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About Michael Higgins
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
All questions pertaining to health insurance, whether group, individual/family, student, child-only, COBRA, HIPAA, Portability, dental. No expert knowledge in areas such as life insurance, disability, workman's compensation, auto, etc.

Experience
27 years as owner of health insurance agency, primarily dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Education/Credentials
College, Business Administration.

   

You are here:  Experts > Money > Personal Insurance > Life & Health Insurance

Questions Answered By Expert  Michael Higgins 
In Category  Life & Health Insurance

SubjectDate Asked

Have to choose HSA or PPO Today!!!11/11/2009
  Q: What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois My husband's company is taking the HMO ...
  A: Here is a link that will be very helpful, a comparison between HSA's, HRA's, and Flex plans. ...
Have to choose HSA or PPO Today!!!11/11/2009
  Q: What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois My husband's company is taking the HMO ...
  A: Trina: In my opinion there is no better plan than an HSA. I have one with Blue Cross of Arizona and ...
Client11/11/2009
  Q: I have client, female, age 60, good health who is retiring. The company she works for has 20 ...
  A: David: The employer is saying that your client has the right to go on COBRA, but the company does ...
Hep C11/9/2009
  Q: I have a question. I was exposed to the hepatitis c virus.(I found that out 6 years ago). I test ...
  A: Not all insurance companies deal with the MIB. As an example, Blue Cross of Az. does not, relying ...
insurance for a family member11/4/2009
  Q: i would like to get cover for my mother who is 71. she is an amputee and needs 24hr care. her ...
  A: Mrs. Mills: If your mother is enrolled in parts A %26 B Medicare the best thing to do is purchase a ...
COBRA and Medicaid10/27/2009
  Q: My husband recently lost his job and we have elected to continue our medical insurance through ...
  A: You would lose COBRA once on Medicaid. The question is why would you want both? If you get on ...
Medicaid question9/22/2009
  Q: I live in Orlando, FL and am the victim of domestic abuse. I have recovered and am now divorced, ...
  A: On www.Bing.com search, "Florida medicaid." The link I tried to send you yesterday should be the ...
Medicaid question9/22/2009
  Q: I live in Orlando, FL and am the victim of domestic abuse. I have recovered and am now divorced, ...
  A: Here is a link that will be very helpful, http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/medicaid.shtml. Please note ...
Medical claims are not being submitted for payment9/22/2009
  Q: The billing clerk (outsourced) for my rheumatologist continually submits incorrect claims to my ...
  A: Your state may have different laws and protections for the insurance purchaser, but my educated ...
Health Insurance9/11/2009
  Q: My husband and I are currently enrolled in my health insurance plan through my workplace (I work for ...
  A: Michelle: Each state has different mandates, i.e., requirements that insurance companies doing ...
Catatstophic Major Medical Insurance9/5/2009
  Q: I am covered by a comprehensive medical plan through my employer(it is PPO with copay for visits and ...
  A: The main benefit to spending six dollars a month would be the disability coverage, not the medical. ...
Catatstophic Major Medical Insurance9/5/2009
  Q: I am covered by a comprehensive medical plan through my employer(it is PPO with copay for visits and ...
  A: You are both young and healthy, and I would never spend $200 a month to cover possible ...
health coverage8/25/2009
  Q: I'm in quite a conundrum. I'm in my early 20s (single and no dependents) and am no longer covered by ...
  A: Andrea: Was your last day of coverage on your parents policy within the last 63 days? Have you ...
Deductible8/22/2009
  Q: Next year my wife and I want to immigrate to Florida United States. We are now citizens of The ...
  A: Frans: You may send your questions directly to me at info@higginscompanies.com. Whether in the ...
Deductible8/21/2009
  Q: Next year my wife and I want to immigrate to Florida United States. We are now citizens of The ...
  A: Frans: You have posed an excellent question, and one that many Americans do not know the answer to. ...
Cobra coverage and new baby7/2/2009
  Q: I am due with my third baby in September and I am losing my job in August but I have our families ...
  A: The newborn is covered the minute he or she is born. (Congratulations by the way!) You may need to ...
Cobra7/2/2009
  Q: My son's wife lost her job of 12 years as a manager at hard rock cafe in myrtle beach. She applied ...
  A: My first question would be why your daughter stopped payment on the checks? Understanding that the ...
Health Insurance6/20/2009
  Q: I have been offered a job with a small company as a sales representative. The company offers a ...
  A: David: The benefit of being on a group plan is that pre-existing conditions will likely be covered ...
pregnancy question5/28/2009
  Q: Mr. Higgins, I lost my job at a company I had worked for for six years. I had family health ...
  A: Robert: Firstly, double check my answer with your new employer's HR department or the new insurance ...
Medical Bill5/23/2009
  Q: Please be advised and for the record I am disputing a claim with Great Neck Stand-up MRI in the ...
  A: You have proven, through the words that you have written, an understanding that the first rule in a ...
Group Insurance though Employer5/21/2009
  Q: My company has health care, I became eligible to be covered two months ago, and it was stated at no ...
  A: Christina: The bad news first: The reality is that if you do not continue with the insurance it is ...
Group Insurance though Employer5/21/2009
  Q: My company has health care, I became eligible to be covered two months ago, and it was stated at no ...
  A: I can hear the frustration in your words and I do empathize. For clarification, did you ever enroll ...
Is it Fraud5/18/2009
  Q: My boss was divorced at the end of last year, he has continued to carry his ex-wife on his health ...
  A: Carrie: It depends on whether it's a group plan or individual/family plan. On a group plan a ...
Insurance basics5/17/2009
  Q: i am 19 yrs old ad I am new to the word insurance Because i am going to US and there with out Health ...
  A: Young males such as yourself are the least expensive to insure. The cost of health insurance for you ...
Depression as a pre-existing condition5/14/2009
  Q: How do health insurance companies define depression as a pre-existing condition? Does taking ...
  A: Carrie: You have absolutely nothing to worry about. The treatment you are receiving is very common, ...
Depression as a pre-existing condition5/14/2009
  Q: How do health insurance companies define depression as a pre-existing condition? Does taking ...
  A: It is a pre-existing condition if you have sought advice or seen a medical provider for a condition. ...
Hospital Indemnity Insurance5/13/2009
  Q: My husband recently started work at a company that offers only one insurance plan (Cigna POS) that ...
  A: Jessica: The premium that your family is paying changes everything. There is no need to look at ...
Hospital Indemnity Insurance5/13/2009
  Q: My husband recently started work at a company that offers only one insurance plan (Cigna POS) that ...
  A: It will be easier for me to explain why spending $43 a month on a $1500 benefit isn't too great a ...
Hospital Indemnity Insurance5/1/2009
  Q: My husband recently started work at a company that offers only one insurance plan (Cigna POS) that ...
  A: I do not know of any product available to you and your husband to cover the $3000, etc. That said, I ...
Divorce4/30/2009
  Q: Im getting ready to file divorce papers, my husband has all of us (me, our son & my daughter from a ...
  A: You and your children have the right to stay on your current group health insurance plan for up to ...
Group vs. Private vs. Medicaid vs. Cobra4/17/2009
  Q: Good evening from Texas. My question is kind of long, sorry. Currently my husband is employed with ...
  A: Allow me to start by listing the best solution first, and answering your other concerns afterward. ...
Cobra4/12/2009
  Q: I have Blue cross of PA personal choice coverage. My college age child is taking a leave of absence ...
  A: Your son has a couple of options. One, as mentioned previously, is to ask BCBS if he can convert to ...
Cobra4/12/2009
  Q: I have Blue cross of PA personal choice coverage. My college age child is taking a leave of absence ...
  A: Is your coverage on a group plan or an individual/family plan you purchased? Does your son have ...
Cobra coverage4/8/2009
  Q: and thanks in advance for answering this pressing question. Sorry the "back story" is so long: My ...
  A: The easiest, and best way to get the answer you need is to simply ask the new group health insurance ...
Student health insurance4/4/2009
  Q: Next year I will not be claiming my son as a dependent; he is a student, and my health insurance ...
  A: Assuming your son is healthy, he can simply apply for an individual plan through a local insurer. I ...
Daughters' preexisting condition4/1/2009
  Q: My college daughter who is 21 yrs. old had kidney stones and a kidney disease last year. She will ...
  A: The first thing to do is ask your current insurance company if they will transfer your daughter to ...
college grad-individual insurance options3/27/2009
  Q: I just graduated from college and will be kicked off my parents' health insurance in 4 days. As I'm ...
  A: The short answer is: Yes, the HSA is best. You are able to pay for all medical services, including ...
pre-existing conditions3/20/2009
  Q: I LIFE IN CALIFORNIA AND HAD BEEN UNINSURED FOR A 15 MONTH GAP. I COULDN'T GET PERSONAL INSURANCE ...
  A: Not all cancers are considered the same disease, but the underwriting is usually the same for all ...
pre-existing conditions3/20/2009
  Q: I LIFE IN CALIFORNIA AND HAD BEEN UNINSURED FOR A 15 MONTH GAP. I COULDN'T GET PERSONAL INSURANCE ...
  A: It is the definition of,"pre-existing condition," that the insurance company abides by that is the ...
Divorce, Pre-Existing Condition, a mess3/18/2009
  Q: Hope you can help. Live in Pennsylvania, 49 years old, unemployed (was downsized several years ago ...
  A: Jim: Under COBRA, participants, covered spouses and dependent children may continue their plan ...
Catastrophic health insurance (asset protection)3/9/2009
  Q: Higgins, My husband and I currently have no health insurance; I'm 48 years old, he's 52, we live in ...
  A: There is a common misconception that group health insurance is less expensive than individual plans. ...
Health Insurance Pre-Existing Conditions2/26/2009
  Q: We are looking for individual health coverage for my wife and I. I have been on my wife's Cal-Cobra ...
  A: Portability, (a.k.a HIPAA,) is the most likely option. Possibly you own a business and can get ...
non-smoker health premiums2/25/2009
  Q: Our company is shopping for health insurance. Do you know of any insurers who offer lower health ...
  A: Bill: It is likely that most insurance companies you receive a quote from will ask about tobacco ...
non-smoker health premiums2/24/2009
  Q: Our company is shopping for health insurance. Do you know of any insurers who offer lower health ...
  A: Bill: It will depend on what state you reside in. As an example, some of the Blue Cross companies ...
25 year old2/16/2009
  Q: My daughter just turned 25 and has had health insurance for her whole life with my company's policy. ...
  A: I assume your company group policy is not with Blue Cross of Texas, is this correct? . If your ...
Individual health insurance, with pre-existing conditions2/11/2009
  Q: Oh boy, i'm in a quandry and have to make a decision FAST! In short, I was on group insurance but ...
  A: Heidi: As crazy as this sounds, $500 a month is a good price. You will be out of luck if you don't ...
Individual health insurance, with pre-existing conditions2/11/2009
  Q: Oh boy, i'm in a quandry and have to make a decision FAST! In short, I was on group insurance but ...
  A: What state do you live in? I would apply for the HIPAA, (Portability, asap.) In Arizona it is 63 ...
health insurance2/8/2009
  Q: My second question. I found a really cheap, and very limited health insurance. But this is just in ...
  A: Debbie: The negotiated rates for care vary quite a bit between insurance companies. If I'm with an ...
COBRA and Stimulus1/29/2009
  Q: Mike, I noticed in yesterday's (1/28/09) House bill for the President's stimulus package, that in ...
  A: David: If passed, my understanding is that the federal gov't would subsidize 65% of the COBRA ...
Dental.1/29/2009
  Q: I'm in college and about to graduate with a Bachelor's in BSED (In December). I say this because I ...
  A: http://www.bcbsga.com/wps/portal/chpmemberbcbsga?content_path=agent/noapplication/plansbenefits/nose ...
Dental.1/28/2009
  Q: I'm in college and about to graduate with a Bachelor's in BSED (In December). I say this because I ...
  A: Tegan: The reality is that there really is no dental insurance plan that will pay for much of the ...
COBRA vs ???1/21/2009
  Q: Mike, Everyone knows how expensive COBRA insurance can be on a monthly basis (family plan $1,000+). ...
  A: David: COBRA can be expensive, but not always. It is important to remember that COBRA coverage can ...
Invidivual or employer insurance1/15/2009
  Q: My son has just accepted a new job in Ca. He has been told he can either go with a policy thru the ...
  A: Karen: If your son has no pre-existing conditions that must be covered, I would strongly recommend ...
cancer1/8/2009
  Q: my wife and i recently picked up a cancer policy but afgter researching a bit on the internet, i ...
  A: Mike: Please keep in mind that you have asked for my opinion, and you will receive just that, my ...
Maternity coverage12/17/2008
  Q: My husband and I currently do not have any type of health insurance. I am between jobs and his job ...
  A: Kristy: In Arizona, (and likely applies in your state,) it is recommended that those having a baby ...
Coverage?11/19/2008
  Q: I am a senior in college and am planning on getting married. I am under my parents health coverage, ...
  A: Firstly, congratulations on the upcoming wedding. Secondly, each state has different laws and ...
health insurance for young man 2411/13/2008
  Q: I am looking for a reasonable health insurance plan for a 24 year old young man who works at a fast ...
  A: Connie: Here is the link to the Blue Cross HSA plan named, "Blue Edge," in Illinois. ...
Cash opt-out of Group Medical Insurance Plan11/11/2008
  Q: if an employee voluntarily opts-out of his/her group medical insurance plan and receives cash in ...
  A: And thank you for being of service to our country as a proud Marine. I've lived in the same home ...
employer provided insurance10/21/2008
  Q: I was hired by my employer on March 19 of 2007. I was told that in 90 days my insurance would be ...
  A: Carrie: You need legal representation. I am not an attorney. A good start will be to find a ...
employer provided insurance10/21/2008
  Q: I was hired by my employer on March 19 of 2007. I was told that in 90 days my insurance would be ...
  A: Carrie: I have a few questions for you. Why did your insurance go into effect in March of 2008 ...
Medicare Supplemental Coverage10/19/2008
  Q: My husband and I are relatively new to Medicare, being 65 and 66 respectively. Since July 1, 2007, I ...
  A: Karen: What city/state do you reside? Licensed in Arizona, this will be an educated guess until I ...
Coverage for my 24 year old10/19/2008
  Q: .......Our health insurance coverage covers my kids up until they are 26 if we claim them as ...
  A: James: It is usually required that a dependent be a full-time student up to a certain age, 24-26 ...
HEALTH INSURANCE AFTER HEART ATTACK10/7/2008
  Q: IM A MALE 45 YEARS I HAVE A HEART ATTACK 3 YEARS AGO I HAVE A INSURNACE WITH PREFERRED MEDICAL PLAN ...
  A: Juan: Try this Florida program for those seeking assistance with prescriptions. Information is ...
2 health care policies9/26/2008
  Q: I have an insurance policy with Aetna that covers both my wife and I. It costs a little over $300 a ...
  A: Allen: Your question is tough to answer without knowing a few things. Will Mobil keep you on their ...
Primary insurance, Bill to?9/8/2008
  Q: I have insurance for my stepson and supposedly does his mother. My step son resides with his mother ...
  A: Brooke: Whatever billing address was given to the doctor's office when the child had his first ...
Primary insurance, Bill to?9/8/2008
  Q: I have insurance for my stepson and supposedly does his mother. My step son resides with his mother ...
  A: This is a legal question. My guess would be that because your husband has a court order requiring ...
health care bills9/8/2008
  Q: I have my family insured through my employer. If they incur any health expenses that are not ...
  A: Your question relates more to a legal situation really, rather than a health insurance inquiry. That ...
Cobra Health Insurance9/8/2008
  Q: For 6 months I have been paying $336 per month for Cobra health insurance for my minor son. When I ...
  A: Chuck: Here is a paragraph from the Department of Labor website: ...
health care bills9/8/2008
  Q: I have my family insured through my employer. If they incur any health expenses that are not ...
  A: The patient is billed, not your employer. If your step daughter is not a legal adult, her legal ...
Live outside US, need US health insurance8/30/2008
  Q: a German company. I am an American citizen and travel to the US very often. What I need is US ...
  A: Assuming you have looked into purchasing travelers insurance while in the U.S.A., your other option ...
ERISA8/26/2008
  Q: I am aware a consumer can file a complaint against an insurance company with the state department of ...
  A: Fernando: My recommendation would be to request reconsideration of the claim directly with the ...
health insurance7/30/2008
  Q: Mr. Higgins, My 29 yr. old daughter is a college senior, and has no health coverage. She works ...
  A: Your daughter has pre-existing conditions and no health insurance to help offset the cost of ...
chronic kidney failer7/24/2008
  Q: I am 30 years old and I currently have a group health plan through my employer in Arizona. I have ...
  A: Christopher: If your current employer has 20 or more employees on the group plan COBRA will be ...
Health Insurance for my 60-yr old mom7/9/2008
  Q: My Mom is 60 years old. She had a triple-bypass surgery 4 years ago and is on heart medications. She ...
  A: Tina: Each state has different programs offered to those that are uninsurable on an individual ...
Cobra and pregnancy6/29/2008
  Q: I currently have health assurance thru my employer but would like to leave my job and become self ...
  A: This is a question for the human resources person at your school, whether COBRA is available to you ...
Pre exisiting conditions6/29/2008
  Q: I'm thinking of changing jobs and I just found out I have cancer. I'm 25. I've been told that under ...
  A: It is very likely that you will be covered from day one, including the pre-existing condition. Each ...
APA6/28/2008
  Q: my question is in regards to mental health coverage. I am 19-years-old and want to see a ...
  A: I think that calling the insurance company is fine, but you will need the policy number to find out ...
APA6/28/2008
  Q: my question is in regards to mental health coverage. I am 19-years-old and want to see a ...
  A: Your parents do not have the ability to know about your claims history unless you signed a ...
Health Insurance6/21/2008
  Q: here is my problem. My husband is a business owner, and we pay out of pocket for individual health ...
  A: As a broker in Arizona, I'm not too familiar with the plans in Colorado. I did look over the plans ...
Dental Insurance6/10/2008
  Q: I currently have medical and dental insurance (BCBS) through my employer but the dental is quite ...
  A: Craig: All dental insurance plans offer minimal coverage, and are expensive, in my opinion. With ...
Health Insurance6/4/2008
  Q: I used to have group health insurance through my job. I have quit my job and my health insurance ...
  A: My answer will be based on Arizona insurance laws and underwriting practices, but hopefully will ...
Health Insurance3/20/2008
  Q: I am considering getting personal health insurance for my family instead of through my employer. Am ...
  A: Each state has their own laws, but generally speaking, no, you are at no more risk of being canceled ...
Is pregnancy consider a pre-existing condition in Nevada?3/19/2008
  Q: Michael: I am considering taking a job offer with AAA and they have United HealthCare as their ...
  A: It will be best to check with your new employers Human Resources representative to be sure the birth ...
Billing System3/13/2008
  Q: My Doctor's "billing" company has not submitted a bill to my State Medical Insurance Company or to ...
  A: It is your responsibility to pay any medical bills, whether you have insurance or not. Most ...
health insurance cost2/7/2008
  Q: blue cross blue shield insurnce raised my rate to 100.00 a day. is there a limit an insurance ...
  A: Thomas: It is hard to imagine that an insuror is charging you $3000 a month for individual health ...
BCBS Tennessee rider1/23/2008
  Q: I have BCBS health insurance. I have a rider which I understand, if I have to have something done ...
  A: The hospital is correct, unfortunately. A rider excludes coverage for a certain condition, and you ...
Insurance Recommendations1/16/2008
  Q: I'm a 26 year old single male in Pennsylvania looking into getting health insurance for the first ...
  A: Steve: It is likely that your current treatment will be a pre-existing condition. I think the best ...
pregnancy as pre-existing condition?1/15/2008
  Q: I am coming from India to Cincinnati,OH on L1-A work visa to work with GE Aviation. My employer has ...
  A: Generally speaking, maternity is not considered a pre-existing condition. I cannot imagine any ...
Health insurance12/31/2007
  Q: We have an adult child on our medical insurance. Are we financially responsible for her uncovered ...
  A: The contract is between your husband and the insuror. Your husband is financially responsible for ...
COBRA Insurance12/28/2007
  Q: Need your inputs. I changed my job and on to new Health Insurance from my new company from Dec 01 ...
  A: Your wife may stay on COBRA for up to 18 months. The statement you refer to on the COBRA letter ...
Cobra insurance12/17/2007
  Q: Mr. Higgins,My wife was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in November 2006.The company she ...
  A: Most likely, yes, assuming your work offers group insurance for it's employees. There will be an ...
Cobra insurance12/17/2007
  Q: Mr. Higgins,My wife was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in November 2006.The company she ...
  A: Mr. Putnam: Once COBRA has been exhausted, your wife will qualify for Portability individual ...
differential diagnosis & pre-existing conditions12/14/2007
  Q: On three or four occassions over the past 4 years I saw two different GP's for treatment of mild ...
  A: Rick: You are right to suspect that the claims will be denied. At this point I would supply the ...
health ins12/4/2007
  Q: I currently have Anthem-Matthew Thorton Blue through the company that I work for. I've been at the ...
  A: Each state has different laws regarding underwriting, especially regarding individual/family ...
cancellation of health11/25/2007
  Q: my wife and i have two small children. ive been paying out of pocket for the last five years for our ...
  A: Eric: I've spoken with Aetna this morning and have been told that it is possible for you to cancel ...
obtaining high deduct health insurance & hippa11/10/2007
  Q: My wife and I recently semi-retired and opted for a less stress life. We are both 50 and before we ...
  A: Many insurors use the MIB, (Medical Insurance Bureau,) to verify the health history of applicants. ...
Cancer Ins.11/4/2007
  Q: My elderly mother pays over $200.00 a month for cancer insurance, which she does not need. She has ...
  A: Agreeing that it is likely that your mother does not need a separate policy to cover cancer, as this ...
High deductible health insurance11/3/2007
  Q: I am a very healthy, well to do 56 year old unemployed man paying about $250 a month for health ...
  A: Woodrow: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona offers a $10,000 deductible plan. In your age bracket the ...
health insurance10/16/2007
  Q: I AM RECENTLY MARRIED AND WE WANT TO START A FAMILY(HAVE A BABY). I AM A HAIRSTYLIST AND MY HUSBAND ...
  A: Ms. Wood: In Arizona most individual PPO plans do not cover maternity, only complications of ...
COBRA10/11/2007
  Q: We have been paying COBRA payments to my husband's former employer, as instructed. Recently, our ...
  A: This is more a legal question than an insurance question, unfortunately. My educated guess is that ...
Health Insurance10/7/2007
  Q: I will turn 23 this month, and I will no longer be covered under my parent's health insurance. I was ...
  A: Simply visit the online local Blue Cross Blue Shield in your state. The higher the deductible ...
Health Insurance Increase10/2/2007
  Q: I work for Walgreens in Fla. My insurance is Uniter Health. I was informed as a smoker my premium ...
  A: The legality of this underwriting practice is for an attorney. Though your question refers to group ...

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