Types of Insurances

Medicare as main insurance only functions to cover the minimal requirements for basic healthcare. It does not cover things other than the standard of care. Premium roughly $140 per month. Co-insurance or you pick up the other 20%. This is accepted just about anywhere, most importantly at all hospitals and most imaging centers where most of the big costs are. 

Traditional Commercial insurance with its multiple deductibles and high max out of pocket, copays and much higher premiums has the average person spending about $7,500-$13,000. When deductibles were $0-$500 and included all non-hospital services it was a tremendous option and affordable. Today it’s best attribute is covering a medical disasters like severe chronic illness and catastrophic health events. Note: Only 2-3 out of 10 meet their deductibles. Any excess premium or savings is not refunded to you. 

Medicare replacement plans pay the providers the same as Medicare but administered by commercial insurers with the mindset to split cost savings with Medicare. This cost savings come directly from rules designed to make it as difficult for providers to be paid. This is the precertification process which only insures the minimum of care. 

The Exchange/Obamacare Although this is very affordable it doesn’t appeal to the best providers, significantly more red tape and even lower reimbursements. Depending on your individual premium costs and deductibles it is an excellent for those with preexisting conditions severe chronic illness’ and like Medicare has excellent coverage in outpatient diagnostic centers and hospitals. 

Co-ops are groups of people who share the cost of each other’s health care. Usually very affordable but small print has shown they are best used for the catastrophic or severe chronic illness, Medi-Share/Christian Network is more traditional. 

HIP Nation www.hipnation.com is a newer model that is cash-based insurance plan that is designed for those who choose to pay cash. It keeps the costs down for people who become sick and those who remain healthy have significantly lower annual cost. 

Risk of Going will self-pay cash plan 

1.     Cash practices have a price list often 25%-50% less than the agreed amount with insurers. New patients and consults often include the basic items normally used during the initial visit. Prices are generally cheaper as there is no need to pay for the labor required to play the insurance claim.

2.     What if I need labs or testing? Membership programs includes some or most at no additional charge or co-pay. Those when not included are available at an additional discount.

3.     If you were to choose the top membership level the cost of the program would be $4,250 for all your primary and cardiovascular prevention needs. The average patient will require 2 visits and at least 2 diagnostic studies. The cost of these is included or at a steeply discounted price. This is because the cost to the provider to get insurance approval is sometimes more than the amount in question. Unlike the insurance companies we pass any cost savings to the patient.

4.     The lowest membership level provides for primary care and risk assessment. At $500 this level provides primary care needs and cardiovascular risk assessment, and if you turn out to be high risk you can always upgrade your membership to allow for those findings. This level is best for the very young and healthy as all items are paid for as needed once your assessment has been done.