This book is a comprehensive guide on obtaining affordable health care. Written by an insurance professional, the author explains how to choose and use insurance plans. The guides and checklists in the book held an individual to:

1. understand options for obtaining health insurance;
2. shop smart in securing a health plan that meets one's needs at an affordable price;
3. know what to do when use of one's insurance is needed; and
4. determine what questions to ask an insurance agent.

The author explores the variety of health insurance options available including:

1. traditional major medical plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs);
2. short-term and long-term medical coverage;
3. dental coverage;
4. disability insurance, and
5. Medicare supplements.

In addition, the author provides information on preparation for retirement, old age and catastrophic illness, home health care, long-term care, hospice care, and psychiatric hospital care. The book features worksheets, questionnaires and charts, as well as a glossary of commonly used terms, to better help the reader better understand the insurance industry.

CONTENTS
Preface.
Introduction.

Part 1. Understanding health insurance.

Chapter 1. The first steps:

Your unique situation.
What is health insurance? 
Where do I go for help? 
The insurance agent.
How are insurance agents paid for their services? 
What should I expect from the insurance agent? 
What kind of health plan should I choose? 
How much will it cost? 
The next move.

Chapter 2. How to obtain insurance:

Eligibility.
Group versus individual plans.
Group plans - Eligibility requirements and benefits.
Rate increases.
Group coverage through association plans. 
Individual plans - Eligibility requirements and benefits.
Individual plan options.

Chapter 3. Types of Health insurance Plans:

Traditional major medical plans.
Readmission certification.
Mental health coverage.
Is this type of plan for me? 
Managed care: The Health Prescription for the Nineties: 
     PPOs -preferred provider
     organizations.
     HMOs - Health 
     Maintenance organizations.
     EPOs and dual choice -
     Hybrid plans.

Part 2. Your health care rights and responsibilities.

Chapter 4. What to look for in your health care policy: 

Guaranteed or conditionally renewable.
Benefits limits.
Waiting periods.
Payment schedules.
Coverage for dependents.
Retaining coverage under COBRA.
What to do if you can't get health insurance.
How to file claims: 
     The claim form.
     Bills and receipts.
     The deductible.

Chapter 5. Finding the right doctor: 

Where to look.
Questions to ask.
Your relationship with your doctor.
How to get assistance with medical complaints.
Access to information: 
     The medical information bureau.
     Waiving your right to confidentiality.
     Providing information about
     preexisting conditions.

Chapter 6. How to protect yourself and your health: 

Self-insurance plans.
MEWAs - Multiple employer welfare arrangements.

Chapter 7. An ounce of prevention: 

How your health affects your health care costs - What are you paying for? 
What are the alternatives? 
Chiropractic.
Midwifery.
Holistic therapies.
Other therapies.

Chapter 8. Legal issues: 

AIDS and the law.
Living wills and the right to die.

Part 3. Insurance Options.

Chapter 9. Short-term, accident, disease-specific and dental insurance: 

Short-term health insurance.
Accident insurance.
Coverage for disease-specific illness.
Dental insurance:
     Traditional indemnity plans.
     Dental participating provider organizations.
     Managed care dental maintenance organizations.

Chapter 10. Disability Insurance: 

How much disability insurance do I need? 
How do I decide which plan to choose? 
Group Disability insurance.
Individual disability insurance.
When should I start receiving benefits? 
Government programs for people with disabilities. 
Social Security disability insurance.
Supplemental Security Income.
Medicare.
Medicaid.
Workers' Compensation.
What happens to my business if I should become disabled?

Part 4. Planning for the future.

Introduction.

Chapter 11. Long-term care: 

Determining need.
Activities of daily living (ADLs).
Home Health care.
What if I cannot afford long-term care for myself or my family? 
Medicare: 
     How and when to enroll in Medicare.
     Medicare coverage.
     What payments am I responsible for? 
     Medicare supplements (Medigap policies).
Medicaid.
V.A. Benefits.

Chapter 12. Life Insurance: 

Should I get life insurance? 
How much life insurance should I get? 
How much should I expect to pay? 
What kind of life insurance should I get? 
Term Insurance.
Whole life insurance.
Universal life insurance.
Current assumption life insurance. 
Riders to life insurance policies:
     Accelerated life insurance benefits.
     Waiver of premium.
     Accidental death and dismemberment.

Chapter 13. Saving for retirement: 

The time to begin is now.
How much to save? 
Social Security Benefits.
Applying for your Social Security Benefits. 
Annuities.
Government-backed securities.
Individual Retirement accounts.
Credit Unions.
401(k) and 403(b) Programs.
Keogh Plans.

Epilogue: Health care reform.

Appendix:
     A. Health insurance work kit.
         Health care cost comparison worksheet.
         Glossary.
     B. Directory of state departments of insurance.
     C. Health resource Guide - Directory of health plans for artists.

Bibliography.

 

 

This book is a comprehensive guide on obtaining affordable health care. Written by an insurance professional, the author explains how to choose and use insurance plans.