All major medical health insurance plans are policies that individuals must medically qualify for. As a result, pre-existing medical conditions can influence the carrier’s decision whether or not to approve your policy. Pre-existing conditions are any medical conditions that existed prior to the time an individual applies or enrolls for a health insurance plan. The important thing to understand when looking to acquire health insurance is that every carrier will underwrite conditions in a different way. For example, some carriers may increase your premium for a particular condition, where as others may decide not to cover the condition at all. Similarly, just because one carrier declines a health insurance application doesn’t mean that you can’t acquire health insurance through another insurance company.

Read the full post on Pre-existing Conditions & Health Insurance.

A Health Savings Account is an account that you are able to fund in order to save for future medical expenses. In order to qualify for a HSA, you must be enrolled in a high deductible health insurance plan. The idea behind a HSA plan is that you can use the money in the account to pay for “qualified” medical expenses including doctor visits, vision and dental care, and even over the counter medications. Once the deductible has been satisfied by medical expenses, typically all other medical expenses will be covered at 100% up to the lifetime maximum.

Advantages of HSAs:

Read the full post on Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions is part of the national health care reform debate. A pre-existing condition is any disease or illness which is diagnosed prior to enrollment in a health insurance plan. Many plans have specific rules regarding coverage for previously diagnosed conditions for new insureds. Typically, the plan will not provide benefits for the pre-existing condition for a set period of time. The exclusion period may be anywhere from 12-18 months.

Read the full post on Pre-existing Conditions.

This last Wednesday marked a major turning point in our nation’s health care reform. The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus (D-Mont), finally unveiled the committee’s proposal for overhauling our nation’s health care. Although the proposal has drawn some criticism from Democrats since it omits a “public option,” many believe the proposal offers changes that will draw support from both parties.

The proposed bill, if initiated, is intended to provide health insurance coverage for 95% of Americans, and will not provide coverage for illegal immigrants. This being said, many are wondering how such a measure will be paid for.

Read the full post on Proposed Senate Finance Health Care Bill.

UCR Charges: UCR stands for usual, customary and reasonable. UCR may be called allowable charges by your health plan. Basically, health plans will consider benefits for charges that are usual, customary and reasonable. In other words, the provider’s usual fee should not be more than what is customary in the provider’s area and is reasonable for the service rendered. In those plans which have a network of providers, the providers contractually agree to accept payment of the UCR fee and will write off any amount over this fee.

Read the full post on Important Health Insurance Terms: UCR Charges.

If you take the pill, don’t smoke. Studies indicate that women who smoke and take birth control pills significantly increase their risk for a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke, especially if they’re over 35.