Things to know about your health insurance. Part 1

[dwallyfam]

Since there seems to be a lot of venting about insurance companies I thought I would provide some helpful tips. Having worked in insurance for 20+ years I have seen it all and these tis can be useful.

1. Since it is the beginning of the year, check out your health insurance policy. Every year changes are made, if not a new carrier then the way things are covered. They won't go over everything little thing at a benefit meeting just the big ones. Read the policy.

2. Check out the prescription benefits. Every day the insurance companies are changing the formularies (the list of covered drugs). The only thing they have to do is mail you a new list, they don't have to tell you what has changed. Always double check it. Also double check on who has access to fill prescriptions, that changes as well.

3. Before you go to the Dr. double check to make sure that he is on the "approved list" to get the better benefits. Don't go by the printed listing that you get from the company. That is outdated the minute it is printed. Either go online or call the insurance company to double check.

4. If you call the insurance company to ask questions, right down name, date, and time. Most insurance companies record the calls. If there is a problem they can trace the call back. Make sure that you have your phone call recorded, it can help if you are trying to prove something.

5. If you are needing to have services performed outside of normal office visits and bloodwork have it preapproved. This way if something comes up not covered, you have it in writing that the insurance company said it was.

On the next message I will let you know the proper appeal procedures. It can save you money and time.

Kellie

[Pepper]

Thank you!!

These are some things I really needed to know!