Unlike car insurance your health care coverage will pay you back in the future when you need it the most.

But what’s the best coverage for you or your family? The answer to this seek information from is what you see fit for yourself and what members of your family may need.

For example, if you have a child that is constantly going to the doctor’s office then being a part of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) would be right for you. There’s usually a small co-payment, but the drawback is you have to peek a provider within the network. PPO’s only pay for services when they are provided within the network and if you’re referred to a non-network provider then you need a referral from your provider.

While I’ve been working in the medical insurance field for the last 22 and a half years, I customary to be a Customer Service Representative with a large automotive group as our client. They had the choice of Traditional or PPO coverage and for those who went with a Old-fashioned contract, the one wait on they enjoyed was they could go to any participating doctor.

But Traditional coverage is few and far between these days and most employers are going with HSA’s (Health Service Accounts) or higher deductibles for their employees. One thing too which drives up the cost of health care is the cost of prescription drugs.

The drug companies are raising their prices which means higher co-payments for you and your family members. It’s a sad state of affairs when you’re standing in line waiting for a prescription and you hear the clerk tell someone their co-payment is over $100.

Every year your employer receives information from many insurance companies enticing them to go with their company. They’re in it for the profits and when the person who decides your health care chooses a view which they think is the best for the company chances are they could be wrong.

While I’m not an insurance specialist or sales person you should ask what’s being offered by the insurance company. If you’re represented by a union it’s best to listen to any changes and then let your union representative know of your concerns. Health care benefits are negotiated during contract talks and if the contract is ratified that’s the coverage you’re going to have for the next three or four years (depending on your union).

Many companies offer an FC (Family Continuation rider) for dependents who are between 19 and 25. Many dependents who are 19 are covered until the end of the year in which they turn 19 and there are stipulations as to who can remain on the contract after the age of 19. One of them is the dependent must be a blood relative or attending school.

In some instances you can add a domestic partner (if your company offers this rider) but there is a lot of red tape when it comes to providing information on your partner. You will most likely have to provide a signed affidavit, proof of residence and it may take up to 90 days before your partner can be added to your coverage. Also, you generally have to be a couple for at least six to 12 months depending on the insurance company’s policy.

Regardless of the coverage you rob be obvious you know what the policy covers and how often obvious services are available.


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