tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27521723743773036222024-03-13T06:06:29.611-07:00Insurance Healthwahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-76924594969367625532013-02-08T20:38:00.001-08:002013-02-08T20:39:23.697-08:00Common Insurance Company Tricks<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having a personal injury lawyer is usually essential these days.
Sadly, insurance companies have strategies that are not legal but
certainly aren't ethical. They will use these tricks and strategies to
reduce the award you deserve or even have it dismissed altogether.
First, they will assure you that you don't need an attorney because they
are willing to give you a fair settlement. They'll then proceed to
deceive and take advantage of you in order to save money.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One
of the first things an insurance company will do is give you an offer
that is less than they know you can get. They will tell you that it is
the most you can expect and that if you hire an attorney you will lose
1/3 of that paying the lawyer's fee. You can usually figure that
anything they offer will be ten to seventy percent less than a judge
and/or jury would give you if you hired an attorney and took the case to
court. If you agree they will make you sign a release before they cut
you a check. This exempts them from any future claims for any reason.
Most lawyers will only allow you to sign something like this once fair
compensation is paid.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Insurance companies will also ask you to
sign a statement or make a recorded statement "for the record" without
representation. During recorded statements in particular, skilled
adjustors can make you say things that will later support their claim
that you are not injured as badly as you say. You may inadvertently
claim fault or the adjustor will lure you into a detailed account of
your day up until the crash or other accident. Then they will say you
were distracted-and it's right there on tape.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't give access to
your medical records to the insurance company, even though they say it
will help compensate you. This gives them access to all your records for
the last couple of decades and they have no right to such sensitive
information. They can use the fact that you saw a cardiologist ten years
ago to claim the accident was your fault because you may have had a
mild cardiac event that you were unaware of.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They will say you
have pre-existing conditions, such as the "heart problems" we just
cited. They will claim that a previously fractured wrist made it more
likely that you would also break it in the car crash you just had. Some
insurance companies even use this tactic for mental and emotional
injuries; they'll say that the impact of a car accident on a veteran or
victim of abuse with post traumatic stress syndrome was to be expected
and they should be exempt from compensating that person. Believe it or
not, this tactic works. This is also one of the reasons why you should
be completely honest with your personal injury attorney, whether you
have had substance abuse problems or a ticket for impaired driving 30
years ago.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These are only a few of the tricks insurance companies use to cheat claimants of just compensation. An experienced Miami Personal Injury attorney can clue you in all these strategies and protect your interests so that you don't get cheated.</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-37864789252409746092013-02-08T19:57:00.005-08:002013-02-08T19:58:14.797-08:00Choosing a Health Plan<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Health insurance is something we don't want to have to use, but
something we need to have. According to Kathleen A. Dobie, of
ehealthinsurance.com, a "large percentage of bankruptcies in the US are
at least due partially to medical bills."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having
health insurance doesn't mean unlimited coverage though. A report by
the Labor Department reported by Catherine Rampell of the NY Times, of
business sponsored health plans in 2009, found coverage limited for
treatments such as kidney dialysis and diabetes management, as well as
pregnancy and mental health.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fortunately, under ObamaCare,
starting in 2013, some of that will change. Some ten categories of
essential health benefits that insurers must provide include maternity,
prescription, mental health and rehabilitation--- but according to each
state's specifics in every category. Starting in 2014, insurer's will be
restricted from placing caps on annual or lifetime limits.
Healthcare.gov has the full list of benefits. Out of pocket expenses
will also have a maximum deductible.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each state will iron out its
own details based on other models such as the largest insurance
provider's small group policy for that state. What one state may
consider essential, another state may not--- such as certain treatments
or prescription drugs.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Choosing a health insurance plan can be
confusing. As reported by Consumer Reports in 2009, Politz, of the
Kaiser Foundation, says there are really no good other options, other
than a comprehensive health plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ObmaCare now requires insurers
to disclose through a Summary of Benefits and Coverage what's covered
and a comparisons of plans offered. This can make a great difference
when choosing a plan. According to Consumer Reports, if a policy makes
no mention of it--count on it not being covered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ObamaCare hopes
to strengthen healthcare through a comprehensive healthcare policy. But
coverage has its limitations.. Under the new health reform, there will
be four levels of health insurance offered: bronze, silver gold and
platinum.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good health insurance policy can be costly. Taking
advantage of employer health incentives can reduce your premium
significantly. Shopping around and taking time to make a decision is
important. Rates can vary and a bare bones policy may cost more than you
think, says Consumer Reports. Always ask questions when in doubt and
call the provider. They're more likely to be honest and informative than
someone pressuring you to enroll. Since we don't know what the future
holds, a comprehensive policy can offer the best coverage, less debt and
better health in the long run.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-78078717974587451562013-02-08T19:57:00.003-08:002013-02-08T19:57:41.571-08:00The Future of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Networks<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A debate is taking place in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
industry over the effectiveness of specialized EAP/Wellnesscompanies
and national insurance companies with large integrated EAP/behavioral
health networks. The EAP industry has long made the assumption that the
Specialty EAP/Wellness companies provide higher quality services and
yield better Returns On Investment (ROI). However, insurance company
EAP's have gained significant market share of the EAP industry.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Specialized
EAP/Wellness companies provide small local networks of EAP counselors,
management consultants and highly experienced account managers that have
a deep understanding of specific company cultures, needs and
expectations. Many of the large national insurance companies have large
significantly discounted EAP and integrated behavioral health networks
with high levels of member geographic access and include most of the
same providers as the specialty EAP companies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ROI of both
network types are difficult to measure accurately. However, both
Specialty EAP companies and insurance company EAP's are mitigating their
weaknesses and leveraging their strengths to compete in the EAP and
Wellness market.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em>Specialized EAP Company Networks</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Specialty
EAP/Wellness companies tend to have small highly specialized EAP
networks. Most Specialty EAP/Wellness companies require EAP providers to
meet minimal standards in addition to having specific documented
training and experience with Employee Assistance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Typical Minimal Requirements:</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Master's or doctorate in behavioral health field</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· State License to Practice Independently</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Professional Liability Insurance Coverage</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Many specialty EAP/Wellness companies require the following additional training and experience to be documented:</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· One or more years of documented EAP training and counseling experience</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Ability to provide screening, brief-intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) or solution-focused counseling</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Ability to provide collateral contact, follow-up, and case management services</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· 15-24 hours of specific training in the area of substance abuse</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Specialty EAP/Wellness companies also tend to have even more specialized sub-networks.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Post-Traumatic Stress Debriefing Specialistsand Crisis Response Networks</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Topic Specific Training Networks (stress, obesity, diabetes, anger, management dynamics, etc)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Specialty EAP/Wellness companies usually have local account managers
for every company worksite. Local account managers are highly
experienced EAP counselors and consultants that have experience working
with specific companies and/or local workforces and understand the
company culture. Local account manager's work with both management and
employees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All Specialty EAP/Wellness companies have expert
management consultants. EAP/Wellness management consultants are highly
experienced and credentialed professionals that consult with either
management or human resources on behavior related employee issues.
EAP/Wellness management consultants have broad multi-industry experience
working with high-risk employee behaviors and issues. EAP/Wellness
management consultants provide critical consultation to companies on
unanticipated consequences of individual employee situations and
situations that affect large groups of employees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Specialty
EAP/Wellness companies historically have provided small highly
specialized EAP networks. In some areas, because of the more intense
provider requirements geographic member access/availability to qualified
providers may be limited. For national employers, Specialty
EAP/Wellness companies may not have qualified network providers near all
of their locations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Issues of Mitigation for Specialized EAP/Wellness Companies</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Network Size and Access: Lease large EAP networks and offer telephonic or video options</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Lack of Network in Areas of New Business: Add contractual network expansion performance guarantees</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Integration: Match health plans behavioral health network</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Accreditation:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· NCQA Certification</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Credential to NCQA standards and seek delegation agreement with healthcare organization</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Cost: Develop clear differentiation of the value of smaller highly specialized EAP/Wellness networks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) Issue</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) has an excellent
EAP professional certification program. The program was launched in 1986
but has had a minimal impact on the EAP/Wellness Industry for two
profound reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Limited Access: Internationally, there are
only 4000-5000 CEAP's. Possibly more than half of the CEAP's do not have
state licenses to practice independently because it is not a
requirement, consequently making them ineligible for network
participation. Another half of CEAP's are part of internal EAP's and are
not participating in external EAP networks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Cost or
Incentives: Whereas the CEAP credential assuresa high level of
understanding of employee assistance; the credential is relatively
expensive for independent practitioners and is not a requirement to
participate in any external EAP network. The credential costs the same
or more than many state licenses and results in a very small fraction of
new referrals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The CEAP is an excellent credential; unfortunately
hardly a factor in today's national EAP networks because of limited
access or incentives for providers to become CEAP's. Today the CEAP
credential cannot be used to measure the quality of any external
EAP/Wellness program because of the small percentage of CEAP's in the
provider universe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
EAP Leased Network Issue</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are
several national/international EAP networks available for lease. Leased
networks can provide advantages but come with limitations as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.
Leased networks are expensive in a commoditized industry. Costs are
difficult to trend and usually involve market specific discounted rates
and per member, per month (PMPM) charges and/or administrative fees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2.
Generally, the large leased EAP networks are not accredited and do not
bring the same value as the large integrated EAP/Behavioral Health
insurance company networks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Many EAP networks do not have
assignable language in their provider contracts; meaning legally the
providers cannot be leased to a third party. While it is rare in EAP, in
retrospect providers could prohibit third parties from assuming the
contracted discounted rate and be entitled to a significantly greater
fees or their full charges consequently neutralizing any discounted
advantage of the leased network.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Insurance Company Integrated EAP/Behavioral Health Networks</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All
of the large insurance companies have large national behavioral health
networks. Their behavioral health networks meet the nationally accepted
network access standards wherever the health plan has members or plans
to sell new business. Most health plans have built EAP networks by
amending the contracts of their existing behavioral health providers. In
a short period of time, this has resulted in very large, highly
discounted, NCQA accredited, national EAP/Behavioral Health Integrated
networks. The health insurance company incurs no extra cost to build,
manage or maintain their EAP networks. EAP is one of many product
amendments made to existing provider contracts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some insurance companies require the provider to list "EAP" as a specialty or require EAP experience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The minimum requirements for most insurance company EAP/behavioral health providers:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Master's or doctorate in behavioral health field</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· State License to Practice Independently</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Professional Liability Insurance Coverage</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
NCQA
requires health plans to source verify the information above. However,
does require source verification of any specific experience; such as EAP
experience.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Consequently, the insurance companies EAP/Behavioral
Health generally do not have as specialized EAP networks. However, many
insurance companies can easily identify the self-reported specialties of
their providers. In addition, it is possible that every EAP specialist
in a specified market may be contracted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Issues of Mitigation for Large Insurance Companies with an Integrated EAP/Behavioral Health Network</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Identify and report EAP specialists within the network</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Develop separate sub-networks</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Offer telephonic or video options</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Develop or acquire a strong internal EAP department</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Identify local market experts and develop consulting partnerships</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
· Differentiate the value of integration and provider discounts in comparison with specialty services.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-67300551361833038362012-12-11T20:35:00.000-08:002013-02-08T20:36:13.158-08:00Health Care Reform Must Include Successful Business Models I.E. Stop - Loss Insurance<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SB 1431, the measure to increase stop-loss limits and change
other items for self-funded plans, is off the table this year but could
be revisited next year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"SB
1431 would have required employers to self-insure at least $45,000 per
employee per year before seeking reimbursement for costs above that
amount from the stop-loss carrier. This arbitrary dollar amount would
have made this type of health care coverage too financially risky for
many firms that choose this type of coverage", says Mark Christian,
Director of Legislative Affairs for AIA, California Council.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Health
care plans are termed fully funded and self-funded plans. A fully
funded plan charges the same premium whether few claims, or several are
made. Subsequent premium increases for the following year are based on
group and pooled company claims experience. Self-funded plans pay claims
as they are incurred. Raising stop-loss limits for self funded plans
would jeopardize the existence of one of the industry's best-cost
reduction methods- self-funding.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't Shoot the Messenger</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kevin
De León, (D-Los Angeles) had introduced SB 1431, which would place some
limits on stop-loss insurance. California Insurance Commissioner Dave
Jones, speaking at a committee hearing, said stop-loss insurance
threatens the success of the state's benefit exchange.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The key
question is which system offers real incentives to hold the cost of
insurance down? The answer is self-funded. Self-funded insurance
policies transfer risk from the carriers to the firms, who have a vested
interest in keeping their employees healthy, and typically design
wellness programs suited to their own demographics. The most effective
wellness programs are those that keep employers aware of possible
catastrophes before they occur.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Self- funded plans are more likely
to provide effective wellness programs than fully funded plans because
they are "hands-on" as company executives directly participate in
controlling costs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The idea that self-funding threatens the
success of the insurance exchange suggests that the exchange business
model is not self-sufficient. A business model for the exchanges should
rest on it's own merits and not interfere with a successful business
model, self-funding, a concept that has lowered health care costs for
decades. Why shoot the messenger?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Proponents of SB 1431 say that
self- insurers are cherry picking good risk companies. Insurance is a
zero sum game, whether it is offered on an exchange or on a self funded
basis. The party who can best control costs are the insured, not a
carrier, an exchange, or a third party. Why shoot the messenger?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What does this mean?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There
is no doubt that health care costs are on an unsustainable path. The
benefits of health care reform give everyone an opportunity to obtain
care. The challenges will be funding and pinpointing real medical
inflators. This chapter remains to be written.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fully funded plan
lacks the incentive to control costs by not addressing the specific
groups health pattern since premiums are reflective of a pooled set of
insurance risks. The irony is that carriers offering fully funded plans
are themselves self-funded, and utilize reinsurance to capture
unanticipated, higher than expected claims. It is ironic that the PPACA
wanted to hamper a stop loss methodology used by carriers who will
provide fully funded plans to the exchanges. Without reinsurance, i.e.
stop-loss, insurance carriers would not survive large claims.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Exchanges
offering fully funded plans and self-funded plans should compliment one
another. For example, if a self-funded group has a high claims year and
opts to join the exchange, it will do so with a bad claim year behind
them, in most cases, thereby deeming the group as healthy, or
normalized.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The danger in consolidating all groups into a "one
size fits all" strategy could sacrifice quality of care, bureaucracy and
loss of control.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Furthermore, how can a successful business model
that self- contains health care costs be a loophole? If companies are
forced to merge into and exchange because self funding is no longer
feasible, does this not result in spending good money (tax payer
dollars) after bad money (higher mixed premiums from the pooled
exchange) in the form of higher costs?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Self Funding, Not a Panacea</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Self-funding
is a hands-on approach, which requires a commitment and may not be for
everybody. Self-funded groups are not immune to large claims and sky
rocketing rates but are superior in discretionary spending and cost-
cutting abilities. Hence, the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2010, cited
self-funded plans averaging premiums 8% to 10% lower than fully funded
plans.</div>
</div>
<div id="article-resource" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Summary, a focus on eliminating medical inflation and the true
costs is needed next. Self-funded plans need to be an adjunct to this
battle and should not be viewed as part of the problem but part of the
solution, as they have always been. The legislature should leave
self-funding stop loss limits alone in 2014 and thereafter.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
John
Buckley is a health care agent, at John Buckley Advisors, a supporter of
health care reform and efforts to find the root causes of health care
inflation.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-476819939809041462012-11-24T20:37:00.000-08:002013-02-08T20:37:25.475-08:00Is Self-Serve Insurance the Wave of the Future?<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nowadays, almost everyone is looking online for just about
everything they need - including home, auto, and health insurance -
although sometimes a person needs to sit down with an actual flesh &
blood insurance agent in order to acquire the type of insurance
coverage he/she seeks. Over time, the physical face-to-face requirement
of many insurance companies has been replaced with applications through
the mail, via fax, email, phone, electronic signatures, and now the
creation of Self-Service Insurance and Self-Serve Insurance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At
this point, the difference in the insurance industry between
"Self-Serve" insurance and "Self-Service" insurance is primarily as
follows: Self-Service insurance allows customers to "service" their
policies already in force. A person can go online to find information,
request changes, or file a claim. Self-Serve insurance is like a "serve
yourself" buffet where people can view multiple plans and prices, choose
what will meet their needs, then sign themselves up directly online
without an agent's assistance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course filling out an online
application is subject to the Underwriting department's final approval
at that particular insurance company; nevertheless, since new insurance
coverage is based upon the accuracy and honesty of the one filling out
the online form, and payment of claims could be cancelled for
falsification of the facts, it is to everyone's advantage for that new
potential customer to be relaxed, able to take his/her time, and have
all the necessary paperwork on hand to complete the process. (example:
physician's name, address, date of last visit, prescription information,
etc.)</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since Self-Serve insurance forms can be completed online,
24/7 at the enrollee's convenience, it stands to reason that the
majority of online shoppers will do an outstanding job when filling in
the blanks. It's like having a take-home test where all the questions
and answers are easy because they're all about you. (your home, your
car, your family, your life)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With today's technology, if a person
accidentally skips a blank, the computer program alerts the enrollee to
that error before continuing onward. When finished, you know you're
finished, and simply have to wait for an email or letter of acceptance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Examples of well-known insurance companies that use this technology include Progressive®, esurance®, and eHealthInsurance®.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Self-Serve platform allows consumers to simply go to one (1) online
location in order to compare plans side-by-side that could meet their
needs, from multiple insurance companies, before making a final
decision. This can save time, money, and frustration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Summary:
Consumers now have more choices and options when deciding how they will
make an insurance purchase. Today's technology allows easier policy
maintenance, as well as online acquisition. So is Self-Serve Insurance
the wave of the future? It appears to be a friendly beckoning wave of
today.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-28450866848791784292012-11-20T20:36:00.000-08:002013-02-08T20:36:50.290-08:00The Difference Between Emergency Rooms and Urgent Care Facilities<div style="text-align: justify;">
At one point or another most of us have had to rush to the emergency
room; broken bones, traumatic injuries and severe illness is what the ER
is meant to treat. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of this fact,
and often view the emergency room as a catch-all solution when their
primary care office is not open or available. Likewise, people without
health insurance tend to visit the ER for minor injuries and illnesses;
because these facilities must give treatment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
major downside is that a trip to the emergency room (for whatever
reason) can easily cost you an arm and a leg. This is why urgent care
facilities exist, and why more people need to understand the difference
between them and the ER. If you are in the process of selecting small
group health insurance, it is important to remember that your coverage
will be limited to an extent. It will cover a portion of your medical
expenses, but not all of them. When you factor in the high cost of
emergency room visits, it literally pays to know why an urgent care
facility is often the better choice for treatment. Here is an overview
of the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of each.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>What is the Difference between the ER and an Urgent Care Facility?</u></strong></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>An emergency room (ER) is meant to treat life-threatening injuries
or symptoms; you should call 911 if you have troubles breathing, have
sudden or severe pain or are experiencing heavy bleeding (among other
things)</li>
<li>The ER is open 24/7; you are guaranteed to receive treatment any time of the day (which is why the service is so expensive)</li>
<li>An ER visit generally costs 4x as much as a trip to an urgent care
facility and 2x as much as one to your primary care physician; this is
why you should only go there if there is an emergency</li>
<li>The ER serves patients based on need; wait times are generally very
long, as treatment is provided to people on a scale of injury severity</li>
<li>An urgent care facility is recommended for non-life-threatening
conditions (i.e. any condition that would not call for a visit to the
ER)</li>
<li>Urgent care facilities have doctors, nurses and assistants on staff;
they offer a full range of medical treatment services, including
writing prescriptions</li>
<li>Urgent care facilities are not open 24/7, but they do often offer extended hours for their patients</li>
<li>The cost for treatment at urgent care facilities is much less than
the ER, and wait times are nowhere near as long (treatment is based on a
first come first serve basis)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thus, it is easy to see the benefits of going to an
urgent care facility vs. the emergency room. While the latter are
necessary for life-threatening conditions, the majority of ER patients
would be better served elsewhere. Also, given that the cost of treatment
at urgent care facilities is cheaper than the ER, most small group
health insurance plans will cover a portion of the medical bills
incurred at them. Be sure to evaluate your plan thoroughly in this
regard before making a decision.</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-23226330819624242712012-11-19T20:39:00.000-08:002013-02-08T20:40:02.202-08:00The Insured Under ObamaCare<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>The Insured American Under ObamaCare</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ObamaCare
(officially termed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or
PPACA), at first scan, appears to be exceptionally tough on the insured
person. Let's take a look at the balance of pros and cons at first
glance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><strong>Pros</strong></u></div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The addition of many new costumer benefits as well as consumer protections.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><strong>Cons</strong></u></div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The
increased price of health insurance might just equalize the new user
benefits and protections, leaving the insured citizen exactly right
where they were before ObamaCare. (The remainder of the cons underneath
are truly more or less an enumeration of these expenses.)</li>
<br />
<li>Those with insurance from an employer may have their plans dropped on account of escalating pricing.</li>
<br />
<li>The penalty for making non-allowable purchases will rise to 20%.<a name='more'></a></li>
<br />
<li>The money an employer will be able to add to any Flexible Spending
Account will become capped at $2,500. Historically, there has been no
established limit on these particular accounts, although it was a
regular strategy for an employer to assign one at $5,000.</li>
<br />
<li>Those on Medicare will see their benefits diminish on account of
ObamaCare's spending cuts. Spending cuts mean lower reimbursements for
health care services, effectively disincentivizing medical professionals
from taking Medicare. (Just in case that all was like giberish to you,
please stand by. We'll be going through a series of pieces shortly where
we'll outline the reimbursement process and information about how
health insurance pays for health care.)</li>
<br />
<li>Those on Medicaid may see the level of health care accessible to
them considerably degraded. The program could very well be flooded by
the high number of new enrollees, shrinking every single end user's
piece of the proverbial pie.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From this list, it seems
as though ObamaCare is out to get Americans who came into the program
with coverage. It's not as convenient as that though. The cons are
sacrifices that the Obama administration decided are worth making for
the pros, specifically the consumer benefits and protections. Time alone
will tell where the equilibrium will actually rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Irrespective
of how we truly feel about ObamaCare in its entirety, it's critical to
bear in mind that it's not only about spending and cuts. ObamaCare does
indeed endeavor to generate a sustainable situation. It just turns out
that people possess what would seem to be impossibly opposing views of
what way the act will likely play out.</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-86755922583689223762012-10-22T20:40:00.000-07:002013-02-08T20:40:46.536-08:00Health Insurance Policy: For Optimum Medical Care Protection<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Health insurance is an imperative element of leading a secure
life. In view of uncertainties of life, a medical insurance policy is
your partner when you need to bank upon someone to take care of your
expensive hospital care. In view of so many options around, shopping for
a medical insurance policy may leave many people confused. It is
important to take into account the personal requirements and the
coverage offered by the policy to find the best match.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reliance
Health Insurance is a renowned name in the medical insurance industry
and caters to the fitness care needs of the individuals and families.
There are wide range of options from Reliance Insurance plans to select
based on the needs of individuals and family members. The key advantages
of Reliance Insurance include affordability, 24 x 7 cashless facility,
portability benefit, income tax benefit, and coverage for preexisting
conditions. You can make a choice of a plan based upon the coverage
required and the benefits offered.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tata AIG Health Insurance plans
offer a premium choice for those looking for a combination of insurance
coverage and tax benefits. The plans from Tata AIG Insurance plans
offer comprehensive coverage for you and your family. There are special
plans available from Tata AIG Health Insurance available for executives,
women, and families. Whether you are looking for a plan that can give
you coverage for in-patient treatment, pre-hospitalization,
post-hospitalization, daycare procedures, emergency ambulance, dental
treatment, vaccinations or regular health checkups Tata AIG Medical
Insurance offers you with best of everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Star Health Insurance
offers you a customized choice to meet your fitness insurance
requirements. There are policies that are designed to meet best of your
budget. The policies from Star Insurance plans are sure to keep you
protected from the expensive medical care expenses. There are special
plans from Star Insurance meant for families, senior citizens, and
diabetic patients.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you wish to seek the best available plans
based on your budget, you can go online to a website to seek health
insurance quotes. Many good websites offer this service at no charge.
This method of availing online quotes offer you with an unbiased and
transparent approach that helps you arrive at the best available options
from premium providers. Go over the customers' testimonials before
zeroing on any particular provider. You can opt to buy a policy online
by using your debit card, credit card, or cheque.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-23777233299035456872012-10-18T20:37:00.000-07:002013-02-08T20:38:01.761-08:00Making Smart Choices in Choosing Group Plans for Employees<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Usually, small businesses pay more than big firms for similar
group health insurance plans. This is mainly because the smaller
companies lack the purchasing power big businesses have. Nevertheless,
with careful planning and working with a qualified provider, small
businesses can find affordable insurance for their employees.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Consider the Cost Implications</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
first thing that business owners should consider when choosing small
group health insurance is the cost. There is the need to find a plan
that fits in with the business finances and the employees' needs. To
accomplish this, you could seek feedback from your employees in order to
ascertain their specific needs. This way, the business owner will be
able to find a plan that fulfills the employees' needs and adhere to the
budget.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Work with an Experienced Insurance Agent</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once
the small business health insurance needs are determined, it is
essential to get quotes from different companies. The business owner or a
representative from his/her company can consult with insurance agents
from various companies to understand their terms and conditions, as well
as the applicable costs of various plans. In knowing what each company
has to offer, the business owner will be able to choose the best plan
based on his/her budget and priorities.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently, the health care
law has a provision for small businesses employing up to 25 people. If
these businesses pay annual wages of less than $50,000 and provide
insurance, they are eligible for tax credits. A CPA will be able to
further explain the tax benefits.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Know the Terms of Each Insurance Plan Available</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It
is vital to thoroughly analyze the small business health insurance
plans before signing choosing one. The business owner needs to fully
understand exactly what he is getting for his/her money, and if there
are any hidden costs that may be involved. If, for instance, the monthly
premiums are very low, it is likely that the deductibles are high. This
is the money employees have to pay up front when they get sick or need
hospitalization.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Look for Additional Benefits</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many
insurance providers offer ancillary services, so do not forget to look
for these as well. Options for value-added services include health
coaching, wellness program recommendations and 24-hour nurse advice
lines.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Picking the right small group health insurance plan may
seem like an intimidating task, but educating yourself on various plans
and working with an insurance agent to understand them will give you the
appropriate approach to choosing the right plan for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Picking
the right small group health insurance plan may seem like an
intimidating task, but educating yourself on various plans and working
with an insurance agent to understand them will give you the appropriate
approach to choosing the right plan for you.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2752172374377303622.post-38142810803897255932012-09-07T20:38:00.000-07:002013-02-08T20:38:41.673-08:00A Changing Industry: All About Family Insurance in Canada<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Comprehensive family insurance in Canada today is a million
dollar industry that encompasses a large number of private and public
insurance companies. These companies cover families for the many
potential risks that often leave people in a financial bind, including
mandatory coverage such as car insurance, and other coverage such as
health, home and life insurance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Canadian
families have many options when it comes to protecting themselves
against life's unexpected dire consequences. Over time, the insurance
industry in Canada has grown, developed, and changed to meet the needs
of its residents, embracing current trends, and providing desired
products while keeping costs under control.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Medical Care for Loved Ones: Health Insurance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Medical
coverage falls under the umbrella of optional family insurance in
Canada. Although Canadians are fortunate to be provided with medical
coverage under provincial health plans, there are nevertheless gaps in
the program that can be filled with additional private health insurance.
For instance, provincial health plans do not typically cover dental or
vision care, or medical expenses when travelling outside the country.
Many Canadians obtain private coverage for prescription drugs if they
are not among those who qualify for assistance.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Canada's health
insurance system has a long history. Saskatchewan was the first province
to pass laws providing coverage in 1946, and by 1961 all the provinces
had followed suit. In 1984, the Canada Health Act set forth federal
standards by which provinces could receive funding from the federal
government. According to a 2009 poll, more than 86% of Canadians state
that they support the provincial health care system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Health
insurance in Canada has faced several challenges over time. More
recently, there is a push to privatize health care in some areas, in
spite of popular opinion. Canada's health care system is relentlessly
scrutinized and its policies are a topic of ongoing discussions, but in
the meantime, families can obtain additional medical coverage from
private insurance providers in order to fill the gaps left by provincial
plans.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Public and Private: Car Insurance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the
largest areas of family insurance in Canada is the car insurance
industry, a field that has undergone much change over the years. When
cars first became available in Canada, a few large companies were
already offering personal lines of coverage to Canadians. One of the
oldest insurance companies in the nation is the Dominion of Canada
General Insurance Company, which opened its doors in 1887 and still
offers auto policies and other types of coverage today.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the
need for auto insurance increased, things changed across the country.
Some provinces devised their own system of public coverage, such as
Manitoba's Autopac, while others chose a public system of insurance
similar to that used in the United States. With more and more cars on
the road, provinces eventually passed laws requiring that all drivers
carry a liability insurance policy. With insurance now mandatory, the
competition for Canadians' insurance dollars became fierce.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
time, provinces with a public system had to improve the laws in order to
protect consumers from overpaying for insurance. Several provinces have
now implemented maximum rates that insurance providers must adhere to,
and have established control over when and how rates can be raised, in
the hope of decreasing the number of people driving without insurance
because they cannot afford it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Roof over your Head: Home Insurance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Homeowners
insurance is also a major consideration when it comes to comprehensive
family insurance in Canada. In time, the need for coverage grew as the
cost of homes rose and more families were unable to recover from fire
and other damages. At the same time, mortgage companies required some
protection from substantial financial losses when homes were destroyed.
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect both parties. In Canada,
this type of insurance is sold by public companies in all provinces, as
opposed to auto insurance which is public only in certain provinces.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Started
in 1839, the Gore Mutual Fire Insurance Company is the oldest property
and casualty insurer in Canada. Since that time, many more companies
have opened their doors, providing Canadians with coverage to protect
their homes and property from many risks including fire and theft.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Protecting Those Left Behind: Life Insurance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When
you think about family insurance in Canada, one of the first things
that probably pops into your mind is life insurance, most likely because
of its direct human connection. Life insurance protects families from
financial disaster when the main breadwinner in the household passes
away unexpectedly. It offers an immediate financial cushion to a family
experiencing instability, and provides them with time to recover without
having to worry over finances.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two of the oldest life insurance
companies in Canada are the Canada Life Insurance Company which started
in 1874, and Great West Life which started in 1881. Today, the two
companies have merged to form a powerful and venerable player in the
life insurance scene. Many other companies are also in the business,
some of which are wholly Canadian based, while others have branches in
foreign countries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although life insurance was once considered
somewhat of a luxury for the wealthy, today it has become a vital part
of family insurance in Canada, and addresses all levels of income. With
so many companies selling life insurance, rates have become competitive
over the years, making it easier for Canadian families to choose the
coverage they need at a price they can afford.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Coverage for your Family Today</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It
is easier than ever to provide your family with comprehensive insurance
coverage. There are multiple insurance companies operating in Canada
that offer a wide range of policies for Canadian families. Although the
basic three - auto, home and life- are the most common policies, other
significant areas of family insurance should be taken into account, such
as health insurance, travel insurance and dental and vision care
insurance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Canada's insurance providers have grown and improved
over time to keep up with the ever-changing needs of Canada's families.
Their purpose is to provide you with the comprehensive protection
required to keep your family, home, quality of life and financial assets
safe.</div>
</div>
wahyudihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07866602412602509177noreply@blogger.com