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Individual Health Questions
   
  What are the different types of plans offered to individuals and families by insurance companies?  
  What is a "Pre-existing Condition"?  
  When do I have to choose a primary
care physician?
 
  How long does it take to get approved for health insurance?  
  Would it be cheaper to purchase my policy directly from the carrier?  
  Why shouldn't I use one of the national online insurance services?  
  How do I know which policy is best for me?  

 

 

   
 



What are the different types of plans offered to individuals and families by insurance companies?


Traditional Indemnity. These plans offer the insured complete freedom in the selection of her/his medical providers. These are the most expensive plans available on the market.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). These plans have a limited network of physicians and hospitals. Insureds are required to have all of their care directed by their Primary Care Physician. These plans have become popular due to their low cost and comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Point-of-Service (POS) plans are a spin-off of HMO's and give insureds access to non-network physicians and hospitals.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO).These plans combine aspects of both a traditional indemnity plan and an HMO. PPO's offer financial incentives to see physicians in their preferred provider networks. They do provide coverage for "non-network" physician visits. Costs for these plans are very competitive.

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What is a "Pre-existing Condition"?


A Pre-existing Condition is any disease, illness, sickness, malady or condition for which a reasonable person would have sought advice, diagnosis or treatment by a physician before the effective date of health insurance coverage.

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When do I have to choose a primary care physician?


You are only required to choose a primary care physician if you sign up for an HMO or POS plan. These plans will provide you with a list of doctors from which you will choose your primary care physician when you sign up for the plan. Insureds usually choose a family physician, internist, obstetrician or pediatrician.

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How long does it take to get approved for health insurance?


Once we have received your completed application and your check, a decision can usually be made in about three to four weeks. In some cases an insurance carrier will want to review your medical records. The process of requesting and obtaining medical records can extend the waiting period by a few weeks.

IMPORTANT - NEVER CANCEL YOUR EXISTING COVERAGE UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY A NEW CARRIER, RECEIVED THE NEW CONTRACT AND APPROVED OF THE COVERAGE.

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Would it be cheaper to purchase my policy directly from the carrier?


No. They charge the same rates for a policy whether you purchase it directly from them or through us. We prefer that you use a broker to provide professional expertise when purchasing the policy that best suits you.

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Why shouldn't I use one of the national online insurance services?


Health insurance is a state regulated business, and each state has a unique set of rules that must be followed. Only a local broker can have a full working knowledge of your state's laws and requirements. Also, different companies are competitive in different areas. Only a local broker will know which plans are stronger in your area both by price and by benefits.

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How do I know which policy is best for me?



There are many things that need to be considered when choosing a health plan. Ask yourself a few of the following questions:

a) How comprehensive do I want coverage of healthcare services to be?

b) Are the doctors and hospitals I want to see part of the plan?

c) How important is the cost of the services?

d) How much am I willing to spend on premiums and other healthcare costs?

e) What type of benefits do I want to have from the plan?

These are just a few of the questions that you need to answer. Our professional advice costs you nothing! We have helped hundreds of individuals choose the correct plan. Let us do the work for you.

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