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	<title>HitOpinion &#187; insurance</title>
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		<title>Are You at Risk For Being Denied Health Care Insurance Claims?</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/are-you-at-risk-for-being-denied-health-care-insurance-claims/</link>
		<comments>http://hitopinion.com/are-you-at-risk-for-being-denied-health-care-insurance-claims/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 21:37:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[domestic violence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high risk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pre-existing condition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hitopinion.com/are-you-at-risk-for-being-denied-health-care-insurance-claims/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Health Care Allowance companies, in adjustment to accord shareholders college profits, are demography added advancing measures to convention the abstraction of a &#8216;pre-existing,&#8217; action as a account for abstinent claims. Such issues as cancer, arthritis, diabetes accept continued ago been acclimated to pad allowance aggregation accumulation margins by abstinent advantage for issues deemed, &#8216;high risk.&#8217; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
Health Care Allowance companies, in adjustment to accord shareholders college profits, are demography added advancing measures to convention the abstraction of a &#8216;pre-existing,&#8217; action as a account for abstinent claims. Such issues as cancer, arthritis, diabetes accept continued ago been acclimated to pad allowance aggregation accumulation margins by abstinent advantage for issues deemed, &#8216;high risk.&#8217;</p>
<p>On the heals of top accident issues added allowance aggregation accumulation margins, eight states and DC allowance companies are now including calm abandon as a above-mentioned condition. The eight states are Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming.</p>
<p>Domestic abandon as a above-mentioned action is based on the actuality that calm abandon starts at a low akin of exact abuse, which escalates to college levels over time and again escalates to concrete injury. The acumen is, the being was verbally threatened, abused, coerced, or bullied, yet, he/she backward in a potentially agitated environment. Thus, the action existed that she/he could be physically harmed, thus, the proclaimed above-mentioned action has merit.</p>
<p>Domestic abandon may be the easiest above-mentioned action to manage. It is a wake-up alarm for those in a verbally calumniating accord to get out afore the corruption escalates to concrete violence.</p>
<p>Such issues as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia are beneath simple to abate because, Western association is conditioned to accept a deluge of illnesses. The alone recourse to abstain above-mentioned altitude for these issues is to focus on blockage against alleviative the symptoms. Louise Hay identifies the brainy causes for concrete affliction and the abstract agreement to anticipate them in her book, &#8220;You Can alleviate Your Life.&#8221;</p>
<p>The abstract could could could cause of any affliction is your thoughts. To assuredly annihilate an affair you charge to aboriginal plan to deliquesce the brainy cause. For every affair in your activity there is a &#8216;need for it.&#8217; If you did not charge it, you would not accept it. The evidence &#8211; cancer, arthritis, diabetes, etc. and the account goes on, there is a anticipation arrangement that created it. You can go aural to deliquesce the brainy could could could cause &#8211; anticipation pattern.</p>
<p>The brainy anticipation patterns that actualize the a lot of dis-ease are Anger, Rage, Criticism, Shame, Resentment, and Guilt. If you are accommodating to do the brainy work, all diagnosed affliction (symptoms) can be healed (eliminated).</p>
<p>When a applicant comes to me, no amount how acute their diagnoses, I apperceive if they are accommodating to do the brainy plan to absolution and forgive, the dis-ease can be healed (eliminated). The chat &#8216;incurable&#8217; that doctors use, alone agency that the accurate affair can not be convalescent by &#8216;outer&#8217; methods and the being needs to go aural to aftereffect the healing. The affair came because of again anticipation patterns and will go aback to annihilation if the anticipation patterns are eliminated.</p>
<p>For added advice see:<br />
1. &#8220;Domestic abandon is a &#8216;pre-existing condition&#8217;?,&#8221; SEIU Blog, September 11, 2009 </p>
<p>http://www.moveon.org/r?r=84439&#038;id=17234-8348069-SVx1rCx&#038;t=5</p>
<p>2. &#8220;Rural Health Response to Calm Violence: Policy and Practice Issues,&#8221; Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, August 30, 2000 http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/pub/domviol.htm</p>
<p>Author: Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD<br />
Source: ezinearticles.com</p>
<p>Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach &#8211; Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy connects people to principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one&#8217;s daily thoughts and feelings. <a target="_new" href="http://www.drdorothy.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.drdorothy.net</a></p>
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		<title>What The Doctors Aren&#8217;t Telling You About Your Heart &amp; Health! 2-The Loop</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/what-the-doctors-arent-telling-you-about-your-heart-health-2-the-loop/</link>
		<comments>http://hitopinion.com/what-the-doctors-arent-telling-you-about-your-heart-health-2-the-loop/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:45:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[availtake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hitopinion.com/what-the-doctors-arent-telling-you-about-your-heart-health-2-the-loop/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the big difficulties that we face if aggravating to become advantageous is who do we believe? With all the adverse advice out there it is harder to apperceive which way to turn. I accept an commodity today that will acquaint you about some of the fallacies that we generally appointment through the so [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
One of the big difficulties that we face if aggravating to become advantageous is who do we believe? With all the adverse advice out there it is harder to apperceive which way to turn.</p>
<p>I accept an commodity today that will acquaint you about some of the fallacies that we generally appointment through the so alleged &#8220;health experts.&#8221;</p>
<p>Here it is:<br />
&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p>It took six months for them to adjudge to just leave me on a cocktail of drugs and delay and see what would happen. The drugs of advance were the allowance policy-the just in case whether I bare them or not.</p>
<p>The biologic companies would be beholden for that cast but I wasn&#8217;t.</p>
<p>The hardest allotment of the accomplished action was accepting to grips with the cerebral aspects of the experience. Was I now subhuman? How were humans searching at me? Had my activity afflicted for ever? Would I anytime get my bloom back?</p>
<p>It is a actual difficult affair to blade the arrangement to yield albatross for your own bloom but you can do it.</p>
<p>Being an analytical affectionate of guy I asked the doctor &#8220;Is it accessible to abate this applique accretion in my arteries&#8221;. He replied absolutely &#8216;NO&#8217;! But my searches on the internet told me different.</p>
<p>After my analysis I became assertive I could about-face the action of applique buildup-in added words apple-pie up my arteries. I approved to argue my doctor and the cardiologist and anybody I batten to affiliated to the medical profession but to no avail.</p>
<p>Take the allowance action they said; this time it was my acknowledgment that was an absolute NO!</p>
<p>Here I am two and a bisected years after still arena annihilate alert a anniversary and soccer once. I feel absolutely fit. I accept afflicted my affairs of advance and apparent abundant about how to be healthy, acquirements the &#8216;Secrets&#8217; I would like to allotment with you (more on that later).</p>
<p>Heart ache is the arch could cause of afterlife in the western apple today. What abounding humans don&#8217;t apprehend is that they can anticipate it afore it happens.</p>
<p>They just charge to apperceive what to do.</p>
<p>Author: Hal Clarkson<br />
Source: isnare.com</p>
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		<title>Finding Individual and Family Health Insurance in Virginia, Maryland and The District of Columbia</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/finding-individual-and-family-health-insurance-in-virginia-maryland-and-the-district-of-columbia/</link>
		<comments>http://hitopinion.com/finding-individual-and-family-health-insurance-in-virginia-maryland-and-the-district-of-columbia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hospital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hitopinion.com/finding-individual-and-family-health-insurance-in-virginia-maryland-and-the-district-of-columbia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Individual health policies are for those who are responsible for their own health insurance expenses. My best recommendation is that you have a Health Insurance Broker licensed in your state assist you make the best decision. The coverage you should choose is determined by your particular needs and those of your family. Examples of specific [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
Individual health policies are for those who are responsible for their own health insurance expenses. My best recommendation is that you have a Health Insurance Broker licensed in your state assist you make the best decision. The coverage you should choose is determined by your particular needs and those of your family.<br />
Examples of specific considerations:<br />
-Maternity<br />
If your family is young and growing, you will want to consider a policy that includes maternity care from the onset.<br />
-Prescription Plans<br />
Some plans have prescription plans that only cover generic drugs while most do cover preferred brands. It is just good to know what you are going to get.<br />
-Doctor Networks<br />
Check and see if your doctor is included. Typically PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans provide the most freedom of choice and greater flexibility as compare to HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)<br />
-Preventative Care Packages<br />
If you can opt for a plan that includes a preventative plan without having to first meet a deductible. Preventative Care usually includes Annual Physical, OB/GYN Exams, Mammograms, PSA screening and well child care.<br />
-Dental and Vision are pretty important but do not allow these to disproportionately affect your Major Medical plan decision. If need be get them separately and focus on a health plan that is solid and that meets your needs.<br />
VALUE NOT PRICE<br />
Be diligent, compare plans and comb through the outlines of coverage. My little rule is that the better insurance companies have simple and easy to understand plans as opposed to those that present you volumes of literature and very little coverage.<br />
REGIONS<br />
DC- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PLANS<br />
Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield probably offers the most coverage for the best price in DC. The savings are pretty substantial.<br />
NORTHERN VIRGINIA PLANS<br />
Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield both serve Northern Virginia but their territories do not overlap. They both offer very comprehensive and competitively priced plans. Most Plans include a nice preventative package &#8211; Contact your broker to determine which side of the fence you are on. (HMO &#038; PPO) Blue Cross Blue Shield boasts the biggest PPO network in the DC metro area.<br />
Kaiser Permanente (HMO) offer very inclusive and competitive plans in this area too. This company&#8217;s plans almost always include maternity for no extra cost.<br />
Golden Rule (United Healthcare) also offers Health Plans in some Northern VA zip codes. Great PPO and HSA plans offered.<br />
MARYLAND PLANS<br />
Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield offers very comprehensive and competitively priced plans. The majority of the Plans include the important preventative package. (HMO &#038; PPO) Blue Cross Blue Shield boasts the biggest PPO network in the DC metro area. Do Consider the Blue Preferred Plan.<br />
Kaiser Permanente (HMO) offer very inclusive and competitive plans in this area too. This company&#8217;s plans almost always include maternity for no extra cost. This is indeed a popular company in this state.<br />
Golden Rule (United Healthcare) also offers Health Plans in Maryland. These plans are very competitive and the Network is large. Great PPO and HSA plans offered.<br />
Tips<br />
-Blue Cross Blue Shield Families may realize substantial savings by submitting separate applications for each individual as opposed to a family application. The savings seem to be greatest for a two parent (adult)-one child family especially when there is a notable age difference between the parents (adult)<br />
-Blue Cross will accept domestic partner family applications.<br />
-For BlueCross and Kaiser Permanente Quotes go to  RxMom.com<br />
-For Golden Rule Quotes go to  GoldenHealthInsurance.com<br />
Tom Musembi &#8211; Licensed Broker in Virginia, DC, Maryland and Pennsylvania<br />
 tel 888-490-8782   email tom@rxmom.com<br />
web site RxMom.com</p>
<p>Author: Tom Musembi<br />
Source: download</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Student Health Insurance &#8211; The Need to Consider</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/student-health-insurance-the-need-to-consider/</link>
		<comments>http://hitopinion.com/student-health-insurance-the-need-to-consider/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:04:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student health insurance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hitopinion.com/student-health-insurance-the-need-to-consider/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Student health insurance is one of the most important insurance plans for student&#8217;s education and medical amenities as well. Education requires enormous capitation charge, which would not be affordable to the majority of the students. Particularly if it is to be accomplished in the most reputed university, the requirement would be more. At such significant [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
Student health insurance is one of the most important insurance plans for student&#8217;s education and medical amenities as well. Education requires enormous capitation charge, which would not be affordable to the majority of the students. Particularly if it is to be accomplished in the most reputed university, the requirement would be more. At such significant conditions its plans would run well.</p>
<p>However, student health insurance is something that ought to critically be taken into account for several reasons. There are advantages of getting it thus it is significant to evaluate the rates and be convinced you are sufficiently covered.</p>
<p>For students who have no physical condition care coverage by any means, it is significant to consider. Though you are in the best of healthiness, you are going away to a new school with the entire the stressors that that involves. You will probable be living in a dormitory and uncovered to lots of people who may be sick. Student health insurance will assist in the occasion of an emergency or crucial sickness but it will assist look after those pesky general illnesses as well that can stop you from doing your best in school.</p>
<p>Student health insurance given by colleges is principally indistinguishable group insurance from an employer. It is a group policy, with everybody disbursing the identical rate irrespective of health and history. What this indicates is that though you are very in good physical shape and hardly ever visit a doctor, you will disburse the same amount as someone who has chronic health problems and requires frequent healthcare. Healthy students who have the choice of carrying their own individual student health insurance will frequently be able to save money since they will not be supporting financially healthcare for less healthy students.</p>
<p>Unexpected illnesses and accidents could happen while you are in school. Having student health insurance not simply keeps you, but it is compulsory for the college or university to give assurance for its students. Getting all of the information in relation to the coverage you have is an elegant attempt. Don&#8217;t get stuck in a situation where you truly require to employ it, but can&#8217;t, for the reason that you are not covered.</p>
<p>There are health insurance companies that give a student health insurance. A number of colleges and universities typically have health insurance programs from several companies or providers. What you require to make is select the best one that fits your necessity.</p>
<p>Author: Michael Ezie<br />
Source: ezinearticles.com</p>
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		<title>Get Affordable Health Insurance For New Yorkers</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/get-affordable-health-insurance-for-new-yorkers/</link>
		<comments>http://hitopinion.com/get-affordable-health-insurance-for-new-yorkers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:01:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Affordable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Get]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[While]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hitopinion.com/get-affordable-health-insurance-for-new-yorkers/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re like many New Yorkers, you probably take an employer&#8217;s affordable group health insurance benefits into consideration before you decide whether or not to begin a new job. Sure, it&#8217;s most likely not the deciding factor, but it in all probability it plays some role in your decision-making process. After all, New York employer-sponsored [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
If you&#8217;re like many New Yorkers, you probably take an employer&#8217;s affordable group health insurance benefits into consideration before you decide whether or not to begin a new job. Sure, it&#8217;s most likely not the deciding factor, but it in all probability it plays some role in your decision-making process. After all, New York employer-sponsored group health insurance plans are generally the most affordable way to get health care, and we all know how expensive health care and individual health insurance plans can be these days.</p>
<p>Even though it&#8217;s a great way to keep employees healthy and happy, not all employers offer New York group health insurance benefits to their employees; more so, they&#8217;re not required to. What should you do if you really want or need the job in front of you, even though it doesn&#8217;t offer employee medical benefits?</p>
<p>You should look into Healthy NY. Healthy NY is a health insurance program for working individuals, self-employed folks, and small business owners in New York. Of course, like many health coverage plans, each group of eligible persons has a set of requirements to meet.</p>
<p>For example, working individuals and self-employed people are eligible for affordable health insurance for New Yorkers as long as they are currently employed or were within the last 12 months and have no access to employer-sponsored group health insurance benefits. Changes in employment and COBRA benefits qualify New Yorkers for Healthy NY, as do separation or divorce and family deaths.</p>
<p>New York small business owners can enroll in Healthy NY, too, as long as there are less than 50 employees and 30 percent of them make less than $35,000 a year. Small business owners who take advantage of this New York affordable health insurance can reap tax deductions, too.</p>
<p>For more information about Healthy NY, or about any other kind of affordable health insurance for New Yorkers, contact the New York State Department of Insurance.</p>
<p>Author: Elizabeth Newberry -<br />
Source: articledashboard.com</p>
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		<title>Health Insurance for Solo Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/health-insurance-for-solo-entrepreneurs/</link>
		<comments>http://hitopinion.com/health-insurance-for-solo-entrepreneurs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:28:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[doctor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[medical]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hitopinion.com/health-insurance-for-solo-entrepreneurs/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most important benefits employed people enjoy is health insurance coverage. It is also the single most costly expense for self-employed entrepreneurs. So what can you do to reduce ever increasing costs of health care coverage? Here are a few tips. 1. If a medical bill seems excessive, try negotiating Your doctor or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
One of the most important benefits employed people enjoy is health insurance coverage. It is also the single most costly expense for self-employed entrepreneurs. So what can you do to reduce ever increasing costs of health care coverage? Here are a few tips.<br />
1. If a medical bill seems excessive, try negotiating<br />
Your doctor or the office manager who handles billing will probably be flexible, provided you make a valid case. When one woman in Texas was charged $900 for surgery and &#8220;consultation,&#8221; she explained that she had visited the hospital just once, for surgery; her bill was promptly cut by $370.<br />
2.. Contact a medical bill &#8220;auditor&#8221;<br />
Several services have a medical bill &#8220;auditing&#8221; system that evaluates your medical bills to determine if errors occurred in the billing process. Considering that 97 percent of hospital medical bills contain errors, it&#8217;s no wonder why out-of-pocket medical expenses are on the rise for consumers. Because the typical hospital bill is extremely complicated, often containing several hundred line-item charges, there is ample opportunity for computer mistakes and accidental human error. Do a Google search for medical bill auditors to find companies offering this service.<br />
3. You may get a tax break on your medical bills<br />
Keep all your medical bills together and add them up at tax time. If they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, you may deduct the excess. Please note that these items also may be included in the total: the cost of eye glasses, contact lenses, physical therapy, x-rays, hearing aids, psychiatric care, insurance and transportation to the hospital or doctor&#8217;s office (at 30 cents a mile). There are phase-outs in some cases based on adjusted gross income. Check with your professional tax adviser.<br />
4. Deduct 100% of your healthcare costs from your taxes<br />
The IRS allows all self-employed to deduct 100% of health care costs from their taxes by using Section 105 of the Internal Revenue Code. To receive this deduction, you must do the following:<br />
a)       Hire your spouse as an employee of your business.<br />
b)       Have your spouse receive health insurance in his or her name, and include the family on the policy.<br />
c)       Pay your spouse a salary that will cover the costs of the insurance.<br />
d)       Talk to your tax professional about planning for Section 105 on your taxes.<br />
We all know your spouse is active in your business. Now, you can equally recognize their contribution he or she makes &#8211; and get Uncle Sam to give you a tax break.<br />
5. Help for families with kids &#8212; CHIP<br />
All states have established new programs that help lower income families with children to pay for health insurance for their kids. Financed partly by the federal government, the Children&#8217;s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) operate either as an expansion of the state&#8217;s Medicaid program or a subsidy for basic private health insurance. Eligible families may be able to access coverage for their children at greatly reduced premiums which will vary depending upon family income. Contact your state Department of Health or Insurance for more information.<br />
6. Shop around<br />
Hospital costs vary widely, especially between urban and rural facilities. If your doctor has admitting privileges at more than one hospital, find out if you can be admitted to the one that&#8217;s less expensive. Keep in mind that hospitals operated by non-profit foundations are usually less expensive than investor-owned, for profit hospitals. To find out how much your local hospitals charge, ask your doctor. Many states have Health Services Cost Review Commissions, which compile such data.<br />
7. Check for free clinics in your community<br />
You and your entire family can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of the many free screenings, immunizations, and other health clinics offered by your local community or a town near you. Numerous community hospitals and social services can provide blood pressure checks, shots for your children, free contraceptives and/or advice, and other preventative health care at little to no cost.<br />
8. Get a second opinion out of town<br />
Believe it or not, your chance of undergoing an expensive surgery or preventative procedure may depend solely on where you happen to live. Statistics show that the frequency in which certain medical procedures are performed varies widely from location to location. For example, residents of New Haven, Conn., are twice as likely to undergo a coronary bypass operation as residents of Boston, Mass. What&#8217;s the reason for this discrepancy? One Dartmouth Medical School expert, John E. Wennberg, M.D., M.H.P., explains that certain operations are simply more fashionable in some parts of the United States than others. So, if you plan to get a second opinion prior to surgery, consider going to a specialist in another city. In addition, try to find out what the surgery rates for your procedure are in different cities. HealthAllies.com also offers this service online at www.healthallies.com. To get the names of second-opinion doctors in your region, call the U.S. government&#8217;s toll-free second-opinion hotline at 1-800-638-6833.<br />
9. Don&#8217;t pay double for a second opinion<br />
As you make arrangements for a second opinion, ask your doctor to send copies of your medical records, x-rays, and lab tests to the second-opinion doctor. These tests don&#8217;t need duplication; your second doctor will have the information he or she needs &#8211; and you don&#8217;t pay double.<br />
10. Emotional stability<br />
Your mental health is equally important as your physical health. Do you have blue days once in awhile, or struggle with gray winters? St. John&#8217;s Wort, an over-the-counter herbal supplement, has been proven to increase positive moods. Before rushing to your family physician for medication to make you feel better, try supplements with a combination of expressing your feelings with friends and a healthy lifestyle. Mood stabilizers are some of the most costly medications on the market today. However, you should be aware of the signs of stress or even depression. Give yourself a simple screening test:<br />
  Do you have feelings of sadness and/or irritability?<br />
Has there been a loss of interest in pleasure activities you once enjoyed?<br />
Have there been changes in your weight or appetite?<br />
Have you noticed changes in your sleeping pattern?<br />
Are you feeling guilty?<br />
Do you have the inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions?<br />
Are you fatigued or have a loss of energy?<br />
Do you experience restlessness or decreased activity noticed by others?<br />
Do you have feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness?<br />
Do you have thoughts of suicide or death?<br />
If you answer &#8220;yes&#8221; to any of these questions, consider consulting your family physician. If they recommend mental health treatment, it is more cost-effective to have your family physician prescribe mood stabilizers instead of seeing a psychiatrist. However, follow your doctor&#8217;s instructions on counseling and referrals to mental health professionals.<br />
11.  Order your prescription drugs by phone, web or mail<br />
There are many discount prescription drug benefits available for a modest cost. Communicating for Agriculture and the Self-Employed offers a free prescription card through PCS. This program saves its members up to 40 percent at over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide. On average, CA members save $9.39 per prescription order. You can enroll free on their Web site at www.selfemployedcountry.org.<br />
12. Ask your doctor to prescribe generic drugs<br />
Medicine marketed under its scientific name is usually 50 percent cheaper and just as effective as brand-name versions. In addition, look for generic drugs in the medicine you purchase over the counter. For example, 100 generic aspirin may cost $1.79; the same ingredients packaged under a well-known brand name can cost more than $5 for 100 tablets. Consider, also, just how important the new easy-to-swallow products are to your comfort. The lesser price of some medicines may be comparably easier to swallow when thinking about your budget.<br />
13. Get enrolled in a group plan<br />
For self employed people including those involved in small businesses, individual health insurance can be extremely costly &#8211; sometimes as much as 30 percent of your take home pay. By joining associations like National Association for the Self Employed (www.nase.org), you have the opportunity to enroll in a group insurance plan with unique built-in cost controls.<br />
14. Choose a higher deductible<br />
Often for the healthy family, the number of visits to the doctor totals less than $250 a year, a normally low deductible rate. This low deduction rate, however, can end up costing you more in the form of higher premiums. If your family has enjoyed good health for a number of years, you may want to switch to a higher deductible of $500 or $1000. You&#8217;ll notice greatly reduced premiums.<br />
15. Pay premiums annually<br />
You avoid the service fee and may also receive a discount from your insurance carrier. Check with your insurance agent about how much money you can save if you pay your premium one time during the year.<br />
16. Make sure there&#8217;s a ceiling for out-of-pocket expenses for catastrophic illnesses<br />
About half of individual policyholders lack this important provision, according to insurance experts, who recommend a major medical policy with a stop-loss clause limiting policyholder payout to $2,000 or $3,000.<br />
17. Get educated about your health<br />
Invest in your health by becoming information-rich. Read publications about health care. Pay special attention to free wellness publications like Inside Mayo Clinic at www.mayo.edu/healthinfo/public.html or have on hand a book on medical self-care, like The AAFP Family Health and Medical Guide and The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. A wealth of information is also available on the Internet.<br />
18. Take advantage of free health advice<br />
For free information booklets from the U.S. government about nearly every health care topic you can imagine, simply write to the Consumer Information Center in Pueblo, Colorado. The government offers several dozen booklets on topics ranging from nutrition, medical problems, mental health, to drugs, exercise and weight control. To receive a catalog explaining these booklets, write to:<br />
Consumer Information Center </p>
<p>PO Box 100</p>
<p>Pueblo, CO 81009</p>
<p>www.pueblo.gsa.gov (you can download booklets from this site)<br />
Once again the U.S. Government comes through by providing a number of toll free health care information phone services. Topics are numerous, including hearing aids, cancer information, Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, drugs and pregnancy issues. For information on the health topics and phone numbers, call the National Health Information Center at 1-800-336-4797.<br />
19. Brush up on first-aid skills and become CPR certified.<br />
Proper treatment of various accidents may reduce the number of visits to the doctor, and can save lives in an emergency. It&#8217;s important to always keep an updated medical kit in your home or office.<br />
Here are the basics for your first-aid kit:<br />
  bandage supplies, including a roll of 3 inch wide gauze, individually packaged 4 inch sterile gauze pads, a roll of 1 inch bandage tape, butterfly bandage tape, and scissors<br />
elastic bandages<br />
cotton swabs<br />
sterile dressings or towels<br />
pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)<br />
anti-inflammatory medicine (ibuprofen)<br />
ipecac syrup (for use on advice of medical professional to induce vomiting)<br />
tweezers<br />
hydrogen peroxide<br />
skin creams, including hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion and antibiotic creams<br />
an antihistamine (diphenhydramine for allergic reactions)<br />
flashlight<br />
eye patch<br />
arm sling<br />
tongue depressors (to be used as a finger splint)<br />
ice pack<br />
re-hydration fluids (such as Pedialyte or Infalyte)<br />
20.  Take a lifestyle approach to wellness &#8211; every day<br />
Take charge of your health by making simple changes in your lifestyle. By following these seven basic rules of good health, you&#8217;ll improve your chances of living a long, healthy, active life.<br />
 Get eight hours of sleep per night.<br />
Eat breakfast every morning.<br />
Cut down on snacks between meals.<br />
Keep within 10 pounds of your recommended weight range. If you&#8217;re unsure what your weight range should be check with your doctor.<br />
Exercise aerobically for at least 30 minutes three times per week.<br />
Don&#8217;t smoke.<br />
Don&#8217;t drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day.<br />
Take recommended dosages of vitamins and supplements.<br />
Copyright 2004, Monikah Ogando, Ogando Associates, Inc.<br />
Monikah Ogando is a highly skilled facilitator and charismatic speaker.  She continues to inspire her audience through her expertise in Business Development, leadership effectiveness, individual accountability and the values that guide excellence.<br />
She practices what she speaks: an entrepreneur, Monikah leads her own two companies, consulting firm http://www.ogandoassociates.com and Exodus House Publishers and is a Team Member of http://www.solo-e.com<br />
Find more articles like this at http://www.Solo-E.com, the lifestyle-inspired online learning and connection community. Visit now to receive a free copy of our special report, The Four Secrets of Solo Entrepreneur Success, plus a complimentary 30-day membership.</p>
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		<title>All About Health Insurance</title>
		<link>http://hitopinion.com/all-about-health-insurance/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:59:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[california health insurance plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance california]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance in california]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insurance]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Health insurance is a necessity for all. With medical expenses soaring every day higher than a hang glider, paying for them could have you digging deep into the pockets of your jeans. What types of health insurance are available? Health insurance plans usually falls into one of two categories: indemnity plans (also known as reimbursement [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
Health insurance is a necessity for all. With medical expenses soaring every day higher than a hang glider, paying for them could have you digging deep into the pockets of your jeans.</p>
<p>What types of health insurance are available?</p>
<p>Health insurance plans usually falls into one of two categories: indemnity plans (also known as reimbursement plans) and other one managed care plans such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and point of service (POS) plans.</p>
<p>An indemnity plan gives the privilege to choose your own doctors and pays for your own medical expenses totally, in part, or even up to a specified amount per day for a specified number of days.</p>
<p>Managed care plans generally provide wider coverage, but they all have an arrangement between the insurer and a selected network of health-insurance providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.). For example, an HMO would require that a primary care physician in the network coordinate all of your care and also refer you to specialists in the network.</p>
<p>No matter which type of health insurance you buy, you&#8217;ll should to make sure it offers the right kinds of insurance coverage.</p>
<p>What should be covered?</p>
<p> A good health insurance policy holds several types of coverage.</p>
<p> Hospital cost insurance pays your room, board, and other incidental services costs if you&#8217;re hospitalized.</p>
<p> Surgical expense insurance covers surgeons&#8217; fees and all the related costs associated with surgery.</p>
<p> Physicians cost insurance pays for visits to a doctor&#8217;s office or for a doctor&#8217;s hospital visits.</p>
<p> Major medical insurance offers tremendously wide insurance coverage with a very high maximum benefit that&#8217;s designed to protect you against losses from catastrophic illness or any injury.</p>
<p>Where can I get health insurance?</p>
<p>You may get health insurance through a group insurance plan at work or through another group affiliation (a school, a club, etc.) or by purchasing an individual insurance plan on your own. By purchasing an individual insurance plan on your own, you might even be able to modify the health plan. Shop online to compare rates from numerous companies to find the best plan and rate to meet your needs.</p>
<p>Which plan is best?</p>
<p>The best health insurance plan for you is the one, which gives you the greatest flexibility and the most payback for the lowest cost. You&#8217;ll need to shop around and get several quotes before selecting a plan. Here are a few points to consider:</p>
<p> What co-pays, deductibles, and other coinsurance requirements apply?</p>
<p> How much freedom do you really have to select your own health-care providers?</p>
<p> Does the plan cover the health services, which you need?</p>
<p> Does the plan cover the health-insurance providers you&#8217;re currently using?</p>
<p> Does the plan offer family, individual coverage as well?</p>
<p> Does the insurance plan cover pre-existing conditions? If so, is there a waiting period? (The average waiting period is three months to one year.)</p>
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