HealthInsuranceFinders.com Answers - Latest Questions

In the state of Iowa, is Plan G considered guaranteed issue?

stpio10 — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:04:59 GMT

My advantage plan is not being offered in my county next year so am looking at Plan G. The insurance company tells me Plan G is not considered guaranteed issue in Iowa. I would like to make sure that is correct.

Writeoff for health insurance for self employed?

john2 — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:04:26 GMT

Is it common or even legal for an employer to change coverage mid year?

outofpocket — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:05:20 GMT

Last year my employer changed my coverage in July. I had already met my deductible and out of pocket expense. They carried over the deductible to add to the 5x higher deductible but did not count any out of pocket expense. I am told everyone changes coverage during the fiscal year. This is new to me. My insurance with previous employers was changed at the end of the policy year. New coverage always went in to effect on Jan 1.

IN Tennessee can a 1099 employee enroll in an employer group health plan

cojo37190 — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:24:19 GMT

Have subs who work with business regularly. Want to offer health benefit to sub.

Are health insurance companies required to cover MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS in California?

AnniePooh — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:45:03 GMT

I have an Individual PPO plan in California, and suffer from major depression (as yet untreated).
I want to start to see a certain psychiatrist, but he is NOT a "Participating Provider" in my PPO. My insurance company's website lists Out-Of-Network psychiatric coverage at 50%. But I've been told that in California, the coverage rules for MAJOR DEPRESSION are different: insurance companies are REQUIRED to cover major depression at the same rate as any other illness (i.e., no 50% rule).
Is this correct? Where can I find a reference (in writing)? Note: I have already met my annual deductible ($2500), and my office visit co-pays are $0.

How does one who is disabled and under 65 apply for medigap if have medica

mmustal — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:52:01 GMT

Every program is see for medigap is for seniors over age 65. My mother is only 59 and is on medicare parts A B and D but I cannot find a medigap plan to cover someone in Alabama that is currently disabled and has been since 2004. She only has medicare now and very limited income and all of te co-pays are more money than she makes

Can an employer deny health insurance benefits to an employee's spouse?

mlarrs — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:36:29 GMT

Can an employer deny health insurance benefits to an employee's spouse because she has access to coverage through her employer? Reguardless if they have insurance with their employer?

why is it never a good idea to have a lapse in health insurance?

missm — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:51:49 GMT

Hi, you wrote on June 1 in an answer to a fellow about his mole and dropping COBRA that he can't afford and starting a new plan. You said it is "never a good idea to have a lapse"...but you did NOT say why. Why does everyone give that pat "it is never a good idea to have a lapse"??? What if you are a completely clinically "healthy" person, NO chronic conditions, no ongoing medication....nada. Please elaborate why the "lapse" is such a horrible thing.

Thanks.

I have no health coverage as my employer did not pay premium

betrayed — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:19:09 GMT

I learned that my employer did not pay our health care premium. My son and wife and I are not covered. He did not say anything, we found out from the pharmacy. My wife is pregnant and we have doctor appointments and need prescriptions. The plan has lapsed if he pays premium tomorrow - how long until we are covered again?

in Indiana, can I add my Fiance's son to my healthcare plan?

Stevenpatriot — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:47:17 GMT

i live in Indiana and have Sagamore Insurance. I would like to add my fiance's son to my current plan. Is this possible?

How to find insurance in Colorado while already pregnant?

filbert — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:32:22 GMT

Currently subscribing to Blue Cross in Massachusetts. Relocating to Colorado. Recently pregnant. What are my options for finding health insurance in Colorado? My husband has his own business so we could apply for small business insurance if that is the best option. Thanks for help!

domestic partner eligible for cobra coverage under my plan?

jackie — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:13:00 GMT

my domestic partner is a covered dependent on my group health insurance, i have been placed on summer leave from my employer, is my domestic partner an eligible dependent on my cobra coverage and qualify for the cobra subsidy reduction? I work in Illinois, but my company home office is in Philadelphia, PA.

Help for preexisting condition and very limited insurance coverage

Pattiann442 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:29:37 GMT

Major surgery / transplant recommended Cannot work and on antibiotics Need evaluation for candidate possibility Location for surgery and pre-testing is out of home state Airfare, hotels, additional cost

Is a lapse in coverage an issue even if i don't have any medical problems?

parkyourbike — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:53:23 GMT

I am in month 17 of Cobra and my doctor found a mole that needed to be removed off my back. It was considered cancer, but very common and no big deal. It was taken off in an office visit. Now i am applying for individual insurance becuase i only have Cobra for one more month, and i am pretty sure this mole issue is going to cause a red flag to the insurance firms. Extending Cobra is $330.00 a month. I read everywhere not to have a lapse in coverage but isn't that only true for people who have a real pre-exsisting condition and need ongoing treatment/care? I don't require any regular maintenance and in fact, i would love it if they would exclude this stupid mole issue from the policy so i don't have to pay for it in higher rates which is what i think is going to happen if i submit my applications in the next 2 months. Shouldn't i wait about 6 months and then apply? Wouldn't a lapse be ok for me as i don't have any special medical needs?

If I have less than 40 quarters at 65 can I qualify at an older age?

Bob Vickers — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:14:28 GMT

I will retire from teaching this year and only have 27 units. As a member of CALSTRS I have not put into social security for 35 years. I plan to continue working and contribute to social security, but I won't get 40 units until I am older than 65.

Hi, is CLASS underwritten, and where can I get more info?

Gordon Ellis — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:27:23 GMT

This long term care program was mentioned in a glossy publication just distributed at great taxpayer expense. It says to direct questions to Medicare or one's state health insurance assistance program. I CALLED AND NO ONE WAS ABLE EVEN TO TELL ME IF THE PLAN IS UNDERWRITTEN (IF SO, AS A PRACTICAL MATTER, IT'S NO BENEFIT AT ALL TO THOSE WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS THAT CONCEIVABLY COULD REQUIRE LONG TERM CARE SOME YEARS DOWN THE ROAD). PLEASE ADVISE ME OF THE ANSWERS AND AS TO WHERE I CAN REALLY OBTAIN DEFINITIVE INFORMATION WITHOUT WASTING MORE TIME ON USELESS PHONE CALLS AND EMAIL INQUIRIES. My email address and phone number are kirkellis35@sbcglobal.net and (760) 632-9108. MANY THANKS

I have a pre-existing condition, exhausted cobra, and spouse has a group plan.

murphytribe — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:53:27 GMT

Can I get a plan under HIPAA eligibility, or do I have to go on her plan? (Her plan is even more expensive than the HIPAA eligible plans)

Her companies insurance advisor said I'd have to go on hers because HIPAA eligible excludes people who can get ANY other group coverage. The sales rep at AETNA said no - only if I have personally offered group coverage.

Thanks for the assistance.

Can my health insurance payments rise without notification in Illinois?

jack6677 — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:32:16 GMT

I was going over my pay history and noticed that my health insurance increased. I started off with medical & dental which cost $25.25 a week. Then I added STD,Term Life, and ACC through a different carrier and so my total (which includes the $25.25) as of 9/18/2009 went up to $40.13. Then 1/15/2010 my total increased to $41.13 and nobody ever told me anything was going to increase. I've been scrutinizing this alot more lately because I got a pay cut and decided to save money by canceling my medical and they told me I couldn't until open enrollment (6 months from now) which is another thing they never told me when I signed up for it. I asked why and the HR manager told me the insurance didn't want us to cancel so I called them and they told me I could cancel anytime. Is it legal for them to force me to keep this insurance and is it also legal for them to increase my payments without letting me know in Illinois?

Is it legal for me to collect more than 100% of expense from two policies?

kersplink — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:42:29 GMT

Say I have two policies and one claim. The claim is for $1,000. Policy A will pay for $800 of it, and policy B will pay up to $900 per claim. If both policies reimburse me for their full amounts, is that legal? If those two policies pay me a total of $1,700 for more than 100% of the expense will I have to give that money back to the insurance companies? Are there any case rulings or laws that say I can't get reimbursed for more than the expense?

Can an employer make employees pay the entire health premium?

srs — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:01:21 GMT

My employer previously paid my whole health insurance premium until recently when they couldn't afford to do so. We were told we could keep the policy if we paid 100% of the premium. I could not afford that so I dropped the policy. My question is, can the employer make the employee pay their whole premium but pay their premiums out of the company account?

Can I compare the AARP associated medicare supplement insurance here?

dennisdort — Wed, 26 May 2010 08:37:10 GMT

I am already on Medicare parts A & B since 07/01/1998 due to disability. I have been buying my former employer's (school board's) major medical insurance coverage to get the 50+ Rx's that I require to maintain some-what near normal functing. I turned 65 on May 22, 2010.
I want AARP associated medigape coverage to lower my health related total costs. I want to compare their plans and prices on this site as told to me by an AARP representative. Can you help?

Health insurance coverage set to expire and daughter needs shoulder surgery

roadflash — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:59:37 GMT

My daughter's coverage under my plan expires the end of the month. Her shoulder popped out of joint and she's had MRI's and the doc says she'll need surgery. Will she have trouble getting insurance so that she can get surgery?

Which Florid health insurance company will cover you after Gastric Bypass surgery?

teresafree — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:05:35 GMT

Had gastric bypass in Sept 09 - paid cash, as I did not qualify for insurance to pay. Now I no longer have health insurance and wish to obtain Individual/Family coverage. I applied through Cigna but was denied due to Gastric Bypass surgery 8 months ago. Are there any companies who will give me health insurance now. I have no pre-existing conditions whatsoever. I simply wanted to loose weight.

Should I keep my group health plan when I reach age 65?

nipper — Sun, 23 May 2010 14:05:44 GMT

Am a retired school district employee, retired a few years ago, and will turn 65 in about 6 months

Is there any kind of government help so i can get bypass surgery? I weigh 400 lbs

chuy1115 — Sat, 22 May 2010 22:11:48 GMT

I weigh nearly 400 pounds and I am 36 years old. I have tried so many diets and my doctor said that i am at risk for a lot of illnesses but my health insurance doesn't cover the gastric bypass surgery. I eat lots of vegies and drink a lot of water. I realy need this so if anybody can help or knows of any agency that helps obese people like me it would be greatly appreciated. Im not looking for charity but maybe a small monthly payment thats within my low bugget that I can afford.

how do you compare allowed fees?

rmarsicek — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:45:48 GMT

Insurance plans negotiate fees with providers, which sets the price for service before deductible is reached. This is a large part of the insurance but doesn't appear in consumer information.

Legal consequence for non-payment of health expense during uncovered period?

Gins — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:01:53 GMT

I was added as a spouse in the healthcare plan of my husband’s group insurance plan on 07/06/09 but a medical expense was incurred on me three days prior to having my healthcare insurance activated i.e. on 07/03/09. I have received a non payment notice letter from a collection agency and the healthcare provider is refusing to cover the expense as on the day of the expense my insurance was inactive. In this case, what would be the legal implications for non payment of this expense by us in the future?

Is my son still supposed to be covered?

33megan — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:53:55 GMT

We live in Wisconsin, but receive insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and the insurance company dropped him while he is still in college. He is 23 years old.

If i get a full time job will i lose medical coverage from my parents?

ladidaa — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:18:13 GMT

I am 20 and in college so i still get medical coverage from my dad, if i get a full time job, will i lose that coverage?

I need a hospital confinement indemnity plan only

ellabellie — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:13:28 GMT

I want catastrophic health insurance only

Can employer require marriage certificate for their group insurance?

lcharles — Wed, 19 May 2010 10:59:08 GMT

I am starting a new job and the employer requires proof of marriage for spouse to be added to policy. This is a mid-sized company (4000 employees). They also require additional proof e.g., checking account/credit card with both names. Is this legal? I've never been required to provide this before.

Should I get COBRA for 1 month if I'm getting coverage in 12 days?

ramenboy — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:33:18 GMT

I started a new job and benefits don't start until 6/1, leaving me uncovered since 4/30 when I resigned from my old job. Should I sign up for COBRA now or wait till coverage for my new job kicks in? I understand that I can sign up for COBRA up to 60 days after coverage lapses and coverage is retroactive, but I do have a 2.5 yr old toddler and my wife is pregnant with our 2nd. My mind says to just wait till coverage kicks in and if (God forbid) anything happens i can just sign up for COBRA and pay the $1300(!) for 1months coverage when and if...

Does my wife have to use my employer provided health insurance?

b-m-w — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:33:18 GMT

My employer provided plan is affordable for me, but when I add my wife and son, it is cost-prohibitive. Does having insurance offered at work make my wife ineligible for other insurance? It seems that some companies imply this when asking if she is eligible for other coverage.

I have been diagnosed with COPD and need affordable short-term health ins.

cjsrwl — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:06:00 GMT

I need affordable short-term or long term insurance.Ii have been diagnosed with COPD and high blood pressure. Can you tell me who will insure me or help me get medical attention?

What Health care benefits do you provide for mentaly ill people?

chi14bltina — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:47:38 GMT

my son is mentaly ill and im not sure what kind of health care you provide? I don't have a lot of money, But i need to be able to get him the care that he needs which is 24 hour care because he has schizophrenia.

Can an insurance company increase their rate without notice?

snoelle1 — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:38:00 GMT

Our insurance company recently raised their rates significantly (over $100/month) and provided no notice of this increase. Additionally, there was no open enrollment or opt-out period provided. The first notice employees had was when they got their paychecks and saw the increase in the deduction. We have been told that there is no option - the open enrollment period is not until December and all employees are simply "stuck" with this newer, more expensive plan wich also offers less coverage! Is there no regulation that insurance plans must either provide notice or an opt out period?

How does a 62 year old on Social Security get unaffordable medical coverage?

ronberman — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:50:44 GMT

Have no discretionary income for insurance but certainly in need of both preventive and existing health coverage..

Dependent Coverage Age Limits for Kansas or Missouri

Susan — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:45:05 GMT

On an individual Family health what is the age limit for children? Do they allow them to age 26 without being a FT student in Kansa or Missouri

When can I go back to being a dependent on my parent's insurance?

Tristian — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:55:47 GMT

I used to be on AETNA as a dependent on my father's health insurance, but now I'm on COBRA.

How does health care reform impact Medigap?

quaker — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:00:44 GMT

I've been searching the internet for the answer to this question. In the March 2010 bill that was passed, there is a very small reference to Medigap (aka "Medicare Supplement" and "Medicare Supplemental Insurance"). Does anyone know whether the rules governing individual/family health insurance (80% medical loss ratio, no more medical underwriting) applies to Medigap policies? I don't think that they do, especially given that they are not primary coverage plans. In fact, it doesn't technically have a medical loss ratio, since the insurance doesn't pay "claims" per se, it's paying co-pays and co-insurance. But that's just my speculation. Would be interested if anyone had any knowledge on this. Thanks in advance.

I need to purchase health insurance for my mother that I can afford. Since my income is limited, it needs to be less than $100 per month.

magie — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:09:24 GMT

Instead of a small co-pay, they say we owe more than $800. Is this true?

nancy302 — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:09:10 GMT

We have Blue Shield PPO. My husband had a surgery at a participating hospital; the procedure was preauthorized by Blue Shield. During my husband's hospitalization, lab samples were drawn and sent to pathology for analysis. A month later, the pathology group wrote a letter to us saying they dropped Blue Shield and are no longer providers. Instead of a small co-pay, they say we owe more than $800. Is this true? Can they do that? What is our recourse?

Do I have to report "Genetic" information, do I need to insurance company?

HelenSeller — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:03:57 GMT

Colorado Law for Individual Health Insurance states, “under no circumstance can you be turned down, charged more or face a pre-existing exclusion period because of your genetic information. Genetic information includes the results of a genetic test and your family history of health conditions.” The last line, “Genetic information includes the results of a genetic test AND your family history of health conditions.” Does this mean that genetic testing HAS to be done, or does it mean a genetic test was done OR there is just a family history of this illness but no tests were done? I have major depression which started 15 yrs ago when my brother committed suicide, my Mom died from cancer 6 months later and Dad committed suicide 2 months after that. Suicide is definitely caused from depression, so would my depression be considered at least partially“Genetic”? Does this mean I don’t have to report it on an Insurance application?

Health insurance plans for immigrants parents over 65 years old?

EleonorCraspitz — Fri, 07 May 2010 10:56:24 GMT

I'll sponsor my parents to live in the US. They'll come with a green card, and they'll be over 65 years old, and they won't work. I am starting my research on health insurance, and I have some questions. 1) I've heard of a "bridge program" for immigrants that they can have until their are citizens. Then being citizens they could be eligible for Medicare. Is that right? 2) Can they ever be eligible for Medicare? 3) Are there insurance companies specifically for immigrants over 65 years old? 4) Where should I start searching for health insurance options?

Can I drop my health insurance at work and go with out health insurance?

MarioPagados — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:25:24 GMT

We are young and in good health and do not get or want welfare but if I have to keep paying 800 a month I will have to go for food stamps

Can my employer contribute different amounts for individual coverage?

214Beverley — Mon, 03 May 2010 04:49:00 GMT

My employer is dropping the group health plan where they contribute 1/2 of the individuals premium. We will continue to be reimbursed for 1/2 of the individual employee's premium of whatever plan we can find. I am not able to get individual coverage due to current meds and condition. Plus that idea that young healthy employees will be getting less reimbursement than holder employees due to the basic differences in premiums and different plans. Does this become EOE problem?'

What should I ask the insurance companies about the policies they have?

214Avice — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:59:00 GMT

I'm planning to get an Iowa health insurance plan but I really don't know much about insurance. What should I ask the insurance companies about the policies they have?

How Medicare A insurance works when in the hospital for surgery?

38Arely — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:58:00 GMT

How will my Medicare A insurance work if I'm going to stay in the hospital for surgery? Am I required to pay my co-pay for the bill right away or do I need to wait for Medicare to pay the bill first?

Can I make a claim before I go to a doctor or should I do it after?

214Ayden — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:29:00 GMT

Do you know how I can file a claim for my PPO plan? Can I make a claim before I go to a doctor or should I do it after I used a medical service? How long does a claim processing usually take?

How and where do I find sufficient Medicare information?

214Barbra — Mon, 03 May 2010 01:56:00 GMT

How and where do I find sufficient Medicare information?