Demand for private health insurance - 10 Things You Should Know!

Recently, I learned how difficult it is to apply for private health insurance can be in the U.S.. I was going from my group health insurance and needed private coverage. Through the assistance of my insurance agent, I completed the first online application in less than an hour.

That was the easy part.

A week after completing the application, I had a follow-up call to my application from the "medical service" company. I was told this was to verify some information on my application.

And here is where things are a bit 'rough.

The woman who interviewed me wanted very detailed information on medical claims. Since the specific details she wanted were in my doctor's medical records, not at home, I was unprepared for your questions. I have made every effort to be helpful, but the call rapidly became an unfriendly interrogation.

For nearly an hour, I was asked the same questions over and over again until I feel like screaming, "he asked and answered!" For most of them I simply replied "I do not know." I finally asked to contact my doctors. When he finally did, they checked my records and answered her questions.

By the time I hung up the phone, I felt as if I'd gone three rounds with Mike Tyson. I was both frustrated that I could not answer her questions and emotionally exhausted. He treated me like a criminal instead of a person seeking private health insurance. There was a good experience!

Because of what happened to me, I did some research. It helped me to compile the following list of ten things I believe the person applying for private health insurance in the United States should know. I hope this list will help you or someone you know to avoid what happened to me.

Before applying ...

1. Do not let your policy expire before seeking new coverage.

If the policy has been canceled you can go to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This act ensures continuation of group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.

2. Talk to your doctors about your medical records before you apply.

For private insurance, companies can check your medical history as early as ten years. Therefore, make sure your records are up-to-date and talk to your doctor (s) of any health problems that could be a red flag.

3. Obtain copies of medical records.

You can also request a copy of your medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For more information about HIPAA, go to http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8-med.htm ~ ~ V

4. Find out what your state's policies are in relation to private health insurance.

Each state may have certain exceptions or variations regarding coverage. Most will publish this information online. Visit your state government site and search for "private health insurance" or "health insurance policies."

5. Check if you have a file with the Medical Information Bureau (MIB).

The MIB is a central database of medical information shared by major insurance companies. If the MIB has a file on you, a free copy can be obtained once a year by calling (866) 692-6901, or visit the company Web site at http://www.mib.com / html / request_your_record.html. 20%

6. Consult with a qualified independent insurance agent.

An insurance agent familiar with the rules for private insurance and your state can help you through the application process.

7. Obtain a copy of the application and comment before sending it in.

Some companies may refuse a claim or terminate the policy only because the information in question is inaccurate. If you leave something accidental, could cause problems. Read your application carefully to be sure you have answered all questions accurately.

If you get a FOLLOW UP CALL ...

8. Answer only the questions. Do not volunteer additional information.

Be courteous and remember the interviewer is not your friend or your doctor. In these types of interviews that have no protection of privacy. Moreover, the interview will most likely be recorded to reflect before answering.

9. If you do not know the answer to a question, be honest about it.

I recommend you get comfortable with saying: "I do not have this information, please contact my doctor." When asked specific questions about medical procedures do not guess, they see the doctor (s) and your medical records.

10. Be honest and stick to the facts regarding your medical history.

The company is applying can have access to the MIB file, and already know some aspects of your medical history. If you are caught lying, you may be denied. Most applications ask if you've ever been denied health insurance, and denial can be an immediate "red flag" of possible future applications.

I hope you find these tips useful. Just remember that when you apply for private health insurance in the United States, the best policy is to adopt the Boy Scout motto "be prepared!"...