Help Yourself: Become Health Insurance Aware

The title of this blog says it all. Help yourself.

If there's anyone who hates to beat an old drum - it's us. But the current state of healthcare and more importantly, health insurance, continues to get more muddled every day.


Yesterday (10/21), the Today show had a family who's toddler-aged daughter was being denied health coverage because her weight was in the bottom third percentile for her age. My initial response is what, "now we're promoting obesity."

The reason the toddler was being denied coverage was because the child had a "pre-existing" condition of a gag-reflex which significantly impacted her eating habits. The child was however, responding well to treatments and the insurance company said it would reconsider her for coverage in the future should her condition change.


Now, the irony with this scenario is that the only family member who "needs" medical assistance and therefore, insurance coverage - is the one who doesn't have it and can't get it.


We call these oxymorons in our office.

Life insurance is really death insurance. You don't/can't collect until you die.

Health insurance, is actually sickness insurance as you only need/use it when your sick.


The moral of this particular blog is it's more important than ever to take charge of your family's health care.


Choose your employers more carefully (those who may offer benefits more relevant to your family's needs); choose your coverages more carefully (if you have choices between multiple companies); and read, call and truly understand what will be expected of you when life gives you a health issue.


Being aware and proactive can help you and your family in the long-run.

Here comes the rain again

In Northern California, Fall has finally come. And with that comes the much welcome rain.

Despite needing all the rain we can get, rains can cause a ton of headaches if you're not properly prepared.

Make sure your vehicles are in good order headed into the Winter months. Fog, wind, rain and other factors come into play during any given day leading to a variety of accident potential.

Check all tires and make sure tread is adequate, brakes are checked, windshield wipers are clean and in good working condition and that your insurance coverage is secured. If you don't know already, check into your coverage and make sure you have "med-pay" coverage included in your policy. This is to cover you in the event your injuries are substantial and attorneys become involved.

Taking precautions up front to ensure you and your family is covered will make situations much easier in the event of an accident.

Of course, if you are in an accident - document everything. Eye witnesses, police reports, medical bills or copies of x-rays or exam findings are important to building a proper case should damages need to be recovered.

In addition, be sure to pay a visit to your trusted chiropractor to properly evaluate the extent of any injuries that may have been sustained as a result of the accident.

Be smart, stay day and have a happy and healthy Fall season.

Take YOUR Health in YOUR Hands

With all the talk these days about diseases, flu shots, H1N1 virus, health care bill reforms etc, it has become more important than ever to become aware of how to best care for you and your family.

From knowing where your local hospitals are, to what kind of insurance coverage you have if you or a loved one is involved in an accident and needs unexpected care.

It is essential and in our office we say it's mandatory for patients to learn, know and fully comprehend the extent of their health care benefits and what coverage they actually have.

Empower yourself to go to your human resource departments and ask specific questions about your health care options as an employee.

If you don't have many options available, consider opening an HSA (Health Savings Account) or other side account specifically designed to pay for medical expenses only with a ton of benefits.

If putting money into a savings account is challenging on a montly basis but you or your family still requires care, consider opening a Care Credit medical financing account. The card can only be used at Care Credit accepting medical offices (so it can not be abused), but is a great way to pay minimal monthly payments for care, instead of larger lumpsum pricing.

Becoming aware of health care is a complicated thing to do right now given the current state of affairs. However, with a little work, some research online and asking the proper questions to human resource directions, your health care providers and insurance companies - the better designed plan you'll have for you and your family when the time comes.