Alabama AL Health Insurance Claims

Reader’s Question:

How do you normally file health insurance claim in Alabama?

Cassandra

Birmingham, AL

 

Hello there, Cassandra!

I think it is best for you to check with your health insurer in Alabama just to be sure how they want you to do it. But just to give you an idea, it’s normally you and your doctor who must file a claim to receive the benefits from your health insurance provider. For a doctor who’s not within your health insurer’s network providers, it’s normally you who should probably file the claim for you to get a reimbursement. In the case of consulting a doctor who’s within the insurer’s network of providers, his office will most often file the claim for you.

Just remember that you shouldn’t put off filing any claim because most plans will have a maximum length of time that you should claim after you have received the medical service being claimed. Procedures for filing claim are usually explained in your health insurance policy’s summary plan description. You should also have with you handy some copies of claim form or any details on how you can obtain them through other means such as downloading the forms online. For some companies, you can call a toll-free number for assistance in filing claims.

It is most wise if you know beforehand what you need as supporting documents for filing any claim. Most health insurance companies will require you to attach receipts from the doctor’s office or hospital. Some would ask for a copy of the referral in case you consulted a specialist. If you are to mail any documents when filing claims, make sure you have a copy of all those that you send…just in case you need that for verification or disputes.

Pre-authorization for Health Insurance Claims Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

If I should use my health insurance for my hospitalization in Alabama, what are the things that I should do to get the benefits?

Arnold

Mobile, AL

Hello there, Arnold!

I know a lot of people in Alabama who do not use their health insurance properly which results to some unclaimed benefits. It is very important that you have to know how to use your health insurance properly.
I have used my health insurance maybe a couple of times and in most health insurance policies, before you receive any medical service or hospital care, you need to have a pre-authorization from you health insurance company. Once you’ve already received care, you need to proceed to filing your claim.

For the most important part, you should know how to read your benefits statement which your company gave you. In this statement you will get to understand whether you were reimbursed properly for your medical expenses. With regards to prescription drugs, it is important that you get to follow special rules so that you’ll be able to get the best deals in Alabama.

So how do you get pre-authorization? A pre-authorization is just a form of acknowledgment that your health insurer will cover the costs before you receive any medical service. My own health insurance calls it pre-authorization. Others call it pre-admission certification. Rules for getting one might differ from one insurance company to another, but in most cases, health insurance companies in Alabama would require this acknowledgment especially for surgery. Almost all emergency cases would also require this pre-authorization. Better know you insurer’s policy on this such that you will be reimbursed properly. Otherwise, you will end up spending your money on premiums and not getting the benefits you should have.

Auto Insurance in Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

I am just curious why my auto insurance premiums vary from my husband’s. I tried to check his coverage in Alabama and it provides the exact same coverage. Why is this so?

Annie

Birmingham, AL

That’s a very good question, Annie.

I own 3 cars, one for me, one for my wife, and another for my son who’s already in college. In the past, I used to get 3 different auto insurance policies for each car from different companies in Alabama. You are right in saying that rates vary from one company to another even if the coverage would be very much the same.

So why do auto insurance rates vary so greatly from one company to another? I had to ask too why shouldn’t my auto insurance rates be the same for all of my plans when they were providing the exact same coverage. My son’s insurance rate was the most expensive and was not even close to mine.

I had to read about the car insurance tier system. Apparently, many auto insurance companies determine auto insurance rates by a ‘tier system’, in which auto drivers are placed in one of their ‘tiers’. These tiers vary from one auto insurance company to another. One of my insurances had 14 tiers while the others had just two or three. Some have none. I learned too that most auto insurance companies have a 3-tiered system: drivers are classified as preferred, standard, or substandard. The classification would depend on factors like mileage, driver’s license status, driving history, any tickets and violations, or any auto insurance lapses.

After finding out about the tier system, I decided to consolidate my auto insurance plans under one company with the most ideal tier-system for us. That lowered my premium rates tremendously.

Hope that helps!

Individual Health Insurance Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

I am looking for an individual health insurance policy in Alabama. I do not want to skimp too much on health insurance, especially that I am soon getting married. Are there any perks that I should look for?

Cathy

Birmingham, AL

Very good thinking, Cathy!

You know what, there is no hard and fast rule in choosing a health insurance policy in Alabama. Although there might be guidelines that I can share with you which I also used when I had difficulty making up my mind which health insurance company to choose…because there’s just too many out there which can add to your confusion.

For one, I really give priority to the stability of the health insurance company which you can get from reviews and opinions of your colleagues and friends who already have health insurance coverage. You can pick up information by simply asking around. With respect to what health insurance companies are offering, it is already a given that age, lifestyle and health status would really dictate what health insurance plan would work for you.

Although, there are some extras that could help you decide. You can check if the health insurance policy covers 100% of hospital accommodation at all participating private hospitals. It must be convenient for you to claim for hospitals and extras. You can check for wide range of extras like traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, massage, and the like. Some health insurance companies would also give cash back and bonus options to help you offset any excess.

And you are right in saying that you shouldn’t skimp of health insurance. After all, it’s what will protect you in the event of any medical emergencies that will come along.

Diabetes Health Insurance Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and I am worried about my health insurance card which will expire soon. If I will renew, will I still be covered by my health insurance despite my pre-existing condition in Alabama?

Chris

Birmingham, AL

 

Do not be so worried, Chris.

There is always something you can do. Luckily, you may be able to avoid gap in you health insurance coverage in Alabama.

Most health insurance policies impose a pre-existing condition exclusion period on new members. For health insurance coverage you got from you job, the exclusion period can be no longer than 12 months. The rules limiting the length of pre-existing conditions vary by state for individual health insurance policy. Some states limit the exclusion to 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, and some can even be longer. Though I know that in other states, individual health insurance policies may also include riders permanently excluding coverage for pre-existing condition.

However, there is definitely hope for you if you have a job based health insurance coverage, which must credit you for each month of prior continuous creditable coverage. The corresponding credit offsets the pre-existing condition exclusion period. Now, if you were covered under a job based health insurance policy for 9 months before changing jobs and immediately enrolling in a new plan, then you must therefore be credited for the 9 months of prior continuous creditable coverage. The pre-existing condition exclusion period in you new plan can be no longer than three months. Though you won’t have to worry about a pre existing condition exclusion period in your job based plan if you have more than a year of prior continuous creditable coverage.

Health Insurance Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

My son is graduating from college in Alabama. He will be 23 when he graduates (he took a year off) – which will drop him off from our health insurance in Alabama. He is planning to take some time off before he goes to graduate school and I am presuming that he will be insured if he will have a job. Our own health insurance provides an interim coverage for 18-36 months after you go off the family policy, which will cost over $300 per month. I would like to start searching for other health insurance possibilities. Any tips?

Catherine

Huntsville, AL

Hi there, Catherine!

Just like when my daughter turned 23 before she was graduating college, she came back to the Bay Area to have an unpaid internship, and no health insurance coverage. Fortunately, we have HealthNet. I found a policy when I went to Kaiser website. We pay $110 monthly and on top of that a co payment of $50 on every visit. Coverage includes health, vision, and dental. Though there is a realty total deductible that is relatively high but not like a couple days in the hospital. She has been to the doctor once since she had that health insurance and it cost $200 plus co payment of $50. That’s so much better than paying $300 per month. You better move fast though and decide right away since your window period is only too little to risk your daughter uninsured. Though it does not cover pregnancy, so better ask about this first. Though, she would not be required to get a health exam…just would have to sign up for application.

Also, there can be other factors to think of like, short term health insurance which you can avail in case your daughter will eventually get a job that will offer health insurance coverage. There are also standard health insurance plan which covers her at reasonable costs as long as she does not have any pre-existing medical conditions. Get the best help from experienced health insurance agents in Alabama who can learn the facts for your options to decide your best option depending on your budget and plan type. There’s no added cost to consulting an agent and your claims and renewals can be expedited through their help. Another thing is for you to watch out for policies that will not cover maternity.

Health Insurance Alaska AK

Reader’s question:

I just got hired by an accounting firm in Anchorage AK. Part of the fringe benefits the company is giving is a health insurance. How can a health insurance help me?

Lei

Anchorage, AK

 

Hello there, Lei.

You see, most people in the U.S. get their health insurance through their employers. Health insurance does not really protect you in the event of premature death, just like a life insurance policy. But rather, it helps shelter you from high medical costs.

More often than not, employer helps pay for the health insurance and most health insurance provided by employers are usually on a managed care plan. Managed care plans contract with health care providers and medical facilities to provide care for its members at reduced costs.

Can you purchase health insurance on your own in Anchorage?

Certainly, you can. However, it will cost you more than employer-based insurance since most employer insurance are granted bulk discounts by insurance companies. Although, there are government health insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid and people who meet certain requirements can avail of such health insurance.

If you plan to purchase on your own though, you must shop around first before you make any payment. Free quotes are available online and you might want to read a few articles first on the features of many available health insurance companies in Anchorage.

Have a great time shopping!

Cheap Term Life Insurance Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

Why does a $100,000 – 10 year level term life insurance policy seems to be cheaper that a $50,000 – 5 year level term life insurance policy in Alabama?

Ruth

Decatur, AL

 

That’s a tricky question, Ruth.

You’re question is kind of a brain twister one. However, I can quickly guess for 1 main reason: competition among life insurance companies. It is basically the law of supply and demand.

You see, there are more companies that offer $100,000 term life insurance policies which increases price competition for policies of this size. Only few life insurance companies offer as low as $50,000 term life insurance companies in Alabama.

When it comes to term of coverage, most 5 year level term life insurance policies available do not offer a guaranteed level premium after year five. What makes it very costly in the long run is the annual increase in premiums beginning in the 6th year if it is kept for 10 years. Therefore, the 10 year level term life insurance policy becomes a cheaper life insurance policy option if you intend to be insured for 10 years.
You see, I can give you an example to illustrate this more clearly. Let’s say John, who is a non-smoking male, age 35, with no medical condition, living in Alabama gets to choose between a cheapest term life insurance policy premium $50 000, 5-year term and a cheapest term life insurance policy premium $100 000, 10-year term. He intends to get coverage for a total of 10 years. Which one is the cheaper life insurance for him?
If we are to assume that the rates are guaranteed, then his total premium for the 10-year period is $1,924 for $50 000 of life insurance. On the other hand, his premium for the $50 000 policy for the 1st-5th year will be $68 per year, however, premiums for the 6th year will be $279, $297 on the 7th, $315 on the 8th, $336 on the 9th, and $357 on 10th. The annual premium of a 10-year policy is $72, which therefore makes his total cost over 10 years $720 for the $100 000 term life insurance policy.

If you got the math there, then I think you’d agree if I’d say, $100 000 is the cheaper term life insurance policy.

To help you better, you may start comparing rates in your area. Just enter your zip code on the space located in this page for free quotes.

Cancer Life Insurance Alabama AL

Reader’s Question:

I am currently based in Alabama and I am applying for a life insurance policy. My family has no history of cancer but lately, I am diagnosed with a non-malignant ovarian cyst. I am afraid that might cause the insurance company to increase my premiums. Can I possibly conceal this information?

Laura

Montgomery, AL

Thank you for asking Laura.

No, you cannot and should not conceal this kind of information, or any information relevant to your application for a life insurance policy.
Insurance companies have become combative against fraud and misrepresentations. If you have a health history that is not normal or undergo routine checkups, insurance companies in Alabama will certainly retrieve all medical and doctor records before you are given a firm offer of coverage.

Remember always that even if you successfully conceal such information and would be granted insurance coverage, policies that were obtained through fraud and misrepresentation can be voided at claim time.

Besides, it is a crime in all 50 states to lie about or conceal information on a life insurance application.