The BMI and Health Insurance

What in the world is a BMI? A new kind of car? No, it refers to your Body Mass Index and the fact that your BMI makes a difference in the health insurance rates you pay.

While this may come as a shock to you, it does make some sense. If your BMI shows you are too heavy for your height, you might wind up paying a higher health care premium, which makes sense if you stop to think about it. The more you weigh, the higher your risks of developing some serious health issues.

Insurance companies aren't happy about this because your insurance is supposed to cover you for health risks. Well if your risks are higher because you weigh more, then your premiums are higher to cover those risks. That means what we pay for a health insurance premium is basically up to us and our choice of lifestyle. Kind of a scary proposition, isn't it?

While you might be rather offended that you pay more because you weigh more, the insurance business is in the habit of taking smart risks on those in good health and at an optimal weight. They know that if you are overweight or happen to be obese, your health problems will require more medical care. It's just a fact, not a punishment. There are certain exceptions to all the rules of course, and you will want to talk to an experienced health insurance broker to find out what those exceptions may be.

It might be that you really don't like eating fruits, nuts, veggies, lean meat and exercising more, but if it means that in the long run you save a lot of money on your health insurance premiums, it may be worth it – don't you think? Not only will your body say "thanks" so will your budget, and right now with a serious recession, any money saved is a real blessing

Clelland Green is with Benepath.com, a leader in providing health insurance quotes. Benepath provides individuals, families, and businesses with affordable health insurance quotes in just a few mouse clicks. To learn more about Health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Green Living Actually Means Eating More Veggies for Health

Eating green is the best way to keep in tiptop healthy shape. Being in tiptop healthy shape will keep health insurance premiums down as well. Now that's a nice surprise.

If we continue to eat green, think green, go green and live green, we will eventually get the connection between being green and being healthy, which means we pay less for health insurance premiums. While this may come as a revelation for some, it's been this way in the health insurance industry for many years.

The fact of the matter is those who are overweight or obese are subject to more medical expenses. Since that is the case, they then wind up paying more for their health insurance premiums. Being that staying fit and eating healthy is a personal choice, one would think saving money on health care premiums would be a motivator to lose weight.

It seems it is not that simple. The problem of weight loss in America is one of complex psychological issues, medical issues, self-esteem issues, and just plain being lazy in some instances. The only way overweight and obese people are going to stay as healthy as possible is if they use the health care system to stay healthy. However, these people tend to overuse the system because of their health issues.

The issue then becomes how to deal with overweight health care participants who use the system much more than people who are in shape; and thus send the costs of health care for the healthy individuals sky high. This is quite the vicious cycle, and answers do not come easily when dealing with this type of conundrum.

One obvious answer may be to promote a healthy lifestyle. However, proponents of a lifestyle that make better eating choices etc. are pointing out that despite promotion of a healthy approach to life, freewill choices people make are dictating a resurgence of overweight and obese people across the nation.

Health insurance companies have no choice but to raise their health insurance premiums for these people, as they are not good insurance risks. Perhaps a solution may be, as in Canada and in other places, offering surgical assistance for problems only if an overweight patient loses weight first. It's food for thought at any rate.

The bottom line here is if someone is seeking good insurance rates, they have to prove to the health insurance underwriters they are a good risk. If that isn't the case, higher health insurance premiums are the result of individual lifestyle choices. If a health insurance broker feels an individual is a poor risk, they may do nothing, increase rates for the person applying, or rider/waver and exclude some condition(s). They aren't in business to lose money.

To learn more about Health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Local Health Insurance Quotes Make More Sense

Americans all have tales to tell about trying to get health insurance quotes online and then buying health insurance from some big organization out of state. The results are not usually that good, and are definitely not personalized.

The best way to get decent and applicable health insurance quotes is to search online for a local health insurance company. Local agents know their market inside out and will explain what the inside information is in order to provide the best quote possible. It's a fact – a local insurance agent knows the local market, health care providers, hospitals and doctors. They know who provides what and who does not offer certain services.

Local health insurance agents also know who honors their claims, who will not, and which doctors are flexible about certain services. This is the kind of crucial information a person needs to know in order to tailor make a health care plan that totally suits their lifestyle.

While surfing online for quotes is a good idea, it does not always mean an accurate quote is returned. The reason for that is because many online health care insurance companies only provide generic quotes, which is fine in some instances; however, if someone needs an individual quote, that doesn't work. To accurately provide a health insurance quote, the insurance broker needs to know where a person lives, their specific health details, and their goals for coverage.

Once a broker knows these things, they are able to shop around and find the best deals for that particular situation. Having insider knowledge about the various networks and health care providers makes a tailor made quote even more valuable and personal. Other things that are critical to providing a reasonable health insurance premium quote are whether or not there are pre-existing conditions and if there was a previous co-pay situation. If there was a prior co-pay in existence, the person may need to go solo, which will change the price of the packages offered.

One thing to remember is that pre-existing health conditions are not always equal from health insurance company to health insurance company. This is why it is best to speak to a local agent who will be able to do the cross comparisons. Some carriers will exclude certain conditions, others may simply say no they won't cover something, and still others may say OK - but you need to prove there is medical management in place for a condition. All these things are viable options, but only a local health insurance agent will be able to sort them out and make some sense of them.

To learn more about Health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Mat Leave Insurance Is Difficult to Obtain

This may comes as a bit of a surprise for those of you who are planning on getting pregnant. Mat leave insurance is not that easy to get.

While you may think it's odd that mat leave insurance is tougher to get, there is a reason for that. Insurance companies are business oriented and their bottom line is staying in business and making money. Mat leave is not a profitable option for many insurance companies to offer.

This isn't to say that you can't get mat leave insurance, because you can. However, it is subject to a many conditions (qualifications and restrictions) that are best discussed with a qualified health insurance broker who is an expert.

Mat leave insurance is usually easier to obtain if you are in a group health insurance plan that has mat leave as a benefit. For those looking for individual health insurance, that's a different story. Don't be discouraged, as is it possible to get this type of health insurance, but you need to know all your options before deciding what you want to do.

When shopping around for individual health insurance, shop locally because the agents know their networks like the back of their hands. They know who offers what coverage, who reimburses on claims quickly and who doesn't. This is the kind of inside scoop you need to help you make a decision about your health care and that of your baby.

Make it a plan to contact at least three different local agents and compare the cost of mat leave insurance as well as what options each company offers. Also try to select an insurance broker who handles a lot of companies because they will be able to "shop" around for you and get the best rates.

On the other hand if you are still working and have mat leave perks with your group health insurance, then you are good to go. By the way, mat leave is federally protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act. In a nutshell, this act means that certain employers have to provide family, medical and parenting leave for qualified workers. They may also take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, if qualified.

Being qualified to take the mat leave means you have to have worked at your job (with 50 or more workers) for at least one year and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the year. Men and woman are able to take advantage of this leave and it's not restricted to births. It may be taken for adoptions, getting foster children, taking care of a sick family member, or for your own health condition. Note: Benefits accrued prior to a leave stay with the employee, but you can't save benefits while you are actually on leave.

Clelland Green is with Benepath.com, a leader in providing health insurance quotes. Benepath provides individuals, families, and businesses with affordable health insurance quotes in just a few mouse clicks. To learn more about Health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Understanding Health Insurance Options Isn't Easy

There are millions of Americans who have no clue what options are available when it comes to health care insurance. Plain and simple, everyone will need health care insurance at some point in their life.

Even though we will all need health care insurance at some point, the numbers of uninsured continue to rise. There seem to be many reasons for that, ranging from not enough money to thinking they are invincible. No one is invincible and at some point, they will need to see a doctor for something. That is the inevitable part of life.

If it's a matter of not knowing what is out there, take the time to find out. Consumers might discover what they think is the truth about health care, is in fact a myth, and that affordable health care insurance premiums ARE a reality. It just takes some searching to find a plan that suits the individual or family.

Information on the Internet just takes a few clicks to locate, and if there are questions, that is what the phone is for. Certainly a great many people don't like talking to insurance agents because they think they are trying to sell them something. In reality, health insurance brokers today offer free information to anyone who is willing to listen. It doesn't matter if a caller takes out insurance with that company or not, the educational component of public service has been successful.

The variety of plans might confuse people initially, but once the insurance broker walks a caller through the plans and what they mean, things are a lot clearer. The caller has the satisfaction of knowing what will suit them and what the differences are between a Co-Pay Plan and a Health Savings Account, and other questions they always wanted the answers to, but were afraid to ask them.

Speaking of Co-Pay Plans, the good news it they are one of the most affordable on the market. It is also a fairly straightforward one and pays (co-pays) for prevention, medications and doctor's visits. Consumers on this plan pay only a portion of the total doctor's bill when they leave the office. For families with children, this is a super option.

Another alternative, for those who like to save money and are dedicated to doing so, is a Health Savings Account. Saving now for the future has a certain well thought out symmetry to it. However, some people don't like to budget, or are unable to, and in circumstances like that, a Health Savings Account would make no sense.

Options, options and more options is the watch word for those seeking an affordable health care plan. Ask a local insurance agent for the scoop on what is available, as they know their locale intimately and can outline the best plans to suit any situations.

To learn more about health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Be Part Smart with The Medicare Drug Plan

It's hard to be smart about Medicare when there are so many parts that it reminds you of Legos.

The Medicare Plan is not easy to understand and that is why so many people throw their hands up in the air and fake it. Funny they do not pick up the phone and call a qualified health insurance agent who could walk them through the "parts" landmines. Insurance agents are there to help people find what they need to suit their own personal situation.

Medicare has its good and bad points. The good part, of course, is the fact that it was brought into being. The bad part is the complexity of the plan and the fact that there are holes (call them gaps) in it. One of the holes happens to be drug coverage. This is where Part D of the Medicare Insurance Plan comes into play. It helps people cover the costs of their prescription drugs.

To get Part D coverage, make plans to approach an insurance company that sells Part D plans. If a limited income is a major roadblock to getting decent health care coverage and Part D, then make inquiries about assistance. In most instances, if a family or individual is financially strapped, Medicare will pay most of the cost for prescribed drugs.

Another benefit to Medicare Part D plans is that there are at least 3 plans available. This is different from the standardized A through L plans of Medicare. The main reason for the differences is due to each insurance company's pharmacy networks, co-pays and formulary lists. The cost of the plans will vary depending on the benefits offered. There are other plans that will kick in with a co-pay immediately – usually the more popular plan.

Here is a tip about using the plans - the pricier plans cover generic drugs through something called the doughnut. This is a dollar amount where the Part D plan recipient pays out-of-pocket expenses. So if this is what is needed, then ask the insurance agent to explain how it works.

People who have a large number of prescriptions will generally feel better with a more expensive plan, as it will give more coverage. On the other hand, those who are not taking any drugs or very few, may wish to go for a cheaper option.

Talking to a local health care insurance agent is the best way to find out what options would work for a family or an individual. Local agents know their market well and also know the inside scoop on which pharmacy networks offer the best advantages. The advice is free and that's a nice bonus.

To learn more about health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Health Care Needs to be About the Majority, NOT the Minority

While you might think that's an odd thought – that health care needs to be about the majority of the people and not about the minority of people – it's a well-known fact that roughly 20 percent of those in the health care system are responsible for at least 80 percent of the costs.

Consider this! If you ran a business where about 20 percent of your clients incurred about 80 percent of the costs to run your business, you'd be increasing your prices pretty quickly to make a profit. Now apply this to health insurance companies. This is the reason health care insurance premiums continue to go up.

You're paying the freight for the 20 percent who use the system to the hilt. This isn't to say that the whole 20 percent over use or abuse the system, but suffice it to say they certainly spend more time using it than those in the 80 percent bracket. Of course, sometimes those in 80% bracket shift into the 20% if we're talking major catastrophic health issues.

This economic reality – the higher insurance premiums to pay for those who over use the system – is yet another reason for the increasing numbers of uninsured Americans who don't want to, or can't afford to pay higher premiums. In reality, they feel it isn't worth spending the money because they would not be using the health care system much, and they would just pay for health care as they go. Now that's a good idea and a bad idea.

It's a good idea to pay as you go, but only so long as the expenses aren't that prohibitive. If you're talking a doctor's office visit or an x-ray or two, then that isn't too bad. If on the other hand you are talking about a broken arm or a brain tumor, it is entirely different. Health care insurance is for those moments when you need coverage and something to fall back on.

Here is something most Americans do not understand or appreciate. Most of the health care premiums you pay (about 80%) are for the actual health care services. This means it is not about profits or administration costs. So the 20% of people who rack up the most health care costs use about 80% of the amount spent on health services. You're paying a premium so you have protection when you move from the 80% to the 20% during a time of need.

So what is the solution to this dilemma? Some would say more preventative medicine is just what the doctor ordered -- a better lifestyle, health care practices, more exercise, wiser choices and regular check-ups. Of course not everyone would chose this lifestyle, and thus the cycle begins again.

Clelland Green is with Benepath.com, a leader in providing health insurance quotes. Benepath provides individuals, families, and businesses with affordable health insurance quotes in just a few mouse clicks. To learn more about health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.

Healthcare Funded by Cigarettes

Now this is totally ironical, isn't it? Health care reform funded by cigarette tax money. Great idea if it actually could get off the ground. Pennsylvania gave it a good run for the money, but found out that despite what everybody "said" no one wanted to actually "do" anything about it.

Super idea, right? Give everyone access to health insurance in the state, with a particular focus on the uninsurable and those without insurance access to health care. Really, what a novel idea, and it would work in other states as well with the political will and enough motivation.

Well, it appears those two words were in short supply when it came to actually putting the idea into action. The general population in Pennsylvania liked the idea and thought it had a great deal of merit. The politicians, seeing a chance at future votes, decided to get behind the plan and give it a boost. Problem was no one could agree on anything. Now really, when have a whole group of politicians EVER agreed on anything that involved spending money?

Isn't that a downright shame that the political infighting caused the idea to be stillborn? An idea, by the way, that would have made an enormous difference to the over $30 trillion (yes, trillion) dollar Medicare deficit. Programs that run that far in the red are in serious trouble. This isn't to say the whole deficit would have been wiped out, but even part of it would have helped.

Once again those elected tanked a viable idea that actually had the potential to help people get access to health care insurance. What is wrong with that picture? A great deal if you consider the ramifications. The political figure you once voted for decided not to help you because they could not agree on how to spend the money. The rub here is being unable to decide how to spend the money, the potential access to health insurance was taken away from you.

Health care and the health care deficit are major issues in every state, and not just at election time. Every year, there are media reports about the high costs of Medicare and what is the government going to do about it? Every year, the number of uninsured Americans gets higher and everyone wonders what the government is going to do about it. We might as well continue to wonder, as there doesn't appear to be any "doing" going on.

To "do" something would mean having to agree on issues that involve partisanship. Odd when you stop to think about it, as those elected are supposed to be in the House because they represent YOUR interests on issues – and one of those huge issues is the Medicare deficit. Kind of reminds you of that old saying (with a bit of an adaptation); "Those that can – do. Those that can't – are politicians." Really people, squabble all you like, but please remember that our access to Medicare is something we need, want and demand.

So, what we have here is an issue that burns brightly daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and yes, even for decades – the Medicare deficit and zip has been done to accomplish anything. Why is that? Nobody really wants to solve a problem that is going to cost them some big bucks.

Clelland Green is with Benepath.com, a leader in providing health insurance quotes. Benepath provides individuals, families, and businesses with affordable health insurance quotes in just a few mouse clicks. To learn more about Health insurance quotes, affordable health insurance, affordable health insurance quotes, health insurance plans, visit Benepath.com.