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Life & Health Insurance/Questions Answered by Expert Michael Higgins

Subject	Date Asked
Limited medical indemnity vs major medical	1/21/2012
Q: Good Evening, I am currently retired and took COBRA from my employer for myself (age 56) and my ... A: Shirley: I am assuming, "Limited Medical," is a type of health insurance coverage offered in your ...
Health Insurance and various prescription discount cards	1/17/2012
Q: I have Blue Cross and have not found any niche that a discount card would fit to reduce prescription ... A: Carl: Assuming your health insurance policy does not cover the cost of prescriptions for a co-pay ...
Certain Meds	1/15/2012
Q: I was wondering if any health insurance helps to cover the cost of the drug Propecia? I purchased a ... A: James: Physicians use finasteride, (Propecia,) for the treatment of an enlarged prostate condition, ...
life insurance	1/13/2012
Q: I am paul writing from malta,europe. I wish to purchase a life policy and do not want to get quotes ... A: Paul: You may want to ask a company such as ING which writes policies in many parts of the world, ...
Visit Emegency Room JUST to Get PT Coverage?	1/3/2012
Q: I have a Blue Cross 'Healthy NY' health insurance plan, which is a subsidized plan in NYC for ... A: Michael: I would not go to the emergency room for anything other than life-threatening medical ...
COBRA	12/23/2011
Q: I recently changed jobs, and became eligible for COBRA coverage on 12/1/11. Health insurance from ... A: Steve: You have done your homework. Everything you have said is accurate, and simply waiting for ...
choose HSA or PPO? - with extentuating circumstances	12/3/2011
Q: Need to make a choice for next years enrollment in either a PPO or HSA... HSA has $4400 family ... A: Chuck: Each state has different laws and mandates when it comes to health insurance, and this ...
choose HSA or PPO? - with extentuating circumstances	12/2/2011
Q: Need to make a choice for next years enrollment in either a PPO or HSA... HSA has $4400 family ... A: Chuck: The HSA route is always the way to go in my opinion. Questions for you... Is this to be a ...
Health Insurance Questions	10/27/2011
Q: I am considering obtaining health insurance, but I am confused as to which type to get. I am 32, ... A: Jared: I assumed you lived in another state, and apologize for this. You are the first person ...
Health Insurance Questions	10/27/2011
Q: I am considering obtaining health insurance, but I am confused as to which type to get. I am 32, ... A: Jared: Hoping to lead by example, I have a $10,000 deductible on my health insurance policy with ...
Health Insurance	9/26/2011
Q: Which health insurance company, based on your knowledge, is affordable, dependable, & ethical in ... A: Alex: I am a big believer in most of the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in America. In the interest ...
HumanaOne Dental Denial	7/30/2011
Q: I recently visited a general practitioner in my coverage area, who referred me to an oral surgeon to ... A: Regina: Certainly I would file an appeal, and keep appealing until they pay! The first thing to do ...
Newly Immigrated aging people older than 65	6/26/2011
Q: Are there any low cost insurance option for newly immigrated parents older than 65 except for ... A: I do not know of a policy that will help your parents, but believe that June Shaffer of ...
Forged signature on COBRA document	6/5/2011
Q: I was laid off in January. I paid COBRA for both my partner and me for February and March. Bills ... A: Jane: Though your question relates to insurance, it primarily relates to a possible crime. Yes, ...
Health Insurance	5/23/2011
Q: Currently my employer pays 100% of my health insurance premiums totaling about $450/mon. I looked ... A: Paul: A couple of difference between Group and Individual policies: Maternity coverage usually is ...
Death	5/14/2011
Q: Hi I have just lost my husband and I have been informed that I am the one who gets his insurance and ... A: Daniel: Here is a helpful link... http://www.mibsolutions.com/lost-life-insurance/ Other ...
Is HSA plan best for our family?	4/13/2011
Q: Our family has been on COBRA since my husband lost his job. COBRA runs out soon and we are looking ... A: Firstly, I apologize profusely for not getting back to you the day that you wrote, five days ago. ...
MA health insurance	3/18/2011
Q: My 21 yr daughter took a year off from school this past year. Since, at the time, my employee health ... A: I won't be much help because your question pertains to a specific state program outside of Arizona, ...
Not covered service, should I still get an allowed amount discount?	2/25/2011
Q: I have a street policy with Blue Cross Blue Shield, so it doesn't cover a lot of things that their ... A: Mike: First and foremost, the medical service or procedure must be a covered medical procedure or ...
Disabled will Cigna allow me to stay on ex insurance	2/14/2011
Q: I am a paraplegic have been divorced 2 months will Cigna allow me to keep coverage on my ex current ... A: Richard: Please visit http://www.healthcare.gov/foryou/disabilities/index.html. This new federal ...
Disabled will Cigna allow me to stay on ex insurance	2/9/2011
Q: I am a paraplegic have been divorced 2 months will Cigna allow me to keep coverage on my ex current ... A: Richard: As long as you are on a group policy from an employer, not an individual/family policy, ...
Co-payments	1/24/2011
Q: I have family insurance coverage through a major Ohio insurance company. I also have Medicare. While ... A: Fred: I have a couple of questions for you. 1.) Is the family insurance you mention a Medicare ...
life ins policy	1/5/2011
Q: my father passed about 7 years ago. Recently I was helping my 80 year old mother clean out some ... A: Art: Try www.missingmoney.org. In fact, I would use the website for everyone you know. Here are ...
Military health insurance for my mother in law	12/30/2010
Q: my mother in law is currently living in California and has to be on dialysis. She is under a ... A: Eric: The short answer is that I don't know. A local Blue Cross representative will be your best ...
Health Ins	12/21/2010
Q: I'm on a small business group health plan in Oregon. For me and my wife(we are both employees# our ... A: To begin, I am the owner of an Arizona health insurance agency that, by choice, only represents Blue ...
Seeking Medical Help for Depression	10/13/2010
Q: Mr.Higgins, I am a full time student and a single mother. I believe I am going through depression ... A: My opinion will be direct... go get medical care. You have nothing to worry about. Depression is not ...
health ins	9/29/2010
Q: I have Harvard Pilgrim Health Insurance- an HMO plan. I have recently seen several different doctors ... A: You are on the right path. I can only speak of my experience with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of ...
cobra/hipaa	9/26/2010
Q: i have been covered by a group hmo plan through cobra for the last 17 months. i am pregnant and will ... A: I just sent an e-mail to my friend at Blue Cross AZ., explaining your situation and asking for ...
cobra/hipaa	9/26/2010
Q: i have been covered by a group hmo plan through cobra for the last 17 months. i am pregnant and will ... A: Firstly, congratulations on the upcoming birth of your child. The short answer to your question is ...
Health Insurance--Just turned 18.	7/15/2010
Q: My mom quit paying for my health insurance a couple months before I turned 18 (I moved out). I know ... A: Ary: As you may already realize I only sell insurance in Arizona, so any recommendations I make are ...
Individual plan eligibility	7/12/2010
Q: My wife and I are exploring the option of a high-deductible private plan as an alternative to a ... A: Sean: It is a state by state issue, and the easiest way to get the answers you are looking for ...
Health Insurance--Just turned 18.	6/30/2010
Q: My mom quit paying for my health insurance a couple months before I turned 18 (I moved out). I know ... A: Ary: Without knowing what state you live in, specific recommendations will not be possible. (Each ...
Doctors' malpractice insurance costs	5/20/2010
Q: Just out of curiosity-- I've read about the enormous malpractice premiums that doctors have to pay. ... A: Steve: The main reason why Errors and Omissions insurance, as well as malpractice insurance, is ...
Life Insurance Premiums	4/2/2010
Q: 20 years ago,my mother purchased a 20,000 Term Policy,paid quartly premiums until Dec.2008(that is ... A: Donna: Three things to do: 1.) As mentioned, re-submit your question to the attorney's on ...
Life Insurance Premiums	3/24/2010
Q: 20 years ago,my mother purchased a 20,000 Term Policy,paid quartly premiums until Dec.2008(that is ... A: Donna: As you may have read in my bio, my specialty is health insurance, not life insurance. My ...
Health Insurance	3/22/2010
Q: We have a daughter that will be 18 in September. She has already moved out and still on our Med/dent ... A: You are correct, 18 is the age. My suggestion would be to go online and have your daughter apply for ...
Pre-Existing Knee Condition	3/16/2010
Q: I hurt me knee a few days ago and believe I might have torn a ligament. I haven't gone to the doctor ... A: Kristen: Your knee injury is a pre-existing condition. It is likely that you will not be able to ...
Switching insurance with a partially torn ACL	3/11/2010
Q: I recently sustained a partially torn ACL and am going to begin physical therapy for the injury. I ... A: James: Switching to another insurance company is not possible most likely, as you now have a ...
Insurance Payment	3/7/2010
Q: My insurance company erroneously paid me directly for a non-participating physician 100% of claim ... A: Rosie: The first thing to do is notify your insurance company of their overpayment to you, and ...
Insurance Payment	3/6/2010
Q: My insurance company erroneously paid me directly for a non-participating physician 100% of claim ... A: Rosie: I do not understand the question. You submitted a claim to your insurer that should have ...
health ins. forged document & HIPPA	2/27/2010
Q: I need to know my rights regarding my insurance coverage. I have an individual policy that has been ... A: Angela: How you proceed is based on what you plan on doing about the forged signature. If it was ...
health ins. forged document & HIPPA	2/27/2010
Q: I need to know my rights regarding my insurance coverage. I have an individual policy that has been ... A: Angela: It sounds like someone's in trouble for signing your name without permission. My educated ...
PPO vs. Network Plans	12/30/2009
Q: I am researching health insurance plans for my wife and me as an alternative to COBRA because I ... A: John: The types of plans most common are PPO's, (preferred provider organization,# or an HMO, ...
Insurance needs	12/15/2009
Q: I'm retired at 62 and my cobra payments are killing me($14K plus annually). Cobra runs out in ... A: Mr. Tanner: The short answer is an HSA, (Health Savings Account.) I am insured with this type of ...
HDHP plans,HSA,and HSFA	11/25/2009
Q: The employer plan I have for next year is an HDHP that comes with an HSA. The plan does NOT cover ... A: Ken: Happy Thanksgiving: From the U.S. Treasury Department website... "You can have both types of ...
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 ...
Client	11/11/2009
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 C	11/9/2009
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 member	11/4/2009
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 Medicaid	10/27/2009
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 question	9/22/2009
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 question	9/22/2009
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 payment	9/22/2009
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 Insurance	9/11/2009
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 Insurance	9/5/2009
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 Insurance	9/5/2009
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 coverage	8/25/2009
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 ...
Deductible	8/22/2009
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 ...
Deductible	8/21/2009
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 baby	7/2/2009
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 ...
Cobra	7/2/2009
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 Insurance	6/20/2009
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 question	5/28/2009
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 Bill	5/23/2009
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 Employer	5/21/2009
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 Employer	5/21/2009
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 Fraud	5/18/2009
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 basics	5/17/2009
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 condition	5/14/2009
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 condition	5/14/2009
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 Insurance	5/13/2009
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 Insurance	5/13/2009
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 Insurance	5/1/2009
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 ...
Divorce	4/30/2009
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. Cobra	4/17/2009
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. ...
Cobra	4/12/2009
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 ...
Cobra	4/12/2009
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 coverage	4/8/2009
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 insurance	4/4/2009
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 condition	4/1/2009
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 options	3/27/2009
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 conditions	3/20/2009
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 conditions	3/20/2009
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 mess	3/18/2009
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 Conditions	2/26/2009
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 premiums	2/25/2009
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 premiums	2/24/2009
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 old	2/16/2009
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 conditions	2/11/2009
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 conditions	2/11/2009
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 insurance	2/8/2009
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 Stimulus	1/29/2009
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 insurance	1/15/2009
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 ...
cancer	1/8/2009
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 coverage	12/17/2008
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 24	11/13/2008
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 Plan	11/11/2008
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 insurance	10/21/2008
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 insurance	10/21/2008
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 Coverage	10/19/2008
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 old	10/19/2008
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 ATTACK	10/7/2008
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 policies	9/26/2008
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 bills	9/8/2008
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 Insurance	9/8/2008
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 bills	9/8/2008
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 insurance	8/30/2008
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 ...
ERISA	8/26/2008
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 insurance	7/30/2008
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 failer	7/24/2008
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 mom	7/9/2008
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 pregnancy	6/29/2008
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 conditions	6/29/2008
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 ...
APA	6/28/2008
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 ...
APA	6/28/2008
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 Insurance	6/21/2008
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 Insurance	6/10/2008
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 Insurance	6/4/2008
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 Insurance	3/20/2008
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 System	3/13/2008
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 cost	2/7/2008
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 rider	1/23/2008
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 Recommendations	1/16/2008
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 insurance	12/31/2007
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 Insurance	12/28/2007
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 insurance	12/17/2007
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 insurance	12/17/2007
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 conditions	12/14/2007
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 ins	12/4/2007
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 health	11/25/2007
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 & hippa	11/10/2007
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 insurance	11/3/2007
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 insurance	10/16/2007
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 ...
COBRA	10/11/2007
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 Insurance	10/7/2007
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 Increase	10/2/2007
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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Michael Higgins

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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.

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

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College, Business Administration.

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