HEALTH INSURANCE….CHOICES! CHOICES! CHOICES!
June 7, 2005 - By Chuck Dargis
Consumers should be aware that they can have a lot to say about their health insurance policy. In fact, it is possible to customize a policy to the needs of an individual or an entire family. Health insurance simply does not need to be “one size fits all.” For example, you can choose a policy that allows you to do all of the following:
- Choose your own doctors and hospitals.
- Choose the amount of your deductible.
- Choose the number of doctor office visits you want to be covered for in your plan per person per year (your premium price will reflect your choice). This allows you to keep your costs down if you don’t go to the doctor very often.
- Choose the level of coverage you want for diagnostic testing, surgical cost, hospital miscellaneous expenses, and child birth.
- Include dental and optical coverage at time of application or add them on later,
- Include short term (12 month) disability coverage and select varying amounts of coverage per month.
- Include term life insurance at an amount you select.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but I think you get the point. All of these choices will help you and your family get the exact coverage you want while at the same time you avoid paying for coverage that you may not want or need.
Would you buy a house, car, major appliance, etc. without first shopping around? Probably not. Well, it only makes sense that you would want to shop around for health insurance also. I hope the information presented so far will assist you knowing some of your rights and what is available on the market. You just have to find the right company to meet your needs.
There is a growing trend in the health insurance industry toward Consumer Driven health plans. These plans are designed to give consumers more say in their health plans and help reduce costs. “The national trend toward increased ‘consumerism’ in health plan design is gaining acceptance in Southeast Michigan. While only five percent of employers offer a Consumer Driven Health Plan in 2005, nineteen percent indicated they are considering implementing one in 2006.” (Troy-Somerset Gazette, May 2005)
So, remember, when looking for a health insurance plan….you are in control!
Join me next month for more, real hands-on tips on all aspects of health insurance
Chuck Dargis
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chuck Dargis is a Licensed Agent with Affordable Health Insurance. He has over twenty years of administrative and sales experience. If you are looking to protect yourself and/or your family, he will put his expertise and dedication to customer service to work for you. Chuck is ‘dad’ to two teenage girls along with his wife of 22 years. He knows the importance of protecting those in need. You can reach Chuck Monday through Saturday, TOLL FREE at 877-804-8325 or visit his Web site at www.chuckdargis-ins.com.
© 2005 All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be published without advance written approval.