bad health insurance behavior by young adults costs all the rest of us money

For decades now, one of the largest groups of uninsured Americans has been the 18 to 25 year-old crowd.

In insurance parlance this group has been dubbed the “Young Invincibles” because their youth and good health often mean they get the best prices on health insurance, and are unlikley to have an application declined becuase of a pre-existing conditions, but they choose to stay uninsured


Why? The assumption is that many simply don’t take the time to look for health insurance; either because they don’t think they need it (they’re young and invincible) or because they assume it’s unaffordable.

At select Insurance Group we think this is an important issue and wanted to find a different, perhaps more entertaining, way to engage twentysomethings on the topic. .

Give President Obama credit for addressing this “young invincible” issue head-on in his 2009 address to Congress, when he said, “Those of us with health insurance are… paying a hidden… tax for those without it – about $1000 per year for somebody else’s emergency room… care. There may be those – particularly the young and healthy – who still want to take the risk and go without coverage… The problem is such irresponsible behavior costs all the rest of us money…”

The President also did something about this issue in his health reform law by making it easier for young people to stay on their parent’s health insurance and providing new protections for people who buy their own health insurance.


America’s health care system is not perfect, and there are people who can’t get health insurance no matter how hard they try. But, there are also uninsured people who could qualify for affordable health insurance if they took the time to look. So, we’re encouraging every uninsured American to:

1.Check your options – Go to missourimedicalbenefits.org or work with one of our licensed agents and get quotes for private insurance options in your area. Many people are shocked by how affordable an individual health insurance policy can be, especially for young adults.

2.Expect better benefits – Provisions of the health care reform law expanded benefits for many new health insurance policies. For example, it put an end to lifetime dollar limits on coverage (for most medical services). It also made certain preventive care services available to policyholders with no out-of-pocket costs and increased consumer protections from rate increases.

3.Don’t run from pre-existing conditions – Review eHealthInsurance’s list of pre-existing conditions that don’t necessarily result in a declined application for individual insurance. And, investigate the new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan available through the Department of Health and Human Services at Healthcare.gov.

4.Get a second opinion – Contact our Missouri non-profit Foundation, Christians against no coverage a/k/a "CAN" for Health Coverage (www.missourimedicalbenefits.org) if you can’t qualify for private insurance due to a medical condition, or if you find the cost of health insurance to be too expensive. Our Missouri CAN Foundation for Health Coverage can direct you to all available state and federal health insurance products available for people in your position.

5.Pay a fair price – Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for expensive medical procedures. Find out what the going rate is for a host of medical services by visiting Healthcare Blue Book (www.HealthcareBlueBook.com). This strategy is especially helpful for people who have high deductible health insurance plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), are uninsured, or who to visit an out-of-network medical provider.
Let’s hope that if we make it clear to young people that finding health insurance has never been easier, we’ll begin to see more people step up and get covered.

Legitimate Guarantee Issue Individual Missouri health benefits For The Uninsurable

I have been a multi state licensed health and life insurance Broker for 11 years. One of the biggest challenges I've had to deal with through the years has been trying to help the Uninsurable. Unfortunately in most States if you have one of a host of "pre existing" medical conditions you are labeled as "uninsurable" on an individual health insurance policy. This uninsurable status can last for many years and sometimes for life depending on the specific pre existing condition you have been diagnosed with. Some of the pre- existing medical conditions that render an applicant uninsurable for ten years or more are: Heart Attack, Stroke, Diabetes, Cancer, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Degenerative Arthritis and a host of other pre existing conditions. In addition, there are applicants who have a combination of controlled pre existing conditions but since they have more than three "ratable conditions" they are also labeled uninsurable.

For example, with many carriers an applicant who has Hypertension and Hyperlipidimia and is also overweight falls under the "3 strikes your out" rule and is labeled uninsurable. Or an applicant may have two of the aforementioned controlled conditions and is not overweight but is a smoker and is then labeled uninsurable also. Or an applicant who has asthma but also smokes falls in to the same uninsurable category with many carriers. These are just a few examples of conditions or "combo conditions" that can render an applicant uninsurable. The question then becomes, what do I do now? Who will insure me against the catastrophic medical bills that I may face in the future? Who will help me pay for the medications I currently am taking to control the aforementioned conditions?

I have just gotten my hands on a Guaranteed issue health insurance plan that is available to people who do not qualify for standard full-coverage major medical insurance, as long as the person works 30+ hours a week. Virtually everyone qualifies because pre-existing conditions or other health related issues such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, heart condition, depression, etc. Guaranteed issue health insurance policies cover many aspects of medical attention, including inpatient, outpatient, doctor visits, and hospital visits. Most guaranteed issue policies are also guaranteed renewable and guaranteed to stay the same on price. Rates are starting as low as 89$ a month for an individual. Did I mention that this coverage will cover you right away if you are planning on getting pregnant and can't wait 18 months for coverage to begin? Call me right away at 1-855-GET-SELECT (438-7353) Ext 1 or go to www.selectinsuranceteam.com or apply direct at http://stephenludwig.mymedquote.com/HomePage.aspx

Missouri health insurance plans

Grab your tissues and eye drops…allergy season is coming! It might not be something to look forward to, but the upcoming allergy season is definitely something to prepare for. We’ve all been there – itchy, watery eyes, non-stop sneezing, difficulty breathing – spring allergies are the worst!

News 4 reported that this year is predicted to be especially rough. An allergy specialist at the University of Missouri stated that the abundance of snow we received this winter provided a great deal of moisture in the soil for tree roots. This means extra pollen and mold should be expected for the spring.

With so many health issues resulting from the spring allergy season, this is the perfect time of year to utilize your Missouri health insurance and visit your doctor. It is far better to be prepared then to wait for the first signs of those pesky symptoms to start setting in. Those of you who have asthma need to be extra careful this spring, as allergies are a main cause for asthma attacks. Be prepared this allergy season.
Mild Allergy Symptoms can include:

Itchy, watery eyes
Rash
Congestion
Coughing

Stay safe and healthy this season by being proactive and purchasing a Missouri health insurance plan. Rates starting at 49$ per month and we have plans to fit all your needs and budget. There is a Missouri health insurance plan for everyone. A simple doctor visit can run you over 150$, alone. Select Insurance Group can answer any questions you may have regarding Missouri health insurance.

Individual Health Insurance Reform Changes That Kick In For 2011

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a health care reform bill into law. Here are highlights of new health insurance reform laws that will take effect on January 1, 2011 (unless otherwise indicated):
Free Preventative Care Under Medicare
Starting January 1, 2011, co-payments and deductibles can no longer be charged for preventive care medical services.

This reform will enable more senior citizens to get regular check-ups to help detect potential health problems. When people with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are diagnosed earlier, faster treatment can aid in the prevention of long-term complications of treatable diseases which not only cost more in consumer dollars, but cost people their lives.

Medicare Part D "Donut Hole"
In 2010, Medicare recipients will only get a $250 rebate for prescription drugs. However, beginning in 2011, seniors on Medicare will get a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs while in the "Donut Hole," a gap in the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan. Medicare Part D currently covers up to $2,700 per year in prescription drug payments then stops paying for medications until costs exceed $6,100. This means Medicare Part D coverage recipients are responsible for paying all their own drug costs between $2,700 and $6,100. This gap in coverage will be eliminated completely by 2020.

Insurance Company Financial Accountability
Good-bye insurance industry executive greed. Beginning on January 1, 2011, insurance companies that provide individual and small group policies will be required to spend 80 percent of their premium dollars on medical services. Previously, insurance companies could pocket high profits without being accountable for the level of services provided to their insureds, the number of rescinded (retroactively canceled) insurance policies to avoid paying and claims, and salaries that made Wall Street fat cats look poor.

Compare Lowest Rates on the Heath Plan You Need!

We find individual health insurance plans and family health insurance quotes. If you are covered under your company or work independently we can find the insurance you need. Choose from the top network of health insurance companies to find the best rates. If you have pre-existing medical conditions and are at high-risk, have been denied coverage before, or are healthy then you may still be eligible for a health insurance plan and we can help you find it. Get health insurance quotes for individual, family, student, senior, or child plans. www.insuredbysteve.com directs you to the health insurance plan that best suits you.