Hospitalization And Health Insurance
We all know that maintaining our health insurance policy is one of the best ways to protect our financial future
. However, even if we do have a policy with comprehensive coverage, there is still a possibility for our financial stability to crumble in the case of hospitalization.While most health insurance plans do indeed cover hospital stays, they are constantly cutting back on the amount and scope of coverage. When any policy is renewed, health insurance companies reserve the right to modify previous coverage without highlighting any changes in bold print. It is thus imperative to closely examine every new policy upon receipt.
The actual coverage of hospital stays varies from company to company and policy to policy. Major Medical policies are partially designed to offset the expense of hospital stays, but lack coverage of other potentially necessary medical care. Hospital Indemnity Insurance is often purchased as a supplement of traditional insurance. These policies help cover any costs not covered by the primary insurer, such as co-pays, deductibles, and charged amounts over an insurer's "usual customary and reasonable" amounts.
Individuals that are at high risk of being hospitalized for one reason or another should strongly consider either a supplement plan such as Hospital Indemnity Insurance or purchase another full-coverage secondary insurance. Either way, this ensures that costs due to a medical stay do not leave you in financial ruin.
One of the most important things to keep in mind following a hospital stay is that billing departments make mistakes on a daily basis, both in hospitals and insurance company offices. The need to closely examine every hospital bill cannot be stressed enough. If there are no details in the bill, and prices for services are denoted in general terms such as "medication," "general care," or "miscellaneous," promptly request a detailed bill to be sent to you.
Hospitals must provide this detailed bill of all services rendered. Upon receipt of this bill, first compare it to the first bill. Do the totals match? If the second bill is higher than the first, it is time to contact the hospital.
If the totals match, read each item and price individually. Was this product or service really received? Were the prices at all reasonable? Generally the fees for general care items such as general pain medication tablets, sponges, and tape are outrageous. This also warrants a call to the billing department to dispute the charges. Inform them that you will gladly replace the items from the local pharmacy, and that if you had known about the pricing you would have brought it in yourself. This usually results in a drastic reduction in cost.
In addition, look for anything that was not actually used in your care. All too often patients are billed for something that never was given or received. Costs of cleaning the room, bedding, and ice chips should be included in the hospital stay and should note be charged for.
By doing your homework and examining everything, you can ensure that your hospital stay is not overshadowed by unrealistic bills.
by: Casey Trillbar Health Insurance For The Healthy California Is The First State To Implement Health Insurance Exchange Helping Your Family Eat Healthy Understanding Catastrophic Health Insurance Plans In Wisconsin Reason Behind Opting For Georgia Health Insurance Plans Compare Health Insurance - Why Must You Get It Lessons From The French On Health Insurance Where Can You Turn When Living Without Health Insurance? Is More Health Coverage Worth The Purchase? Doctors Say Florida Health Insurance Mandate Is Necessary The Best Tips For Shopping For Health Insurance Georgia Health Insurance Plan: Adequate Health Cover Benefits Served No Health Insurance