In this video we look at what Obama’s health insurance reform would mean to consumers. Instead of taking a normal look at this reform, we take a look at how you can control your own health insurance reform. How can you personally help yourself save money on health insurance? Watch this video for more information about taking your own health care reform into your own hands.

Don’t have unrealistic expectations for the holidays. It is impossible for food, decorations, and family get-togethers to be perfect. Since alcohol is a depressant, consume in moderation.

A less familiar health plan is the EPO, or Exclusive Provider Organization. EPOs are very similar to PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) in that a group, or network, of healthcare providers contract with a health plan to provide services to those under the plan. In order to receive benefits, an insured under the plan must use providers within the network. Should an insured use an outside provider, he or she will be responsible for all related expenses. This is how an EPO differs from a PPO. A PPO will provide benefits for use of an out of network provider, however at a significantly reduced rate. In case of emergency, an EPO plan may provide benefits, but very limited benefits.

According to the recent Census figures released, Michigan currently is the home of 1.2 million uninsured individuals. That is more than 14% of the total population of Michigan. Unfortunately this is largely a result of the state’s struggling economy, and drastic unemployment rate. In fact, Michigan is the first state in the last 25 years to have an unemployment rate greater than 15%.

Read the full post on Michigan Health Insurance.

Standard health insurance plans provide some benefits for prescription drug coverage. The details and copay amounts will vary by plan, however, coverage may be similar. Prescription drugs are those medications which require a written order from an appropriately licensed healthcare provider in order to be dispensed by a pharmacist.

Depending on your coverage, a deductible may or may not apply in the case of drug coverage. In general, most health plans require a higher copay for brand name drugs than for generic drugs. Requesting generic prescriptions from your healthcare provider may reduce your out of pocket expense. Some health plans offer a more cost effective benefit for those choosing to fill prescriptions for a 90-day supply of a routine medication and using an approved prescription drug mail order service.

Read the full post on Prescription Drug Coverage.

This year alone, 900,000 U.S. citizens will die of heart disease and strokes. That is 250,000 more Americans than those who died in WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined. Follow your doctor’s advice to reduce risk factors.

You may understand the term copay to mean the part of your medical expense for which you are responsible. This is true. Copay differs from coinsurance in that it is a flat fee as opposed to a percentage of the contractual service fee. Your policy schedule will detail the copay amount for each service.

Read the full post on Copay.

A Michigan based company, Trinity Health, is currently initiating a transaction to acquire three hospitals from Catholic Health Initiates. Catholic Health Initiatives is a national nonprofit health organization whose headquarter is located in Denver, Colorado. The objective of this agreement would be to consolidate a total of four hospitals into a new regional health system located in Idaho.

Trinity currently owns 28 hospitals and manages another 14. As of late, Trinity has aimed to establish a closely managed and coordinated regional network of hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care centers. By establishing such a network Trinity hopes to position themselves to better negotiate managed care contracts.

Read the full post on New Regional Health System.

Recently one of our Advisors at MyInsuranceExpert.com received a phone call from a client they assisted getting health insurance for a week before. The client, who previously was on the fence about purchasing coverage, was very intent on finding out whether or not the policy was currently in force. Their six year old child had just been admitted to the local hospital and was in need of an appendectomy.

Our Advisor reviewed their file, and in fact their policy was currently active and in force. Even though the plan had an annual $7,500 out of pocket exposure it still saved the client about $15,000 in medical bills, and they were grateful.

Read the full post on Catastrophic Health Insurance for Catastrophic Events.

In this video we take a look at the benefits of private health care systems. By employing the right service we are able to find the best medical care at the best price. By allowing for a competitive health care system people have choices on what medical procedures they want done and when they want them done. What happens when the government decided to intervene and you don’t have the choices anymore?