http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php Copyright 2008, Mattinsurance4ca.com Mattinsurance4ca.com en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080827-150159 parts A and B of Medicare. Many disabled people believe that there is no way they’ll qualify for a health plan. A very important point I want to get across here is that there are guarantee issue health insurance plans for people who are under 65 and have parts A and B of Medicare. Both HMO and PPO, and some of the plans even include a prescription drug benefit.

When it comes to Medicare, it’s important that you know both sides of the story, and understand the advantages and disadvantages of relying solely on Medicare to provide for your health care needs. Though Medicare by itself covers many health care costs, there are many medical services that Medicare does not cover. This point is clearly made in the "Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare," which is published yearly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As the guidebook suggests, there are health care costs that Medicare either does not pay in full or does not pay at all. If you need or want services not covered by Medicare, you must pay the bill. To help fill the gaps in your Medicare coverage, you have the option of buying supplemental insurance policies known as "Medigap" plans. Supplement plans help pay the bills Medicare does not, and provide you with protection from the ever-increasing gaps in Medicare.
For the pre-65 Medicare beneficiary there are certain guidelines and timeframes you need to follow in order the get a health insurance policy issued. For a Medicare Supplement plan acceptance of your application is guaranteed if you are under age 65 and apply within six (6) months of your initial enrollment in Part B of Medicare. You must already be enrolled in both Parts A and B of Medicare to apply for these plans. If you have missed the enrollment period you will have to wait until November 15th and apply for a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are part of the Medicare program. If you join one of these plans, you generally get all your Medicare-covered health care through that plan. This coverage can include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans include:

• Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs)
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
• Private Fee-for-Service Plans
• Medicare Special Needs Plans

When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you use the health insurance card that you get from the plan for your health care. In most of these plans, generally there are extra benefits and lower copayments than in the Original Medicare Plan. However, you may have to see doctors that belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get services.

To join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You will have to pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium to Medicare. In addition, you might have to pay a monthly premium to your Medicare Advantage Plan for the extra benefits that they offer.
So, if you are under 65 and have both parts A and B of Medicare, you can get good affordable health insurance . We just need to follow a few rules and timelines.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080827-150159 Mattinsurance4ca.com Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:01:59 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080827-150159 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080821-171428
I’ve been a California Health Insurance Agent since 1994. And I can’t get over the fact that so many people are so hung up on having a co-pay in order to go to talk to the doctor. They feel that a health plan is no good without one. Co-pays I think are totally overrated. First let me help you understand what a co-pay is. A co-pay, in regards to a doctor’s office visit is the dollar amount you are charged JUST TO TALK TO THE DOCTOR. Let me clarify. Let’s say you have a PPO plan with a $40 co-pay. That $40 lets go into the doctor’s office and covers only the conciliation. Once the doctor stops talking and starts any extra procedure or orders labs or any radiology, you start paying your deductible if you have one or the percentage that you are responsible for.

The amount of premium a policy holder pays in order to have a co-pay can easily be 25% higher than having a policy with no co-pay. Let’s say a 34 year old wants a policy with a co-pay and that policy is $85 a month. And this almighty $85 health plan only lets you see the doctor on a co-pay of $40 3 times per year. If a 34 year old bought health insurance without the co-pay benefits only $69 a month, and that policy covers all the same major medical bills like labs, radiology and hospital stays. It just doesn’t have the co-pay benefit. (Source www.MattsInsurance4CA.com )

At this point I sure I’ve lost a few readers because math scares them. Or because they feel that having a plan with no co-pay is absurd. Well for those of you still reading you are going to find a little secret. High deductible health plans give you the most bang for the buck. Just do the math. High deductible health plans like HSA qualified health plans cost less per month and have the least amount out of your pocket if there’s a big clam.

The average doctors’ office visit/consultation is about $58. Not far off from a $40 co-pay. And the annual savings on my health insurance policy with no co-pay is huge. What if that 34 year old co-pay type policy holder doesn’t go to the doctor all year? That’s right. You’re paying at least 25% more for something you never used. Kind of like that new treadmill/clothes rack you got at Costco.

Why are people so afraid to pay for a doctor’s visit themselves? I don’t know. Skip the co-pay plans and focus on the deductible and out of pocket max. It’s really no big deal. All it takes to save a huge amount of money is a little smarts.

You’ll thank me later. (Source: Monk)
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080821-171428 Mattinsurance4ca.com Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:14:28 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080821-171428 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080815-161652 California Health Insurance Agent I have a different perspective of the things I see while I’m out and about. You be the judge.

High gas prices have inadvertently made some people, who wouldn’t have otherwise, walk or bike to work. Next time you’re out around 5:00 or quitting time, look around. I see some people riding bikes who look like they haven’t been on a bike in years. I see more people walking around 5:00 who look like they are wearing work cloths and they have back packs on. And I think to myself “This is great!” Not only are they saving money on gas but if I’m not mistaking, their getting some exercise and it looks like their actually having a little fun.

Do higher gas prices equal a healthier America? I don’t know. But from what I see I think it may be helping by forcing some to get up and move around. Maybe it’s also keeping people from visiting the drive threw as often and forcing them to eat in. Home cooked meals are usually healthier anyway.

Now I know some people have been blessed with good health and others by no fault of their own misfortune of an illness. But many of us otherwise healthy people have just become lazy. If more of us get up, dust of that old bike in the garage and ride it to work or to the market a few times, we might just fight off that extra 10 pounds, and become healthier.

This is where we come full circle in regards to “price”. By biking or walking to work we’ll become healthier and this will help reduce our cost for health care. Some people may be able to reverse or minimize symptoms or illnesses such as diabetes or even prevent them in the first place by walking or biking to work. If we are healthier, we can also consider health insurance plans with lower premiums thus saving money. Healthier people don’t need to see the doctor except for maybe once a year. So why buy an expensive health plan? Buy a plan like an HSA health plan that has cheap rates and covers you very well on a big claim. I think it’s a smart choice for many people wanting to save on health insurance premiums.

I may be painting a rosy picture here but, when life gives you lemons… These high gas prices are forcing many people to revisit the old Schwinn. I say take advantage of it. Become healthier and reduce your health care cost.
]]> http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080815-161652 Mattinsurance4ca.com Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:16:52 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080815-161652 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080808-125852
His family wasn’t rich, but they were not poor either. He had a stay at home mom and dad was a local business owner. His dad never thought that the need for health insurance was strong enough and never bought a policy for the family. One day his mother became ill. It was cancer. Without insurance the bills started piling up. Mom made it, but the price was much more than just the bills from treatment. He explained to that his dads business suffered greatly because of this unexpected expense. It took years to get back into the position he was in financially. Now here’s the kicker. Not only did the mom suffer a tragic illness, she blamed herself for putting the whole family in that position.

Now he sees not only that the health insurance helps pay medical bills and help keep him financially stable, it will also prevent any one of his family members from feeling bad and becoming depressed if they are stricken with a serious illness. As a young boy he wanted help, but didn’t know how. He doesn’t want his boy to grow up with that feeling.

Having health insurance is all about planning ahead. We never know when or how we are going to become sick or be in an accident. My client is smart for planning ahead. He knows that now his family is insurable and that at any time, any one person in his family may become uninsurable. He’s aware that once an illness is diagnosed, you can consider yourself either uninsurable or paying a higher premium on your health insurance.

My client’s father could have avoided all the grief and self blaming by insuring his family with a California health insurance plan. They could afford it but chose to take the risk. There are hundreds of California health insurance plans to choose from and I’m sure you can find one that fits your budget. Finding a plan is easy with websites like www.MattsInsurance4CA.com where you can compare health plans from several top rated carriers. They even make it easy to apply.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080808-125852 Mattinsurance4ca.com Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:58:52 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080808-125852 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080805-201529 California health insurance is no exception. Everybody needs to have a good health plan with a reputable carrier. Yes, I do understand the concern about the high cost of health insurances. It’s necessary to have health insurance and at the same time you should make your plan choice sensibly so that you don’t pay too much for unnecessary coverage. Here are few tips which will help you in reducing the amount of your health insurance premium.

Think about the last three or four years and how many times you have visited a doctor. If you haven’t gone to the doctor much and you have a plan with a co-pay, you may not need that particular plan. Having a co-pay included in your health plan cost more money than a plan that has either a limited number of visits with a co-pay or no co-pay at all.

Most of us generally enjoy good health except for few times a year when we suffer from some minor health issues. If you’re fairly healthy, you can go for a high deductible health plan and save money. I too followed this advice. Now I am saving a considerable amount on the health insurance premium. I was paying for unnecessary benefits earlier. You can get quotes from more than two or three health insurance companies and judge for yourself based on the quote and the coverage that you get.

Many of us are generally healthy, we can avoid inclusion of all the coverage but only opt to go with catastrophic coverage which might be required if you have a big claim. Other benefits like physician’s visit, prescription, etc. can be avoided as these extras raise the premium further.

Sometimes group health insurance can be more expensive than if you have an individual family plan. Contrary to popular belief that employers offering health insurance must go with a group policy, they don’t. Group policies are guarantee issue for any eligible employee who wants it. That means that no matter how sick or how many claims are filed, everybody gets accepted. With more claims being filed with group insurance, the insurance carrier must charge higher premiums. Individual plans on the other hand are fully underwritten. The insurance company will only accept healthy people onto the plan. There for less claims and lower premiums.

These are just few things which would help us in reducing the health insurance premium. But there might be several of other similar points which when used intelligently would reduce the amount you pay. These are not theories or rules but just things which we learn out of experience. You too can share if you have any useful tip so that others can benefit. Why should we unnecessarily pay the insurance companies when we can we can prudently save on the premium and at the same time enjoy the needed health coverage.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080805-201529 Mattinsurance4ca.com Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:15:29 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080805-201529 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080802-170304
With the arrival of the internet, we’ve become a “Do it Yourself” nation. From home repairs to investing, we don’t want to be bothered with somebody telling us what we want. We know it all, because it’s here, on the internet, right. Well sometimes it’s wise to go ahead and get the advice of an expert. Especially when it comes to a complicated product like California Health Insurance.

Until few years ago we relied on health insurance agents when we wanted to signup for our health insurance policy. We relied on their advice on the right policy to choose and for the additional riders that we chose. They are knowledgeable in this area and we did not have easy access to information on different types of policies and their costs. Most of us were comfortable operating that way because we did not have to do much except to sign on the application form and write the check.

Today, that is not the case anymore; we don’t even have our insurance agent’s number in our contact list anymore. At the same time we have started searching for better deals on our health insurance policies. This is possible because we have learned to take advantage of the internet and the online services. We can get our health insurance quotes in a jiffy sitting in the comfort of our homes. We do not have to wait for our agent to give us the quotes and push the one carrier they prefer on us.

There are number of good California health insurance quote comparison sites such as www.mattsinsurance4ca.com from which we can get quotes from all top rated insurance companies in just a few clicks. This service is available 24/7 and we can get the quote anytime and choose a plan we like at our leisure. And we can see all the quotes from every carrier and not only those that are advantageous to our insurance agent. This site also has a quote comparison tool that will allow us to compare a number of quotes side-by-side including their costs and benefits.

Yes the internet has made us forget about our insurance agents. We all feel that we can do it our self and that way we will save money. Well, that’s not always true. It’s a good idea to use websites like www.mattsinsurance4ca.com to get an idea about how the plans work and how much the cost. But when you decide to buy, you may want to give the agent a quick call and ask “This is the plan I think I want, Will it work for me in my situation.” Many people make the wrong choice and either underinsure or buy a plan that’s too expensive for their situation.

Bottom line, Get the free health insurance advice. Just ask your agent “Is this plan right for me?” The advice is free and it could save you big bucks.]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080802-170304 Mattinsurance4ca.com Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:03:04 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=08&entry=entry080802-170304 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080727-175449 knowledgeable health care insurance agent, you can get the best coverage for your own personal needs.
Medicare, although a good concept when it was first brought into being, has some "gaps" that just don't cover life in the 21st century. One of those gaps is drug coverage. That’s where part D comes in. Part D is an insurance plan that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for people with Medicare. To purchase “Part D” of Medicare you have to go to an insurance company who is allowed to sell Part D plans. Sounds good so far and there are even provisions for people with limited incomes to get extra help: Medicare will help pay for almost all of the prescription drug costs.
There are several Part “D” plans to choose from. Each insurance carrier has about 3 different plan designs. Unlike the standardized Medicare plans “A” through ”L” plans, part “D” has many different plan designs. The differences come into play with each carrier’s unique formulary list, pharmacy networks, co-pays, etc... The costs of the plans also vary depending on how rich the benefits are.
Part “D” kind of like any other prescription drug benefit that is attached to a regular health insurance plan. Your Part “D” plan may have a deductible that you have to pay before you can get your prescriptions on the co-pay. Part “D” plans with a deductible are usually the most inexpensive plans. Other plans will allow you to start buying prescription drugs with a co-pay right away. This is the most popular plan. The most expensive plans will cover your generic drugs throughout the doughnut. The doughnut is a dollar amount where the part “D” participant is responsible for paying for their own prescribed drugs out of their own pocket. Plans that give a benefit throughout the doughnut hole are usually a bit more expensive.
Buy a plan that fits your needs. If you have a lot of prescriptions you may want to buy the richest plan. Of course this will also be the most expensive but it’s worth it. If you don’t take any prescribed medication you can probably get away with the most inexpensive plan. But you do need to get a Part “D” plan when you become eligible because if you don’t, you will be penalized for signing up late. Not only that, as we age we tend to need prescription drugs to keep us healthy and everything running smoothly.
If you need help figuring out what plan would work the best for you, contact a local health insurance agent who is fully trained and qualified to sell Part “D” plans. Local agents have a good feel for the market they serve, plus the advice they give is free.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080727-175449 Mattinsurance4ca.com Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:54:49 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080727-175449 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080724-105211
I get asked this question daily at my Health Insurance Agency. Health Insurance can be expensive in California. If you have a preexisting medical condition an insurance company can give you a higher monthly rate or just flat out decline coverage. I’ve seen 50% and even rates 100% higher than the standard rate healthy people with no medical conditions get. The inconvenience of having to pay more than the normal rate will influence many people to get creative while filling out their health insurance application. “What if I forget to mention my pre-existing medical condition on the application, will they find out that I already have a medical condition or will it lead to any trouble, etc?” I get asked. People say “I cannot be without any medical insurance. And if I mention the medical condition I have my rates will be higher than what I want to pay.” A potentially higher insurance premium makes people consider all these options.

Health insurance companies help people enjoy good health by offering wellness and preventative programs. They actually want you to stay health so that there are no giant claims to be paid. You need to buy a policy early in life while you’re healthy and keep the policy forever. Health insurance is for the big “what if I get really sick” situation. Let me give you this analogy. Do you insure your car before or after an accident? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could not have to pay any premiums for car insurance, then if we get into an accident, we can race over the local insurance broker and say “I wrecked my car and I want your company to pay to get it fixed. And here’s one month’s premium. I want to take the car into the shop as soon as I leave here. And by the way, as soon as my car gets fixed I’ll be canceling the policy because don’t like that pesky monthly premium.” Wouldn’t that be great! We’d all save tons of money! But we all know it doesn’t work that way don’t we.

You cannot conceal a pre-existing ailment to the health insurance company because it will be a pure case of deception. When you deceive the health insurance company and later file claims including the legitimate ones, the insurance company can deny the request. If the insurance company finds out that you lied on your application they will rescind your policy. Rescind means they will give you back the premiums you paid and cancel/take away the policy like it never happened. When that happens, of course the person who lied on their application calls the local news crew and tells them how unfair the insurance company was. And that’s what you usually see on the news. A liar complaining that they can’t get something for free.

Having health insurance is important. You can reduce the cost of your premium by comparing a number of quotes using independent agents like Matt at www.mattsinsurance4ca.com . The competition is high in the California health insurance sector so many companies offer several different plan designs and premiums. Get insurance while you’re young and healthy and keep it forever. If you happen to have a medical condition and you need coverage, fill out an application with a reputable carrier and see what they say. If you get a higher rating by all means take it. You might be close to being flat out declined. Take the policy and then shop around to see if you can get another policy issued at a lower rate. If you do get declined, you will be offered a HIPPA plan. If that happens you need to talk to your agent ASAP for advice. There are other options.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080724-105211 Mattinsurance4ca.com Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:52:11 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080724-105211 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080721-193024
By definition a “supplement” is something that backs up, tops up or makes better another thing, item, situation or in the case of this article, Original Medicare. Medicare Supplement insurance policies are sold by private insurance companies and “supplement” original Medicare.

Original Medicare was not designed to cover you 100%. There are gaps in the original Medicare and these "gap" policies help fill those out of pocket medical expenses you would otherwise pay yourself.

Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement/Medigap policies work in concert to pay health care costs. Medigap policies are all standardized and have certain specific benefits. That doesn't mean you can't choose benefits to suit your situation, because you will have many choices. In fact you have the option to choose from 10 different plans – Plans A through J.

Without confusing the issue too much, each plan has a different set of basic and extra benefits. You can come pretty close to tailoring a plan to your medical needs by talking things over with a health insurance agent. Talking to an agent is free, and many times can save you money by pointing you in the right direction for better coverage for a lower price.

Health insurance and Medicare contracts must follow state and federal laws. This is important, it means you are protected. It makes sense then that Medicare Supplement/ Medigap policies must also follow laws.

When you're talking to your health insurance broker, compare the different Medigap plans. Once you have found a plan that suites your needs, compare the price of that plan with all the carriers in your state. You will find that the same plan has different prices from carrier to carrier. It doesn't matter which plan you choose, they are the same for all insurance companies. i.e. A Medicare Supplement “F” Plan is a Medicare Supplement “F” Plan wherever you go and whatever carrier you choose.

However, having said that, each insurance company makes a decision about which Medigap policies it will sell. This is another good reason to talk to a qualified local health insurance broker who knows his stuff.

If you are considering a Medigap policy, you will need to have both Medicare Parts A and B. If you go with Medigap, you will be paying a premium for the Medigap policy on top of the cost of Part “B”. If you are applying for coverage with your spouse, they must have their own Part A and B as well.

Although it might seem confusing and time consuming to pick and choose plans that suit your circumstances, with the help of a qualified health insurance broker, it will make things a lot easier.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080721-193024 Mattinsurance4ca.com Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:30:24 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080721-193024 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080718-122049
He had opted for plan with the best benefits possible probably thinking that it would save him a lot of money. He had opted for a health plan that covers physician visits at a $5 co-pay, a very low ($2) co-pay for prescriptions etc. I explained to him how we can safely cover these cost and reduce our health insurance premium. You should opt out of these “rich benefits” when you enjoy general good health that does not require visits to your physician on weekly or monthly basis.

The function of health insurance is to support people when they have to face a huge medical bill that has resulted out of some unforeseen circumstance or some major illness or hospitalization. It makes sure that we are not deprived of any medical attention that we require in these circumstances just because our resources were low during the time of emergency. It also helps us to keep our savings and other assets intact. We can keep our health insurance premiums low if we keep the policy to fulfill this basic function rather than opting for coverage that promises to take care of even the most basic things like doctor visits.

When I pointed this out to my friend he too readily agreed with me and regretted about not discussing this with me before signing up. I also asked him how many quotes he got before signing up. He was surprised with my question but he understood that he had lost few more dollars in that. I introduced him to Mattsinsurance4ca.com where we can get instant health insurance quotes and compare those quotes free of cost. I managed to cut down a considerable amount of the cost by comparing several plans from several health insurance companies’ side-by-side. He got the best value for his policy with additional riders at a discounted price.

To hook up to new customers, insurance companies are ready to quote several different health plan designs with varying premiums and benefits to add value to their customers. Discussing your needs with an independent health insurance agent will help you get a good deal from the insurance company. And using the services of broker does not cost you the consumer any more than if you went directly to the insurance company.

Don’t fall into the low co-pay trap. Talk to your agent about those low first dollar benefits. Don’t let your health insurance company fool you!

To learn more about California Health Insurance click here.]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080718-122049 Mattinsurance4ca.com Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:20:49 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080718-122049 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080716-165534
A Medicare Supplement Policy/Medigap policy helps cover the cost for medical services that original Medicare does not cover. It's an extra add on kind of policy to address holes or gaps in the original Medicare plan. Medicare Supplement Policies when combined original Medicare work together to pay most health care costs.

There's a prevailing myth that Medicare and Medigap are so complex and so varied across the nation that no one could possibly understand them, let alone afford them. Therein lays the myth. Medicare Supplement plans can be very affordable and are standardized in the sense that all insurance carriers have the same plan designs for Medicare supplement polices. The only difference from carrier to carrier is price.

What differs at the state level is that private health insurance companies have the option to choose which of the 10 Supplement plans they will sell to the consumer. So it makes good sense to compare the plans and the premiums prior to making a purchase. Plans A through J offer a variety of different benefits and extras making them ideal for consumers who like a cafeteria approach to health care coverage.

Health insurance agents can make a huge difference in the type of coverage consumers opt for simply by the nature of the advice they are able to provide. Local health insurance brokers are the ones with a better grasp on the marketplace than big name insurance brokers who provide call centers that don't take into account a person's state of residence.

In order to get Medigap policy, customers must first have both parts and B of Medicare. The choice of the additional Medigap coverage will include a premium for the coverage in addition to the premium paid for Medicare part B. In rare cases some Medicare Beneficiaries will pay for their Part A. Spouses must each have their own Medigap policy. The husband's Medigap coverage will not apply to the wife and vice versa.

The general consensus on the Medicare Supplement/Medigap industry is that these separate insurance policies fill quite a few “gaps” of the original Medicare. While it may not always be perfect coverage, one of the Medigap plans usually satisfies the customers’ needs.

For more information please visit www.mattsinsurance4ca.com or contact Matt Lockard by email at matt@mattsinsurance4ca.com]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080716-165534 Mattinsurance4ca.com Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:55:34 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080716-165534 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080711-190510
If we get all of the uninsured – Health Insurance or some form of Health Care, how much healthier will those people become? Will the fact they have any coverage keep them healthier and live longer lives or will they stay unhealthy because now they are just as lazy and still will not get off the couch and go to the doctor? My guess is they will still go to the emergency room for every little thing. And how much do you think that will cost responsible tax payers?! Are the uninsured really the responsible ones who are taking care of themselves, or are they depending on the tax dollars of responsible Americans to “SAVE THEM” for being idiotic and irresponsible citizens (legal or illegal) for their own health?
]]> Press Releases http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080711-190510 Mattinsurance4ca.com Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:05:10 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080711-190510 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080702-192529 Knowing more will show you how valuable they can be for you and your family.

In 2003, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) came into effect. They were launched as the greatest thing since sliced bread and promoted heavily.
Five years later many people still aren't as informed as they should be about Health Savings Accounts and how they work.

As part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act, HAS’s help US citizens under 65 save money for qualified medical expenses on a tax-advantaged basis. People who purchase a qualified High Deductible Health Plan may open a Health Savings Account. The money deposited into the HAS may be deducted from your taxable income at the end of the year. The nice thing is premiums for HAS qualified health insurance plans are much lower when compared to regular PPO and HMO insurance plans.

The tax benefits you can accrue with HSAs are:
• deposits and earnings aren't taxed and
• there is no "use it or lose it" qualifier
• Money you save in the account isn't taxed upon withdrawal if you use the money for qualified health expenses.

The HSAs are portable, you are the owner. If you have an HSA with an employer and you leave that employer, the money you have saved in the HSA is still yours. Many people confuse MSA’s (Medical savings Accounts) which are employer owned with HSA,s (Health Savings Accounts) which are owned by the individual employees.

Since HSA's are owned by the individual they are totally flexible. Of course you must have a Qualifies High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) in force when you want to make any deposits. Many people who have HDHP never open an HSA. But when they do they can deposit as little or as much as they want up the limits set the IRS. If you're looking for flexibility in terms of payments, then a Health Savings Plan might just suit your budget.

The second way to contribute to a health savings plan is your employer may make non-taxable contributions for you. Or employers with cafeteria plans may allow workers to contribute untaxed salary through a reduction in salary.

If you’re 55 or older, you can make catch-up contributions to your account. This might sound similar to an IRA, and that's because it is similar. Funds in the account grow tax-free and there are penalties for withdrawing the money for non-medical purposes. When you do turn 65 you can withdraw the money and it will be taxed as regular income. But, if after you are 65 years old, and you use the money in your HSA for medical expenses, you can withdraw the money and not be taxed.

Because of their flexibility HSAs can come in real handy. They're well worth considering for protecting yourself when you most need it. So if you don't have health insurance and need it, take a look at a HDHP and then supplement it with a health savings account. Find out if this is the perfect coverage for you by talking to a qualified health insurance broker who can guide you through the process.
]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080702-192529 Mattinsurance4ca.com Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:25:29 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=07&entry=entry080702-192529 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080618-063343
If you are using a travel agent to help you plan your trip, they can help you find the right travel health insurance plan. Many travel health insurance plans will cover more than just your health. Several travel health insurance plans will also include such benefits as emergency evacuation, lost baggage, trip delays and more. If you are not using a travel agent, there are several travel health insurance agents online where you can compare prices and plans.

Some people enjoy more adventurous vacations with activities that could be potentially dangerous. Kayaking, horseback riding, skiing, paragliding… The list goes on. We all want to try new things that we have never done before while on vacation because it’s adventurous. If you plan to partake in one of these activities, optional hazardous sports rider are available for the adventurous traveler. Check for this extra coverage while shopping for your travel health insurance plan. Often you will find that these more adventurous activities will be considered armature sports and not covered on a regular travel health insurance policy without the hazardous sports rider for travelers.

Many vacationers have saved their hard earned money for months and months to go on their dream vacation. Of course you want everything to go smoothly, but, unforeseen circumstances may force you cancel of your travel plans. Or you may find that while on vacation you need to cut your trip short due to an emergency back home. To protect yourself against this type of lose you should look into Trip Cancelation Insurance and/or Trip Interruption insurance. Benefits provide for cancelled trip, unexpectedly cutting a trip short, travel delays, baggage delays, emergency medical evacuation and more.

Vacations are a time to feel stress free, adventurous and to see new places and try new things. They are not a time to be careless or reckless with your financial stability. Be smart, protect yourself from an unexpected loss with travel health insurance and trip cancelation insurance.]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080618-063343 Mattinsurance4ca.com Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:33:43 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080618-063343 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080612-060855 www.hmohelp.ca.gov. In 2007 the DMHC received more than 200 consumer complaints about discount health plans, almost one third of which were because the consumer believed the discount plan to be insurance. “In the past month, we have seen a substantial increase in the number of complaints regarding discount plans, so it would appear that some fraudulent companies may once again be marketing heavily in California” she said.



A discount health plan is not health insurance. A “discount plan” is provided by organizations that arrange discounts for medical services, often issuing a card to you for that purpose. And the providers are not obligated to accept the discount plan, so not all doctors and facilities participate. Be very cautious and thoroughly research any discount health plan you are considering.

]]> Press Releases http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080612-060855 Mattinsurance4ca.com Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:08:55 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080612-060855 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080609-064325


If you were an insurance company who could provide a health care insurance plan to someone for $86 a month, but that someone was taking a brand name drug for something that cost $230 a month, what insurance company in the world would want this person as a client? They would lose money on them before they even got coverage. Yes, the bottom line is this: insurance is a business, and consumers must wake up and smell the coffee.



Smelling the coffee involves understanding how the health care system is being over-utilized for things it was never supposed to be covering. When health care insurance was brought into existence, the intention behind the business was for citizens to use insurance for the "big things" in life - broken legs, heart operations, etc.



Now the system is being over-used, and often abused, as consumers run to the doctor for every little cut and bump without regard for the enormous costs incurred by consulting with a specialist. If a patient goes to the doctor and says they just saw a certain drug on TV and wondered if it could help, and the doctor consents to try it, that patient has just started taking a brand name drug, and is now classified as having a pre-existing condition.



Is this a two-way street? In this example both the doctor (who should likely know better) and the patient have created a situation where the patient will not quality for heath care insurance. The patient will soon face a dilemma if they are uninsurable - what about the "big things" that happen, leading to a genuine need for the health care system? Where will they be without insurance? The unfortunate answer is: in a major financial crunch.



The moral of the story is: think twice before you run to the doctor for everything that ails you because the price could very well be an inability to get health insurance in the future. Also, over usage of policies by the policy holders is an expense that is shared with rate increases.



For more information please visit www.mattsinsurance4ca.com or contact Matt Lockard by email at matt@mattsinsurance4ca.com

]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080609-064325 Mattinsurance4ca.com Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:43:25 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080609-064325 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080602-080027


Contact: Matt Lockard

Tel. 805-650-9087

Email: Matt@MattsInusrance4CA.com



California small business owners are being pressured from every angle to remain in business and stay profitable. Gas prices, the cost of office supplies, liability insurance and even the cost to send a letter keeps going up and up. So what should companies do to cut cost?



Aside from layoffs, health insurance is frequently looked at as a place to save money. One California agent, Matt Lockard has started to showing Small Business owners how they can save as much as 20%-50% on health insurance premiums by opening a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).



“Many people are not aware of this group health insurance strategy” according to Matt Lockard owner of www.MattsInsurance4CA.com . HRA’s went into law in June of 2002. That was the very beginning of the just past housing boom and spending frenzy enjoyed by many Americans. Now, stung by rising prices, California business owners need to find creative ways to cut costs.



“Setting up a High Deductible Health Plan with a top California health insurance carrier along with an HRA is a great way to provide a good, solid health benefits for your employees” says Matt Lockard. Generally the employer switches from the traditional high cost HMO or co-pay plan to a high deductible health plan and also sets up a Health Reimbursement Account with a bank. The goal is for the savings from the new low cost high deductible health plan to more than offset the amount needed to fund the HRA. If this works, the employer will save money.



Employees may also see a savings in the first month on their pay check. If the employee is paying a portion of the health insurance premium, his or her cost will go down do the lower cost high deductible plan. “The HRA strategy also puts more money into the hands of the employees who are also contributing to the monthly premium” Explains Matt. “If the employees are contributing to the health insurance premium, and the high deductible plan cost less, their share of the premium will also go down.” That’s good news for any household who is also looking for places to cut cost. A win win!



###



If you’d like more information about HRA’s or if you’d like to schedule an interview please call Matt Lockard at 805-650-9087 e-mail Matt at Matt@MattsInsurance4CA.com .

]]> Press Releases http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080602-080027 Mattinsurance4ca.com Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:00:27 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080602-080027 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080601-153741


Most companies these days offer some form of California Health Insurance to their employees. These California Health Insurance Plans usually covers medical bills, surgery and hospital expenses. It is a great feeling for an employee to know that they are covered by their employer should anything happen to them. Group Insurance is generally available to companies, unions, and other professional associations.



If you are not covered by your employer, it is still possible to get California Health Insurance as an Individual. If you are self-employed or working for a small company that does not offer health insurance, you can opt to get California Individual Health Insurance. Getting an individual insurance plan means that you can tailor a plan that will suit you and your individual needs. You may want to look around at existing California Health Insurance plans and compare them to each other. There is a great deal of different kinds of California Health Insurance plans available, so you will want to choose carefully and get the one that suits you best.



There are so many people out there who are healthy and have never once been in an accident or been really ill. So many individuals scoff at the idea of getting California Health Insurance when they are young and have got their whole lives ahead of them. At that age, people feel invincible and can not imagine that one day they will also be getting old and frail. California Health Insurance is not just for old people or ill people, but for people who want to be able to enjoy life and not worry about getting sick. California Health Insurance is available to everyone from any age. California Health Insurance covers all kinds of illnesses and injuries, from every day accidents to serious disease. You could be fine one day and then fall over and hurt yourself badly the next. With California Health Insurance, you do not need to worry about what may happen, because you will know that you are completely covered. You will not need to worry about not being able to afford to pay the hospital bills, because you will be getting help when you need it. California Health Insurance will give you ease of mind if you have ever had a days worry about things going wrong.



California Health Insurance is available in a range of different health plans to suit you and your individual needs. Your goal with California Health Insurance is to insure yourself against injury or illness that could result in financial losses. Anybody thinking about the future will know that getting California Health Insurance is a good idea. Do not wait to get California Health Insurance, inquire today and find a plan that will suit you.



For more information go to www.MattsInsurance4CA.com

]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080601-153741 Mattinsurance4ca.com Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:37:41 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=06&entry=entry080601-153741 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080528-194400
But what if you have difficulty securing California health insurance? Health insurance can be expensive. Health insurance is regulated by the state in California, but the state only imposes certain controls on the price. California health insurance companies are not required to offer health insurance to every individual.

If you think that you cannot afford California health insurance, you should check whether you are entitled to free or subsidized coverage. The California Med-Cal program can offer coverage for certain groups of people, including pregnant women, elderly people, the disabled, and families with children. There are other organizations offering help with California health insurance costs for families with low incomes, including Healthy Families and Access for Infants and Mothers.

Health insurance premiums are generally dependent on your health. The health insurance company wants good odds that you are not going to file a claim on your policy. And insurers are under no obligation to insure you – they will check your health status, and if they think you are likely to make a claim, they can either give you a rate increase or turn you down. So if you are already ill in some way it can be difficult to find health insurance. This can include both physical and mental illnesses, or any condition which required medical advice and treatment. More and more Californians are finding it difficult to qualify for individual California health insurance, either because they cannot afford it, or because they cannot find an insurer who will underwrite them. Some people may have pre-existing medical conditions, or a condition which runs in their family, which means that they may have trouble qualifying for insurance cover in California.

One option in a case like this is to utilize a risk pool (MRMIP) – a state sponsored resource which helps people who can afford health insurance but cannot get a policy due to a medical condition or family history. These protections are required by federal law, but California has extended these protections beyond what is required by federal law.

Another option is insurance under an employer health insurance plan. If you are insured under a group plan in California, your health status will make no difference, and you will still be insured. This is a legal requirement under AB-1672.

If you already have insurance, there is no need to worry about how the state of your health affects your coverage – an insurance company cannot cancel your policy because of a change in your health status.

If you were insured under a group plan through your employer and you have lost your job, you may still be able to keep your insurance. Under California health insurance laws if an employee loses their job, they can sometimes stay in the health insurance plan that was offered by their previous employer. This is known as COBRA. COBRA means that employees who are made redundant or retire are entitled to pay for continuation coverage for their health insurance policy.



To learn more about California Health Insurance click here.

]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080528-194400 Mattinsurance4ca.com Thu, 29 May 2008 02:44:00 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080528-194400 http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080523-101152


As everybody knows the living cost in California is high, added to this spending money for treatment usually is unaffordable for many Californians. In the present day scenario, the treatment costs are going up, cost of medicines multiplies yearly, examination charges, scanning charges, laboratory testing charges, ECG charges and all such type of medical examination charges are going up.



Many new facilities come up with new ways to diagnose and new treatments, thanks to the advent of modern technology. But all this new technology can be expensive to the patients. Everybody is at risk to disease in the present world of air pollution, water pollution, fast food life, and variety of habits like smoking, chewing and drinking. Added to this the accidental rates are going up in the society. So it is necessary that everyone have a health insurance policy. Of course there are different types of health insurance policies. One has to carefully select the perfect plan which has lower premiums and offer quality service.



One has to keep in mind many things while selecting a cost effective health insurance premium in California. Here are a few:



• The state of California is very advanced and highly populated. Most health insurance companies in the state have online resources. One needs to do a proper online search to get the best quotes from them. Thoroughly research to find out the company’s profile, their track records, facilities and options they provide, the monthly premium to be paid and all relevant details, to get a perfect picture of the field.



•Make sure that you give only factual information about your habits; otherwise it will end up in conflict with the company in the event of claiming the health insurance. By all means be honest when answering the questions on the health insurance application. DO NOT LIE OR FUDGE ANY ANSWER!



•Make sure that you get all the options you want, carefully select the options which are essentially required. You carefully avoid the options of diseases and emergencies which are not inevitable for a California stay.



Last but not the least, it is always better to go with a top well known California Health Insurance carrier.



To learn more about California Health Insurance click here.]]> Articles http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry080523-101152 Mattinsurance4ca.com Fri, 23 May 2008 17:11:52 GMT http://mattsinsurance4ca.com/blog/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080523-101152