Popular perceptions about health insurance are often wrong. Here are a few of the more misunderstood concerns that individuals have with regards to obtaining medical care coverage.
This can be a follow-up to Health Insurance Myths – Part I.
Myth#6: Most individuals could possibly get health insurance if they really want it and can afford the premiums.
Fact: This can be true if you’re healthy or for those who have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. But if you are interested in private individual medical health insurance, this may be another story. The insurance companies in most states can decline applicants if they have certain health conditions (pre existing conditions) provided that the underwriting standards are equally requested like individuals. For instance, if you have diabetes or have recently were built with a heart attack or cancer, you probably will not be eligible for a an individual medical insurance policy although you may can afford the premiums. You may also be called “uninsurable” by some companies.
Myth#7: I can get individual medical insurance even if I’m over weight.
Fact: Not necessarily true. Insurance companies use weight and height underwriting guidelines. If you are obese and trying to get health insurance on your own, there’s a good chance you will end up turned down. That is due to the health threats associated with excess fat. Even if you are not turned down, you will probably pay more for coverage, sometimes as much as twice the premiums of a person who is the weight guidelines.
Myth#8: All insurance companies have a comparable coverage and premiums therefore i really don’t need to shop around for medical insurance.
Fact: Not true. It is important so that you can shop around with various insurance companies to find out if you are getting the coverage you will need at an affordable price. Today, health insurance plans are so diverse it’s tough to decide who to use. There are specific company qualities that you ought to pay close attention to before picking just any health insurance plan. Having the answers to these questions is going to be valuable. Get questions answered about the history from the company, the monthly premiums, any deductibles to cover, what are the co-pays and co-insurance and what services are covered.
Myth#9: Individual and group health insurance is the same.
Fact: Not the case. There are many differences between individual and group medical insurance. With private individual insurance you’re employed directly with an insurance company and must meet certain underwriting requirements. Coverage may be for the individual or may also include members of the family. The insurance company can decline coverage according to both current and past health concerns of anybody to be covered around the policy. Once insured, they can not cancel your policy because of changes in your wellbeing or for claims you submit so long as you pay your premiums on time. There may be exceptions therefore it is best to always see the fine print. Any future rate increase in premiums will apply to all policyholders with the same kind of policy. You possess the policy therefore it is not associated with your place of employment. Changing jobs will not present a problem.
With group medical health insurance, the policy may cover hundreds or even thousands of individuals. The terms are negotiated using the insurance company because of your employer or organization. Usually the person has little, if any, decision within the benefits or coverage. One main advantage, this really is guaranteed issue medical health insurance. You are not declined because of preexisting conditions. Coverage can be for the individual or it may also include family members. If employer-sponsored, the protection will usually end if employment ends.
Myth#10: The uninsured have the same access to health care as the insured.
Fact: Not true. While some believe the uninsured have the health care they want, studies have indicated the alternative. They are more likely to forgo needed care and preventive services for example screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. They are usually not able to correctly manage chronic diseases because of lack of healthcare. Uninsured adults with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, diabetes and HIV infection, are more unlikely to receive the right care. Even when hospitalized for their serious health conditions, they are prone to die within the hospital, receive fewer services, and experience substandard care than are insured patients.
Check out my other guide: cheap medical insurance, family medical insurance and individual dental insurance