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In this day and age of advanced technologies science has solved mysteries of all kinds, including those dealing with the human genome, it should come as no surprise that someone had the bright idea of using human genetic information as a condition for obtaining insurance. This idea, of course, would raise more than a few eyebrows. Imagine the ramifications.

Just recently this idea was squashed by a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives; the bill, reminiscent of a Robin Cook novel, prohibits a group health plan from making adjustments to premiums or contribution amounts for groups of people based on their genetic information. Although it sounds like something from the pages of George Orwell, this is reality of a sort not too many people have contemplated. Freedom, liberty and justice are all things thought about on a daily basis - but insurance based on your genetic code?

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 specifically tells a group health plan they cannot request or require a person or family member to undergo a genetic test. However, the bill does not limit the authority of a health care professional (doctor etc.) to ask a person to have a genetic test. The key to understanding the distinctions made in this act involves grasping that the ban on asking for genetic information doesn't preclude a group health plan from acquiring the results of a genetic test, or using that information to make a decision on payments. This doesn't mean the health plan has access to all of the medical information gathered. It means they can only ask for the minimum information required to make a decision on payment.

Further provisions of this rather controversial act include the fact that a group health plan can ask, but not require, a person or beneficiary to have a genetic test for research purposes , as long as certain requirements are met. Those requirements are that the health plan makes it perfectly clear that any compliance with their request is strictly voluntary, and that those who don't choose to comply won't be penalized in any way relating to their enrollment status or contribution amounts.

The second requirement is that the health plan is not allowed to use any genetic information collected for underwriting purposes; that kind of request must be made to the Secretary of Health and Human Services with complete details included.

In summary, although this act is certainly controversial, it does seem there are safe guards in place to prevent any abuse of the system.

Bradley Palmer is with Grouphealthflorida.com offering Florida Group Health Insurance. To learn more about group health insurance, visit http://www.grouphealthflorida.com

// posted by 24394 @ 3:32 AM 0 comments

Today millions of Americans are unable to afford the rising cost of healthcare. Additionally, millions more cannot qualify for healthcare benefits due to pre existing conditions that make them uninsurable. These issues of affordability and eligibility are major roadblocks facing Americans as they attempt to secure quality healthcare.

One choice that is available to these individuals is Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance. Follow along as we discuss some important aspects of this type of health care coverage and see if it is right for you.

Q: What is Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance?

A: It is health insurance that is guaranteed issue, meaning no one is turned down for healthcare coverage. It simply refers to health insurance that has no medical underwriting. A policy will be issued even if you have pre existing conditions. There are no medical questions, no height/weight requirements and no physical exams needed to qualify. You choose your medical provider and the plan pays regardless of any other insurance coverage.

Q: Who needs this type of health insurance?

A: It is ideal for those individuals who find they cannot qualify for or afford other health care plans. Those diagnosed with a preexisting condition such as heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, cancer, stroke, liver disease, AIDS, pregnancy, depression and kidney disease will most certainly find this a good choice. However, if you are healthy, it's probably best to buy a traditional health insurance policy.

Q: What does this insurance cover?

A: Known as a "mini-med" plan, these plans provide a considerable amount of healthcare coverage. They are affordable and cover most pre existing conditions after 12 months. These plans are not basic health insurance or major medical coverage but offer what is known as "limited benefit health insurance". Simply put, the plan pays a defined amount for a medical service or procedure. Usually covered are doctor visits, emergency room visits, hospital charges, surgery, accidental death, etc.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: These plans offer a wide range of premiums depending upon the type of plan selected and if the coverage will be for an individual, an individual %2B partner or for the entire family.

Q: Are there other healthcare plans that will work for me?

A: Sure there are other options you might pursue. Group health insurance is a possibility but will require an employer sponsored plan or you could join a professional organization which offers a healthcare plan to its membership. This may not always be possible.

You may be able to obtain individual health insurance with some pre existing conditions but most likely the insurance company will want to totally exclude most preexisting conditions. State high risk pools offer an alternative solution but certain requirements must be met and the premiums can be very expensive. For individuals with pre-existing conditions, a guaranteed issue health policy may still be your best option.

Q: Is Guaranteed Issue Health Insurance right for you?

A: Remember these types of plans are generally for someone who cannot obtain traditional health insurance due to medical reasons or wants coverage for the pre-existing conditions.

Rudy Wilson is an avid proponent of affordable health insurance and a researcher of guaranteed acceptance health insurance plans. To learn about the guaranteed acceptance health insurance plan that Rudy recommends after extensive research, visit http://www.UninsurableHealthSolution.com now.

// posted by 24394 @ 3:29 AM 0 comments