PHOENIX, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Health insurance costs are creating struggles for many individuals, families, and small business owners today. Within many companies, from small to large, the cost of supplying employees health insurance coverage has become so expensive they are now passing on a significant portion of the expense to employees.
People always ask, "How much does health insurance cost?" and "How can I save money on health insurance?" he said.
"There are several strategies that will allow millions of families to acquire excellent, affordable comprehensive health coverage. Unfortunately, unless the soon-to-be insured does their homework with a state-licensed insurance professional, they will be unaware of these simple solutions for themselves, their families, or small businesses," said Saltzburg, whose company, Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC (arizonahealthcarereformexpert.com), custom-designs affordable health care plans in 44 states based on medical history, medical provider access, and budget.
The four secrets of obtaining the best affordable health coverage are:
Always use a professional, state-licensed broker or agent. They are trained and educated to be aware of the best plans in the current market. It does NOT cost you any more to use a broker as major medical rates are already approved by your State Insurance Commissioner.Don't use an online quote engine as your final answer - it is only a starting point.Be aware of telemarketing call center representatives who do not have a state-issued health insurance license.Utilize the "bundle" concept to give you better coverage at an affordable price with less out-of-pocket financial exposure.
"To further add to the confusion and frustration for families and businesses looking for affordable health care, there has been a huge influx of online insurance quote engines. The problem here is these quote engines assume you are in perfect physical and mental health. You'll be in for quite a shock. The price you were quoted online is not your final cost as your policy has been 'rated up' which could result in prices that are 20% - 200% higher," he stated.
"One other major challenge to getting the best medical insurance coverage is the increase in 'telemarketing call centers' that, in most cases, are not state-licensed to represent valid Major Medical coverage. They typically offer "guaranteed issue" or "group membership" plans, which are severely limited to defined maximum coverages, usually at 31 days per calendar year in the hospital. If the policy does not state 'unlimited' coverage, you are not getting the proper coverage. This type of coverage is geared toward people who were previously denied health insurance, or may have a pre-existing condition that currently is considered uninsurable. If the cost of this plan appears to be very low, there is a reason. You are not getting a true Major Medical plan," Saltzburg said.
Millions of families and business searching for affordable health care coverage are very concerned about their deductible. Gone are the days when the deductible may have been $500 - $1,500, even under a large company group plan. The average deductible today is estimated at $5,000.
"We design our plans strategically so that the deductible is no longer a major issue. According to industry analysts, about 8 out of 10 hospitalizations (80%) occur due to accidents. Up to 18% of hospitalizations happen due to critical illnesses such as heart attacks, cancer, stroke, kidney failure, severe burns, loss of limbs, blindness, deafness, coma, and advanced Alzheimer's disease," he stated.
"We 'bundle' our plans to include accidental coverage to pay up to the deductible amount. Plus, we offer critical illness coverage to also offset the deductible. The critical illness coverage offers the ability to have a lump sum payout to allow the insured to have an extra $5,000 up to $100,000 living expense money. So while they are recuperating from their critical illness, they won't worry about paying daily living bills. Bundling allows the insured to have a higher deductible, a lower premium, and an even more comprehensive plan," he said.
About Frank Saltzburg
With more than 20 years of financial services, health, health care reform, sales, and management experience, Frank helps clients obtain the health care coverage that best solves their needs. His expertise includes custom-designing affordable health care plans for individuals, families, and small business owners. He is part of Healthcare Solutions Team, LLC and is licensed in AZ, PA, FL, TX, MO, NV, and MN. He is a speaker on the current Health Care Reform Act as it relates to individuals, families, and small business owners.
For information, please go to http://www.arizonahealthcarereformexpert.com.
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