Pennsylvania Health Insurance FAQ
Finding answers to Pennsylvania health insurance FAQ, otherwise known as frequently asked questions, is much easier than it has been in the past. This page will help answer some of the important FAQ you need to know about Pennsylvania health insurance. Once you are through reviewing the Pennsylvania health insurance FAQ, you will be armed with the knowledge to make the right decision.
Pennsylvania Health Insurance
FAQ: Different Coverage Options
What are the different types of health insurance?
The first type of health insurance is referred to as group insurance, which means that it is through some type of organization, but provided by an insurance company. Two examples of group insurance are as follows:
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Employer sponsored insurance: Insurance is obtained through your employer who pays all, some or even none of the premiums.
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Association insurance: This is when insurance is obtained through an organization or association such as an alumni group.
The second type is individual insurance, which is when an individual purchases insurance directly through an insurance company.
What types of policies are offered?
The first is called a basic policy in which the coverage includes hospital, medical and surgical procedures. Usually a basic policy will only cover these services up to a certain limit and then you would be responsible for any further costs.
The next type of policy is referred to as a major medical policy and allows for more extensive coverage than a basic policy. However, major medical policies typically have a deductible that must be met before the insurance kicks in, so be sure to ask before purchasing.
What items should I consider before purchasing a PA health insurance policy?
There are a few more items to consider once you’ve decided on what coverage you require from an insurance policy.
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What is the deductible set at? Does this apply to prescription, preventative care and regular doctor visits?
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Do pre-existing conditions have a waiting period before they can be covered under this policy?
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Are there any sicknesses or accidents that aren’t covered by your insurance policy? Are these things that the policy will not cover in relation to illness and injury? You may need to purchase supplemental insurance once you answer these questions.
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What are your limits for what the insurance company will pay out?
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Do you have co-payments, or is there a flat fee that is paid monthly?
Pennsylvania Health Insurance
FAQ: Money Saving Tips
What are some ways to save money on PA health insurance?
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Start and keep a healthy lifestyle! This is health insurance after all, and your premium is based on your health. Quit smoking, eat healthy, exercise, and get to your ideal body weight. All of these will ultimately affect your premium.
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If you are unable to get health insurance from an employer, try purchasing it through an association. Group insurance may be the best option for many people, so check with your alumni or union groups.
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Compare at least 3 different insurance companies. The Internet has made our job easy by providing access to research tools such as the one on this page!
What are factors that affect the premium of PA health insurance?
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Geography is a big factor in the premium. Your location will correspond with healthcare costs in your area, as well as risks associated with your location.
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Your personal history will change the premium. If you are in your 20’s with no previous health problems, your premium will be very different from someone in their 60’s with a long list of prior health ailments.
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Your current health status, including your weight and if you smoke. Obviously if you are at the ideal body weight for your height and a non-smoker, your premium will be lower than someone who is overweight and a smoker.
Pennsylvania Health Insurance
FAQ: For Those Between Coverage
What options do I have if I no longer have insurance through my employer and am in between coverage?
Through HIPAA, you are protected immediately after your employment ends by COBRA. This means that your group insurance can keep offering you a policy for up to 63 days after your employment ends. Once that period is over, HIPAA will offer insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield in PA if you meet these eligibility requirements:
-You must have used up your COBRA insurance.
-You can’t have any other health insurance.
-You can’t be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, or any other group insurance plan.
-You must have had 18 months of continuous coverage with your last insurance plan.
What happens if my new insurance company imposes a waiting period for a pre-existing condition?
Unfortunately this is the right of the insurance company; however it can only be 12 months long. However, pregnancy is not considered a pre-existing condition (although if someone applies for coverage and they are pregnant then the insurance company has the right to not have the coverage effective start until after the pregnancy)..
After Pennsylvania Health
Insurance FAQ, Get A Quote!
Now that you have all your answers to your Pennsylvania health insurance FAQ, start by getting multiple quotes today!
Use our free quote tool on the top of this page to get started comparing multiple PA health insurance companies rates.
Save on Pennsylvania health insurance today!