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Individual Health Insurance Buyers Guide
We are health insurance brokers and can offer you the marketplace of health insurance products and companies, all from one source. There are not any additional fees for using our services. You will pay the same premium whether you use our services or go direct to any insurance company. We provide value added services before and after the purchase of your health insurance product. We are not aligned with any one insurance company. We can provide important insight as to how each insurance company takes care of its business.
Be aware that just comparing benefits and prices are not the only considerations when selecting a health insurance company. You will want to make sure your insuring company is financially sound, has a large customer base, is service oriented, time tested and has a large network of providers. You never know when (due to accident or illness) this will be the last insurance company you are able to qualify for.
We will generally recommend PPO coverage for most situations. PPO coverage allows you the ability to choose from a larger network of Doctors and Hospitals than from an HMO. Most people feel that they receive better care and in a more timely fashion from PPO providers. Many people think HMO coverage is more affordable, more often it is just the opposite. PPO coverage does not require a referral to seek out the services of a specialist. It is important to stay in network as your out of pocket expenses can increase significantly for out of network charges.
When applying for any permanent medical insurance product, be sure to not cancel any existing coverage until your new company in writing has approved you. If you have no existing coverage, we will recommend short term medical insurance coverage with CPIC’s option 12. This is a month to month policy that can last up to 12 months. Most other plans require you to select a fixed period of time (3 months, 6 months) and pay up front. You need to start this plan while you are applying for your permanent insurance.
The application process takes time; it is difficult to say exactly how long, as each applicant requires different time frames depending upon their age, health and ease of obtaining medical information (if required) from their doctors. Most companies that approve persons with existing medical conditions have provisions for charging additional premium due to these existing conditions. These increases are called surcharges or tiered rates. You need to be aware that if you are taking medications, have higher than normal weight to height ratios, or have existing medical conditions, you could be subject to these premium increases. People with serious medical conditions that have COBRA benefits ending, can apply for HIPAA coverage (Guarantee Issue). Others that cannot qualify for HIPAA can apply for the Major Risk Plan . Please contact us for the details.
You can also apply online at our website www.PPOBroker.com for certain companies. Most of the companies are getting ready for online applications during 2003. You can accelerate the approval process by contacting your doctor when you are aware that the insurance company is requesting medical information from them. Check with your doctor’s office to make sure they have the request and are complying.
Once your application is approved, your coverage will begin on the effective date indicated in your acceptance letter. If you were uninsured for more that 62 days prior to the effective date of your policy, you could be subject to a waiting period of up to six months for any pre-existing condition.
I know the application process can cause many questions. I look forward to providing answers. Please contact me with your questions.
Cordially, Michael J Murvin-Owner / Broker
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