Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Importance Of Health Insurance

What Is The Average Price Of Life Insurance

How Much Does Life Insurance Cost

---

The Importance Of Health Insurance


by Adriana Noton


In order to mitigate the risks of excessive healthcare expense and loss of income, health insurance is available to most people from varying companies. Coverage limits and policy types are not all the same, but can be individualized based on the needs of the insured. This type chosen will dictate the amount of premium to be paid.

In order to begin the process of determining whether or not a person is eligible for health insurance coverage, an application must be filled out. Questions regarding lifestyle, fitness regiments, and previous health issues will be asked. Some companies or policies will request that a physical examination be performed by a doctor and the corresponding paperwork be submitted.

While insurance policies can be costly to individual consumers, many employers offer a company plan to its employees. The cost is then reduced as the group rate is divided amongst its participating members. In all cases, the person that is seeking medical treatment will be responsible for the co-payment.

In lieu of a co-pay, which is a fixed charge that the insured is required to pay usually ranging from 10 to 40 dollars, some companies make the policyholder pay co-insurance. This is a stated percentage of the total charge, generally 20 to 40 percent. The insurance company will cover the remainder.

Another associated cost common with many policies is the deductible. A deductible is the amount that a person will pay of the total bill before the insurance company will cover any. Those in lower income brackets that want coverage but do not want to pay a high premium may elect to have a high deductible. This is only beneficial if they do not anticipate needing expensive emergency or other medical services in the near future.

For this reason, many employers offer Health Savings Accounts for its employees, so that they have a group plan without the extra expense of high premiums. The company will choose a high-deductible health plan and then the employees can contribute before-tax dollars to a health savings account. This money is then used to pay the deductible up to a certain amount, prior to the company plan will pay for any expenses.

Long-term care insurance is a health insurance policy that is not discussed as frequently. It is meant to compensate for the lack of provision by the major medical policy companies. It is meant to provide coverage for assisted daily living of patients or elderly and nursing home or hospice care. This form of coverage is beneficial so that people do not deplete their assets when they require care for longer than anticipated.

Disability insurance is another healthcare provision that reduces the risks associated loss of income associated due to a prolonged illness or injury. The inability to work can cause an enormous financial setback and exhaust a lot of a person's resources, increasing stress levels.

Health Insurance, including long-term care and disability, are crucial in ensuring the stability of a person during a time of illness or injury. It is important to research the various policies available and choose the appropriate one related to the needs and income constraints of an individual.





No comments:

Post a Comment