Health insurance confusion
#16
Re: Health insurance confusion
#17
Re: Health insurance confusion
I've never used one myself.
Like all insurance brokers, they are usually paid by commission. I am sure that would advise on all options.
Like all insurance brokers, they are usually paid by commission. I am sure that would advise on all options.
#18
Re: Health insurance confusion
It maybe that Medicaid and the Healthcare Marketplace (healthcare.gov) cannot be combined. I am not sure where you would start? I don't believe either option allows for double coverage.
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,662
Re: Health insurance confusion
Yes, the broker gets incentivised by the insurance company, so you need to make sure you are getting good advice regarding health plans. Yes the broker would have all info on ACA,
#20
Re: Health insurance confusion
After speaking to someone that knows more about medicaid than me, Family Care is the premium medicaid, if there is sure a thing. The advice is to call New Jersey Family Care and ask them to explain how this works. Medicaid is not normal health insurance. If you can afford health insurance, you are probably committing medicaid fraud, which is serious. If you cant get through to Family Care, ask at your PCP if they have a number for the insurance you could call. I hope this helps.
#21
Just Joined
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
Re: Health insurance confusion
Hello everyone, thanks very much for all this helpful information. I feel like I'm walking through a minefield, but this all helps. I've read through all of your responses, but need to read through again. I might have some follow up questions. Thanks again.
#22
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
Re: Health insurance confusion
After speaking to someone that knows more about medicaid than me, Family Care is the premium medicaid, if there is sure a thing. The advice is to call New Jersey Family Care and ask them to explain how this works. Medicaid is not normal health insurance. If you can afford health insurance, you are probably committing medicaid fraud, which is serious. If you cant get through to Family Care, ask at your PCP if they have a number for the insurance you could call. I hope this helps.
Anyway, I appreciate your advice. Thanks.
#23
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
Re: Health insurance confusion
I would suggest googling for an insurance broker local to you who specializes in health insurance. As you say, the options are indeed complicated and working with a professional (at no cost to you) is the best way to find the right plan and to have the workings of the system explained.
#24
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,662
Re: Health insurance confusion
Going by your name 'Expat2000' have you only just arrived in the US?
Does your wife not work and have health insurance through her job?
Just trying to figure out your situation, as you say that YOU will be covered in a couple of months through a new job......
Does your wife not work and have health insurance through her job?
Just trying to figure out your situation, as you say that YOU will be covered in a couple of months through a new job......
#25
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: Health insurance confusion
Maybe the OP has been here awhile?
#26
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,662
Re: Health insurance confusion
That's what I would like to know...... the OP does not seem to know very much as to how the US health system works; just asking....
#27
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: Health insurance confusion
Well, admittedly it is not easy for any of us to understand but if he or his wife were covered by Medicaid then it may be there were only a limited number of doctors in the area that accepted Medicaid coverage hence the long wait!
#28
Re: Health insurance confusion
You could ask for recommendations from people you know in the community. Google for comments/reviews online. But I'm not sure why you are worried about "sharks." You tell the agent what you are looking for and what your budget is; they give you recommendations, explain the options to you, and you choose. They will receive a commission from any of the companies, so aren't going to try to steer you for personal gain. They wouldn't stay in business very long that way. And that business is matching client to provider -- that is the whole object of using an agent, they aren't beholden to any one company..
#29
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
Re: Health insurance confusion
In my experience, the mistake that a lot of people arriving from the UK make, is to try to replicate the "all you can eat buffet" model of health care that the NHS provides. This is expensive, and for most people, wholly unnecessary. I compare "traditional" US health insurance to being like paying for car insurance that covered new wipers, oil changes, tyres, etc. .... it would be hellishly expensive!
The whole health insurance system in the US just seems sick to me.
#30
Just Joined
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 7
Re: Health insurance confusion
You could ask for recommendations from people you know in the community. Google for comments/reviews online. But I'm not sure why you are worried about "sharks." You tell the agent what you are looking for and what your budget is; they give you recommendations, explain the options to you, and you choose. They will receive a commission from any of the companies, so aren't going to try to steer you for personal gain. They wouldn't stay in business very long that way. And that business is matching client to provider -- that is the whole object of using an agent, they aren't beholden to any one company..