Ohio Health Insurance Premiums…Going Up

Posted by Ed | General Insurance | Monday 22 September 2008 9:29 pm
health insurance Ohio Health Insurance Premiums...Going Up

Escalating health insurance premiums for Ohio workers have outstripped pay increases since 2000, growing at a rate nearly nine times as fast as wages.

 

 

The average cost to workers for a family insurance plan grew more than 80 percent from 2000 to 2007. Wages during the same time rose just 8.9 percent, according to a study by Families USA.

The nonprofit national health advocacy organization analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the study.

 

Good News

 

The good news, is that Ohio individual health insurance rates, when compared to other states, are still low.

Of course, there are still many Ohio residents without medical coverage. A solid majority of Ohioans feel so strongly that all Americans should have health care that they are willing to experience some pain themselves — in the wallet.

Fifty-six percent in a Columbus Dispatch Poll say expanded health care accompanied by higher taxes is preferable to lower taxes with fewer people covered.

 

Health Care Spending

 

At an estimated $2.4 trillion this year, costs of the U.S. health-care industry have doubled in the last decade, increasing scrutiny and demands for efficiency in both the private and public sectors. Total spending on health care could increase from 16 percent of the gross domestic product last year to a quarter in 2025 — and nearly a half by 2082, predicts the Congressional Budget Office.

Affordable Ohio health insurance plans are still available. The premier source for Ohio health insurance quotes is still http://www.ohioquotes.com

 


How your weight (BMI) affects your Ohio health insurance

Posted by Ed | General Insurance | Saturday 24 May 2008 6:30 pm

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 it 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. Some Ohio health insurance carriers tend to be a bit more “forgiving” than others. And of course, a few companies hvae very strict guidelines, especially if you are taking multiple medications.

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. Most Ohio health insurance companies have multiple levels of establishing the rate, and of course, weight is not the only criteria used.

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 best coverage at the most competitive price. Whether it””s catastrophic, comprehensive or HSA coverage, each situation is different, and I try to take ample time to research which plan(s) are the best choice.

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. Or…feel free to speak to a live person by calling (888) 513 6446. We won”t bite and we also never share your information with any other person or company.


Ohio Health Insurance Quotes

Posted by Ed | General Insurance | Saturday 3 May 2008 7:28 pm

If you live in Ohio, there are hundreds of websites that will give you a health insurance quote. And most will include the major companies in their searches, such as Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthCare, Humana, Medical Mutual and Aetna. We represent the major companies and strive to provide you with accurate Ohio health insurance quotes. And since we”re located in Ohio, we”re familiar with what carriers will offer the most affordable coverage in specific areas of the state.

Many other websites are strictly designed to sell your information to other companies and brokers across the country. So instead of getting an instant quote, you get dozens of unwanted emails and phone calls. We will never do that.

So…be careful, and here are a few tips:

  • Always deal with a local Ohio broker – out-of-state agents may not know the details of Ohio plans and could very well recommend the wrong plan. Also, they may not be aware of recent changes in Ohio rates or underwriting.
  • Do NOT give anyone your billing information over the phone until you have had a chance to review the plan on your own. If you can”t see the plan in writing, then stay away from the offer.
  • Do not feel pressured. If any agent is making you feel uncomfortable or asks you for information you would rather not divulge, then seek the help of someone else.
  • Ask how many years the Ohio broker has in been in the business. If the number is less than 10, move on.
  • Don”t buy directly from the company. You”ll get the exact same rate from a broker, but without the bias.

For your free Ohio health insurance quote, please click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page.


Ohio Health Insurance Companies

Posted by Ed | Ohio Health Insurance Quotes | Thursday 10 April 2008 11:22 pm

The five major Ohio health insurance companies are Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medical Mutual and Aetna. Each company offers policies that are distinctly different and quite competitive in most situations. Medical Mutual and Anthem usually offer the lowest Health Savings Account (HSA) rates in Ohio, while Humana offers low cost temporary health care plans. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna offer a wide range of comprehensive and catastrophic policies that give Ohio residents a large choice of options.

Ohio health insurance rates are extremely affordable compared to rates from other states. In-state premiums are expected to remain fairly low until 2014 when many of the national health care reform changes begin. Although rates are likely to substantially increase, tax credits could reduce the premiums for those that qualify.

Ohio health insurance companies offer policies to individuals and families. Whether you are unemployed, self-employed, without coverage or on Cobra, there are many policies that will fit within your budget and provide the coverage you need. Most policies are medically underwritten although physicals are rarely required. We”ll be happy to review your options. We never consider any type of “discount plan.”

To instantly review affordable Ohio health care rates, simply click on the “Get Instant Quote” button at the top of the page. Or, to speak to a live person, please call us at (888) 513 6446.