Navigating the complex world of health insurance may seem daunting at first. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Be it your first policy purchase or an existing policyholder, understanding some common myths can help inform informed decisions. As part of your decision, when selecting a plan take into account your unique healthcare needs and ensure your preferred doctors are included within its provider network.
1. You can’t be rejected for a policy
Health insurance works by pooling risks. Those facing adverse outcomes–such as becoming sick, being involved in an automobile accident, or losing their home–are compensated from premiums paid by many others. Thus individuals must understand how premiums and deductibles work to plan for healthcare needs effectively. Make sure to spend sufficient time researching available policies; selecting the cheapest policy may not always be best, especially if your medical needs are complex. If denied a claim, read your denial letter carefully as it will outline the next steps and potentially the option for appealing. However, for best results, it would be advisable to discuss the specifics of your specific situation with an agent first.
2. You can’t change your plan once you’ve enrolled
Understanding healthcare coverage can be complicated, but understanding its myths will give you more confidence when selecting a plan ideal for your family. Misconception: Once enrolled, plans cannot be changed after enrollment. But with certain qualifying life events such as marriage, childbirth, or losing job-based coverage requiring you to sign up or change plans outside open enrollment periods (ie, marriage or pregnancy announcement or losing coverage from employer), special enrollment periods may exist which allow this flexibility. Learn more here!
3. You can’t get coverage if you’re pregnant
Pregnant women can access affordable and comprehensive health coverage regardless of whether they are uninsured, enrolled in traditional or expansion Medicaid, or covered through private or employer-sponsored policies. There are some important considerations when looking at options in the ACA marketplace that pregnant women must keep in mind when making this choice. The Affordable Care Act mandates that Marketplace plans cover treatment for preexisting medical conditions, including pregnancy. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program cannot reject, charge more for, or deny coverage due to pregnant women being pregnant; this also applies when buying outside of Open Enrollment through qualifying life events like pregnancy or adoption.
4. You can’t get coverage if you’re a smoker
Smokers are vulnerable to respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, making them high-risk populations for insurance providers. Health insurance plans that offer smoker-specific benefits provide coverage, although premiums and deductibles will likely be higher as smokers pose more of a risk to insurers. False reporting smoking on an application form could cause insurance companies to retroactively apply the tobacco surcharge and you could suffer financial consequences in the form of coverage losses in the long run, so smokers must disclose their smoking habits on insurance application forms.
5. You can’t get coverage if you’re a drinker
Health insurance should never be seen as an all-or-nothing solution, particularly among younger and healthier individuals. Even young and healthy people can experience unexpected accidents or illnesses that require costly medical bills to treat, creating financial stress for you or your family in the form of additional bills to be paid without fear of financial strain. By having coverage in place you will ensure you or your family can manage these expenses without experiencing financial difficulty as a result of these unexpected expenses. Alcohol may raise your premium slightly depending on which provider you select, so to reduce it and bring down costs further, submit a statement outlining why and how you quit drinking and how both your physical and mental health have improved as a result – this will strengthen the validity of your application process. Moderation is key; excess consumption only poses more risk.
6. You can’t get coverage if you’re a smoker
Smokers are more vulnerable than others to developing respiratory conditions and other health concerns, so ensuring financial protection during medical emergencies should be a top priority for them. As part of your application process, you must disclose any smoking habits during this process. Any falsification could constitute insurance fraud and lead to higher premiums or even lead to your application being declined altogether. With proper knowledge and guidance, you can successfully navigate the health insurance landscape and select a plan that meets your needs. We hope these myths have assisted your search and invite any additional inquiries or concerns you have to contact SummaCare as we’re always glad to assist!
7. You can’t get coverage if you’re a drinker
As tempting as it may be to believe that young and healthy individuals don’t require health insurance coverage, accidents do happen unexpectedly and therefore it is critical that a solid health plan be put in place and purchased early. Consumption of alcohol doesn’t cause immediate damage; however, it increases your risk for serious health problems and thus raises premiums. You can lower this cost by showing evidence that you’ve quit drinking and are maintaining better health; this will strengthen your application with Zurich Kotak health insurance plans that provide coverage suitable for everyone – including those who consume alcohol.
8. You can’t get coverage if you’re a drinker
Health insurance can be an overwhelming subject. From unfamiliar terms, multiple plan options, and ever-evolving regulations to the possibility of myths and misconceptions arising, the topic can often leave consumers baffled. Myth: Young and healthy people don’t require health insurance. Fact: Accidents and illnesses can strike at any age and health status, leaving anyone exposed to unexpectedly large medical expenses without health coverage.
Alcohol abuse has serious adverse health repercussions and insurance premium costs can skyrocket as a result. Alcohol can increase your risk for pancreatitis, cirrhosis, and other serious ailments that insurers refuse to cover due to increased medical risk posed by drinking too much; for this reason, many are unwilling or only offer coverage at higher premiums; but you can still secure coverage if you’re an alcoholic by providing proof that you completed a rehabilitation program successfully.
