What Does My Premium Payment Pay For?
Before you blame the health insurance companies for being “greedy”, it’s important to note, there is a clause in the Affordable Care Act that is called the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR).
This Medical Loss Ratio states that insurance companies must pay a minimum of 80-85% of all the dollars they collect in premiums towards medical bills they receive (claims). In other words, if an insurance company collects $100 in a premium, $80 to $85 MUST pay a medical claim.
If at the end of the year they have collected too much from their members, they must send their members back a “rebate” check or give the members a credit for a future premium. So that leaves the insurance company the remaining 20% to pay all of their expenses (employees, buildings, marketing, broker costs etc). Within the 80-85% ratio’s, the insurance company can also spend money on things that improve healthcare quality. This medical loss ratio requires all insurance companies to send detailed reports to the Government about money being spent. The reports are a big responsibility and are very time consuming for the insurance companies to comply with.
When you hear someone talk about their premiums going up, have them read this definition and explanation.
Getting a Refund
We read an article a while back stating that the residents in Florida, almost 1 million customers, received a $65 refund because of this rule. The insurance company collected too much money in premiums and had to refund their customers the overage collected. Here in Nevada, we’ve had many customers receive a medical loss ratio refund too.
Your Health Insurance Benefits
Health insurance is very expensive these days. Your ACA qualified health insurance plan must cover these 10 “essential health care benefits”.
- Outpatient Treatment “Ambulatory Services”
- Emergency Care
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and Newborn Care
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Prescriptions
- Rehab services and devices
- Laboratory
- Preventive / Wellness
- Pediatric Services – dental and vision
All of these services alone are very expensive, but ACA Qualified health plans must cover all of them. Prescription coverage alone accounts for a huge percentage of your premium.
Seeking Guidance With Nevada Insurance Enrollment
Navigating through the many options of insurance can be confusing and chaotic, but speaking with a locally licensed insurance agent will help you obtain the right coverage. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you are adequately insured when life complications arise. We work hard to find the most competitive quotes for your needs. Contact us today to begin the process of finding the best insurance plan for your family.
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Is Physical Therapy Covered Under Health Insurance?
Whether you have recently been injured or you are experiencing chronic pain or limited mobility, going to a physical therapist can greatly improve your quality of life. For many people, concerns about how much regular sessions cost is a big roadblock to getting much needed care. Fortunately, if you have an ACA-compliant health insurance plan, rehabilitative services like physical therapy are listed among the essential health benefits.
What Is a Health Insurance Network?
Whether you’ve had the same health insurance company for years or switched to a new health insurance company, the variance in cost is directly related to whether a healthcare provider is within your health insurance company’s network (if you have a PPO), if you have a deductible to satisfy first, or if you have a co-pay.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
The special enrollment period is always within 60 days of a life event. A “Life Event” is an event such as the birth of a baby, losing group coverage through an employer, losing coverage due to a move to Nevada, marriage, any many other scenarios.
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Recent Posts
What Is An Exclusion In Health Insurance?
In health insurance, an exclusion is a medical procedure or treatment that the health insurance company does not cover. This may include specific medications, surgeries or therapies that are specifically omitted from your policy.
How A Divorce Affects Health Insurance Coverage
Going through a divorce can be a very stressful time, and it is unlikely that your health insurance coverage is at the forefront of your mind throughout the proceedings.
Avoid Health Insurance Coverage Gaps When Moving Out of State
If you move out of state, you’ll need to get coverage in your new state and need to report your move within 30 days and enroll into a plan within 60 days, but each state rules may vary. When you move, if you have insurance now, it would be considered a qualifying life event.
What Is the Best Vision Insurance?
Vision insurance is supplemental health insurance that covers vision-related care. This includes annual visits and emergency care, along with corrective products such as glasses and contacts.