Health Insurance Blog

As the economy struggles and health care costs rise, more and more employers are limiting or eliminating benefits through work according to the article “How Limited Benefit Plans Can Save You Money” by Chelan David found on sbonline.com.  Because of this the practice of offering small medical health plans is growing in popularity.

Limited benefit plans charge individuals as little as $50 per month for routine medical care.  They are designed to replace major medical coverage for those who cannot afford regular insurance.  Many companies offer such options such as Go Blue Florida.  Limited benefit plans have their pros and cons.  They are very inexpensive month to month but typically major medical costs are not covered.  Another con is that mental health care is not usually covered.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of going with the smaller plan like Go Blue Health Insurance, or the major plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield.  It depends on your health, lifestyle, dependents, age, and financial situation which plan will work best for you.

According to their website, Vista Health Plans has expanded their obstetrical and gynecologic (OB/GYN) network.  This was done as part of their Women’s Health Program located in Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Vista Health Plans has added 100 OB/GYN physicians and will provide members with access to one of the largest and quality OB/GYN networks in Southern Florida.  The members of Vista Health Plans may see participating specialists in general obstetrics and gynecology in addition to some sub-specialty fields.  These fields include gynecology oncology, uro-gynecology, maternal fetal medicine, and reproductive endocrinology.

You can get a more extensive list of specialties as well as participating physicians in your area by using the “Find A Physician” tool located on Vista Health Plan’s website.

For many American families, COBRA coverage is still too expensive even with the current COBRA subsidy which is temporarily in place.  The COBRA subsidy program pays 65% of the monthly premiums for up to 15 months, but still can require a substantial monthly expense, as the average family of four still pays on average $389 per month even with the subsidy.

A recent report by eHealthinsurance.com found that in twenty states, families could save $600 per year ($50/mo) by purchasing a family health insurance plan as oppose to opting for the COBRA coverage.  Even with the subsidy!

The twenty states that were found to offer the affordable health insurance identified in the report include:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida offers many seminars throughout the state to the public as well as members to get out valuable information on their Medicare and Medigap programs.  Through these often times free seminars and senior expos Medicare beneficiaries can ask any questions and get clarification on the often times complicated Medicare plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare supplemental insurance is also discussed in these seminars and interested consumers can obtain pamphlets of information in addition to asking questions to a live representative.  One of the most recent events was held at The Courtyard Fort Lauderdale to educate those interested specifically in Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO, PFFS), medicare supplements, and Medicare Part D plans for 2010.  This event was open to the public free of charge.  Understanding your Medicare health insurance quotes can prove very beneficial as you shop around in the very competitive market.

A complete calendar of events is available on BCBSFL’s website which includes dates, times, locations and what will be covered at the seminar.  If you are a medicare beneficiary or will be soon, it’s worth your time to see if there are any available events in your area.

According to the article “Retailers Take Shot At Health Insurance” by Grace Gagliano on Bradenton.com, retail health clinics are becoming a growing trend of supermarkets and drug stores.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida was the first health insurance company to offer health care cards in October.  They partnered with Winn-Dixie and in November they partnered with CVS Pharmacy. 

The Go Blue health insurance plan is the most accessible for those looking for affordable health care since it guarentees acceptance, but it does exclude coverage on visits to the ER, hospital stays, surgeries, and maternity expenses.  This may cause some consumers to avoid purchasing the plan because these are some of the most expensive costs of health care. 

Go Blue Florida does have a lot to offer though.  Monthly premiums are very low, usually between $24-$59 with in-network, up to $50 paid towards a physician’s bill, up to $50 on dental care, up to $15 paid towards prescriptions and 100% paid towards in-network lab tests at locations which are approved through BCBSFL.  Many experts are saying that retailers getting involved in the health insurance business is a new trend that may be growing, according to the article.  Some are not sure it will replace in-store health clinics, but it is interesting to see consumers looking for other options as health care costs continue to soar. 

Finding health insurance in Florida does not have to be a difficult challenge.  According to the article “Florida Health Insurance Buyers Guide” from TransWorldNews, there are certain Florida health insurance regulations that should be understood when shopping around.

Florida health insurance, like most states, are permitted to deny an application for pre-existing conditions.  This can potentially be avoided by applying for health insurance as a member of a group plan.  There are often restrictions with this option to watch out for though.  The group generally must have had coverage for 12 mos previously with no lapse. 

According to the article, Maryland, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey are the only states who do not allow an application to be turned down because of pre-existing conditions.  Florida currently underwrites policies based on previous medical history.  In Florida you are able to purchase a conversion policy if you happen to lose coverage if you had 3 months of coverage through a group before it was lost.  And there is a limit on the cost.  It cannot be more than 200% of the price of a standard rate for an individual health insurance policy. 

Go Blue Florida has helped many Florida residents find affordable health insurance.  At blueadvocacy.org you can learn a bit more about the program.  This product, which was designed to provide affordable access to health care, makes health insurance simpler for people in Florida.

Go Blue health insurance provides easier access to doctor visits, preventative dental care, and pharmacy services at competitive premiums.  Prices can be as low as $26/mos for a 25 year old.  Members have access to the Florida PPO network and protection against balance billing, which can be a huge relief for many.  Another excellent benefit is that no applicants are denied enrollment. 

Some other health care needs that are covered include prescription drugs, dental care and lab services.  They reimburse up to $50 toward each visit for qualified services.  As long as members pay their monthly premium they can receive benefits indefinitely.  This is a unique approach to ensuring more Florida residents are insured.  With the economy struggling and health care up for a possible major reform, it’s definitely good information to have. 

According to US News and World Report, Capital Health Plan, an affiliate of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, is the top rated Medicare Health Plan in Florida.

Founded in 1982, Capital Health Plan serves the four county are surrounding Tallahassee.  They currently provide coverage to more than 110,000 members.

More information about Florida health insurance & senior health insurance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) has introduced a new Medicare Advantage plan to its portfolio of health plans for seniors.

BlueMedicare Regional PPO joins a senior health insurance portfolio which already included HMO, PPO, Fee-for-service, Medicare Part D, and traditional Medicare Supplement Plans.

BlueMedicare Regional PPO is available across Florida for a $45 monthly premium.  Benefits include the ability for members to choose theit own doctors ans hospitals with no referrals required, as well as both in-network and out-of-network coverage.

More information about Florida health insurance and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSFL) offers a Medical Discount Card called FamilyBlue that provides discounts on health care.  FamilyBlue is not health insurance, but it does provide discounts on heath care services which is negotiated with providers.

As mentioned above, FamilyBlue is not health insurance, and should be viewed as a last resort only if health insurance cannot be obtained.  If you shop around and compare rates for individual health insurance plans in Florida you will find that there are many affordable health plans available.  A true health insurance plan will offer superior benefits and protect you more comprehensively should you have an accident or become ill.

There are two different FamilyBlue Plans.

• $14.95/mo.per family - discounts on doctor visits, medical services, and Rx drugs.
• $19.95/mo. per family - discounts on doctor visits, medical services, Rx drugs, as well as dental, vision, diabetic supplies, hearing, vitamins and more

More information about Florida health insurance.