Written a year ago, this blog post is still relevant. For more posts on healthcare reform, click on in index to the right.
Health care costs are up at least 5% from last year. Health insurance is up from 6% to 40% or more! This means that health insurance company profits are up. Check the earnings. Their profit is up even with decreased net income and higher medical costs. Almost 100 million people are paying off medical debt while insurers rake in piles of profit.
Hopefully President Obama will allow exemptions from medical debt, and allow capped prices on insurance premiums without regard to pre-existing conditions. Health insurance companies should discontinue lifetime limits on health coverage. At an $100,000 lifetime coverage limit, one or two major surgeries or a chronic disease with complications your coverage could evaporate in a year or two or less.
More consumer protection is needed. Protection with lifelong health membership would be optimal. The national health plan, National Health Insurance Exchange, will likely make this a reality giving all the privilege of being insured as securely as our President and Congress.
With a premium of $1000 month, your payment for one year is $12,000. This should be enough to guarantee lifetime coverage. After all, your insurance premiums are giving insurance companies lifetime profits.
by J. lL. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta COBRA. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta COBRA. Mostrar todas las entradas
jueves, 25 de febrero de 2010
miércoles, 28 de enero de 2009
10 Money Saving Medical Tips
10 Money Saving Medical Tips
by J.L. Richardson, M.D.
You are your most important asset. Here are some money saving medical tips to help you during these tough financial times.
1) Keep your health insurance coverage. This is as important as your home and food. Cut expenses elsewhere to keep it in your budget. Let your doctor know if you do not have insurance coverage. Many offer discounts to the uninsured as do other health providers like hospitals and diagnostic centers. Pay for what you need instead of relying on insurance.
2) If you lose your job, get COBRA through your employer. You will have at least 18 months of coverage. You will have to pay for it. It is worth it.
3) Be sure you are up to date on your health maintenance. Get in now for your physical and preventive tests (mammogram, blood tests, eye exam, shots, etc.).
4) Check your medication, prescription and non-prescription. Review these with your doctor to discontinue any you really do not need, and/or can't afford. Let your doctor know if you are unable to afford any of your medication, so other options can be discussed such as drug assistance programs. Research them yourself on the Internet, and by calling or writing the drug company that makes your medication. Remember to include your non prescription medicines in your budget (like cough medicine, stool enhancers, pain relievers, etc.). Talk with your pharmacist.
5) Discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These items cost money and your health.
6) If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA without paying the penalty and taxes. You may need this money to pay for present or future health costs. It may benefit you more while you are well enough to enjoy it. By the time retirement rolls around, you may not be around.
7) Eat healthy small servings. Smaller portions of healthy food save your money and your health. Remember this when you eat out.
8) Exercise at home. Save your money and time on that gym membership. You can reap the same and better benefits with a home exercise program with or without expensive exercise equipment. Turn on the TV and participate in the fitness shows that are best for you. Exercise DVDs and tapes are a one time expense that can be used again and again. Ride your bicycle, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. It all counts.
9) Continue your home exams like self breast exams, and self scrotal exams. You may detect something early. There is much controversy about the self breast exam, and it is no longer recommended by some. Common sense tells you that self detection is a smart thing to do.
10) Save money for your health bank. As insurance companies and plans cover less, you will be paying for more for services and premiums. Keep a nest egg for health expenses.
Remember that YOU are your most important asset. Great health is true wealth.
Dr. Richardson is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
by J.L. Richardson, M.D.
You are your most important asset. Here are some money saving medical tips to help you during these tough financial times.
1) Keep your health insurance coverage. This is as important as your home and food. Cut expenses elsewhere to keep it in your budget. Let your doctor know if you do not have insurance coverage. Many offer discounts to the uninsured as do other health providers like hospitals and diagnostic centers. Pay for what you need instead of relying on insurance.
2) If you lose your job, get COBRA through your employer. You will have at least 18 months of coverage. You will have to pay for it. It is worth it.
3) Be sure you are up to date on your health maintenance. Get in now for your physical and preventive tests (mammogram, blood tests, eye exam, shots, etc.).
4) Check your medication, prescription and non-prescription. Review these with your doctor to discontinue any you really do not need, and/or can't afford. Let your doctor know if you are unable to afford any of your medication, so other options can be discussed such as drug assistance programs. Research them yourself on the Internet, and by calling or writing the drug company that makes your medication. Remember to include your non prescription medicines in your budget (like cough medicine, stool enhancers, pain relievers, etc.). Talk with your pharmacist.
5) Discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These items cost money and your health.
6) If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA without paying the penalty and taxes. You may need this money to pay for present or future health costs. It may benefit you more while you are well enough to enjoy it. By the time retirement rolls around, you may not be around.
7) Eat healthy small servings. Smaller portions of healthy food save your money and your health. Remember this when you eat out.
8) Exercise at home. Save your money and time on that gym membership. You can reap the same and better benefits with a home exercise program with or without expensive exercise equipment. Turn on the TV and participate in the fitness shows that are best for you. Exercise DVDs and tapes are a one time expense that can be used again and again. Ride your bicycle, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. It all counts.
9) Continue your home exams like self breast exams, and self scrotal exams. You may detect something early. There is much controversy about the self breast exam, and it is no longer recommended by some. Common sense tells you that self detection is a smart thing to do.
10) Save money for your health bank. As insurance companies and plans cover less, you will be paying for more for services and premiums. Keep a nest egg for health expenses.
Remember that YOU are your most important asset. Great health is true wealth.
Dr. Richardson is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
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