Rose McGowan
Contents contributed and discussions participated by Rose McGowan
Expansion of Health Insurance to Developing Nations - 1 views
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With the challenge of today's generation, health risk is greatly increasing. Today's citizens have greatly recognized the danger of going out every day. Health insurance is also in demand in the market and is considered as one of the most necessary insurance to have.
Developing nations are already increasing its insurance economy and even building its own campaign towards the totality of health insurance patrons.
According to a report released by Westhill Insurance Consulting, health insurance has already been accepted as a necessary part of each household.
Indonesia is one of developing nations who has proven too slowly adapt health insurance in its system. With over 200 million citizens flocking on the national health insurance registration in Jakarta, Bali, Sumatra and major places in the country, the government has been proud to predict that it may be possible to see all of the archipelago's population already avail of health insurance.
To cater to rural areas of developing nations on the other hand, reliable, always‐on broadband wireless connectivity makes a new health care model possible: instead of asking the patient to go to the nearest clinic or hospital, the mobile health care worker reaches out to the patients where they live and when they need care, bringing access to a broad set of medical resources through voice, data, and video applications.
The only challenge in pursuing health care insurance in developing nations is the fraudulent deeds happening among their people because of the lack of security and loose protection from the authorities.
To prevent these scams from happening and keeping more victims from losing their hard-earned money for a non-existent medical assistance, many companies and non-profit organizations are continuously seeking reforms. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives have sought to create awareness in and provide guidance to countries on how to improve the design and functioning of their health systems based on evidence of what works for achieving the goal of universal coverage. Meeting this goal is, however, challenging, because the available evidence rarely explores the causal link between the design features of these UHC schemes and the outcomes observed, and substantial heterogeneity exists regarding the robustness of the available evidence.
UHC reviews and indicates possible intervention to both low and middle-income countries for improvement. Affordability is currently the main concern for the organization to both solve the problem of the small number of health care insurance holders and keep scams from happening.
Hopefully, more solution can be presented as we look forward for a healthier life in the near future.
The Role of Health Insurance to Family Planning - 1 views
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World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that universal health coverage - ensuring that all people obtain health services they need without suffering financial hardships when paying for them - is a global priority for this year. They also declared that universal health coverage as "the single most powerful concept that public health has to offer".
Several developing countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Rwanda, Vietnam, Kenya and Nigeria among others have demonstrated a strong commitment to universal health coverage, with many others slated to follow suit. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia is already paving its way to offering a more extensive health insurance coverage that can cater different places in the inter-island archipelago.
Westhill Insurance Consulting Company, your guide to health insurance concerns located in Australia has been in partnership with varied insurance companies which has the goal of expanding the reach of health insurance.
Given this momentum, it is time to think critically about how the goals of universal health coverage can be advanced through health insurance to ensure that women worldwide are empowered to choose the size, timing, and spacing of their families.
Health insurance pays for all or part of medical or surgical expenses for the insured, mitigating out- of-pocket payments as a barrier to health care and providing financial risk protection against catastrophic health expenditures. Different types of insurance models have varying funding sources and provider payment. Many countries have some form of insurance program in place and coverage has increased considerably.
Many reviews say that it would be better for insurance companies to include family planning in their policies and terms especially in over-populated countries like Indonesia which remains the 4th most populous in the world and China which tops the chart. It is well established that family planning results in benefits beyond reducing unmet need and lowering fertility-benefits such as fewer maternal and child deaths and complications from abortions; and improved nutrition outcomes among women, infants, and children. Given the high cost of addressing maternal and child health, these benefits can lead to considerable savings for health systems and insurance providers. Critics have complaints though that if this be passed, couples can make this reason for pre-marital sex which continues to be a moral issue in countries centered by this insurance idea.
When developing insurance programs, governments and health insurance providers must carefully decide on a benefits package that clearly describes the types of services covered, along with levels of coverage and any applicable exclusions and/or limits on services. Since lack of access and inability to pay are important reasons women do not use family planning, inclusion of family planning services in health insurance programs could increase uptake. The Commission on Macroeconomics and Health has suggested criteria for choosing essential health interventions. Family planning is a strong match to the key criteria because it is a technically effective intervention, can be delivered successfully, addresses health issues that impose a heavy burden on society, and has benefits beyond the intervention itself.
HMO vs PPO - 1 views
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Most of us who are employed know that we have corresponding health insurance. For others who choose their own insurance, agents might have explained what should be provided and covered for our policies. One of the things that we should be aware of is the type of a managed care plan we need: either an HMO or PPO to avoid complaints, frustrations and disappointments added to our consultation to the doctor. If this is the first time you are hearing this, then, you are not alone. Some insurance are already fixed that agents do not care to mention it anymore.
Westhill Insurance Consulting took the liberty to differentiate each one from the other.
HMO actually stands for Health Maintenance Organization while PPO is an abbreviation of Preferred Provider Organization. Less common are point-of-service (POS) plans that combine the features of an HMO and a PPO. In developing cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jakarta, Indonesia and Beijing China, HMO is mostly used by employers for their health care insurance.
To put into an outline, here are the facts that are needed to be reviewed and considered between the two:
Do I need to choose doctors, hospitals and other providers?
* HMO: you must choose doctors, hospitals and other providers
* PPO: you can choose doctors, hospitals and other providers.
Do I need to have a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
* HMO: Yes, your HMO will not provide coverage if you do not have a PCP.
* PPO: No, you can receive care from any doctor you choose. But remember, you will pay more if the doctors you choose are not "preferred" providers.
How do I see a specialist?
* HMO: Referral is needed from your PCP to see a specialist or if you have to undergo other special test exams such as x-rays, except in emergency situations. Your PCP also must refer you to a specialist who is in the HMO network.
* PPO: You do not need a referral to see a specialist. However, some specialists will only see patients who are referred to them by a primary care doctor. And, some PPOs require that you get a prior approval for certain expensive services, such as MRIs.
Do I have to file any insurance claims?
* HMO: All of the providers in the HMO network are required to file a claim to get paid. You do not have to file a claim, and your provider may not charge you directly or send you a bill.
* PPO: If you get your healthcare from a network provider you usually do not need to file a claim. However, if you go out of network for services you may have to pay the provider in full and then file a claim with the PPO to get reimbursed. The money you receive from the PPO will most likely be only part of the bill. You are responsible for any part of the doctor's fee that the PPO does not pay.
Critical Health Insurance Plans for Critical Health Ailments - 1 views
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There are a lot of health care insurance nowadays with thousands of healthcare insurance companies scattered around the world. Individuals and organizations are slowly starting to appreciate their importance in today's practical yet expensive lifestyle and health demands. If you are a person living with cancer or a survivor or with any other critical ailment, it is important to make sure that the health insurance plan you choose covers the prescription drugs you mostly need.
Westhill Insurance Consulting gives out warnings on the spread of fraudulent insurance that are emerging targeting the need of cancer patients for insurance. Reports have already been shown in the developing city of Jakarta, Indonesia and Mumbai, India. Here are the tips that we must remember when we avail of critical health insurance for critical health ailment:
All new health insurance plans must provide a benefit package that includes prescription drugs, but the actual drugs that are covered will vary by plan. As you think about the kind of health insurance coverage you or a family member needs, look carefully at the kind of prescription drug coverage the plan offers to make sure the drugs you take will be covered. Because many cancer drugs can be extremely expensive, so making sure that your plan covers the specific drugs you take may save money.
Things You Need to Consider
o >Medications You Take: The first step is to make a list of all of the prescription medications you currently are taking, including pain medication and anti-nausea drugs. You will need this information to be able to compare the coverage offered by different insurance plans.
o Drug Formularies: Most insurance plans have a formulary - a list of the drugs the plan covers. Check the formulary of each insurance plan you are considering to make sure that it includes the medications you are taking. You can find out your plan's formulary by checking their web site or calling the plan directly. Agents can also help you determine which health plan to choose.
o Cost Sharing: You will want to carefully compare the cost sharing different plans charge you when you fill a prescription drug. Some plans charge co-pay, which is a flat rate the patient pays per prescription. Other plans charge a coinsurance, a percent of the total cost of the drug owed by the patient. For cancer drugs, coinsurance will almost always be more expensive than co-pay.
Lapses in Insurance Coverage - 1 views
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Insurance has been around since people have realized it should be. Yet sometimes, we cannot avoid not paying for our premiums especially when we encounter financial instability. These are called lapses. Westhill Insurance Consulting gives you the outlines of what you should review once you missed paying your premiums.
Grace Period Must Happen Before Lapse
To prevent a life insurance policy from lapsing each and every time a premium payment is slightly late, every state in the country requires that a life insurance policy first go through what is known as a grace period after a payment is missed. This is a period of time (usually 30 days) where despite the missed payment; the insurance policy will still provide coverage and make a full payout if the insured dies.
Only after the grace period has passed without receiving the due premiums can the life insurance company consider the policy to be lapsed. Once a life insurance policy lapses the life insurance company is not under any legal obligation to pay the beneficiaries if an insured person passes away.
Most Policies Can Be Reinstated After Lapsing
After a policy first lapses, the owner may have the option to reinstate the policy. You want to make sure that you reinstate your policy as quickly as possible after a lapse. Different companies have different rules for reinstatement so you shouldn't file a complaint or burst into frustrations when your insurance company refuses to reinstate your policy as it should already be stated when you were reading the terms before you signed for the coverage.
Importance of Reinstatement Period Lapse
The reinstatement period is very important to policy owners and insured persons for a couple of reasons. The first reason is as discussed, the insured person may not need to go through the underwriting process. If a person has had a major health change, he/she may not necessarily be aware of the change. The underwriting process may uncover more about a person's health than they ever knew, for better and worse. Avoiding underwriting when possible almost always leads to lower insurance premiums.
The second reason the reinstatement period is very important is that even with the same health rating, a new life insurance policy will always be more expensive than an old policy, because the insured person has aged. The older the insured person, the higher the rates will be, all else being equal. The bottom line is: Reinstating a life insurance policy rather than taking out a new policy will save money.
Reinstatement Will Cost More than One Month Premium
After a policy has lapsed, a larger payment must be made to reinstate the policy. It is in the best interest of a policy holder never to let a policy lapse. Developing cities like Bangkok, Thailand, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are strict in reinstatement and its cost as personal insurance are rare.
References:
https://groups.diigo.com/group/westhill-healthcare-consulting
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Westhill-Consulting-Insurance-5110019
Insurance in a Divorce - 1 views
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Divorce is one of the most devastating events in one couple's life. While most divorcing couples focus on the delicate and often difficult issues of child custody and dividing assets, breaking up can be hard to do in terms of your insurance policies, too. Whether the policies are in place for protection or as an investment, divorcing spouses need to review them in the context of their new financial circumstances. Westhill Insurance Consulting has listed some matters to be prioritized during this delicate time.
1. Life insurance
Your first step should be to check the beneficiaries on your life insurance, whether you have term or permanent policies. People sometimes forget the existence of their life insurance policies, yet often the amount of money involved is higher than their other assets. If you forget to change the beneficiary of your policy and you pass away, your ex-spouse could get the money instead of your new spouse."
Melody Juge, managing director of Life Income Management in Flat Rock, N.C., says splitting spouses should negotiate ownership of life insurance policies as part of the divorce settlement.
"If your spouse has an insurance policy that you're depending on to take care of you and your kids if he dies, you should have (the) ownership changed to yourself instead of your spouse," says Juge. "If not, your spouse could change the beneficiary or simply stop paying the premiums."
2. Health insurance
Many couples share health insurance under one spouse's employee benefits package; a divorce will require a policy change.
When you work and have previously been covered by your spouse's company, you can generally obtain health insurance through your own employer after a divorce.
Also, the federal law known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, allows a person going through a divorce to stay on a spouse's group policy for a limited time. But you'd have to pay the full premium yourself. Developing cities like Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia are now creating an act similar to COBRA for divorce protection.
3. Home and car insurance
Liability insurance policies for your home and car are particularly important to maintain during and after a divorce.
Divorcing spouses should immediately notify their insurance companies if an asset such as a car or home changes ownership to avoid filing more complaints and causing more crease.
4. Long-term care insurance
Hook says long-term care insurance policies are individual insurance policies, so there would not be much impact from a divorce. But some insurance companies offer a discount for covering a married couple, and that would be eliminated after a split.
Premiums for long-term care insurance should be estimated as part of your expenses during the divorce settlement. Hook suggests that divorcing spouses in their 50s who don't have long-term care coverage should be sure to purchase some.
Insure your Business in the Clouds - 1 views
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In the turn of the most technologically advanced era yet come more and more advanced fraudulent acts as well. The genius invention of cyber insurance have helped small, medium and large scale businesses in securing their data, shared information and hacked systems. These cyber insurance have already reached not only the leading nations in the world but developing cities and countries as well such as Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Beijing, China, Tokyo, Japan and many more. If you are one of those who have individual experience with spam, scams, hacks and other illegal computer malpractice, then we at Westhill Insurance Consulting would want to enumerate top ten reasons why cyber insurance is important:
1. Data is one of the most important assets yet it is not covered by standard insurance policies. It is many times worth as the physical product or service that a company is offering. Yet, most business owners do not realize the worth of these data and do not have a standard policy when the files are corrupted, damaged or destroyed. A cyber policy can provide comprehensive cover for data restoration and rectification of a loss no matter how it was caused and up to the full policy limits.
2. Systems are critical to operating your day to day business but their downtime is not covered by the standard business operations interruption insurance. All businesses rely to available systems to operate and organize their business. In the event of a hack attack, scam or computer virus a traditional business interruption policy would not respond. Cyber insurance can cover for the loss of profits associated with a system outrage that is caused by a non-physical peril like a computer virus or service attack.
3. Cyber crime is the fastest growing crime in the world but most attacks are not covered by the standard property and crime insurance. New crimes and complaints are emerging every day. With the use of the internet means that they are exposed to the world's criminals and is vulnerable to attack any time of the day and night. Cyber insurance can provide comprehensive crime cover for a wide range of electronic perils that are increasingly threatening the financial resources of today's businesses.
4. Your reputation is your number one asset and it is a must that you are to insure it. Any business is built on its reputation. Although there are indeed some reputational risks that cannot be insured, you can insure your reputation in the event of a security breach. When your systems, files and data have been compromised, you run a very big risk of losing the trust of your most loyal clients which can harm not only your business but your whole life as well. Cyber insurance can not only help pay for the costs of engaging a PR firm to help restore this, but also for the loss of future sales that arise as a direct result of customers switching to your competitors.
More insurance consultations can be found at http://www.westhillinsuranceconsulting.com/blog/. Learn more about insurance for your family and your own welfare.
There Is a Reason We Never Crack Down on Medicare Fraud - 1 views
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Did you know there's a government program that gives more than $60 billion a year to felons and voracious, unscrupulous hospitals and doctors?
There is: improper health-care payments. In FY 2012, Medicare fee-for-service, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid produced $61.9 billion in improper spending. $30 billion of that is Medicare alone. It should anger us, obviously, but also worry us, because the federal government is expanding its reach into the health-care market as we speak.
Congress is doing very little to address all that fraud and waste and the little it does is very ineffective. Nobody in the health care system has a real incentive to crack down on fraudulent or mistaken payments, so nothing gets done about it. In an eye-opening piece last year, Citizens Against Government Waste's Leslie Paige laid out the efforts by health-care providers and some lawmakers from both parties to slow down the rate of improper payments through recovery audit contractors (RACs).
This means that wasteful and fraudulent spending will continue to cost taxpayers billions - when it doesn't have to, or certainly doesn't need to in the same proportion.
It has other tragic effects too. Case in point (via Michael Cannon):
U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade will seek life in prison for what she called "the most egregious" health care fraud case she has ever seen. McQuade said that in addition to insurance fraud, which involved a $35-million Medicare fraud scheme from 2009 until the present, Fata also harmed, and in some cased subsequently killed, his patients with dangerous chemotherapy drugs they did not need. According to government records, Fata's medical practice included 1,200 patients. The formerly prominent cancer doctor will be sentenced in February before U.S. District Judge Paul Borman. The doctor's bond was set at $9 million.
First and foremost, this fraudulent doctor caused suffering and event death. But the added tragedy is Medicare's inability or unwillingness to prevent fraud. If he hadn't been caught and stopped because of the vigilance of a nurse concerned for the welfare of her patients and a few others, the fraud would likely still be going on.
Seniors learn to protect themselves from fraud, drug misuse - 1 views
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(westhawaiitoday) - Prescription pills and over-the-counter drugs are becoming increasingly popular drugs of choice among teens, young adults and others, in part because of their accessibility.
Big Island law enforcement officers and state officials offered a peek into the drug culture during a presentation Tuesday to West Hawaii seniors. Briefly discussed were pharm parties - an emerging dangerous trend where an assortment of pills is mixed in a bowl and taken at random by partygoers - and sizzurp - a high addictive drink with serious side effects consisting of prescription cough syrup with codeine and a mixer such as soda or punch.
Several factors, including peer pressure, availability, environment, media and attitudes, influence medication drug abuse. Officials agree seniors can effectively help stop the problem from happening if they keep track of all medication, secure any medications and disposed of unused pills. The Police Department encouraged participation in the upcoming prescription drug take-back day, happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Kona police station. The public can then turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medication for safe, anonymous disposal.
More of Health Care Articles at westhill consulting insurance and their social page Health Care Administration.
Other prevention methods touted were having clear rules about substance abuse, promoting healthy activities and being a role model by setting a positive example.
Valerie Mariano, chief of community and crime prevention at the Department of the Attorney General, shared federal data showing drug overdose deaths rose for the 11th straight year, most of which were accidents involving painkillers. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported 38,329 drug overdose deaths nationwide and medicines, mostly prescription drugs, were involved in nearly 60 percent of those deaths.
Mariano, along with Ed Gomes of the Department of Public Safety's Narcotics Enforcement Division, explained problems often arise because of incorrect use and drug interactions. To avoid such problems, they advised reading the labels of medications; making and maintaining a medication list; reviewing medications at least annually with doctors; using one pharmacy to fill all medications; and speaking up about condition, medications and their validity or effects.
Tuesday's presentation was part of the the Kupuna Alert Partners program, initially formed as a state multiagency partnership to bring pertinent information on Medicare fraud prevention, securities prevention and prescription drug misuse to the community. Similar presentations will be held today at 10 a.m. in Aunty Sally's Luau Hale in Hilo and at 2 p.m. in the Keaau Community Center.
When it comes to medical identity theft, victims often don't realize they've been targeted until they discover a decrease in their credit score or until an agency comes after them for unpaid medical bills. Thieves often steal personal information to obtain medical care, buy drugs or medical equipment or submit fake billings under their victim's insurance policy. While theft of wallets or purses is one way thieves access this information, another common scenario involves the criminal persuading a consumer to divulge information through bogus telemarketing involving medical supplies or free items. Criminals also make unsolicited phone calls posing as Medicare or Social Security Administration representatives, Mariano said.
According to the Senior Medicare Patrol-prepared slides, 47 percent of beneficiaries gave suppliers their Medicare numbers before calling the Medicare hotline. Nationwide, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are aware of 276,408 Medicare beneficiary numbers, 5,038 Medicare provider numbers, and 169 Medicare Part D provider numbers compromised in this manner.
Mariano educated attendees about Hawaii identity theft laws and regulations. Businesses and government agencies are required to keep confidential personal information about consumers and to notify them if that information has been compromised. They are also restricted from disclosing consumers' Social Security numbers to the general public. The penalty is $2,500 for each violation, she added.
Theresa Kong Kee, investor education specialist for the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Business Registration Division, shared tips on how to protect personal information, as well as how to detect and report Medicare fraud or identity theft. She also explained what investment fraud victims can do and the importance of checking on the registration of a person who is "helping" them invest - something that can be done for free by calling the Office of the Securities Commissioner.
Kong Kee said the Office of the Securities Commissioner is the only state office that enforces Hawaii securities laws in Hawaii, and it's "here to help before and after a fraud." Investment fraud happens on every island and to all kinds of people, with Ponzi schemes being the No. 1 investment scam in the state. The public can file complaints to the office, which has investigators and attorneys who can investigate and prosecute investment fraud or violations. Education on wise investing practices, financial literacy and investor protection is also offered.
Federal undercover investigation signs up fake applicants for ACA coverage, subsidies - 1 views
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In undercover tests of the new federal health insurance marketplace, government investigators have been able to procure health plans and federal subsidies for fake applicants with fictitious documents, according to findings that will be disclosed to lawmakers Wednesday.
The results of the inquiry by the Government Accountability Office are evidence of still-imperfect work by specialists intended to assist new insurance customers as well as government contractors hired to verify that coverage and subsidies are legitimate. The GAO also pointed to flaws that linger in the marketplace's Web site, HealthCare.gov.
According to testimony to be delivered before a House Ways and Means subcommittee, undercover GAO investigators tried to obtain health plans for a dozen fictitious applicants online or by phone, using invalid or missing Social Security numbers or inaccurate citizenship information.
All but one of the fake applicants ended up getting subsidized coverage - and have kept it. In one instance, an application was denied but then approved on a second try. In six other attempts to sign up fake applicants via in-person assisters, just one assister accurately told an investigator that the applicant's income was too high for a subsidy.
In their testimony, GAO officials plan to emphasize that the findings are preliminary and that they are continuing the investigation before reaching final conclusions, probably next year. The tests have been done in several states. Because the work is not finished, the GAO is not identifying the states.
Read More: WesthillConsulting Healthcare
Number of Americans without health insurance falls to record low - but more than one in... - 1 views
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The percentage of Americans who say they don't have health insurance dropped to 13.4 percent in April, according to Gallup.
The number of uninsured Americans has been steadily dropping since last fall, the polling company said, when a peak 18 percent of Americans said they did not have health care coverage.
Gallup reports that number of Americans without health insurance decreased at a faster pace as the federally mandated deadline to purchase insurance arrived.
Gallup reports that percent of Americans without health insurance dropped to 13.4 during the final month Americans could sign up for health care through the federal exchange
Tips for Choosing Care for an Aging or Ailing Family Member - 2 views
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UNLIKE other areas of health care, the cost of hiring someone to help tend to an aging family member at home has been relatively stable.
You'll now pay a median rate of $19 per hour for a hired homemaker, who does household tasks like cooking and cleaning, according to the latest report on the cost of care from Genworth Financial, which sells long-term care insurance. You'll pay a bit more, about $20 per hour, for a home health aide, who helps with personal care like dressing and bathing but not medical care.
The cost of home caregiving has gone up only about 1 percent annually over the last five years, compared with an increase of about 4 percent a year for institutional care, the report said. The report reflects the cost of hiring a home caregiver through an agency, which typically costs more than directly hiring a caregiver.
The difference is partly because home care providers don't have to maintain large facilities and generally have fewer regulations to follow, said Thomas J. McInerney, chief executive of Genworth. And, for now, there is an ample supply of workers to serve as at-home caregivers.
That may change in the longer term. As baby boomers age, demand for caregivers is likely to increase, since most people want to remain at home as long as possible, said Mr. McInerney. It's also possible the cost of hiring a caregiver may be affected by new rules, which kick in next January, extending federal minimum-wage and overtime protection to many home care workers.
Extended care at home generally isn't covered by Medicare, the federal health plan for those 65 and older. So families using such services generally pay for it out of pocket, unless they have long-term care insurance or qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility varies by state and is based on your income; you generally must have very little in the way of financial resources to qualify.
Here are some questions about hiring a home caregiver:
■ How do I know what kind of caregiver my family member needs?
You can assess needs, like his or her ability to handle activities of daily living such as dressing, eating and bathing, using a checklist, like one provided by the National Caregivers Library.
Or, you can have a professional conduct the evaluation, which is advisable, said Amy Goyer, a specialist in home and aging with AARP. To find someone qualified to do the assessment, you can contact your local office of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging for a referral. You can find the one nearest you on the federal government's Eldercare Locator site.
■ How do I go about finding a home caregiver?
One option is to use a home care agency, which will screen and train caregivers to make sure they can provide the level of care needed. Since the agency employs the caregiver, it also handles payroll tasks. An agency can also schedule alternative caregivers if your primary caregiver is ill or unable to work. Because the agency offers these services, its hourly rates may be higher.
■ What if I prefer to hire someone myself?
You may be able to obtain a lower rate by hiring someone directly. But if you hire a caregiver yourself, you'll have to handle payroll and possibly taxes, said Leah Eskenazi, director of operations for the Family Caregiver Alliance, a nonprofit that helps people caring for relatives.
Ms. Eskenazi advises that word of mouth is often a good way to start your search; friends or family members who can vouch for a caregiver's skill and reliability can be good first references. The AARP website offers a tool to search for an agency by ZIP code.
Sites like Care.com also help find independent candidates in a given geographic area. You post a job at no initial charge, and interested applicants respond with their credentials and experience; if any of their profiles look promising, you may register to obtain contact information and purchase background checks. You will have to pay a monthly, quarterly or annual fee to subscribe to the service ($35, $70 and $140). The site also offers payroll and tax services, for an additional fee.
■ Where can I find more information about home caregiving?
In addition to your local Area Agency on Aging, the Family Caregiver Alliance offers an online tool that provides links to resources in your state.
REFERENCE:
nhttp://westhillinsuranceconsulting.com/
Pay close attention to your health plan to pay less - 1 views
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First things first: Obtain a copy of your plan summary from human resources or directly from your insurer. Take the time to read the policy and if you don't understand something be sure to ask questions.
Know your plan
Doctor's offices are not perfect and sometimes mistakes are made on your bill. Always ask for an itemized statement and review it to make sure all of the services were provided. The following notes may help you save on your out-of-pocket costs:
If you have a hospital stay planned, ask if you can bring your own regular medications. Hospitals charge by the pill and you could easily pay double what the medications cost you at the pharmacy.
Go to an in-network provider whenever possible. The insurance companies negotiate fees with doctors and decide on a reasonable price for services rendered. When you go to an in-network doctor, she may not bill you for anything other than your deductible, copayment or coinsurance. If she bills you for a higher amount than has been agreed, she must write off that amount. The doctor is not allowed to bill you for it.
Know your keywords
Copayment is a set fee that you pay for each doctor's visit or for each medication.
Deductible is the amount you must pay before payment coverage starts. Check your plan to see if doctor's visits and emergency room visits are paid before the deductible is met; you still have the copayment for the visit and any coinsurance will apply.
Coinsurance is the percentage of the bill you must pay. An example: For an in-network provider, you may have to pay 10 percent of the bill and for an out-of-network provider you may have to pay 20 percent. Each insurance policy is different. Once you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, the coinsurance and deductible are waived.
Contribute to a flexible spending account for medical fees. You can contribute up to $2500. If you are married you and your spouse may each contribute $2500. Depending on your plan, you may now be forced to meet a deductible before any medical fees will be covered, even doctors visits. (Note this is not how every plan works; each one is different). I have seen posts on Facebook where premiums have gone up so there will be less to bring home in a paycheck; to make matters worse they must also meet their deductible before their costs are covered. Many people will have health insurance and not be able to afford to actually use it. A flexible spending card can help. Contribute at least your deductible to the account. You will pay a set amount each pay period towards your FSA. It comes out of your check before taxes. The entire amount that you have designated is available to you at the beginning of the year. You must continue to make the contributions for the entire year unless you change employers. In that event, if what you used exceeded what you had contributed you won't be required to pay it back. I have a friend whose child received braces and shortly after he lost his job. The braces were covered by the FSA and he didn't pay a dime; this was before they lowered what you may contribute to the FSA. If you have funds left at the end of the year or leave the company any leftover funds will be forfeited.
Know your network
Compare the costs of procedures at different facilities. If you are having a CT scan, MRI, myelogram, ultrasound or other tests, check to see which facilities are in-network near you. This is important for the dentist as well. Make some calls to compare the prices at different facilities for that test to find the best rate. Usually you are required to pay a percentage of the testing; the lower the fee for the test, the lower your out-of-pocket costs will be. For example: If a test is $10,000 and you have to pay 10 percent, your fee would be $1,000. If the test is $6,000 your fee will be $600 dollars. Check to see if the facility requires your payment up front or if they will allow you to make payments.
Sometimes a facility will require you to pay an estimated amount before services are rendered, and then they bill the insurance company. This can result in an overpayment by you - especially if you have already met your deductible. Always check your explanation of benefits to see what your insurance company paid and what it has determined to be your out-of-pocket costs. If you paid more than you should have, call the doctors office and ask for a refund. Don't count on them just sending it to you; most times that won't happen.
Don't assume that because you went to an in-network facility for testing or a hospital stay that all of the doctors who see you will be in-network. Most of the time they are not. In this case, if you went to an in-network facility most insurance companies will treat the claim as an in network one. This results in the insurance company paying a higher percentage of the bill and reduces your costs. You still will be required to pay whatever the insurance doesn't pay, but your cost will be lower. If you are required to pay 10 percent of a $1,000 dollar bill, your fee will be $100. If you are required to pay 20 percent because it is not in the network, you would be required to pay $200. Review the explanation of benefits and if you were billed for out-of-network services at an in-network facility, call the insurance company and request it to reprocess the claim. This has resulted in refunds for me in the past.
WellPoint Offers Seniors Tips for Bouncing Back from Hospitalization - 3 views
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INDIANAPOLIS, Feb 10, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Imagine you've been in the hospital. You've eagerly waited for the day you could go home. When that day finally arrives, you're thrilled. It's a safe bet the last thing you want to do is to have to return to the hospital.
Unfortunately, far too many people are returning to the hospital after receiving care there, particularly seniors. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, nearly one-fifth (19.6 percent) of traditional Medicare beneficiaries who had been discharged from a hospital were re-hospitalized within 30 days, and 34 percent were re-hospitalized within 90 days.1 The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has estimated the cost of hospital readmissions at $15 billion.
"We know that many of these instances are unavoidable," said Dr. Mary McCluskey, chief medical officer of WellPoint's Government Business Division. "However, some are preventable, which is unfortunate since hospital stays can expose patients to a host of complications, including possible infections, as well as being costly, stressful and inconvenient."
WellPoint, which serves thousands of seniors through its affiliated Medicare plans, offers the following tips for making sure a hospital stay doesn't end up turning into a round-trip.
Understand discharge directions. The transition home really starts before the patient leaves the hospital. It is critical to understand hospital discharge directions. This isn't as easy as it sounds since patients may be medicated, stressed, groggy or confused. For that reason, it is recommended that patients repeat instructions to their physicians to make sure they understand them. It also may help to write down the instructions or enlist a family member or caregiver to help document them. Another way for a patient to smooth the transition home is to make sure someone at the hospital contacts their primary care physician (PCP) with information about their condition and treatment. People with chronic conditions see many different doctors. It is important for those doctors to communicate with each other.
Fill prescriptions and take them as prescribed. Upon being discharged from the hospital, it is important to fill prescriptions immediately and take them as prescribed. Patients should make sure to understand the timing, dosage and frequency of each drug. Also, patients should take care to understand how existing medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, interact with new drugs. Finally, if any drugs have been stopped, it's important to ask why. It may be helpful to get a pill organizer to keep track of medicines.
Get follow-up care. According to America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), half of patients who were re-hospitalized within 30 days did not have a physician visit between the time of discharge and re-hospitalization, suggesting one of the reasons people end up back in the hospital is lack of follow-up care. That is why it's so critical for people to transition from the hospital to their PCP. Patients should schedule follow-up appointments with their regular doctor and keep them. The PCP can coordinate care, making sure patients aren't exposed to dangerous drug interactions or unnecessary tests. Anyone with trouble getting a timely appointment can call their insurer for help.
Eat properly. People recently discharged from the hospital need to get proper nutrition, including following any dietary restrictions. Appetite is often suppressed after an illness; however, if someone is too sick to eat due to pain, nausea, inability to swallow, etc., then they should contact their doctor.
Take advantage of programs that are there to help. People with Medicare Advantage plans may have access to resources, including case managers, to help them return safely to their homes. Case managers may be able to help a recently discharged patient find transportation to doctor appointments, address potential safety issues in the home and help them locate community programs offering everything from meal delivery to free or discounted medicines. These people are experts at understanding the system and it is their job to help.
Know when things aren't getting better. Patients should understand which symptoms require immediate intervention and return to the hospital, if necessary. People who aren't getting better shouldn't wait for their next appointment.
Be an engaged consumer. Many trips to the hospital occur without warning. However, people with advance notice have resources available to help them research quality and cost. Information about readmission rates for certain hospitals, for example, is available at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov , where visitors can enter a procedure and a zip code, select three hospitals, and click "Outcome of Care Measures" to compare results.
"Most of us will have to go to the hospital at some point in our lives," said McCluskey. "The key is being an engaged patient to prevent hospitalization from becoming a downward spiral, both physically and financially."
WellPoint affiliates are PPO plans, HMO plans and PDP plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in WellPoint affiliated plans depends on contract renewal.
1 Jencks SF, Williams MV and Coleman EA. "Rehospitalizations among Patients in the Medicare Fee-for-Service Program." New England Journal of Medicine, 360(14): 1418-1428, April 2, 2009.
SOURCE: WellPoint
WellPointDoug Bennett Jr., (502) 889.2103 Doug.BennettJr@wellpoint.com
Strong opinions voiced on single - payer health insurance system - Westhill Consulting ... - 1 views
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By JENNIFER ROBISON
If our email inbox is any indication, Las Vegans feel strongly about starting up a single-payer health insurance system.
After we wrote on Jan. 19 about a Vermont lawmaker's federal proposal to mandate that states set up one-payer systems that would operate like Medicaid and guarantee coverage for all, the feedback rolled in.
We've selected two letters with opposing takes on the issue to keep the discussion going.
Once you've finished reading up on the debate, check out how a local consumer got a pleasant surprise when he recently signed up for new coverage.
■ Al Popp reached out with a novel idea. He writes: Let's just expand Medicaid to everyone. How do we pay for this system? We pay for it by taxing all food and beverages at 10 percent. Just add it to the price of the product before the sale, like we do with gasoline excise taxes. If a person spends $200 a week for food and beverages, whether it be in a grocery store, convenience store, restaurant or catering business, one would be paying $20 a week for their health care, which equates to $1,040 a year. That, to me, is affordable health care. The more you spend on food and beverages, the more you will contribute to health care. I'm curious what your thoughts are on this plan.
Well, Al, I'm a reporter, so I'm completely flexible and I have no opinions.
In the interest of public debate, though, your plan is definitely worth sharing.
One common criticism of this kind of funding source is that poor Americans spend an above-average share of their income on groceries, so it becomes a regressive tax that penalizes lower-income earners more than wealthier households. This is why Nevada's sales tax exempts food bought inside grocery stores.
So although you're correct that people would pay less if they spent less, a plan to tax food and drink would disproportionately hurt discretionary income among working-class households.
Plus, low-income households already face higher food costs because their neighborhoods might have fewer supermarkets and pricier food as a result.
As you note, Al, your idea does have upsides. No one would be mandated to use Medicaid; they could still buy a private plan for more coverage, the way some affluent households pay both local property taxes and private-school tuition. International tourists who buy pricey meals on vacation also would feed into the system. And undocumented residents would pay as well, anytime they visit the grocery store. So would "panhandlers, the underground market and cash-paid workers," as you said.
So, readers: Add what you'd like to Al's suggestion.
■ On the other side, Las Vegas insurance broker Patrick Casale chimed in on single-payer with this: There are five reasons single-payer can never work for the United States: immigration; taxation; capping doctors' and hospitals' earnings; capping Big Pharma; and medical access.
Part of Patrick's concern is that our country already is strapped financially, and a plan that opens free health care access to all (Medicaid doesn't charge copays or premiums) would be unsustainable given current immigration rates. What's more, he said, countries with one payer "have a tax rate that exceeds 50 percent, and numerous other taxes," including sales taxes. Accounting firm KPMG backed that up with a 2012 study that pegged top marginal income-tax rates at 56.6 percent in Sweden, 55.4 percent in Denmark and 48 percent in Canada. The marginal U.S. rate is 39.6 percent.
Making a single-payer system work also might require limiting hospital charges and incomes, and that would in turn hurt access as providers perform fewer procedures to control costs, Patrick said. And tangling with the major pharmaceutical companies on what they charge would be a Herculean task in what he called "the most overdrugged nation worldwide."
Patrick said he also would like to see the federal government eliminate fraud in Medicare and Medicaid before the programs expand to all Americans. Curbing malpractice lawsuits might make a difference in costs, too.
Anything else you can think of, readers?
■ Steve Selbrede wrote in with praise for a little-known provision of Obamacare: There have been many recent stories and letters about the absurdly high deductibles of Obamacare insurance plans. When I first began to investigate the Nevada Health Link website to choose my own plan, I was distressed to see very high deductibles. After about 30 hours of studying my options, I found that these deductibles are not always so high.
Steve discovered Cost Sharing Reduction, a little-known discount in the Affordable Care Act that lowers what you owe out of pocket for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. It's above and beyond the tax credit that helps cut premiums for lower-income earners.
You do need to meet a few guidelines to benefit. For starters, you have to buy your plan through Nevada Health Link, the state exchange's website. Plus, the discount is good only on silver plans, the federal law's benchmark coverage. And you have to make less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level. That's $59,625 for a family of four, or $29,175 for a single.
Steve qualified, and after he chose Nevada Health CO-OP's Southern Star Silver Plan, here's what he found: His calendar-year deductible dropped from $4,250 to $750, while his out-of-pocket maximum fell from $6,350 to $1,500. His office visits went from $15 or $45, depending on network level, to $5 or $30. Specialist copays were reduced from $50 or $150 to $10 or $50.
You do need to complete the sign-up process at nevadahealthlink.com to determine whether you'll get the break. So Steve offered some tips on how to make it through, if you have issues with the site.
First, forget about browsing for a plan without creating an account, because you won't get a full reckoning of the cost unless you put in your details. Start an account at the site with a user name and a password, or you won't be able to get back into your account. Do not provide your e-mail address, or you might not be able to return to your account. Make sure you know exactly what your adjusted gross income is before you get started. And check your insurer's website for a provider list because the state exchange's site doesn't always match, he said.
"Don't wait for a bill. Send a check in right away," he added.
Westhill Healthcare Consulting | Massachusetts - N.J. Commissioner Offers Insurance Pur... - 1 views
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Making the right insurance choices can have significant impact on the small business owner’s operation costs. With that in mind, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Ken Kobylowski offered some basic tips for small businesses for purchasing or updating their insurance coverage.
There are different types of policies available to small business owners that range from life insurance options to mandatory workers’ compensation.
Commissioner Kobylowski said small business and home-based business owners potentially have several different policies that can provide necessary protections.
“Small businesses should annually review their insurance policies to verify that their coverage meets their needs,” Commissioner Kobylowski said. “This could include workers’ compensation, commercial auto, business property and liability, group health and disability as well as group life and key-person life insurance.”
Commissioner Kobylowski offered the following tips:
What steps should a small business owner take?
• Shop around – Examine rates from several companies, being sure to compare plans providing identical coverage.
• Protect yourself – Stop. Call. Confirm. Verify with the Department that the companies quoting coverage are licensed by the State of New Jersey by calling 1-800-446-7467 or by checking online at www.dobi.nj.gov. Then use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Consumer Information Resource (CIS) at https://eapps.naic.org/cis/ to compare a company offering coverage to other firms in the industry using their consumer complaint ratios.
• Review Annually – Small business insurance needs change as a company grows. Additional machinery purchased for a manufacturing plant or expansion to a larger facility could require an increase in property limits. Additions to an auto fleet could mean changes in a commercial auto policy or sales growth could result in the need for more business continuation coverage.
Commissioner Kobylowski reviewed the following policy options a small business owner might want to consider:
1. Workers’ Compensation. State law requires that all New Jersey employers, not covered by federal programs, have workers’ compensation coverage or be approved for self-insurance.
Typically, workers’ compensation covers the employee’s medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages if he or she is injured on the job. If an employer does not have workers’ compensation and an employee is injured on the job, the business may be liable for any medical expenses that individual incurs. The company might also face fines and penalties for noncompliance.
2. Property. Property insurance protects small business owners from losses due to damage to physical space or equipment and as a result of theft. For insurance purposes, a business’ property includes the physical building in which it resides, as well as its other assets.
All of the following, owned or leased, can be considered business property: the actual building; inventory; furniture, equipment and supplies; machinery; computers and other data processing equipment; valuable papers, books and documents; artwork and antiques; television sets, VCRs, DVD players, and satellite dishes; signs, fences and outdoor property not attached to a building; and non-tangible items, such as trademarks and copyrights.
3. Flood Insurance. Flood is not a covered peril in a standard business property insurance policy. Business owners can purchase flood coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA. Flood insurance policies have a 30 day waiting period before going into effect. To find out more about the NFIP consumers can go to www.floodsmart.gov. If the flood insurance property limits from the NFIP are inadequate to cover a business, owners can check with an insurance agent or carrier representative about additional coverage options.
4. Ordinance or Law Coverage. This pays for rebuilding a destroyed property so that it will meet the current building codes. Older structures damaged may need upgraded electrical, heating, air conditioning and plumbing units based on current municipal codes. This covers the additional cost to upgrade due to new codes.
5. Business Interruption/Continuation. This type of insurance covers lost earnings due to a loss covered by one of the property insurance plans purchased, such as a fire or theft that shuts down a business for an extended period of time. Business interruption/continuation insurance covers expenses associated with running a business, such as payroll and utility bills, based on the company’s financial records.
Business interruption/continuation coverage can be added to a property insurance policy or purchased as part of a package insurance product.
6. Liability. This insurance product covers workplace risk, for example, if an individual falls while visiting a business premises, or a customer is hurt by a product a business sells, the business owner can be held responsible. Standard policies do not provide protection against sexual harassment, professional liability or commercial auto or truck claims.
7. Commercial auto. All motorized vehicles, whether used for personal or business purposes, need auto insurance. Automobile liability insurance – required by most states – covers medical expenses for injured persons and damages to the property of other individuals as a result of a motor vehicle accident caused by the insured’s negligence.
While the types of coverage provided by personal and commercial auto insurance policies are essentially the same, there are important distinctions. Typically, commercial auto insurance policies have higher liability limits, for example $1 million. They also may have provisions that cover rented and other non-owned vehicles, including employees’ cars driven for company business.
Several factors related to ownership and use of vehicles determine whether a personal or commercial policy is appropriate. These include: who owns or leases the vehicle –individually or the business as an entity; who drives the vehicle – owner or employees; and how the vehicle is principally used – for example, transporting people, delivering packages or carrying hazardous materials.
8. Umbrella Insurance. This coverage provides protection for an individual or business above the limits for a primary policy. It is recommended for a business with a value above its primary limits for various policies selected. It is also a smart purchase for high net worth individuals. A policy can cost relatively little for the protection it provides.
“Small business owners should discuss these insurance matters with a licensed insurance professional at an agency or carrier,” said Commissioner Kobylowski. “A life and health insurance professional should also be consulted to make sure every aspect of a small business is protected.”
Tips for Saving Money With Health Care - 1 views
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HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- Medical bills can creep up quickly for those w¬ith and without insurance.
For Kristen Drake every dollar counts. "We spend money as wisely as possible but we are still cutting it pretty close," said Drake.
So close, that none of her bills are for health insurance.
"I try to eat healthy and take good care of myself, but otherwise I just try to hope I don't get sick. I don't go to the doctor," said Drake.
Harrisonburg Ob/gyn Associates office manager Windy Lamoreaux gives a 20 percent discount to those uninsured or paying cash.
"Even with a 20 percent discount, I am sure it would be too expensive," said Drake.
Harrisonburg Ob/gyn Associates also has the option of a payment plan.
"It could be a three month payment plan, it could be a 12-month payment plan, it could be until that bill is paid in full," said Lamoreaux.
She said if cost is an issue, at her office, you can refuse to get some lab work that the doctor recommends.
"We are trying to help you do what you are willing to do, we are not going to force you anything you can't afford," said Lamoreaux.
At Harrisonburg Ob/gyn Associates ,you can also check for medication prices at different pharmacies before you get your prescription.
Before you get any procedure done, Lamoreaux recommends to talk to your provider about costs.
"The last thing you want to do is do the procedure or the lab and after it's over then we have the problem. It is better to be notified ahead of time," said Lamoreaux.
Also, always be sure to double check your bill and ask questions which will help you make sure your insurance company pays what it is supposed to.
Every doctor's office or hospital may have different policies when it comes to payment.
Westhill Consulting Insurance - Connecticut learns less is more with state health insur... - 1 views
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Connecticut learns less is more with state health insurance website
Tuesday, November 12, statistics put out by Connecticut demonstrate that its website is the only one to sign up more folks for private insurance than for Medicaid.
Angel Medina, 21, went to talk to an Affordable Health Care act navigator in Hartford. Medina was dropped from his mother's health insurance two years ago.
"I have really bad eyes. I like to get them checked often, but since I don't have health insurance, no doctor's going to really want to take a look at me," he said.
He found out that he may qualify for Medicaid, which was long-drawn-out under Obamacare.
So far, 9,123 have enrolled over Connecticut's ultimate goal is to sign up 275,000 people.
Kevin Counihan, chief executive officer of Connecticut's health exchange, says he's not discouraged by the number of people signing up for private health insurance.
"Buying health insurance is expensive and it's expensive and it's confusing and it's complicated. So no, I am not disappointed by it. However, we clearly have a strong goal to meet by March," he said.
Counihan look forward to have 100,000 people enrolled by the end of March. He credits the state's computer system with the smooth even out.
"Number one is, less is more. Do fewer things well than try to do more things inconsistently. Two is test the heck out of the system and make sure that before you go live, you are pretty darn confident that you know what is going to happen. And three is hire the best people that you can," he said.
Counihan was implicated with Massachusetts' health insurance rollout in 2006. He says that taught him people don't buy insurance like they do a book or car. They usually consider the options an average of 18n times before making up their minds.
He foresees a sprint of people signing up between Thanksgiving and Dec. 15, which in case is the deadline for coverage beginning on Jan. 1.
http://www.westhillinsuranceconsulting.com/blog/westhill-consulting-insurance-connecticut-learns-less-is-more-with-state-health-insurance-website/
Westhill Consulting Healthcare - A Few Persistent Iowans Manage to Buy Health Insurance... - 1 views
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A few persistent Iowans manage to buy health insurance on crash-plagued Obamacare exchange
There were at least five strangely determined Iowans have dealt with signing up for health insurance on the government's balky new online marketplace.
They were the Hardy Handful. It seems that they were eager to wait through endless holdups and to try, try again after constantly being booted off the system. They had enrolled in insurance plans sold on the public marketplace by CoOportunity Health.
"They threaded the needle and got in," said Cliff Gold, the insurance carrier's chief operating officer. "It's like when a radio station says, 'If you're the 20th caller, you'll win something.' These people were the 20th caller."
Two of the unidentified purchasers are from Iowa City, two are from Glidden and one is from Clive, Gold said.
Also called exchanges, the health-insurance marketplaces are a key part of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Since they opened Oct. 1, they have been plagued with technical problems. Iowa's exchange is using a federal website, healthcare.gov, which has been beset with delays and crashes. Federal officials have blamed the glitches on an unexpected surge of millions of consumers trying to use the system at once. But some computer experts have said the problems are at least partly due to technical flaws in the site. Federal officials are pledging to fix the issues as quickly as possible.
Gold said he is encouraged by the fact that a few people are getting through. He likened the situation to trying to start a care on a frigid winter morning. "At first, it just turns over. Then it kicks in," he said. "Well, it's kicked in, but it's still cold inside the car."
CoOportunity Health is one of two carriers selling individual policies throughout Iowa on the new exchange. Gold said the company confirmed today that at least five Iowans and nine Nebraskans had selected its policies via the new system. The other statewide Iowa carrier, Coventry, declined to say whether it had sold any Iowa policies on the new system.
Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart said CoOportunity's news was encouraging. "Hopefully the system issues will begin to subside as more Iowans go online to enroll in the coming weeks," he said.
They are the only place to buy insurance policies that qualify for new federal subsidies; this is one of the main attractions of the exchanges. The subsidies will aid Americans with moderate incomes pay premiums. A lot of officials have been advising consumers to hang around another week or two before trying to get on the systems, so the bugs can be worked out. Consumers have until Dec. 15 to sign up for policies that will take effect Jan. 1, and they will have until March 31 to buy policies that will count toward the new requirement that most Americans obtain health insurance for 2014.
http://westhillinsuranceconsulting.com/
http://www.westhillinsuranceconsulting.com/blog/westhill-healthcare-a-few-persistent-iowans-manage-to-buy-health-insurance-on-crash/
Health Insurance is one of the most accessible types of insurance. Employees have the advantage of being provided for by their employees with the choice of taking dependents under them. Although there is a provision of health care insurance for most middle class workers and individuals and their families, the rate of insured in health plans are at an uncertain level.
For private and personal insurance providers around the globe, it is not a normal market share. Westhill Insurance Consulting, one of the internet's oldest insurance information sites, compared health care insurance ratio in certain companies in different parts of the globe. Bermuda, one of the world's top ranking countries to provide quality insurance faired better than the status of insured in Westhill's main branch in Massachusetts. In Asia, Singapore is at its highest peak compared to insurance of other providers in developing cities like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia.
According to reviews, the United States is lagging behind. If this continues, developing countries depending on the innovations and adaptation from the West can be put into jeopardy. The worldwide issue which causes market fluctuations among private health insurance providers is the rate of medical errors. These errors may have been prevented if legitimate and specialized physicians are being provided for. Instead, most doctors listed under insurance are those consisting general medical practice. For better quality physician and equipment used, an individual has to avail a more expensive premium.
The rising cost of insurance is putting trauma to clients. In response, they take services from fraudulent insurance providers who offers cheaper premium only to discover later that they get scammed.
Such problems require better innovations and technological advancement, a reform on the system or at least, a consideration for the choice of specialist. Innovative solutions involves every aspect of health care-its delivery to consumers, its technology, and its business models. Indeed, a great deal of money has been spent on the search for solutions, a few has been addressed.
The fluctuation in the market poses superior threat to many insurance companies. Many analysts are convinced that the change in the process and the overall method is the solution for the fluctuation. A revamp of the system to integrate technology, new equipment and more qualified physicians can help stabilize the increase of insured clients in private health providers. Unless this problem be controlled and put attention to, fluctuation will continue to dominate the market.