Various Michigan Health Plans Lack Proper Coverage

On February 9, 2010 · 0 Comments

Amid the countless policy exclusions, out-of-pocket expenses and premiums, it is inevitable that Michigan health plans are unequal. Then, there’s the variation of medical benefits from different insurance carriers and the confusing terminology; hence, the alternatives for opting into a Michigan health plan without being burned with an outrageous medical bill is a daunting feat for most Michiganites.

Since, consumers are unaware of the terms of the insurance policies, market research surveys for the health care sectors, gathered from national agencies, indicate a high propensity of Americans purchase policies with inadequate coverage. Add to the mix, the uninsured consumer, who has a checkered medical history, buying a Michigan health plan-and there’s a high possibility that the policyholder will be subjected to paying off a hospital bill for the rest of their life.

President and publisher of Michigan Health and Life.com, Michael Novelli blames the Michigan health plan debacle on the fact that ‘most are not educated about what they are purchasing and with fraudulent insurance agents, trying to close a deal, the consumer bears the brunt of the problem.” The online publication, Michigan Health and Life publishes information regarding the health insurance reform bill, current news events about Michigan health plans, and complimentary advice and medical quotes, serving as a resource for Michiganites, who are shopping for insurance.

A number of red flags highlight serve as caveat to the worthless Michigan health plan. These include:

Insufficient -Miniscule benefits. “Not major medical” and “limited benefit” insurance are two terms, which indicate the potential of an insufficient Michigan health plan. These policies typically do not cover the cost of a major illness, such as cancer, a heart attack or diabetes. With the average treatment for colon cancer being $250,000, it is quite apparent that health care costs are exorbitant. Michigan health plans with a $250,000 lifetime are significantly deficient in medical coverage benefits.

* Excluded medical care services. Expect any unmentioned medical benefit is not included in the plan. Make sure that the plan accounts for in-hospital stay, physician’s visits, as well as any outpatient medical treatments. Also, analyze whether the medical policy has adequate per-day benefits. Certain Michigan health plans impose ceilings for specific benefits. For instance, $800 per day hospital stay allowance is insufficient coverage.

* Ceaseless out-of-pocket costs. Depending on the Michigan health plan, the policy may not delineate a cap or maximum amount of the out-of-pocket costs. In other words, any co-payments, including doctor’s visits, medications and diagnostic procedures are not credited toward the out-of-pocket expense.

* Abnormally economical premiums. Any time the premiums for a Michigan health plans are too low to be true, be sure to compare the cost of a comprehensive and managed care plans. For instance, Michigan Health and Life.com provides several quotes to analyze the appropriate fit Michigan health plan.

Bookmark or visit Michigan Health and Life.com for more information pertaining to Michigan medical insurance coverage. The site maintains the latest news, resources and free Michigan medical insurance quotes, online.

Essential Michigan Health Insurance Questions and Answers

On January 3, 2010 · 0 Comments

When it comes to selecting medical coverage for Michigan health insurance, there are several laws, underwriting stipulations and preexisting guidelines to be aware of. Use the information, below to shop around for health insurance.

Are there any rate restrictions? Insurance carriers do not have any rate restrictions; however, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is required to community rate products for individual plans.

What are the underwriting stipulations for Michigan health insurance? In Michigan, all insurance agencies with the exception of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) have the autonomy to medically underwrite services.

During open enrollment, are elimination riders legitimate? Although Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and HMOs are required to guarantee coverage during open enrollment (including HIPAA eligible), elimination riders are non-permissible.

Are there strict guidelines for Michigan’s Patient Bill of Rights? Effective since, October 1, 1997, the Michigan Patient Bill of Rights grants patients the right to obtain their medical information and health coverage sooner for conditions that were diagnosed prior to enrollment of the current Michigan health insurance. The legislation does not apply to self-funded health care plans.

Are preexisting condition requirements applicable for obtaining coverage? There is a 6-month look-back coupled with an exclusionary period limit for preexisting medical conditions, which applies to both Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and for HMOs. As for individual medical coverage, other Michigan Health insurance, providers must adhere to a 6-month look-back as well as a 12-month exclusionary period limitation on preexisting medical conditions.

Is there an online source for consumers, who are in quest of health insurance quotes, to obtain hassle free medical coverage information? Any insurance representative, who charges consumers for Michigan health insurance quotes, is breaking the law.

At MichiganHealthandLife.com, licensed insurance agent, Michael Novelli provides several various medical coverage quotes.

To speak with a reliable source in Michigan about Michigan health insurance, speak to Mike Novelli at 1-866-522-5953. Or you can obtain your own free quote by clicking on this link, Michigan health insurance quote.