Affordable Arizona Heath Insurance

Understanding and Comparing Medicare Part D

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

On December 8th 2003, as part of Congressional legislation called the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 or (MMA), Medicare Part D came into being. For the first time in American history seniors could count on Medicare to assist them with their prescription drug costs. Though the MMA has been around for the past five years many of my new clients continue to ask me to explain how their prescription drug benefits work, which I always gladly do.

All the insurance companies offering these plans must adhere to a minimum standard of policy design. From this base plan they all enrich their plans and premiums differently. It is this base policy that I will discuss, so it is important to check your actual policy for the details that apply to you.

There are four phases of coverage:

• Annual Deductible
• Initial coverage
• The Gap
• Catastrophic Coverage

As of 2008, all insurance companies are required to offer a base plan that has a maximum deductible of $275 in addition to their other plans. It is important to remember that deductibles will change over time. When looking at plans it is important to weigh premium cost against benefit. As of right now there are many generous and affordable plans available that do not have any deductible at all. For those on a MAPD: Most Arizona Medicare Advantage plans do not have any deductible at all.

Initially the plan coverage your drug purchases up to $2510. During this period all you are required to do is pay the co-pays as described in your outline of benefits. Though you are only paying co-pays your insurance company is calculating their true cost for each of your medicines. The true cost being calculated is the insurance carriers pre-negotiated discounted retail price. When you have purchased drugs totaling $2510.00 (true cost) your insurance company will notify you that you have reached the Gap.

During the “Gap” your insurance company will continue to extend to you their pre-negotiated discounted price (the true cost) but you will pay that cost with your own funds, no co-pays. Some insurance companies will cover generics in the gap but many do not.

Once you have spent $4050 you have entered into the catastrophic phase. During this period or until the end of the calendar year all you will pay is $2.25 for generics and $5.60 for all other drugs.

These plans are annual renewable contracts. Stand alone plans can be purchased or replaced for 11/15 through 12/31 each year for a start date of January 1 of the New Year. For those on a MAPD you can switch again from 01/01 through 03/31 of each year as well.

Because these are annual renewable contracts the best way to decide which one is the right one for you, is to actually Compare Medicare Part D Plans side by side you could save hundreds by making an informed decision!
Click to compare & save

Understanding Arizona Medicare Supplemental Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older. It pays for much of a participant’s health care, but not all of it. Some costs not covered are, prescription drugs, deductibles, and the 20% coinsurance. Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans are health insurance policies sold by private heath insurance companies that are designed to fill in the gaps in Medicare coverage. The key to understanding Arizona Medicare supplement insurance coverage is to realize that there are only two basic choices, select either a Medicare Supplement policy or a Medicare Advantage plan. Both accomplish filling in the gabs differently.

There was a time not too many years ago, when Medicare supplements were the only choice for Medicare recipients. A good Medicare supplement gives a policy holder the most access to health care nationwide. With a Medicare supplement you can go to any doctor or health care facility in the nation that is willing to accept Medicare billing. This is very helpful to snowbirds and those who travel extensively for months at a time. These insurance policies are guaranteed renewable for life. During a Medicare participant’s open enrollment period they can elect to participate in any Medicare Supplement policy with any insurance carrier without having to provide proof of insurability. The open enrollment period is the three months before and the three months after their Medicare Part B start date. After this time period switching carriers often requires proof of insurability. If a Medicare participant elects to go with a Medicare supplement policy they will be required to buy a Medicare Part D policy to cover their prescription drug cost. There are fourteen different standardized Medicare Supplement plans to choose from. Each provider’s plans are identical so unlike the MA plans shopping for these are much easier. Medicare supplement policies all come with a monthly premium. Costs will vary from company to company. However, each company’s plans are all exactly the same. With all that parody in these insurance plans what should a Medicare recipient be looking for?

Seniors should be looking for companies with:

• A track record of verifiable financial stability
• Excellent customer and bill paying services
• A history of consistent premium costs free of huge increases

This important information is not readily available to consumers.

Of the 14 standardized Medicare supplement plans only two should be considered by most Medicare recipients – plan F and plan G. Plan is F is the most popular because it guaranties to cover a person up to the maximum allowed by Medicare for any Medicare approved service. This leaves little to chance and a policy holder will know that they should never receive a bill unless they have had a non-Medicare approved service or procedure. An example would be a face lift. Plan G is a little different in that it will not pay for any excess charges allowed by Medicare. A person with plan G must be vigilant that their providers will accept Medicare assignment. That is why consulting with an independent agent is a good starting point in finding the best Arizona Medicare supplement policy.

Over the past few years Medicare Advantage (also called MA) plans have become very popular in Arizona because the premiums are very low or nothing at all. There are three distinct types of MA plans; HMO, PPO and PFFS. Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans are annually renewable contracts between you and the insurance company. Unlike Medicare Supplements, your enrollment can never be turned down for coverage due to any preexisting health conditions. Many companies that offer these MA plans even have special need plans for those with chronic conditions, to further help them with their medical costs. Another nice feature of the MA plan is that they are available with a prescription drug plan at no additional cost. These types of plans are often referred to as MAPD plans.

Medicare Advantage plans are heavily advertised by the insurance companies during the two open enrollment periods AEP and OEP. AEP is the annual enrolment period currently starting from November 15th and runs through December 31st each year. During this time period Medicare recipients can freely switch from one MA and or PD plan to another with a policy start date of January 1st. OEP is the open enrollment period and runs from January 1st through March 31st of each year. During this time period Medicare recipients can once again change plans and providers with one limitation they can not add a drug plan if they do not already have one.

HMO's are health maintenance organizations. Like many health plans in Arizona you are limited to the contracted health care providers and facilities the company has in their directory. These plans provide for limited or no coverage outside of the company directory unless you have an emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. These types of plans require that you designate a primary care physician or (PCP) who is contracted with the company. They are your single source for health care with a few exceptions, such as urgent care and emergency care. If you need a specialist or surgery they will be the ones to refer you to other providers within the organization. One of the reasons many people who choose this type of plan enjoy it (besides the good service they receive) is the cost. Currently, the monthly premium for an MAPD in Maricopa County Arizona is zero.

PPO's are preferred provider organizations. They are similar to the HMO style plan except that you have the freedom to choose any health care provider, service or facility within the directory without a referral from a PCP. Many insurance companies offer both HMO and PPO style plans to their Medicare Advantage members. Though the freedom of a PPO comes with the extra expense of a monthly premium, it is an excellent choice for those who want the freedom to pick and choose without having to be referred by a PCP. These plans will also save you on your monthly premium compared to a traditional Medicare Supplement. Like the HMO plan Part D is included for no additional expense. The PPO plan is a very good fit for Arizonans who live in multiple covered counties at different times of the year.

PFF's are Private Fee for Service Plans. This type of MA plan has only one major limitation. The provider you use for services must be willing to accept the insurance companies’ payment for services performed. If your provider is willing to accept the terms and conditions of the PFFS insurance carrier you are only responsible to pay the co- pays as described in the plan’s summary of benefits.

In 2005 Medicare Part D was introduced to help Medicare recipients with the cost of their prescription drugs. Like the MA plans Part D is an annually renewable contract and all plans are not created equal. So it is important to have your plan tailored to your prescription needs so that you get the maximum saving on an annual basis.
Medicare is constantly changing from year to year and keeping up with those changes is often a daunting task. I highly recommend the use of an experienced insurance agent when looking to buy or change plans.

As an independent agent I represent my clients so I offer many different Medicare plan options from many different providers. With thorough explanations of your choices, rights and options I allow my clients to choose the one that will best help them meet their individual needs and budget. To contact me you can call me at (602) 502-3113 or go to (AzHealthNow)and fill out a confidential quote form.

Finding Affordable Dental Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Oral hygiene and care are the foundation of good health. Families with dental insurance are far more likely to seek routine oral hygiene services from a dentist than families without dental insurance. I have never met anyone who enjoyed going to the dentist, yet nearly everyone wants affordable dental insurance. Let’s examine the three most common types of dental plans and where to get a quote. The three most common types of dental plans are Discount Dental Plans, PPO Dental Insurance Policies and the oldest type of coverage, Indemnity Dental Insurance Policies.

Dental discount plans are just as the names suggests. For every service provided by the dentist you get the corresponding discount and then must pay the remaining balance. These plans always have a preferred provider directory you must use to receive covered services. Discount dental plans are an excellent choice because they offer verifiable discounted prices and allow the policy owner to know the cost associated with the various types of treatments. The discounts will vary with each dental insurance company, so it is important to compare multiple dental insurance carriers when considering these plans. To compare up to thirty different dental discount plans in your area
click here and type in your zip code and hit enter. This tool will allow you to see the benefits, costs and compare all the dental discount plans available in your area. Here you can even check to see witch plan your dentist is on, then apply for coverage. To increase savings you can combine your dental discount plan with an indemnity dental insurance policy.

PPO dental insurance policies are the Cadillac of dental insurance plans. They are similar to health insurance policies in that they have annual deductibles and then pay a percentage (up to 50%) of covered services up to an annual maximum. These plans always require the use of their preferred provider organization. PPO dental plans are one of the most sought after employer benefits by the majority of job seekers. They are hard to find as personal insurance policies. I have found a place that offers some very generous plans nationwide. Click here to find affordable dental plans.
Fill out the form for a no obligation instant quote and compare plans in your area.

Indemnity dental insurance policies allow the insured to receive treatment with any licensed dental provider. These policies pay a specific dollar amount (up to a pre- determined annual maximum) for each covered service and reimburse the funds directly to the insured or at the insured direction can be sent directly to the provider. Depending on the dentist used, the holder of one of these policies usually pays the dentist office directly and gets a reimbursement from the insurance company. If the dentist allows for balance billing they will send a bill after they have received funds from the insurance company. When pared up with a discount plan these policies can be the most cost effective.
Click here to get a quote for a dental indemnity plan .

Regardless of your income you will be able to find an affordable dental insurance plan for yourself and your family with one of these generous dental insurance plans.

In Remembrance of our Countries Founders

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

— John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Ideas on Affordable Arizona Group Health Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Arizona Small businesses have some unique challenge when considering how to best solve their employee benefits problem. Shockingly the size of the group and what percentage of employees willing to participate are factors that can wreak havoc on a small group health insurance plan. All insurance companies require that you maintain a minimum percentage of eligible employees on your health plan. A common percentage is 50 percent. If your small group should loose one employee and the percentage of employees drops below the minimum number requirement, all your employees will loose their coverage because the group will be disbanded. Why put yourself and your employees in this horrible situation, when you can institute these three ideas. Below are some great suggestions from past articles.

Individual Medical or (IM) are a type of voluntary health benefit that creates a total paradigm shift in the human resource equation. A total voluntary benefits package lifts the financial and management burden from the employer. All the owner is required to do is to payroll deduct the insurance premium of the employee each month and remit one consolidated payment to the insurance company. The employee still enjoys the benefits of the coverage and the advantage of payroll deduction. The insurance agent becomes the benefits coordinator and assists both the employees and the employer with their respective health benefits needs. It is a solution for those small businesses that can not offer benefits to their employees because the costs are prohibitive.
(Read the whole article)

HRA’s are an employer funded plan designed to reimburse employees for certain medical expenses (For a list of eligible expenses). Though an HRA is not health insurance, it is a supplemental health insurance plan that will pay for a wide range of health expenses, including an employee’s privately owned health policy premium. HRA’s are notional arrangements, meaning no funds are expensed until reimbursements are made. Those reimbursements are tax deductible to the employer and tax free to the employee. HRA’s are made available due to IRS code section 213d and IRS publication 502.
(Read the whole article)

Voluntary health insurance is a group of supplemental insurance indemnity policies that are designed to protect your employees from a variety of illnesses and calamities. National statistics show that, because these plans pay cash directly to the policy holder, employees love them. That is why there is not a single Fortune 500 company that does not offer a voluntary health plan as a part of their benefit package
(Read the whole article)

Each of these cost effective ideas can be implemented individually or all together to create a comprehensive benefits package. For additional information feel free to call me at (602) 502-3113 or fill out a confidential quote form at AzHealthNow.com

Arizona Child Only Health Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

A 2005 study by (SHADAC) and the US Census Bureau ranked Arizona in the bottom of all the United States for providing healthcare to children. The three worst states were Arizona, Louisiana and Mississippi. The state does have some very generous programs for low income families to obtain health insurance. KidsCare is the states version of the federally mandated SCHIP program and complements our states long standing Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Care (AHCCCS) or Medicaid. Although we rank poorly in this survey, our elected officials have provided a generous healthcare plan for children 18 and under that are at risk due to economic factors. However, the state is at fault for not getting the word out so every child who qualifies gets the health insurance they deserve.

Most KidsCare members must pay an inexpensive monthly premium. The amount a family must pay is based on family income and the number of children who get KidsCare. Premiums will cost no more than $25 a month for one child or no more than $35 a month no matter how many children are in the household. For more information or to apply for KidsCare click here

What can a family do, if they don’t qualify for these great Arizona health insurance programs? There are only two choices: enroll at work for group coverage or get a child only health insurance policy. Depending on the age of the child these policies are generous and extremely affordable. Undoubtedly Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona has the most generous and affordable child only policies in the state. As of June 2008 a ten year old boy or girl could have a “BluePreferred Basic” health insurance policy for $50.00 a month. For such a low premium many families should be considering taking their child/children off their work plan and enrolling them in a child/children only plan to save money. To get a quote on a BCBSAZ child only plan click here.

Due to the internet, shopping for health insurance has become as easy as going to an instant quote search engine like AzHealthNow.com. Here you can compare no obligation instant health insurance quotes from six top Arizona carriers. All parents want to protect their children.

Starting the Long Term Care Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000

According to AARP “About 60 percent of people over age 65 will require at least some type of long term care during their lifetime”. With statistics like these it is more important than ever to start the long term care discussion with your family.

Long term care or (chronic care) is custodial care. This type of care is for people who are chronicle ill, have been injured or become so frail due to advancing age they need assistance with activities of daily living. Unless a person dies in their sleep there is a high probability of needing this type of care at some point in their lifetime. The unanswerable questions are when, what and for how long will the chronic condition be for. When the need for care arises it is important that everyone in the family understand the wishes of the ill or injured party. This can be a very emotionally trying time for any family. Having a plan in place that everyone understands will reassure family members so they can act accordingly.

The financial cost of receiving long term care services can be expensive. Understanding these costs is important. Low income individuals have certain rights but they vary from state to state. In Arizona we have state aid for low income individuals and a program for others to spend down all their assets to become eligible for state aid. Every family should understand their options and devise a plan based upon their economic realities. A common misconception about who will pay for long term care or chronic care is that Medicare will cover the costs. Medicare will not pay any costs for custodial care which is what long term care is all about. The state will pay, but only after an individual or couple has liquidated the bulk of their assets.

What should a person wishing to create a plan do first? Luckily due to the internet there is a wealth of information. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a department called the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information. They also have created a website http://www.longtermcare.gov where these topics are discussed in detail. They even have a long term care planning guide that can be ordered free of charge to assist concerned citizens on how to start their long term care plan. They recommend that each plan first and foremost consider their finances. By coming to a conclusion on how to pay for a long term care event families will be led to what must be done next.

My clients are often shocked when they find out how affordable long term care insurance can be. However, there is more than one way to pay the cost associated with chronic care. For more information on these important financial health care issues click here, fill in the confidential quote request form, and I will be glad to contact you and discuss your options.

Arizona Student Health Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Shortly millions of American students will be heading back to school. Some will be boarding buses to continue their primary education while others will be driving off to attend universities & community colleges. Regardless of their destination, as parents, we worry about their health and well being. During these inflationary times, providing health insurance for our young students can be a burden for some families. Often families provide health insurance for their children through their group health plans from work. Parents will find substantial health insurance premium savings by putting their children and young adults on their own individual or Arizona student health policies.

Many employer sponsored group family health insurance plans are astronomical in price. In many instances a family can realize a large cost saving by switching their children to their own individual health insurance plans. The type of plan a parent would want for their young student depends a lot on the family’s current financial reality. In today’s health insurance market there are all kinds of policies for just about every budget. All these health plans offer a degree of protection that every parent would want for their child. Due to the internet, shopping for health insurance has become as easy as going to a instant quote search engine like AzHealthNow.com. All parents want to protect their children. I can think of no better peace of mind than knowing that my child has a good health insurance policy I can afford.

Parents with PPO and HMO type health insurance plans, face a particular set of problems when they have out of state bound college students. Often there is a reduction of benefits when a person leaves the network coverage area. In some cases the limitation may be so sever that only emergency care is provided. In this situation obtaining a individual health insurance is the best choice for any parent. Some health insurance companies offer a national network. So regardless of a person’s home of record they can obtain services out of state as long as the insurance company has coverage in that area. In this instance the benefits provided would not be reduced because of the open directory. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has such an agreement with its sister BCBS affiliates throughout the continental United States. Another option is to purchase a student health insurance policy from a carrier like Assurant Health. Unlike the cheesy student health policies colleges put in their welcome packages, Assurant’s plan is a very flexible major medical policy. (For more specific information about Assurant's student health plan click here)

For those lucky few who are going abroad to study there is only one good choice and that is to get an international health insurance policy. Again, thanks to the internet, obtaining a good international health insurance policy is as easy as clicking right here.

Making sure your young student has health insurance is the kind of peace of mind a parent needs when sending their child out into the world.

Voluntary Benefits Make Arizona Group Health Insurance Affordable

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Arizona small businesses are on the front line of our national healthcare crises. Soaring premiums have left some employers unable to provide health insurance coverage for their valued employees. One easy answer is to implement a voluntary health plan for their employees.

Voluntary insurance plans are tax privileged for both the employee and the employer, so employees do not pay taxes on the money spent on these plans and the employers’ payroll tax is reduced as well. Employers are allowed to contribute any amount they would like for each class of employee they establish, but they are not required to contribute anything if they wish not to. Some insurance companies allow employers to start a group with as few as two employees. Establishing a voluntary insurance plan is the perfect addition for every Arizona business looking for affordable group health insurance.

Voluntary health insurance is a group of supplemental insurance indemnity policies that are designed to protect your employees from a variety of illnesses and calamities. National statistics show that, because these plans pay cash directly to the policy holder, employees love them. That is why there is not a single Fortune 500 company that does not offer a voluntary health plan as a part of their benefit package

Here is a list of some very common voluntary policies:

• Accident
• Cancer/Specified-Disease
• Dental
• Hospital Confinement Indemnity
• Hospital Confinement Sickness Indemnity
• Hospital Intensive Care
• Life
• Long-Term Care
• Short-Term Disability
• Specified Health Event
• Vision

For some employers these plans are all they can reasonably afford to offer their employees. But for many small Arizona businesses voluntary plans are but the icing on the cake of a comprehensive employee benefit package designed to be of genuine value to each employee and cost effective for the employer.

To learn more about voluntary health plans and/or to find Affordable Arizona Group Health Insurance call me at (602) 502-3113

Find Affordable Arizona Health Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Actually finding affordable Arizona health insurance has just gotten so easy that anyone can accomplish the task from the ease and comfort of their own home or work place. Just go to AzHealthNow.com, and you will find a very simple instant quote search engine. In a matter of minutes you can have 375 quotes from six of the top rated Arizona health insurance companies. You will be able to compare multiple carriers and their premiums, benefit outlines, check on their doctors and apply for coverage all in one place. Once you have narrowed down the field to plans you really like you might have some questions and concerns. They have helpful licensed insurance agents on staff to assist you and make the process of selecting your own affordable Arizona health insurance policy very easy.

At AzHealthNow.com all you have to do to get an instant insurance quote is fill out the form so the search engine has the correct information about you and your family. Then hit the “show me plans and premiums” button and in thirty seconds you will have about 375 plans from six top rated Arizona health insurance companies. Each offering shown explains the company name, plan name, what the premium is and offers two additional links so you can see a list of doctors and obtain a printable plan summary brochure. Gathering all this raw information may be overwhelming for some health insurance shoppers, that is why AzHealthNow.com has a customer service number posted at the top of each page. Call the customer service number and you can speak with a licensed insurance agent and get all your health insurance questions answered.

AzHealthNow.com also allows you to customize your search; you do this by selecting the premium, plan type, deductible, coinsurance, co-pay you wish to see. By manipulating these different components AzHealthNow.com allows you to see how the different insurance carriers’ actually compare to each other in premium and plan design. No matter what kind of health insurance you have, AzHealthNow has leveled the insurance shopping field so everyone can compare their plans.

The only question left becomes what do you want in an affordable Arizona health insurance policy?

COBRA Insurance Option, Get an Affordable Arizona STM Health Insurance Policy

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

COBRA insurance contains provisions giving former employees, retirees, spouses and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health insurance coverage. For the recently unemployed it is a shocking moment when they receive their COBRA paperwork and see the full premium they are required to pay to continue their former employers’ health plan. The reason for the increase in payment is that the employer is no longer required to contribute to the plan. For those that are uninsurable, COBRA gives them an eighteen month bridge to a new group health plan. But for those who are healthy, a much less costly option exists in a short term medical plan or (STM).

Short Term Medical insurance provides comprehensive temporary medical insurance coverage that guard against catastrophic costs of unexpected medical bills. Temporary health insurance covers a wide variety of needs, from 30 to 365 days. STM plans are just as comprehensive in coverage as most major medical plans. Temporary health insurance policies cover physician services, prescriptions, X-ray, laboratory services, inpatient hospital stays, inpatient and outpatient surgeries, skilled nursing facility care and rehabilitation up to a lifetime maximum of $2 million. The reason they are so affordable is their short duration and the fact they do not cover preexisting conditions. These plans are valuable for healthy individuals and families that are in between jobs and want a lower cost option to COBRA.

Another valuable benefit of obtaining a short term medical policy is that it provides continuation of coverage. Under federal and state laws, insurance companies can exclude covering preexisting conditions for a newly enrolling employee if they had no viable insurance within the past 63 days. A short term medical plan meets this test and is considered viable insurance coverage by all interested parties.

When you need affordable Arizona health insurance and are between permanent employer-sponsored health plans, short term medical insurance bridges the gap between your old employer plan and a new group plan. This provides coverage that can give you and our family the peace of mind you deserve.

Get a free no obligation health insurance quote now!
You can even apply online and be covered as early as tomorrow.

Looking for Affordable Arizona Health Insurance? Consider a Right Start PPO!

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The current economy is looking bleak for many Arizona families. As their job outlook wanes and prices in the food and fuel sectors spiral out of control many people are looking to slash their budgets. Some are even considering going without health insurance. Before making that drastic decision everyone should consider switching to a Right Start PPO policy with Assurant Health.

Unlike a limited benefit policy or a mini-med; Right Start PPO, has the look and feel of any health insurance policy with some major cost savings features. To enjoy substantially lower premium the Right Start PPO policy limits:

The annual maximum to one of either
• $50,000
• $100,000
• $250,000

The annual out patient services provision to one of either
• $2500
• $5000

Additionally if a person selects the co-pay option it will only provide for two office visits per year for a $25.00 co-pay.

Though these policy provisions seem like drastic limitations lets examine some realties. Health insurance is not an all or nothing proposition. This plan is not for everyone, but it is for people who have no insurance or considering going without insurance. Once the deductible is paid it will pay for regular doctor office visits and for any medically necessary hospitalization. For most people the premium savings is about 50 percent with a Right Start PPO. That kind of cost saving allows a family to provide catastrophic coverage and ensure they are protected when a medical crisis arises.

Weighed against the specter of having no health insurance, the Right Start PPO is an excellent choice for Arizonans looking for affordable health insurance in these trying times.

I offer health insurance plans from six of the top rated heath insurance carriers in Arizona. For more information about the Right Start PPO or any other health insurance policy please call me at (602) 502-3113

To see a detailed brochure click here.

To see what your cost savings might be click here for a free instant quote

Establishing an HRA Can Make Your Arizona Group Health Insurance Affordable

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Continual increases in health insurance premiums have adversely affected Arizona businesses. No employer has been left unaffected. Some small businesses have even had to drop their group health plans due to skyrocketing costs. Neither John McCain nor Barrack Obama has health insurance plans that address the cost of premiums for the employer or their employees. With no help on the horizon from our government, employers have at least one possible solution to retain affordable Arizona health insurance by establishing a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plan for their employees.

HRA’s are an employer funded plan designed to reimburse employees for certain medical expenses (For a list of eligible expenses). Though an HRA is not health insurance, it is a supplemental health insurance plan that will pay for a wide range of health expenses, including an employee’s privately owned health policy premium. HRA’s are notional arrangements, meaning no funds are expensed until reimbursements are made. Those reimbursements are tax deductible to the employer and tax free to the employee. HRA’s are made available due to IRS code section 213d and IRS publication 502. For more detailed IRS information click here.

Unlike group health insurance plans, the employer decides what their monthly contribution level is going to be for each classification of employee they establish.
The monthly cost is fixed and only alterable by the employer. Also, employer dollars spent on the HRA are only paid when claims are filed. If an employee leaves a company they do not have the right to the funds an employer has allocated for their HRA plan. That unspent money stays with the employer and contributes to their bottom line.

Instead of paying additional monthly premiums to an insurance company for an expensive low deductible group health insurance plan, employers who establish an HRA can provide additional benefits and reduce their costs by increasing their deductibles and covering their employees likely out of pocket expenses with an HRA. For those employers who cannot afford group health insurance premiums, they can now provide a valuable tax favored health benefit for their employees by establishing an HRA

Benefits of an HRA

Cost Savings

Expand Benefits

Flexibility

Predictable Costs

Separate Employee Classifications

Tax Advantage

By establishing an HRA Arizona employers can have an effective means to manage the monthly costs associated with any Arizona group health insurance plan and make their premiums affordable.

The Best Arizona Medicare Supplement Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

For many Arizona seniors, the best Arizona Medicare Supplement may not be a Medicare Supplement at all. Many Arizonans are opting for Medicare Advantage plans to help reduce their total health care costs. Even the very best Medicare Supplements come with the added expense of a monthly premium. This cost savings allow Arizona seniors to reallocate those unspent health care dollars on other pressing insurance needs like long term care insurance.

Long term care insurance is the single most pressing insurance need for many Arizona seniors. Sixty nine percent of the people turning 65 will need some kind of long term care in their life time. The average annual long term care premium for individuals under 65 is about $1,337 annually. The very best Arizona Medicare supplements cost about $150 a month or $1800 annually. The concept of cost shifting of premiums from traditional Medicare Supplement policies to long term care insurance policies is a strategy every Arizona senior should start considering.

More and more Arizonans are going the Medicare Advantage route. Some are doing it because that is all they can afford but many are going that way because of the positive word of mouth these plans are receiving from their fellow Arizona seniors. In Maricopa County a Medicare Advantage HMO has a zero monthly premium. That is a huge savings over an Arizona Medicare supplement. Unfortunately, many who should be considering using these health care dollars for Arizona long term insurance are simply saving money on their health premium costs and not considering the hole they have failed to fill in their retirement health care plan.

Everyone should have a family discussion about how they plan to finance and who is going to do what in a probable chronic care situation or long term care illness. Meeting with a licensed independent insurance agent to see what a long term care policy might cost is a good starting place. My clients have all been surprised at how affordable long term care insurance really is.

If you would like to explore your Medicare healthcare options or look into a long term care insurance policy feel free to call me at (602) 502-3113 or follow this link and fill out a confidential quote request form.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is the Gold Standard in Arizona Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

BCBSAZ is the acronym for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. BCBSAZ offers a wide range of health care plans to fit the needs of all Arizonans. They also boast one of the most extensive PPO directories in the state. Whether you’re looking for a health care plan for your child, yourself or your family you can’t go wrong with a BCBSAZ policy.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona most generous individual medical plan is called Blue Preferred PPO. Blue Preferred PPO has many great policy benefits such as low co-pays for doctor office visits and specialists, a generous prescription drug benefit and the plan pays 100% for member labs and x-rays. When examining the policy you should note that BCBSAZ makes available everyday healthcare as well as catastrophic healthcare.

Everyday healthcare consist of your doctor’s office visits and well checkups. Where many health plans scrimp on preventative care, BCBSAZ goes out of its way to ensure their policy holders get their preventative care they need. They have come to the conclusion that it is better to help their patients pay for preventative care than shell out the cash when little health problems left, unchecked, become major hospital stays. Many individuals and families find it is much easier paying the co-pay to receive this vital care when it is included in their premium. Some Arizona health insurance plans these days do not include the generous co-pays for services the Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield offers. What exam is complete with out having lab work done? With your Blue Preferred policy all your labs are free as long as you go to a BCBSAZ lab.

The day you have the big health event, you will be very glad to have BCBSAZ standing with you. After you leave the hospital you can count on BCBSAZ to pay your bills. They are the only Arizona not for profit health insurance company that maintains an AM Best rating of A+ for financial stability. With their financial stability and generous policy provisions everyone looking for an Arizona health insurance plan should consider this plan.

I have been specializing in Arizona Health Insurance for my clients since 1991. If you have questions or need help with your health insurance feel free to call me at (602) 502-3113. Or if you want a health insurance quote you can visit www.AzHealthNow.com and get an instant quote.

Finding Best Medicare Supplements in Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Many Arizona seniors, as they approach their 65th birthday and go on Medicare, are searching for the best Medicare supplement in Arizona. In today’s crowded Arizona Medicare market seniors have many choices. The correct choice will be different for each person, depending upon their health care objectives and economic realities. Looking at the big picture, seniors have two basic options: choose one of 14 standardized Medicare supplement policies or find a good Medicare Advantage plan. Either choice can be sound, depending upon your personal health care tastes. For now let’s look at some important factors to consider when shopping for the best Arizona Medicare supplement.

There was a time not too many years ago when Medicare supplements were the only choice for Medicare recipients. A good Medicare supplement gives a policy holder the most access to health care nationwide. With a Medicare supplement you can go to any doctor or health care facility in the nation that is willing to accept Medicare billing. This is very helpful to snowbirds and those who travel extensively for months at a time.

Unlike some Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare supplement policies all come with a monthly premium. Many insurance companies offer a teaser premium for the first few years to attract new clients turning 65. Costs will vary from company to company. However, each company’s plans are all exactly the same. With all that parody in these insurance plans what should a Medicare recipient be looking for? Seniors should be looking for companies with:

• A track record of verifiable financial stability
• Excellent customer and bill paying services
• A history of consistent premium costs free of huge increases

This important information is not readily available to consumers. That is why consulting with an independent agent is a good starting point in finding the best Arizona Medicare supplement policy.

Of the 14 standardized Medicare supplement plans only two should be considered by most Medicare recipients – plan F and plan G. Plan is F is the most popular because it guaranties to cover a person up to the maximum allowed by Medicare for any Medicare approved service. This leaves little to chance and a policy holder will know that they should never receive a bill unless they have had a non-Medicare approved service or procedure. An example would be a face lift. Plan G is a little different in that it will not pay for any excess charges allowed by Medicare. A person with plan G must be vigilant that their providers will accept Medicare assignment.

Finding the best Arizona Medicare supplement is as easy as finding a dependable independent insurance agent to get real insight into the insurance companies you are considering. A good independent insurance agent will lay out the facts and enable you to make an educated decision.

If you need some additional information or help with your Medicare decisions feel free to call me at (602) 502-3113 or click here and email me and I will get right back to you.

Arizona Medicare Advantage Plan Simplified

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Over the past few years Medicare Advantage (also called MA) plans have become very popular in Arizona because the premiums are very low or nothing at all. There are three distinct types of MA plans; HMO, PPO and PFFS. Arizona Medicare Advantage Plans are annually renewable contracts between you and the insurance company. Unlike Medicare Supplements, your enrollment can never be turned down for coverage due to any preexisting health conditions. Many companies that offer these MA plans even have special need plans for those with chronic conditions, to further help them with their medical costs. Another nice feature of the MA plan is that they are available with a prescription drug plan at no additional cost. These types of plans are often referred to as MAPD plans.

Medicare Advantage plans are heavily advertised by the insurance companies during the two open enrollment periods AEP and OEP. AEP is the annual enrolment period currently starting from November 15th and runs through December 31st each year. During this time period Medicare recipients can freely switch from one MA and or PD plan to another with a policy start date of January 1st. OEP is the open enrollment period and runs from January 1st through March 31st of each year. During this time period Medicare recipients can once again change plans and providers with one limitation they can not add a drug plan if they do not already have one.

HMO's are health maintenance organizations. Like many health plans in Arizona you are limited to the contracted health care providers and facilities the company has in their directory. These plans provide for limited or no coverage outside of the company directory unless you have an emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. These types of plans require that you designate a primary care physician or (PCP) who is contracted with the company. They are your single source for health care with a few exceptions, such as urgent care and emergency care. If you need a specialist or surgery they will be the ones to refer you to other providers within the organization. One of the reasons many people who choose this type of plan enjoy it (besides the good service they receive) is the cost. Currently, the monthly premium for an MAPD in Maricopa County Arizona is zero.

PPO's are preferred provider organizations. They are similar to the HMO style plan except that you have the freedom to choose any health care provider, service or facility within the directory without a referral from a PCP. Many insurance companies offer both HMO and PPO style plans to their Medicare Advantage members. Though the freedom of a PPO comes with the extra expense of a monthly premium, it is an excellent choice for those who want the freedom to pick and choose without having to be referred by a PCP. These plans will also save you on your monthly premium compared to a traditional Medicare Supplement. Like the HMO plan Part D is included for no additional expense. The PPO plan is a very good fit for Arizonans who live in multiple covered counties at different times of the year.

PFF's are Private Fee for Service Plans. This type of MA plan has only one major limitation. The provider you use for services must be willing to accept the insurance companies’ payment for services performed. If your provider is willing to accept the terms and conditions of the PFFS insurance carrier you are only responsible to pay the co- pays as described in the plan’s summary of benefits.

If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan it is important to know that they are all not the same. Comparing plans and benefits from two or three different providers is always in your best interest. You should consult with an independent insurance agent so you can choose the plan that fits your needs and your budget.

If you would like some help with your Medicare plan you can call me at (602) 502-3113 or fill out this confidential information form and I will call you.

Why Women in Arizona Need Long Term Care Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Arizona women are more powerful than ever in their careers. Though women can claim new titles such as CEO, executive, small business owner, manager, or employee they are still daughters, wives, mothers, and friends. Women are also very often the care takers for their parents, husbands and children when they become too ill to take care of themselves. For all these reasons and for their own personal peace of mind Arizona women of all ages should consider an Arizona long term care insurance policy for themselves and their family.

Long term care insurance pays for custodial care when an individual can no longer accomplish two of seven activities of dialing living such as eating, bathing, or toileting. The care can be received in the home and assisted living facility or in a nursing home. Though it is hard to picture yourself needing this type of care, statistics show us that 69 percent of people will need some type of long term care in their lifetime and that women are almost three times as likely to live in nursing homes as men. The average cost for a private room in a nursing home is $77,745 annually. How many years of that could any family or individual take before they are financially ruined?

The costs are so staggering that often a married couple, having one spouse chronically ill or injured, who need a long term care stay find themselves’ financially devastated. The cost is so prohibitive that many families band together and give the needed care themselves. Many baby boomers found themselves in the middle of careers and families having to stop their lives and take care of their parents. Almost always it is women who give this type of care. Caring for a chronically ill family member comes with an unnecessary emotional and financial burden on the caregiver and their families.

Traditionally women live longer than men and they are living even longer due to the advances of medical science. These factors are some of the reasons women are three times as likely to need a long term care stay in their life. No parent should want to put the burden of their chronic condition on their children. If for no other reason, women should have a long term care plan, so that they can afford to maintain their quality of life.

If we love the people in our lives we owe it to them and ourselves to put into place a easily affordable Arizona long term insurance plan that will pay some or all the cost of this most needed care.

Own your Arizona health insurance plan as well and be beholden to no one

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Long term trends in employer and employee relationships have greatly changed over the past few decades. Statistics show that the average prospective employee will change their place of employment a minimum of seven times in their work lives. With that thought in mind, individuals and families should begin to question how they think about Arizona employer health benefits. A forward thinking person should consider owning their own Health, Life and disability policies so they have true financial freedom to act in their own best interest when seeking career choices.

In our current employment environment neither the employer nor the employee are offering each other much loyalty. Employers are increasingly under pressure to cut their human resources costs and those cuts often cause a slashing of Arizona health insurance benefits by shifting more of the cost to their employees to accomplish the cost saving measures. More and more employees are faced with escalating monthly costs, higher deductibles and higher co- insurance.

For employees the biggest drawback to employer benefits is the portability issue, if they leave their employer they leave behind their insurance. They have the COBRA option but it only lasts 18 months and is often cost prohibitive. Leaving a place of employment for personal, family or economic reasons becomes difficult if a person is leaving a great health plan behind. With employers cutting back on health benefits those seeking greener pastures must consider the economic impact of leaving their health plan behind as well.

You do not have to be in this situation if you owned your own Arizona health insurance plan. These policies are often less expensive than traditional group plans and are just as generous in benefits. The best reason for owning your own policy is that it can not be taken away from you as long as you pay the premiums. So no matter where your career takes you, your Arizona health insurance is never in question.

If in today’s employment environment workers are claiming their independence to say no to their employers and decide to move for job to job for many reasons. They should become truly free of their employers Arizona health insurance plan as well and be beholden to no one.

Arizona Employers can now Create a Benefit Package on a Shoe String Budget

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Arizona small businesses are feeling the crunch of the current economy and our national health care crisis. Many employers are unable to help their employees with a company health plan because of the soaring costs. This creates its own economic crisis because, without a viable benefit package, recruiting and retention creates a personnel problem. How can a small business create a benefit package on a shoe string budget?

Recent changes in Arizona law have created the opportunity for small business owners to offer a full blown benefit package to their employees without having to contribute financially.

The problem with group coverage is that it has become very expensive or even prohibitive for the average small business owner. They want to help their employees, but can they keep their doors open and take care of their employees' health care needs at the same time? The answer seems to be no for about 40 percent of Arizona residents whose employer does not offer any health plan at all.

Another big problem with traditional group health plans is portability. Because group plans are not portable, when an employee leaves a company they can not take the plan with them. They can opt to go on COBRA when they leave but for anyone one who has had the misfortune of accepting this coverage it is hugely expensive and ends in only 18 months.

Additionally, managing a traditional group health insurance plan is time consuming for the small business owners. Not only do they have the burden of their portion of the premium, they must become their own benefits coordinator or at an additional expense, hire an H.R. person.

The answer to these and many other group insurance problems is voluntary benefits.

Voluntary benefits are a total paradigm shift in the human resource equation. A total voluntary benefits package lifts the financial and management burden from the employer.

All the owner is required to do is to payroll deduct the insurance premium of the employee each month and remit one consolidated payment to the insurance company.

The employee still enjoys the benefits of the coverage and the advantage of payroll deduction. The insurance agent becomes the benefits coordinator and assists both the employees and the employer with their respective health benefits needs.

It is a solution for those small businesses that can not offer benefits to their employees because the costs are prohibitive.

Three Key Components of any Arizona Health Insurance Plan

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0000

In the current Arizona health insurance market not all insurance carriers or their insurance policies are equal. Though price is always a factor, it is important to understand what benefits those premiums are giving you and at what cost. Let’s examine three major components of an Arizona health insurance plan; co-pay, deductible and co-insurance. Understanding how you might be able to manipulate these three components will make any budget conscious insurance buyer a savvy shopper.

Many people like to have the peace of mind knowing that they can access their doctor for a co-pay. Co-pays are the amount a person pays directly to their doctor for regular office visits. The co-pay can range in cost from $10 to $50 dollars depending on the plan. These types of visits can be for many routine type office visits such as, physicals, sickness, and regular checkups. Knowing what the policy will actually cover is important because some plans do not pay for all types of office visits and have different co-pays for different types of doctors; some even limit the number of visits subject to just the co-pay. If you are the type of person who does not go to the doctor very often, going without this policy provision could potentially save you $100 or more in monthly premium. When selecting a plan, you should always balance the probable need for covered services against the monthly and annual cost.

Another important policy provision is the annual deductible. Your policy will explain what services are subject to the deductible and which are subject only to the co-pays. Your annual deductible is the amount you are required to contribute to your own health care costs before the insurance policy starts to pay anything for certain policy provisions such as inpatient and outpatient treatment. The higher the deductible the lower your premiums will be and vice-versa.

Coinsurance can be very confusing to may people. It is the amount you and the insurance company agree to pay for covered services after the deductible has been met. A very common coinsurance amount is 80/20. This means that after you pay the deductibles the insurance company would pay 80% and you would pay 20% of the remainder of the bill up to a specified out of pocket maximum. The most important part of any insurance plan is your out of pocket maximum. Some insurance carriers do not have a maximum out of pocket which means they will only pay a percentage of the cost and you will pay the rest no limits. The best Arizona health insurance plans will have both individual and family out of pocket maximums. Just like the deductible, the more co-insurance you are willing to agree to, the lower your insurance premium will be.

You can use this information when using an internet insurance quote search engine. You can manipulate these three components to find the balance between cost and benefit and a premium you can live with. To use these concepts you can go to
my website at www.AZHealthNow.com and complete the quote form and get an instant on line quote.

Who Needs Arizona Long Term Care Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (My name is Paul) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:50:00 +0000

The customary answer is of course seniors, to protect themselves from the crippling cost of becoming chronically ill or to old and frail and can no longer take care of themselves. According to AARP “About 60 percent of people over age 65 will require at least some type of long term care during their lifetime”. But the reality is that we all should consider a LTC policy to protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial ruin if we experience a devastating accident or debilitating illness and need assistance to perform everyday functions, such as feeding ourselves, bathing and getting dressed. A study, in 1995, concluded that 43% of individuals needing long-term care were children and working adults (as reported in Long Term Care: Diverse, Growing Population Includes Millions of Americans of All Ages by the U.S. General Accounting Office in 1995.)

Baby boomers are the single most at risk group that should be considering a long term care plan for themselves. As they retire in the millions our health care system will
become a very crowded place and the costs will grow with the increased demand. The federal government and Medicare will not come to your aid to help pay for custodial care. The Arizona State government is currently paying for poor Arizona residents who need long term care. The personal cost to individuals and families to gat the state to help pay, is nearly everything you own. So if you have assets you wish to protect, a spouse you do not with to impoverish, considering a long term care plan is essential to an effective retirement plan.

All married couples regardless of age, should consider a long term care policy as part of their overall financial plan along with their health and life insurance. Just as Medicare will not pay for custodial care neither will your health insurance policy. Medical science is making it possible to live a long time with a debilitating diseases or a massive personal injury; however, how your family will survive financially is predetermined only by your sound financial plan. For those under 60 years old an Arizona long term care insurance plan can be very affordable.

Due to the breakthroughs in medical science Arizonans are living longer lives. For that very reason long term care is something every Arizona resident should consider adding to their financial and retirement planning.

Paul A Lituczy has been specializing in affordable Arizona long term care insurance for his Arizona clients since 1991.

For more information contact me at (602) 502-3113 or visit my web site at
http://www.azhealthnow.com/ and fill out a confidential quote form.