One of the most pressing questions for people in the U.S. who are transitioning to self employment from a job “with benefits� is the health care question…if not for the business person, then for their spouse or children.It’s one thing to go on the other spouse’s insurance if they have it.
But if you have to find your own plan, it can be a nightmare!
I used to have a health insurance license so I understand the industry and my wife has worked in medical billing for over 20 years so I KNOW what a convoluted mess it can be to understand this issue.
Here’s a website that can help you make informed decisions about health insurance, health savings plans etc. It’s called Vimo. As far as I know, it’s the only Internet destination where users can get the objective, authoritative, and comprehensive shopping-comparison info they need to comparison-shop for insurance, Health Savings Accounts, medical procedures, doctors and dentists.
Their frequently asked questions section is very good.
For example, the article about “Risk Adjustment Factors� reveals something most health consumers don’t know.
Let’s say you have high cholesterol. I had a physician tell me that taking no-flush niacin was just as good clinically, but that if I took a prescription cholesterol fighting drug, it would raise my Risk Adjustment Factor and make my premiums sky rocket if I ever were self employed, and wouldn’t work better than the niacin! (Please consult your physician before changing any cholesterol regimine, we’re not offering medical advice here, blah, blah, legal blah.)
Now I try to find alternatives to prescriptions that will raise my “RAF�.
Did you know that if you get stressed out at work, one diagnosis, I think it’s “adjustment disorder� that implies a temporary situation is much better than “depression� even if the stress has you temporarily depressed? (See above disclaimer and consider yourself redisclaimed!)
I sold disability insurance to young doctors in another century (literally!). One girl went to a friend at the hospital who happened to be a psychiatrist. His prescription and diagnosis for short term stress was listed on the computers…it kept her from getting needed insurance because it made her look – on paper – like a long term problem instead of having a short term stress issue!
It’s time to be more aware about prescriptions and diagnoses if you want to be self employed one day or keep down the cost of health care.
Vimo can help you not be a victim in this game. By knowing these things you can save thousands of dollars on medical insurance premiums!
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