Posts Tagged ‘individual health’
The Balance Between Age and Health Insurance Coverage
Thursday, April 8th, 2010Health Care Reform is here! What does this mean for you?
Monday, March 22nd, 2010No one really knows! It seems that revisions are made by the hour, and nothing is quite set in stone as of yet. Also (as of this hour) 11 states have filed lawsuits stating that the bill is unconstitutional, in that it forces people to pay for coverage or face financial penalties. Does it promise to cover all Americans? Supposedly, by 2014, after spending the next few years inching towards this goal by means of guaranteed issue policies, no lifetime maximum amounts, the cessation of policy rescission’s, etc. Once this is in place, individual policies would be purchased via an exchange:
Brown's Victory & What it Means for Health Care Reform
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010Health Care reform faced yet another setback as Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown received 51.9% of the vote needed to fill late Senator Kennedy’s seat in the US Senate. This now makes the Republican head count 41, thereby bringing the 60-count Democrats were relying on to pass the health care reform legislation to an end. Brown’s strong statements regarding the negative portions of the bill, such as higher taxes and the destruction of jobs, played a major role in his political success. However, ironic that he fills the seat of a major proponent of universal health care, many are breathing a sigh of relief as the thought is while health care reform is much needed, it is something that needs to be dealt with carefully – not a “fix it later” attitude.
The Medical Information Bureau and You
Thursday, December 17th, 2009Is there a database out there with all of your medical information available to prospective and current insurers? No. However, there does exist a shared central database called the Medical Information Bureau that may contain some important medical information about you. This data base is used primarily by insurance companies when applying for individual or life insurance. These companies can use information in the MIB’s database to help make a decision as to whether or not you will be offered coverage.
However, based on HIPAA laws, this database does not include your entire medical history, doctor’s chart notes, etc. Instead, information in MIB reflects medical conditions (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) or lifestyle choices (i.e. skydiving or smoking) that are thought to be significant. While the decision to decline coverage is not solely based on reports in the MIB, it definitely plays a strong role.
It is very important that you monitor information in the MIB as you would with anything else, such as your credit report. If you note any incorrect information, you can work to have it corrected, and not hinder your chances of obtaining health or life insurance in the future.
Insurance Policy Rescissions versus AB 1945
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009AB 1945 (amendment to Section 10384 of the Insurance Code) recently passed in the State of California in light of all the recent publicity from insurance policy rescission’s. This Bill “prohibits a health care service plan or health insurer from engaging in post claims underwriting, defined to mean the rescinding, canceling, or limiting of a plan contract or policy due to the plan’s or insurer’s failure to complete medical underwriting and resolve all reasonable questions relative to an application for health care coverage before issuing the plan contract or policy“.
Help for Uninsured Californians!
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009Many Californians don’t have medical coverage, and are unable to qualify for health coverage due to pre-existing conditions. However, it is important to know that there are options you may qualify for:
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s version of the federal Medicaid program. This program will pay for health services for California residents that qualify based on income and assets. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Health Services through its sub-agency Department of Public Social Services.
Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM)
The program is designed primarily for uninsured low income pregnant women and their infants who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. Since individual health plans will not approve you for coverage if you are currently pregnant, this provides an excellent opportunity for coverage.
Healthy Families Program
