Your Health is undoubtedly Your Most Valuable Asset - so do you protect your health with natural cures & home remedies?
Health is probably something we all take for granted & only realise how important our health is when we are ill or someone close to us is suffering from ill health.
However if we all do nothing in regard to our health now, waiting until we begin to suffer from ill health & then trying to do something about it may be too late as we may have already done irreparable damage to our health.
Do you get regular health check ups? Do you exercise & eat all the right foods that are beneficial to your health? Do you use natural cures or home remedy health care products such as natural herbal health supplements? Do you smoke, drink or take drugs? Are you aware of how these habits affect your health?
Every month we will add a new complete online health book on a specific health or Natural cures topic, chapter and verse! Just click on the Health Book links below and you will see the list of links to each chapter in each complete health book.
Our Directories of Health Articles in our specific subject categories are also updated every week as we are loading hundreds of new informative natural cures health articles, home remedies & herbal recipes for natural beauty and herbal - aromatherapy guide.
Source: www.best-natural-cures-health-guide.com
While most people in the workforce appreciate getting business health insurance from their employers, few enjoy spending time comparing different plans and reviewing their options. However, diligent research is essential to find the right balance of cost and benefits for you and your family.
Business health insurance plans typically offer you a choice for the type of coverage you can receive – the more flexible the plan, the more you’ll pay. Whether it’s an affordable HMO with low fees and many restrictions or a more popular PPO with more options but higher cost, you’ll have to choose a plan based on your specific health care needs.
Obviously, selecting the right business health insurance isn’t easy. To help, we’ve compiled a list of 10 aspects of health insurance plans you should examine before selecting one.
What to look for in business health insurance
- Selection - Business health insurance providers keep costs low by getting several medical providers to agree to specific rates. You’ll either have to pick a primary care physician (PCP) or choose a doctor listed when you need service. Also, you’ll have to get referrals to specialists. If your current doctor is a listed provider, you’re in luck. Otherwise, you’ll have to perform your own research the find the best PCP.
- Location – Think about how far you have to travel to get to your doctor. Do you want a doctor closer to home or office? What if you need care while out of town? You want adequate protection for emergencies when you can’t get to your PCP or get a referral.
- Costs – You’ll likely be responsible for a portion of your business health insurance premiums and expenses. Get clear details for what your company covers and how much you must pay for individual and family coverage, deductibles before the insurance company pays its share, and prescription drugs.
- Flexibility - Think about what’s most important to you and your family: keeping costs low or providing more options? Most business health insurance plans require you to choose a doctor from a limited list, but doing so keeps your costs under control. Consider your typical health care needs to decide what’s best.
- Future preparation - A big mistake would be to only think about your current situation. Make sure your business health insurance can adjust as you experience life changes such as starting a family, approaching retirement age, caring for elderly relatives, or paying for major surgery. Most plans allow you to make immediate adjustments for life changes without waiting for your company’s annual enrollment period.
- Main features – While it can vary from provider to provider, most plans cover physicals, health screenings, ambulance service, emergency room visits, and hospitalization. You may also be eligible for other benefits such as prescription drug discounts and vision and dental plans.
- Additional features – Depending on what your employer offers, your business health insurance might also provide assistance with mental health care, addiction prevention, family planning, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and chiropractic services.
- Coverage - Find out what’s covered and what the limitations are. Does a plan cover preexisting illnesses or specific ailments? Is there a gray area for certain experimental surgeries or treatments? Knowing ahead of time will prevent you from running into problems down the line.
- Limits – If you’re concerned about serious ailments and major surgeries, check the dollar limits on each business health insurance plan. Providers may cap the amount they’ll pay out in a year – or in a lifetime – and you want to ensure you’re not left paying the bulk of very expensive hospital bills. Your employer may offer health savings accounts or flexible spending plans so you can supplement your coverage to prepare for these costs.
- Problem solving - Find out what the procedures are for resolving any business or coverage issues. You should be able to contest reimbursement levels if they seem low or claim rejections if you have valid symptoms. Check the official complaint records from your state’s Dept. of Insurance to review grievances against a provider; avoid working with one that has a lot of past complaints or outstanding grievances.
For more information on the different types of business medical insurance options available, read our overview on
offering health plan choices to employees.
Source: www.buyerzone.com
LANSING, Mich. – Nearly 1,000 union retirees and seniors gathered here May 28 to protest a scheme to privatize Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS). Republican state legislators and lame duck Republican governor John Engler are pushing for privatization of the insurance company.
BCBS is a public, non-profit entity whose regulatory oversight rests in the Michigan legislature. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association, it has labor representatives on its board of directors. BCBS provides health insurance for 60 percent of Michigan residents and, by law, cannot refuse service to even the poorest resident. But with all of this, 1.2 million Michigan residents, of whom 200,000 are children, have no health insurance.
Sam Loggans, a board member of United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 735 retirees’ organization, told the World, “They [BCBS] have accumulated a $1.3 billion fund. “Loggans suggested that the privatization plan would give corporations and their stockholders access to that money and it would be used to pay debts, raise executive salaries or increase earnings for shareholders, rather than providing health care for BCBS customers.
“People will pay five times more for prescription drugs,” Loggans added. “They’ll have to raise costs to ensure that the shareholders will realize a profit. And several hundred thousand retirees will be left out in the cold. The Republicans with Engler are here to privatize. We are here to stop this!”
Retirees from the UAW, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees joined members of the Michigan Chapter of the National Council of Senior Citizens, the Alliance of Retired Americans and the Gray Panthers to protest the privatization plot.
One strategy included in the Republican plan is to eliminate people from the BCBS board of directors who oppose privatization. Ray Bailey, first vice president of the UAW Region 1-A Retirees Council, said, “We now have someone representing workers’ interests on the board. They are trying to eliminate labors’ representatives.”
UAW Vice President Richard Shoemaker joined others in denouncing the plan. “We are opposed to any legislation that will ultimately facilitate an out-of-state for-profit insurance company that has no loyalty to Michigan retirees to take over our health insurance company,” Shoemaker said.
The right-wing privatization plan is “anti-worker, anti-senior and pro-profit,” Shoemaker argued. The privatization law would remove democratic control over who controls the company, over insurance regulatory bodies and invest the right-wing insurance commissioner’s office with far too much power.
Shoemaker urged the crowd to oppose any Republican or Democrat who favored privatization and called upon Michigan retirees to demand national health insurance under a single payer plan instead of the “profitizing” scheme of the ultra-right.
Rep. David Bonior (D-Mich.), now the Democratic candidate for governor, said privatizing BCBS will result in “cancellation of insurance or raising premiums” for most Michigan residents on the plan.
Bonior promised that a good government would buy prescription drugs in bulk, force pharmaceuticals to compete and provide for everyone who needs prescription drugs. “We need to break the backs of the pharmaceutical companies,” he added, “instead of the backs of working people and seniors.”
State House Democratic leader Buzz Thomas remarked that “it is a shame that any politician wants to take away anyone’s healthcare.”
Other speakers included Mark Gaffney of the Michigan State AFL-CIO and Phil Thompson of SEIU.
Herb Wibert, president of the Michigan Chapter of the National Council of Senior Citizens and Detroit Gray Panther Chair Ethel Schwartz, urged people to “make the issue known.” Schwartz added, “We hope to build a mass movement strong enough so that they can’t take away what is really ours.”
Source: www.pww.org
By Al Knight, KnightHope Insurance Services
Many people are in the dark about choosing a plan that is best for them or just don't want to spend the time to meet with a company representative. They may choose a plan on the internet or over the phone and not get the answers they need about the plan in order to make a good decision. Cost is not the only important factor to consider.
Here are a few important questions to ask, and remember customer service is always important!
1. Can I choose my own Doctors and Hospitals? This is important to most people because many health plans require you to stay in a network and doctors & hospitals must be pre-approved and authorized. If choosing your own Doctors and Hospitals is important to you make sure your plan allows you to do this.
2. Does it pay usual & customary or regular charges not reasonable? Reasonable means it has been pre-determined what will be paid for a procedure and many of these have not been recently reviewed. This could result in more out of pocket cost. If you don't want surprises with your out of pocket expenses when you have a claim, make sure you get full disclosure on how your plan pays claims.
3. Can I be cancelled or singled out for rate increases? Would you want your rates to go up if you discover after paying for your insurance for a period of time you have a medical condition. Make sure you can't be cancelled or singled out for rate increases or you could be left without insurance when you need it most.
4. Is it flexible, can I change the plan if I need to? This can be important in a financial pinch. Rather then give up your health insurance maybe you would want to change your deductibles or reduce some of your outpatient services to lower your premium. If budget is an issue this is an important feature to have.
5. Is it an "A" excellent rated company? Companies are rated by how well they pay claims and financial stability. You'll have better piece of mind knowing the company you chose has a good track record.
Source: http://southwestblend.com
By Kathy Gruver - LMT, RM, NHC, MS in Natural Health & Doctorate in Traditional Naturopathy
Pregnancy is one of the most memorable times in a woman’s life. You feel the joy and excitement of providing life for another. But along with that elation can come some not so nice side effects. Vomiting, nausea, swelling, acne, muscle and joint aches and mood swings are just some of the negative accompaniments to being pregnant. In a lot of these circumstances, Western medicine has little to contribute. However, complementary alternative medicine can offer assistance to enhance and ease pregnancy and labor. Here are a few natural additions that can help women during this very special time.
Massage
As a massage therapist that has worked on countless pregnant women, I can tell you the benefits are enormous. Massage can help with circulation, decreasing swelling in the hands and feet, relaxing of the shoulders, low back and hip muscles. It also helps with carpal tunnel and tendinitis which can flair up during pregnancy. When searching for a prenatal massage, make sure the therapist is trained to work with expectant mothers. There are certain points on the body that should not be massaged during pregnancy, specifically some spots on the hands and feet.
Most pregnancy massage is performed with the woman on her side and pillows, but some therapists have special tables that accommodate bellies and breasts. As long as the mother feels okay to lie on her back, some of the session is done in that position also. Make sure you communicate openly with the therapist about how you are feeling and if something is uncomfortable. And pregnant women can typically handle deeper massage, so have the therapist go as deep as you’d like.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A great companion to massage is chiropractic. I’m a big fan of this modality and during pregnancy it can be a great help for body pain. Studies have shown that more than half of all expectant mothers will experience low back pain at some point in the pregnancy. Between the postural changes and the weight gain (averaging 25-35 pounds) it’s no wonder that the body can feel uncomfortable. Chiropractic doctors such as Crystal Clinton in Santa Barbara, CA work specifically with the pelvis to restore balance. It helps with pelvis muscles, ligaments and can lead to a safer, quicker delivery.
Chiropractic adjustments, says Clinton, “Reduces interference to the nerve system allowing your uterus to function at its maximum potential.” And studies do show it reduces labor time. Another bonus is that chiropractic can oftentimes turn around a breech birth saving the mother a C-section. If you want to try chiropractic choose someone that specializes in pregnancy. And there are a few reasons not to get chiropractic such as bladder or bowel dysfunction, bleeding, cramping, faintness, and others. Check with your primary care provider if you have any questions.
Homeopathy
Most herbs are not recommended during pregnancy, but homeopathics are a safe and effective way to augment the body’s natural systems. Steven Brynoff of Mediral tells us that homeopathic remedies can work for: Morning sickness, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and general circulation, pain and discomfort, insomnia, infections, incontinence, breech birth, late labor, slowing or speeding up labor, and exhaustion.
Homeopathy works on the principle that “like cures like” and by the time the medicine is made it contains no trace of the substance that was used to make it. This is how you can take a dose of Arsenicum Album (white arsenic) and not get sick. In fact, a homeopathic dose of arsenic will treat the symptoms that mimic an arsenic overdose. It’s best when working with homeopathics, to choose a qualified practitioner. Since the remedies are chosen on each person’s very specific symptoms the premixed remedies available in health food stores may not be as effective as personalized treatment. Sandra Perko PhD says in her book Homeopathy for the Modern Pregnant Woman and Her Infant, “Homeopathy is the safest and most effective method of treatment in the pregnant woman’s emotional and physical wellbeing.”
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that has become very main stream in our society. But did you know that you can continue your practice throughout your pregnancy? Prenatal yoga is available at private yoga studies and many gyms such as the YMCA.
The benefits of prenatal yoga include: Increased strength, flexibility and wellbeing; reduced low back pain and sciatica; aided digestions; reduced swelling and fatigue in the joints. Yoga helps ready the body for giving birth and improves emotional wellbeing. During the labor itself yoga can help by preparing your body for breathing and introducing the concept of vocalization. Some yoga classes also incorporate visualization and meditation; this can be of enormous benefit if you are trying for a drugless birth. Either way, yoga helps bond the body, mind and spirit to smooth the progress of labor.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is not only well known for its help with fertility but can be used to enhance pregnancy and labor. It helps with nausea and vomiting, threatened miscarriage, heartburn, depression and babies in a breech position. Acupuncturist Lori Guynes specializes in women’s health and tells us, “Acupuncture is wonderful to help prepare a woman physically, emotionally and energetically for labor. Acupuncture has been shown to help ripen the cervix and reduce labor time.” When looking for a practitioner, check to see if they have a background in women’s health or labor and delivery.
Doula
What the heck is a doula? A doula is basically an assistant that is present for the mother and her partner during the pregnancy and labor. Some people think their spouse or companion will be enough support, but it can’t hurt to have another person with you, stroking your hair, massaging your feet and translating what the doctors and nurses just said to you. Studies have shown that having a doula decreases the length of labor by 25%, decreases cesarean births by 50%, and reduces need for epidurals, forceps, narcotics and pitocin.
Birth Assistant
I feel my role as a birth assistant is to support the mother and her companion and make sure her birth plan is followed. I offer support with homeopathics, Reiki, massage, encouraging words, relieving the spouse so he/she can rest, aromatherapy and anything else the mother could need. I’ve even taken video and photos. Labor can be very emotional for the family members present and having an impartial person like a doula or birth assistant can be a huge help to everyone present.
I hope this quick overview will help you make informed choices about your pregnancy, here’s what some new mothers had to say about their alternative treatment choices:
Tracy Johansson: I loved going to my prenatal yoga class. It helped during the actual labor to be able to maintain my flexibility and work with my body, not against. Practicing squatting helped to keep the suppleness in my legs joints and shorten the birth canal during pushing.
Jennifer Coltran: I had a birth assistant present during both my labors. She lovingly rubbed essential oil on my back and feet and used reiki to promote the progression of my labor when my body slowed down. I was relieved to have her guidance and help along the way.
Marcy Eliassen: As soon as I discovered I was pregnant with twins, my babies health became my number one priority. Being only 5’3” and carrying two huge babies really took a toll on me. When I was put on bed rest my massage therapist went above the call of duty and came to the house twice a week. The massage was truly the only relief I had at that time. It soothed my aching muscles and joints and I believe was one of the key reasons I was able to make it as long as I did without going into premature labor.
Kristin Anderson: Prenatal massage helped with my circulation and brought awareness to my whole body and its rate of change. It also helped release any quibbling fears that showed up in my mind.
Jennifer Hyle: I was growing another human being inside me and knew that every part of my physical being needed as much support and TLC as it could possibly get. I used chiropractic and acupuncture for the first time in my life during my pregnancy. And now two years later, I’ve continued with those practices. I also had a doula and her help and encouragement, especially during labor was invaluable.
Source: www.southwestblend.com
l Knight finds affordable Health Insurance for businesses and affordable Health Insurance for Families. He can also assist you in finding affordable Life Insurance coverage for your business or family.
He prides himself on personal service - explaining how your insurance works, understanding your personal situation, and helping you design a plan that fits.
He offers Medical and Life Insurance plans in most US States including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
With all the health insurance options that are available today most people wonder what company or what plan is the best for them and their family. Most people purchase Health insurance based on impulse, generally they are shopping price not value. They see a TV ad and call in, or go to a website and apply without really knowing what their getting. How does this company rate? What are the exclusions and limitations in a policy? What Doctors and Hospitals can I go to and how much will I really pay if an accident or catastrophic illness should occur? That is probably the most important question.
I have been a licensed agent for almost a decade, I have talked to thousands of people shopping for Health insurance and I have looked at many different policies. I believe shopping for Health Insurance is like buying a new car; you get what you pay for. You can add bells and whistles but the bottom line is how well it will perform when you need it most. I will share with you things you should look for when shopping for health insurance.
The reality is most of us are educated by insurance companies on what to look for in health insurance coverage. We are misled into looking for features in coverage that insurance companies tell us we should look for. We go to insurance company’s websites to educate our self about insurance. I can almost guarantee you that insurance companies are not going to tell you what you should be looking for. Most people are going to look at; Deductible, co-pays, low monthly premiums. Doctors and Hospitals should not be an issue since a good company will let you choose the network you want to participate in and a Major medical plan will cover you were ever you go. The real reason to have health insurance is not to have a $30 or $40 co-pay to see a doctor, but to protect ourselves from large unexpected medical bills which could wipe out most people financially. This is why it is important to choose a major medical plan that will pay everything over your co-pay and deductible without many exclusions and limitations.
If a serious accident or critical illness did happen to you or a family member and you required a specialist, wouldn’t you want to have access to the best specialists in the world instead of some local doctor? Wouldn’t you want to choose the Hospital which can offer the best care without a daily limit on what your insurance will pay? Millions of people every year receive inadequate health care because they did not have access to the best hospitals or specialist. Our president, senators and congressman receive treatment at the best hospitals, why shouldn’t you? The Mayo Clinic is a world class hospital known around the world as the best medical facility for major illnesses and accidents. Will your insurance company pay for treatment at the Mayo Clinic? The bottom line is shouldn’t we be looking for the value in a plan, not just the price and or co-pay?
The coverage that I recommend to most families is offered by a company that has been around longer than any other health insurance company in the world. They have been in business since 1892 and in early 2006 was the 26th largest company in the world. It is offered by Time Insurance and is marketed under the name of “Assurant” Health. Assurant Health is an excellent A- rated company and offers coverage to individuals, families, and self-employed, small and large businesses.
Assurant Health has a flexible portfolio of plans to choose from. Each plan is customizable, so you can choose the features you want. It features a co-pay/deductible relief option called Suite Solutions that pays you back up to $10,000 for an accident or catastrophic illness. You may find other companies that offer a good major medical plan, good luck! To me “Assurant” if one of the best.
Source: http://southwestblend.com
Welcome to Health Insurance Online, where you can get an affordable health insurance quote from a variety of health insurance providers such as Anthem, UniCare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield simply and easily. Our site has been designed so that you can learn more about health insurance companies, the health insurance plans they provide and the states they offer individual health insurance coverage in quickly and easily. You can even request and receive a free, no obligation quote online.
Health Insurance
We want you to have a simple, yet well informed and educational experience while you are shopping for health insurance quotes. That's why we have created informative overviews of many different health insurance companies, as well as the states the providers serve. The providers of health insurance on Health Insurance Online include Anthem, Unicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana, Assurant, Kaiser, PacifiCare, United Healthcare, SummaCare, Celtic, and many more. Review options, plans and pricing from different insurers by requesting a free health insurance quote.
Affordable Health Insurance
With unemployment on the rise and many people concerned about losing their job, finding affordable health insurance is more important than ever. Without an affordable health insurance plan, you can find yourself paying thousands of dollars in medical expenses, expenses that could have been avoided if you had coverage. While COBRA is a conventional option it's not the most affordable health insurance coverage. Finding affordable health insurance coverage from a reputable health insurance company is the best way to make sure you have affordable health insurance and peace of mind. You can request a quote by filling out the form located in the upper right hand corner of the page.
Cheap Health Insurance
When we use the word "cheap" to talk about our cheap health insurance offerings, we don't mean "low quality," we mean "inexpensive." The cheap health insurance offered by the various companies here at Health Insurance Online is indeed inexpensive, but quality isn't sacrificed for cost. The various cheap health insurance policies offered by our partner companies are affordable as well as comprehensive, giving you the coverage you need for the peace of mind you and your family deserve. This way, when you shop around through our various cheap health insurance policies, you can be sure you're not only getting access to high-quality insurance, but at a prices you can easily afford.
Health Insurance Quotes
There are many different types of health insurance quotes one can search for when shopping for health insurance coverage. Most people are at a loss as to how to even take that first step and find health insurance quotes. Often they are compelled to simply give up and take the first option that comes their way. While it can seem daunting at first to be bombarded with options such as HMO's, PPO's, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and so on, it doesn't have to be. With the power of the Internet, you can easily find health insurance quotes for the coverage and the plans that best meet your needs. These health insurance quotes are presented in an easy to read format, and can be sent right to your email box. To get started, request a free health insurance quote by filling out the quick and easy form located in the upper right hand corner of the Health Insurance Online web site.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Medicare is a Social Security benefit for senior citizens age 65 and older or individuals under age 65 that have certain disabilities that covers many medical expenses. However, in many Medicare plans, there are predictable "gaps" in coverage that can leave seniors with unreimbursed medical expenses. Thankfully, many health insurance companies offer Medicare supplemental insurance, also known as Medigap insurance. Medicare supplemental insurance offers seniors coverage for health care costs that are not covered by a traditional Medicare plan. By having Medicare supplemental insurance, seniors can rely on consistent, constant and comprehensive coverage when they need it. Visit the "Seniors" section of our web site for comprehensive information regarding Medicare and Medigap Supplemental Health Insurance available for Seniors.
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is a form of insurance purchased by policyholders to help in the event of a medical emergency, doctor visits, prescriptions, other medical expenses, and even long-term care. In short, medical insurance is protection against financial loss due to illnesses or bodily injuries. We want to make shopping for affordable, high-quality medical insurance as simple as possible. To help you make an informed decision, we have created a comprehensive guide to understanding medical insurance, its premiums, availability, and benefits. You can even request free medical insurance quotes and compare plans from many different health insurance providers.
Individual Health Insurance
As health care costs continue to skyrocket, it's never been more important to be insured so your medical expenses will be covered. Purchasing individual health insurance is a key factor in providing peace of mind to you and your family, as well as keeping them in good health. Thankfully, many individual health insurance policies are affordable, making health insurance easy for nearly anyone to access. There are various different types of individual health insurance plans to consider, however, such as major medical insurance, HMO's, PPO's and high deductible health insurance plans. There are also many ways to get individual health insurance, whether it's through an agent or a website.
Health Insurance Coverage
Finding affordable health insurance coverage in many states is easy through Health Insurance Online. We offer health insurance coverage through reputable companies in several states, including California, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Virginia and many more. Finding health insurance coverage in these states is easy thanks to companies such as Anthem, UniCare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. By using our simple form, you can get a myriad of health insurance quotes from various companies offering health insurance coverage in one of these states at affordable rates. So take a look at those states in which we offer health insurance coverage, and then choose the health insurance plan that's right for you.
Health Insurance Plans
There are a wide variety of different health insurance plans you can consider when shopping around for your own health insurance coverage. Here at Health Insurance Online, we offer information on several health insurance plans from companies such as Anthem, Aetna, Humana One, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente and many more. Health insurance plans come in many different types, such as individual health insurance plans which include HMO's, PPO's, as well as Medigap health insurance plans for seniors. These varying types of health insurance plans offer different premiums, co-pay amounts, deductibles and more. Therefore, when shopping through various health insurance plans for your needs, consider your options carefully before choosing the health insurance coverage you need for you or your family.
Family Health Insurance
Making sure your family has the health insurance coverage you need for the peace of mind you deserve is important and beneficial. Thankfully, most people can acquire family health insurance coverage through their employers, many of which are required to cover spouses and children of their employees by law. This helps make having family health insurance affordable and convenient. If you lose your job, you can still purchase an individual plan that provides you with family health insurance at affordable rates. Many health insurance providers provide affordable health insurance rates on plans covering the entire family. Therefore, having family health insurance isn't only affordable, but essential.
Student Health Insurance
Having children is an investment in our future, so providing them with health insurance is very important for their health, happiness and well-being. Most children are covered by their parents' policies until they're the age of eighteen, upon which they must find a new health insurance plan. This is where student health insurance comes into play. Many parents purchase student health insurance for their newly-adult children as soon as they hit eighteen years old, allowing their children to focus on more important things such as college, student loans and so on. Thankfully, many colleges offer discounted student health insurance, and if they don't, most health insurance companies offer student health insurance also at discounted rates.
For additional general health and well being information visit the United States Department of Health and Human Resources or Affordable Health Quotes for You.
Source: www.online-health-insurance.com
Most of us-at least the ones that aren't independently wealthy or lottery winners-rely on a job to pay for the things we want and need in life. If we don't get up for work every day and put in our time, we risk losing our job to someone that's a little more motivated. Sometimes, however, losing your job isn't your fault at all. When companies cut back, restructure, or close their doors for good, anyone can lose their job, from the unskilled worker shipping orders to executive-level talent. For those in Illinois, that might mean your Dwight Illinois healthcare coverage is no longer good. And though the sting of losing a job and income is hard enough, perhaps the worst part is the fact that you can be exposed to large medical bills if something were to happen to your health. With the potential for astronomical medical bills, that's a terrible place to be.
When you have a job that has health insurance, chances are if you live in Illinois and get injured badly, your insurance will cover you at a Chicagoland hospital. You probably can't go to any one you want, but at least there is an option for you. If you lose your job and benefits, that's no longer the case. Sure, there are programs where you can extend your coverage, but these programs are usually very expensive. And if you just lost your job, how long will you really be able to afford that? It's for this reason that keeping a job is so important. The risk of getting seriously sick or injured may not be great, but if it happens you may be paying off bills for years to come.
Let's say you get hit by a car. Your stay in a Kankakee hospital might put you back together and get you back on your feet, but at what cost? All those tests, visits, and medicine that would normally be covered in part or in whole by your insurance instead must be paid in full by you. That may not seem like a lot, but once you see what the full cost is, you'll realize how blessed you were to have health insurance. What can you do to keep your benefits? For one, work hard at your job, keep gaining new skills, and show up on time. It also could be helpful to have a spouse or partner who has a job that has benefits. If you happen to lose your job, you could switch over to their benefits.
Losing your healthcare benefits is tough, but at least you know that the Dwight Illinois healthcare location of Riverside Medical Center has the service and experience you need. Whether you're in need of a Chicagoland hospital or a Kankakee hospital, Riverside is there when you need them. Visit Riverside Medical Center and learn about all the cutting edge treatments and how they are helping our patients!
At his inauguration, Obama declared that "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility." That was about three weeks before signing a bill to spend a massive $800 billion in tax-payer money (plus interest that accumulates) that the government currently does not have. Interesting, if this is supposed to serve as an example...
It is imperative in the country that we all begin to believe in the importance of personal responsibility. People who have Health Savings Accounts are taking responsibility for some of their own medical expenses. They are taking responsibility for putting aside money to cover future medical expenses. They take responsibility for choosing medical services that offer the best price, convenience, and value. It may sound corny, but the whole nation really owes Health Savings Account owners a debt of gratitude for what you do to better society.
Take Personal Responsibility for Your Health
At the National Consumer Driven Healthcare Summit which focused on Health Savings Accounts, Elizabeth Bewley gave a fascinating talk titled "Consumers Need to Become CEOs of Their Own Health and Health Care". She explained how our modern healthcare system is set up to benefit interests other than you. For instance, she spoke of a condition called ICU Psychosis, which affects many patients after spending time in intensive care. This problem manifests as a form of delirium or psychotic episodes, and is caused by the typical conditions in ICU - bright lights, noise, sleep deprivation, confusion about night and day, etc.
The first step in being your own healthcare CEO using your Health Savings Account is to take care of your health. Simply staying out of the hospital could save your life. The Institute of Medicine reports that medical errors cause about 100,000 deaths annually, making this the third leading cause of death. Hospital-contracted infections kill another 100,000 a year. Adverse drug events kill an additional 125,000. Thus, approximately 17% of total deaths in the U.S. may be attributable to medical care.
Up to one half of prescribed drugs do not work for patients as intended, and physicians rarely explain possible adverse side effects or how long the patient should take the drug. Bottom line, the system is not individual-centric, but rather built for the needs of the providers. By using a Health Savings Account to take more control, consumers need to ask more questions; create a personal health record; and realize that they, not the doctor, are in charge of their own health.
Healthy Eating
A new study was just published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, titled Metabolic and physiologic improvements from consuming a Paleolithic, hunter-gatherer type diet. Humans evolved over millions of years as hunter-gatherers, and only very recently did humans begin eating grains, dairy, vegetable oil, sugar, and other modern foods. (10,000 years may seem like a lot of time, but it is nothing as far as evolution is concerned).
This was only the 4th human study to be done on the Paleolithic-type diet, and like the others it found dramatic results. Those who ate this way had lower blood pressure, better glucose tolerance, less insulin, greater insulin sensitivity, and better lipid profiles. People lose weight, their digestion works well, their joints stop hurting, they have greater mental energy, and their risk of cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease plummet. Diet is the single most important factor in your health, and you really are what you eat.
If the current economy is affecting you, and you're looking for ways to cut expenses, get a Health Savings Account to become CEO of your own health care. If you're in good health, you can always check to see if there is a less expensive HSA insurance plan that you can switch to. Always explore all your options and find the best HSA Plan that will work with your Health Savings Account.
It can be very daunting to select affordable family health insurance that best suits the needs of your family among the hundreds of different insurance policies in the market. Following are 3 things you can do to start your search in the right direction. Furthermore, you will come across more knowledgeable to your broker, if you have one.
Know The Needs Of Your Family – Both Financial And Medical
Firstly, decide your budget for your family health insurance.
* Find ways to lower your monthly premiums.
* Drop coverage that you will not need for sure such as maternity coverage if nobody in your family is planning on having children.
* Select the highest deductible that you can afford.
* Check out high deductible plans such as Health Savings Account.
Secondly, be realistic about the health conditions or medical needs of your family.
* If your family is healthy and is generally made up of younger people, you may need to only cover for major illness or accidents.
* Pre-existing medical conditions may require special attention to the terms of policy and coverage.
* If your family is made up of more seniors who may be more susceptible to certain illnesses, you may require suitable coverage for those illnesses.
Finally, do a background check on the insurance company.
A.M. Best Rating
* Visit the national rating registry to check the rating of the insurance company you wish to get a family health insurance from.
* This allows you to check on the credibility and financial strength of the company.
* Ensure that the company has an A+ or an A rating.
Consumer Complaint Ratio
* Visit the website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
* Checking the consumer complaint ratio will allow you to learn the level of satisfaction of consumers of the company you are interested in.
Number of Unresolved Complaints
* Call up your State Board of Insurance to check on the number of unresolved complaints that the company of your interest has.
* Do not do business with any insurance company that has high number of unresolved complaints.
Compare Quotes And Terms
* Compare quotes from many different insurance companies. You can do this online easily.
* Compare terms in policy.
1. Check The Benefits section - Example: If you do not get much benefits for outpatient treatment (common in most policies), you may be in trouble if you are given outpatient treatment for illnesses such as cancer (also common in most medical centres).
2. Check The Limitations and Exclusions Sections - Example: Do not get too excited if the policy says that the insurance company will make 100% of payments after $3,000 of covered medical bills. The term covered refers to what the policy specifically states to provide coverage for. So, if your policy states that the company will pay four times the room rate for ICU (and it’s common knowledge that ICU rate is about ten times the room rate), the rest of the ICU cost will not be considered covered and you’ll have to pay for it.
Many people consider that finding health insurance are for those who fall ill often and those who do risk filled jobs. However, the truth lies in the way when sudden blow of health hazard occupies one of our family members leading to consecutive problems in economy and normal life. Having a Healthinsurance is a must. Click here to get more Information about Healthinsurance.
Uma Ilango is a programmer from profession. Has lots of interest in non-technical writing too. She has written articles in several topics. Her hobbies include reading, surfing, writing and playing chess. She writes regularly at Bigarticlepool.com
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
With so many choices available it's difficult to know just what to look for when selecting health insurance coverage.
The first thing you need to establish is just what your particular needs are. For example, do you need cover for just yourself or are you looking for a plan to cover yourself and your spouse, yourself and one child, or your whole family? This is a fairly easy question to answer, but the next one is a bit trickier.
What exactly do you need in terms of your health? Are you and everyone else who will be included in the plan in good health or do you have any pre-existing conditions which will need to be taken into account? Does anybody have special medical needs or are they going to need treatment by certain medical specialists or in particular medical institutions?
Next, if you are arranging cover through a group scheme provided by your employer, you need to know the options that are open to you. Your choices will be limited to those provided under the plan that the company is offering and this might or might not make your decision easier. If you are not considering cover under an employers group plan then, before you go any further, you will need to have an understanding of the differences between an indemnity plan and a managed care plan, or one of its variants.
Indemnity health insurance plans allow you the freedom to choose where and when you seek medical treatment. This freedom comes at a price and will usually be accompanied by high out-of-pocket costs but, in many cases, this can be a reasonable trade-off.
Managed care plans are more restrictive and you will have to seek treatment from doctors and facilities within the managed care plans network. For treatment beyond that which is normally considered as basic care you will also normally have to seek pre-approval. Costs under managed care plans are lower than those under indemnity plans and if you are not worried about where and by whom you are treated, or need to keep a close eye on your medical costs, then managed care plans might be a good option for you.
Naturally, this is a very basic comparison and you will need to investigate further depending upon your own personal circumstances.
Having decided what type of plan you need, the next problem is how to choose the right insurance company. There are numerous companies providing health insurance today ranging from small independent organizations to the well-known corporate giants. Here it is very much a matter of personal choice and you will need to do your research. A good place to start might be to ask friends and colleagues or indeed your own family doctor. The Internet can also give you a wealth of information on the whole range of health insurance providers and is an excellent place to discover health care insurance company rankings and to find an online major medical insurance company.
source: medicalhealthinsurancetoday.com
It is very easy to assume that if you hold a health insurance plan then your medical insurance provider will cover you for all eventualities. This is not however the case and not only will most health care plans exclude some forms of treatment but there is also very considerable variation between individual plans. Additionally, it is also often thought that once you have paid your premium then all of your medical bills are covered. Once again this is not the case and you will be expected, regardless of the plan you have, to pay at least a proportion of your medical costs.
Ideally you would like an individual or family health care plan to cover you for everything from preventative care through to major accidents and hospital care and everything in between. However, in reality the treatment which you are entitled to under your plan will almost certainly be limited and the plan will rarely meet all of your costs. As a result, it is extremely important that you read the small print of any plan before signing up for cover and that you understand exactly what you are and are not getting from your plan.
Traditionally indemnity (fee-for-service) health insurance plans have not covered preventative treatment, such as annual immunization and check-ups, although these are usually covered under HMO plans. This situation is however changing nowadays and more and more insurance companies are coming to the view that they can a considerable amount of money by concentrating more of their efforts on encouraging plan holders to stay healthy in the first place. As a result it is increasingly common to see preventative medicine covered by policies and some will even offer you discounts on the use of health club facilities and on programs which help you to quit smoking.
Most policies today will cover annual check-ups, annual eye checks, immunization, routine medical care, pre-natal care, well baby visits, urgent and emergency care and hospital care, including x-rays, blood tests and other laboratory work.
It is important to remember however that the mix of treatment which is covered will vary from plan to plan and so you must check any policy document carefully to see just what is insured. You must also read through the policy carefully to see what is specifically excluded.
The majority of health insurance plans will specifically list treatment which is excluded and this will typically include dental and vision care (other than routine annual eye checks) and a long alphabetical list of everything from acupuncture to weight loss treatments.
You will find that on a small number of plans dental and vision care is covered but, in general, health insurance plans in the United States do not provide this cover and separate dental and vision cover plans need to be arranged.
Another area for close attention is that of cover for the cost of prescription medication. As the cost of prescription drugs continues to rise a growing number of insurance companies are excluding cover for the cost of drugs from their policies. It is also becoming common for cover for the cost of prescription medication to be available through separate policies, as in the case of cover for both dental and vision care.
One final point to consider is that several states require specific provisions to be written into health care insurance plans sold to state residents. This is designed to protect residents against unscrupulous practices by the insurance companies and is generally of considerable benefit to plan holders. Such benefits are not transferable and benefits will be lost, or gained, as you move between states.
Health insurance plans can be a complex and far too many people assume that they are covered until they fall ill and suddenly discover that they are not covered, or that they are required to meet a substantial portion of the bill.
The secret to buying a health insurance plan is to read through any policy document before you take out cover and make sure that you are getting the cover that you need and want.
Source: medicalhealthinsurancetoday.com
