In a recent story shown on MSNBC, a health insurance expert advised the public on how to deal with health insurance companies.  I found this piece interesting, because health insurance is one of the few things we can buy where there needs to be a “how to” guide for customers.  With almost any other thing you can buy, it’s the customer that comes first, but not with health insurance.  Either you need to spend time doing your “due diligence” in managing your benefits, or you have to work with a broker who is willing to do it for you.

As a broker who sells health plans for many Colorado health insurance companies, I am aware of a few ways that individuals can ensure they prevent problems with their health plan later, should they become injured or ill.  First of all, it’s important to always fill out the provider’s application and paperwork as accurately and honestly as possible.  This is particularly true with individual health plans, where pre-existing conditions matter most.

Working with your broker, it is easy to prevent mistakes on the application form that could cause your policy to work against you in the future.  If a health insurance company discovers a previously undisclosed medical condition later, they could cancel a private health plan immediately.

Another important tip is to be aware of which conditions are covered and which ones are not by seeking preapproval in advance.  A letter from your doctor can help you convince the health insurance company that treatment is medically necessary.

With the recent healthcare reform legislation, it is smart to be cognizant of which treatments health insurance companies are now required to cover.  For example, even the high deductible policies are now required to cover people for certain preventive care treatments, such an annual check-up, OB-Gyn visit, and mammogram for women over 40.

Keep in mind that your benefits can change from one year to the next, and while your insurance company is obligated to tell you, it is easy to miss these slight alterations in a policy handbook.  Rather than figuring it all out on your own, working with a health insurance broker is a smart move.  Michael Horvat is a health insurance expert and broker with HealthQuotes.com in Colorado Springs, CO.  If you are searching for Colorado health insurance plans or quotes, please give Michael a call anytime at 800-345-0789.

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