Health Insurance: Just The Basics, Just The Facts
With the current economy in so much trouble and so many people losing jobs, health insurance is more important than ever. Health insurance is not just a personal or family matter, it is a subject of national discourse. Use this information to learn more about health insurance in your life.
When considering a health care insurance plan from your employer, be weary of certain incentive based plans that attempt to lure you. These may seem attractive at first, but there may be hidden costs or loss of previous benefits. Always read the contract thoroughly and do not be afraid to ask questions about anything you are uncertain about.
Before you fill a prescription to be covered by your health insurance, check to see if there's a less-expensive generic program. Many large pharmacy chains and discount stores with pharmacies offer low-cost generics of common drugs. Depending on your coverage, it may actually be cheaper to use that discount than to submit your prescription claim to your insurance.
When you have decided on purchasing personal health insurance, you should get a copy of exactly what the plan will look like before you make the final purchase. Make sure that you read all of the fine print, exceptions and clauses, so that you will know what exactly you're getting and what coverage you may end up being denied.
If you need to find a doctor who takes your health insurance, you would want to first ask the company for a list of covering physicians. This can help you to narrow down the search. Then it is a simple task of calling doctors to see if they are accepting your insurance and new patients currently.
If you are employed at any job in the country, take full advantage of your employer's insurance policy. Because of the recently passed healthcare legislation, every employer now has to offer insurance to employees. It might be a bit costly, but it's far more affordable to go through your employer for coverage.
Consider opening a savings account to use as an expense account that you can use to make payments on your co-pays and deductibles that apply to your health insurance. It can be used to pay for things that are not covered under many policies like prescriptions, eye glasses and contact lenses.
Getting health insurance after the fact is not really a great way to handle sickness or injury, but in some states in the country, you can actually get an insurance policy after you've fallen ill to help take the edge off of the bills. This is one of the new mandates with America's new healthcare legislation, and it can definitely help you out.
If you are choosing between a group health insurance policy and a private policy, be sure to check the coverage options carefully. Generally speaking, group health insurance gives more options in coverage than private insurance at better prices. This is because the costs of coverage are spread out over many insured people, so the company is better able to offer good coverage at a discounted rate.
Shop around to save money on health insurance. Every insurance company has its own internal models used to determine insurance rates. Each company places different weights on the same factors, so a smoker might find much cheaper insurance with one company than another. Many sites provide quotes online, so getting several quotes from a variety of companies has never been easier.
If you have long-standing health issues, you are better off getting health insurance with low deductibles but higher premiums. Calculate how much you're currently spending on your medical costs and then compare it to what you'll pay for the insurance per year. Make sure to find out what items you'll pay for out of pocket, if any.
When thinking about getting health insurance coverage, not many people think of test driving their prospective plan. This is called a free trial basis - you get your money back if you aren't happy - as long as it is canceled within a set amount of time. Check to see if this is offered in your area!
Before finalizing a deal with a specific agency, be sure to read some consumer reviews about them. There are many websites online that allow consumers to make complaints about products or customer service and this is true of insurance providers as well. If you have seen that they have many complaints, it may be time to find another option.
Even if you think you don't need it, it's still not a good idea to go without health insurance. The get more info money you save on premiums won't go very far if you are struck by an unexpected illness or other medical emergency. These can wipe out your savings very quickly and lead to bankruptcy.
Here is some health insurance information you have probably never heard before- women who have given birth by caesarian section are charged higher health insurance premiums and are sometimes rejected for health insurance altogether. Having a c-section once can often lead to more c-sections in future births. Insurance companies do not want to pay the high cost for c-section births and are looking for ways to get out of it. So, if at all possible, have a natural childbirth, and you will save money on health insurance costs.
Take your time when searching for a health insurance policy. Don't feel pressured to sign up for coverage that day, or even to accept the first policy you are offered. Compare policies and think about your options over night, reading carefully the terms of each policy you are considering.
Make sure you know what kind of inpatient treatment your health insurance covers before you end up in the hospital. If your insurance doesn't cover a private room, then you should be prepared to either share or pay for the room yourself. They also may not cover other aspects of your care, such as an ICU room, so know before you go.
There can be no doubt that health insurance is a critical component of just about everybody's financial life. Knowing how to purchase and utilize your health insurance policy properly is critical. By taking advantage of the tips in this article, you will be a more conscientious consumer and will get the most out of your health coverage.
Telehealth: Technology meets health care
How many times have you heard it said that the internet has transformed modern life? Indeed it's probably changed how you stay in touch with family and friends, purchase goods and services, and even search for information about health problems.
A variety of telehealth tools are available to help you manage your health care and receive the services you need. Are you taking advantage of them?
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage your health care. These may be technologies you use from home or that your doctor uses to improve or support health care services.
Consider, for example, the ways telehealth could help you if you have diabetes. You could do some or all of the following:
Use a mobile phone or other device to upload food logs, medications, dosing and blood sugar levels for review by a nurse who responds electronically.
Watch a video on carbohydrate counting and download an app for it to your phone.
Use an app to estimate, based on your diet and exercise level, how much insulin you need.
Use an online patient portal to see your test results, schedule appointments, request prescription refills or email your doctor.
Order testing supplies and medications online.
Get a mobile retinal photo screening at your doctor's office rather than scheduling an appointment with a specialist.
Get email, text or phone reminders when you need a flu shot, foot exam or other preventive care.
The goals of telehealth, also called e-health or m-health (mobile health), include the following:
Make health care accessible to people who live in rural or isolated communities.
Make services more readily available or convenient for people with limited mobility, time or transportation options.
Provide access to medical specialists.
Improve communication and coordination of care among members of a health care team and a patient.
Provide support for self-management of health care.
The following examples of telehealth services may be beneficial for your health care.
Patient portal
Your primary care clinic may have an online patient portal. These portals offer an alternative to email, which is a generally insecure means to communicate about private medical information. A portal provides a more secure online tool to do the following:
Communicate with your doctor or a nurse.
Request prescription refills.
Review test results and summaries of previous visits.
Schedule appointments or request appointment reminders.
If your doctor is in a large health care system, the portal also may provide a single point of communication for any specialists you may see.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZiSk2MOF17UdugnGNqOAojsLDrM0Qu-pLwshdGqch_M/edit?usp=sharing