How your weight (BMI) affects your Ohio health insurance
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat. BMI can also be considered an alternative for direct measures of body fat. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that could possibly lead to health problems.
Of course, the BMI can be very subjective, and in fact, each health insurance company interprets the figures in a different way.
For example, a 5-9 male weighing 201 pounds is considered a “preferred” risk with Anthem. Yet, according to the BMI Index, this same person is just two pounds away from being considered “obese.” Yet, UnitedHealthcare will assign a “standard” risk classification to the same person.
As an Ohio broker, part of my job is to take into consideration the BMI of the applicant (along with other factors), and determine which carrier can offer the most comprehensive policy at the most competitive price.
To determine BMI, there are many online sites that will allow you to perform the simple calculation.
One such site is http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
For additional information on Ohio health insurance plans or obtaining an Ohio health insurance quote, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page.