INSURANCE MATTERS!
There is no such thing as being over insured. If you can afford the best medical plan you have available to you, buy it. We have all heard stories about people who were caught off guard and paid dearly for it. (Read Merle's Story Here)
We have compiled a list of useful resources you will want to check out if you have questions about private or government medical coverage. If you or your spouse are contemplating a change in employment, filing for disability, retiring from your job or any other event that may affect your insurance coverage, you'll want to plan ahead.
Health Insurance Basics
The links below will take you to websites of non-profit organizations with content aimed at educating Americans about their health insurance choices.
Families USA
AHRQ - Checklist of Choices
HealthDecisions.org
CA Health Advocate
Government Sponsored Health Plans
The Department of Labor site contains a wealth of consumer information on health plans of all kinds including COBRA insurance which as many know provides short-term insurance coverage after a job termination. You'll find helpful discussions and compliance information along with links to frequently asked questions and help desks.
Department of Labor
COBRA Insurance.com Another good site for COBRA information.
Other useful sites include:
Social Security
Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
AARP
Last chance for Patient Choice
Health Insurance Carriers
The Foundation for Health Coverage Education (FHCE)
Articles You Might Find Helpful - Written Expressly for PHCentral
Social Security Claims—Making Your Efforts Count
Have you been trying to navigate the social security system? Perhaps you're thinking about applying for disability but you're not sure how to proceed? We have someone who can help. Alan Harder worked for SS agency for decades before retiring to spend more time with his wife in 2006 and he's joined the PHC team. Alan has offered to write a series of articles addressing issues related to Social Security and Disability. You'll find the first installment here.
Social Security Claims—What's in YOUR file?
Social Security disability decisions have an air of mystery about them, don't they? Especially when claims are denied, the first question is: "How could they possibly turn me down?"
The answer will become more clear if you look at the records SSA relied on to decide your claim. You have a right to view this information, and getting it is easier than you might think.
Alphabet Soup Spelled Out—(Where Your Disability Claim Goes After it's Filed.)
If you've been talking to folks at your local social security office, you might easily get confused. As it turns out, they have their own special vocabulary. If you want to crack the code, you'll want to read Alan Harder's article - the third in a series - on demystifying the Social Security System.
Work and Social Security:
(Yes! You Can!)
If you are thinking about returning to your old job or tackling some other employment, you'll want to read this article.
One Woman’s Insurance Nightmare
If you think the healthcare system in the U.S. is broken, Merle's story will reinforce your view. Merle found herself underinsured after her husband's early retirement. It changed her life in ways you cannot imagine.
When the Insurance Company Says “NO”
This is an article about “advocacy”: advocacy for yourself. It’s
an article about committing yourself to staying alive, and getting insurance
companies and
the government to work with you to that end.
by Armond Aserinsky, Past President and Science Editor
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