driving is to ensure that the car you drive functions properly and safely.

Auto Insurance Discounts – Lets Do Some Bargaining
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
Auto insurance is an essential part if buying new or used car. There are different types of auto insurances available in the market. The auto insurance can be bought at lower rates. The best part is that some of the auto insurances are available in discounted prices too.

Auto Insurance Rates – Easy to Get One
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
The auto insurance is considered as the most important accessory bought along with the automobile. Every vehicle, be it two - wheeler, four- wheeler, truck or a bike, needs auto insurance. Buying auto insurance is both a duty and necessity. The primary objective of buying the car insurance is to provide protection against losses caused by an accident or theft.

Auto Insurance Myths – Lets Face Reality
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
There are people who believe certain stories related to car insurance which hamper their decision making when it comes to selecting the right auto insurance. Some of these are mentioned below so that if you have heard of any such story, stop worrying and discard it as a myth.

Pay as You Drive Car Insurance
By: Andries Malan | 13/10/2008
There is a car insurance option where your premiums are determined on the distance you travel each month.

Auto Insurance Quotes – Search and Then Decide
By: Alien | 13/10/2008
Like any other insurance quote, auto insurance quotes also provide detailed information on auto insurance rates. When searching for cheap car insurance, these quotes help a lot. There are a large number of websites available on the internet, which provide auto insurance quotes.

More from Jon Arnold

Where Do You Turn for Solid Divorce Information?
By: Jon Arnold | 25/08/2008 | Divorce
You don't want to think about divorce, but if that is a reality for you, then there are things you should do to prepare for it, especially if you are not sure your spouse is going to be agreeable to how everything should be split up.

Get the Straight Scoop on Bad Credit Car Loans
By: Jon Arnold | 24/08/2008 | Personal Finance
If you have bad credit and you know it, you can still get a car loan, but don't waste your time with loan applications where you know you will be declined or charged astronomical interest rates. There are many companies that specialize in bad credit loans, especially if you can show them a trend towards getting your finances together.

How to Determine and Raise Your Credit Report Score
By: Jon Arnold | 21/08/2008 | Personal Finance
You should always know what your credit report score is, since this is something that can affect many different areas of your life. Dispute the wrong information which can in turn raise your score, which is to your huge benefit.

Steps You Can Take Now to Get a College Scholarship
By: Jon Arnold | 18/08/2008 | College and University
The best and easiest way to afford the huge financial burden of a college education is via a college scholarship or grant. Here are some tips to help you understand how to start applying for the many scholarships that are available to you right now.

What You Must Know Now About Filing Bankruptcy
By: Jon Arnold | 15/08/2008 | Personal Finance
If you are considering filing bankruptcy you should think twice because doing so may not be in your best interests. Filing bankruptcy is not nearly as easy as it used to be, and these days consumers have several other options that may be better for them.

Presenting yourself Via the Perfect Car Loan Application
By: Jon Arnold | 12/08/2008 | Personal Finance
When you have decided on the car you want, you will need to pay particular attention to how you present yourself on the car loan application. Shop around, since the dealership probably does not have the best loan programs available, and the money you save will serve a much better purpose in your wallet.

Tips for Getting Approved for a Bad Credit Car Loan
By: Jon Arnold | 12/08/2008 | Personal Finance
If you have bad credit and need a car loan, all is not lost. You can still get your car loan but to get the best loan program and best interest rates possible, you are strongly encouraged to follow the tips presented in this article for your best chances of success.

Understanding Your Health Insurance Coverage Needs
By: Jon Arnold | 12/08/2008 | Insurance
If you are looking at what to have covered in your health insurance, take a good look because health care costs are sky rocketing. Look at what you need to keep yourself out of financial trouble, as well as what can be anticipated and then look at your options.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below