Reader’s Question:

I just watched the news today and I saw that someone got really hurt in a car accident. The poor guy driving the minivan was shown all in bandages and his face was a mess. It would probably have cost a small fortune to pay for the hospital bills.

So I’ve been thinking: what if I get into a car accident and someone gets hurt? Will accident health insurance cover the medical bills if it’s my fault?

Jill

Atlanta, GA

A decent insurance company will definitely cover for accident health insurance. They’ll live up to their responsibilities and will make sure that you don’t have to worry about medical bills, even if it is you who’s the one at-fault in the accident. However, getting into accidents is one of the most expensive ways to raise your premium. You can expect it to go up by at least 40% because you got in an accident that was your fault. That’s just the way auto-insurance goes.

Just make sure that you understand everything in your insurance contract down to the letter. A not-so decent insurance company will look for legal loopholes to get around the situation rather than pay up. These are the shady types of companies that trade money for client trust, so be very careful with the contract. If ever you get into an accident and the insurance company doesn’t pay up or pays less than what you expected, read the contract carefully and seek legal advice if you think something’s not right. It’s the easiest way to make sure that everything’s in order.

Reader’s Question:

Is there a difference between the words copayment and coinsurance? What do these mean? I’ve heard them being used interchangeably, so I wonder. This is Mike from Georgia.

Mike

Atlanta, GA

Hello Mike of Atlanta! I bet we all wish we never had to spend a single cent when we go see a doctor. We have health insurance coverage after all but sadly that is not the case. The amount of money you have to pay physicians whenever you are in need of them is called copayment. The rest of the expense will be shouldered by the health insurance company. Buying prescription drugs is the same story. How much the copayment will be depends on the terms of your health insurance policy. HMOs or Health Maintenance Organization.

Coinsurance is similar but the term is used for health insurance policy with broader coverage. It may come in various proportions such as 80/20, 70/30 or 90/10. So for instance, you find yourself in hospital, 80 percent of the medical cost will be covered by your health insurance policy. Twenty percent of it will be paid by you.

One basic difference between the two is that copayments are set in fixed amounts that can go as low as $15 and as much as $40. It really depends on the type of medicine you purchase. Buying generic drugs means you pay less. Refer to your health insurance policy for details.

Tags: Health Care, health insurance

Reader’s Question:

How do I avail of health care if I sign up with an HMO here in Macon, GA?

Ashley

Macon, GA

Hi Ashley. The conditions for availing of health care, of course, varies depending on what is written in your health insurance policy. In general, though, you basically need to have your membership card with you. Most HMOs in the US, including Macon, GA, usually issue an HMO card for easy identification by the hospital or doctor. Also, you usually must only consult or transact with participating doctors and/or hospitals. In a way, this presents some limitation on your health care coverage.

Also, depending on your policy, you may have to initially spend on the included diseases up to the deductible amount that you agreed to. After that, also depending on the conditions in your policy, you may have to pay out of your own pocket a percentage of the bill if your health policy specifies co-payment.

More often than not, it is easier to get preventive health care from an HMO. It is cheaper for them to keep you healthy than to make you healthy when you have already contracted disease so take advantage of this and at least get an annual full medical check-up.

If you haven’t signed up with an HMO yet, you may want to get free quotes from health care providers in Macon, GA online – just enter your zip code on the space on this page. Since they’re free, anyway, it would be good to get several quotes and compare rates as well as coverage.

Tags: cheap health insurance, health insurance plan, health insurance quotes, health insurance rates

Reader’s Question:

I have been on the lookout for a new job and I finally found one in Augusta Georgia GA. They’ve asked me to sign the contract but I was disappointed to find out that they don’t offer the same health care plan I have now with my current employer. Can I keep my existing health insurance plan?

Jewel

Augusta, GA

There is actually a way for you to keep your existing health care plan even after 18 months of separation from your previous employer. Of course, you do not expect them to pay for it since you are no longer employed with them. If you’re really comfortable with your health care plan, perhaps you can negotiate this with your future employer? You can bargain for the same health insurance plan, or you can ask them to pay the existing one so you can extend it. If all these fail, you can continue paying for the health insurance. Since you are insured as a group, you will find that the premiums are lower than when you are getting the same health insurance plan as an individual. To know more about how you can hold on to your existing health care plan, I’d suggest that you browse a copy of the COBRA – the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and see which conditions apply to your case in Augusta Georgia GA.

You can also search the internet for another health insurance plan that will complement your new employer’s health care plan. You can get free quotes online for a health insurance plan with limited coverage. It is so easy and will only take minutes to complete. Simply enter your zip code, follow the prompt and wait for a few minutes to get the quotes.

I am glad, Jewel, that you see the value of a good health insurance plan. It is actually one of the tools used in talent retention programs by many companies. Good luck in your new job in Augusta, Georgia GA; hope you get the health insurance you are after.

Tags: health insurance lead, health insurance quotes

Reader’s Question:

I just graduated from college and have moved out on my own and that’s the good part. My new employer’s group health insurance plan won’t kick in until I have been with the company for three months. What are my options to get health insurance coverage?

Mindy

Atlanta, GA

I strongly suggest you opt for short term health insurance. As its name implies, short-term health insurance would offer 30 to 180 days coverage, although there are some plans that will cover you initially for up to 12 months. If your short-term need runs longer than the health insurance pan’s coverage, you may be able to renew the plan. However, it is best that you do not count on anything beyond 1 year.

Most short-term health insurance plans will give you coverage in the event of an accident or sudden illness. As with almost any health insurance plan, short-term plans may have benefit limits. You will be required to cover an initial deductible and to make co-payments. You might also be allowed to pick your own hospitals, doctors, or other health-care providers affiliated with your policy. You will also get coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, intensive care unit and board charges, hospital room, lab examinations, and X rays. These health insurance plans rarely require a physical exam for new coverage applications. Expect your coverage to begin as soon as you receive your application and first premium payment. Applications may either be mailed in or submitted through the internet. Payments may be made either by check or credit card.

Tags: short term health insurance, health insurance plan, health insurance lead

Reader’s Question:

I work for a small architectural firm in Columbus, Georgia GA at the HR department. I am in charge of taking care of the company’s group health insurance. This is the first time that our company would get a group health insurance and if anyone could give me some tips, I’d appreciate that so much.

Vance

Columbus, GA

With the vast number of sprouting health insurance companies out there in Columbus, Georgia GA, you definitely will never run out of options. There can be so many types from just as many insurance companies that offer health insurance in GA.

Start by looking closely at health insurance policy types. There are major health insurance plans, consumer choice health insurance plans, and ancillary health insurance plans. Many types of major health insurance features are extensive coverage, flexible plans, and basic health coverage. For this type of health insurance, coverage benefits usually range from $200 to $1,250 per year. It is best for you to ask you health insurance agent in Columbus, Georgia GA about this. Agents can provide you detailed information and might give you very flexible plans.

Consumer choice health insurance plans refer to health insurance policies that offer other fringe benefits aside from health protection. Some of the benefits I am referring to can be in the form of savings account and reimbursement agreement.
Your list is not limited there as there is still another types such as the ancillary health insurance plan, which is a specialized type of health insurance. An example is a dental insurance policy, life insurance and short-term disability insurance which you can easily get in Columbus, Georgia GA. Depending on the insurance company, most ancillary health insurance normally have additional cost.

I can only answer these general information as I cannot give you details on prices. It might be better if you shop online for free quotes, or contact for health insurance agent now.

Tags: health insurance, health insurance application

Reader’s Question:

I have just relocated to Augusta, Georgia GA and I am starting my own small business here. I know that I need to find health insurance for enough protection in case I get sick. I was previously covered under my parents plan but now that I am out of school, that coverage has already stopped for quite a few months now. So, where do I begin with getting my own health insurance in GA?

Carlyn

Augusta, GA

This is certainly one of your most exciting time in Augusta, Georgia GA. It’s such a smart move to put a good health insurance plan in place. That’s one less thing to worry about as you pursue your dreams. I can recommend that you meet with a health care specialist from a local insurance company in Augusta, Georgia GA. You have probably set a budget and that will determine some of the options you will have to consider. Health insurance has many forms and there will definitely be a plan for you.

Most health insurance plans will call for you to select a primary care physician. This physician will refer you to the specialists you may need. At you age, you may want a general practioner as your primary physician. Make sure your policy allows you to change as your needs change.

Something very important that you need to know, most health insurance coverage clearly defines the pre-existing condition status. You better ne aware of this rider. You will also want to make sure you understand your plan’s deductibles and that your potential out-of-pocket expenses are perfectly clear to you.

Do not forget about the prescription side of your health insurance which your agent can explain to you in detail. It is interesting enough that today’s prescriptions are very expensive and without health insurance and a good prescription plan, the out-of-pocket expenses can be overwhelming.

You can always begin with these considerations and work with your agent to develop the health insurance coverage that would make your parents proud.

Tags: health insurance, health insurance leads

Reader’s Question:

I am really excited about a new job offering. There’s some risk but potential for great reward. My current job does not pay too well but it does have a terrific health insurance plan. I am concerned about losing it. I will be moving to Atlanta and don’t suppose there is any way to keep my employer’s health coverage?”

Cheryl

Atlanta, GA

Congratulations, Cheryl!

We think you will like Atlanta. It’s known to be a hip happening place. Without knowing more about your current coverage, or where you are moving from, we’ll caution you to be practical. Can your current health insurance really apply to relocation?

Assuming you want to continue your existing health insurance, that right is afforded you under the guidelines of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, commonly referred to as COBRA.

There are certain conditions that might entitle you to continue your current health insurance for 18 months after your departure from your existing company. Usually, you have to pay the full premium up front. However, you would be paying the group premium amount that your old employer paid. That will certainly be less than if you had to purchase an individual health insurance policy.

In today’s world, health insurance has great value and provides meaningful peace of mind. The significance of this consideration suggests that you really need to meet with your agent and make certain you know the ongoing procedures. We congratulate you for realizing how important health insurance is today. You will feel great knowing a proper plan is in place.

Reader’s Question:

I’d like to know how do I get my own health insurance policy in Georgia? I just got dropped from my parents’ coverage.

Brian

Columbus, GA

Thanks for asking, Brian.

I can do a long list of ways of getting a health insurance policy here in Columbus GA, but for your benefit I will just enumerate the basics. Most people I know get their health insurance policies through their employer or organizations to which they work or belong. Health insurance companies call this group health insurance policy, and normally give discounts to employers for a corresponding number of persons in a group (similar to quantity discount). Some companies make their employees participate in the payment of premiums at a certain percentage. If you intend to work, your prospective employer might automatically give you health insurance coverage upon getting hired.

If you will not have access to group health insurance coverage, then you can opt to purchase one for your own in the form of individual health insurance policy which you can purchase directly from any health insurance company. There are also health insurance policies which you can get from government programs that operate at the local, state, and national levels. Among these are Medicaid, Medicare, and other government programs run by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reader’s Question:

I have a health insurance policy in Georgia that has a prescription drug benefits. What is a Pharmacy Benefits Manager? What does one do in relevance to my benefits?

Richard

Macon, GA

Hello there, Richard!

You see, I tried to search for answers to your question and I finally ran into one at a pharmacy. Well, apparently as its name implies, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) will be the one who is contracted by your health insurance company to administer prescription benefits. You are not really getting drugs directly through your insurance plan, as what it might seem to you.

So what is the purpose of a Pharmacy Benefits Manager in your health insurance claims in Georgia? There is no other way I can simplify this explanation but this way: Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) has the objective to provide health insurance plan members with access to a broad spectrum of necessary drugs, at the same time keep the costs to a minimum.

But how is this achieved? They are really the ones who negotiate with pharmacies in the background, at the same time develop the plan formulary. The plan formulary is the lost of drugs which are covered under the policyholder’s plan. If the medication is not included in the formulary, then it will not be covered by the health insurance policy. Aside from this, the PBM will also implement cost-containment measures such as requiring prior authorization or documentation from the policyholder’s doctor before a prescription can be filled.