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.

It’s quite a dilemma considering that there are major differences when comparing coverages. Therefore, I’ll try to briefly review some key points that you should be aware of.

Blue Access  A PPO with three different product designs, each with several different deductible levels to help you get the right combination of benefits and monthly premium. Plan Two is perhaps the most popular. It features $25 copays on covered office visits with multiple copays on office visits.

Blue Access Value The product design features the same comprehensive inpatient hospitalization benefits as the Blue Access contract, but only includes two office visits per person (per year). There is also coverage of generic and brand name formulary prescription drugs. Premiums are typically lower with this type of policy.

Blue Access Economy Another low-cost plan that limits office visits (three per person, per year). Limited prescription coverage, and once again, premiums are typically lower.

Lumenos HSA Plans There are many variations of Anthem’s HSA contract. Different deductibles allow you to choose a policy that fits within your budget. HSAs offer tax advantages and other cost-saving features that may be an option worth considering.

For complete details on any Anthem (Ohio) policy, please feel free to visit http://OhioQuotes.com.

2009 update-Anthem has added three new plans to its extensive portfolio. Please see recent blog posts for details.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were created by the Medicare bill signed by President Bush on December 8, 2003 and are designed to help individuals save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.

Here in Ohio, most major health carriers offer HSAs. Rates can vary, so it is a good idea to shop around for the best rate/coverage in your area.

What is a Health Savings Account (“HSA”)?
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.

You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.

You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by  you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.

How much does an HSA cost?
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis.  The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA.

What Is a “High Deductible Health Plan” (HDHP)?
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses  (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that .  Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.