Health insured prepare for new costs

US Health insurance analysts are preparing to assess health care costs.

The American Health Insurance Plan group is about to kick off a three-day conference in San Diego, to discuss the turmoil which has been occurring in the health industry.

More than 2,000 commercial insurers, employers, medical groups and hospital officials will be attending the conference to discuss the consumption of different health plans.

The conference has been called in response to the Obama administration's push to overhaul the health care system.

Most Americans who are covered by employer-provided health insurance, are now seeing increases in their share of health care costs.

At the same time, the cost of health plans is also rising, which some employers are refusing to pick up.

Health Insurance Plans Comparison

When it comes to finding affordable health coverage, it pays to do a health insurance plans comparison. After all, you want to make the most informed decision possible; one that will leave you feeling certain that you have made the right coverage choice for you and your dependents. Comparing and contrasting plans allows you to take a closer look at the details, pros and cons of each medical plan, so that you will know what to expect from the coverage once you make your decision.

Look at it this way; you are unlikely to purchase a new car without first comparing it to other makes and models to determine if it has exactly what you need or if another vehicle better suits your needs and preferences. So why would medical coverage be any different? It is an important decision that is worthy of your research, time and consideration.

How to compare and contrast medical health insurance plans

While it may not be incredibly exciting, conducting a health insurance plans comparison is easier than you may think. First, you will want to line up the different types of plans available to you. In most cases, you are going to be choosing between the following types of insurance plans:

* Preferred Provider Organizations or PPOs-designed to provide comprehensive medical coverage through a variety of different doctors and specialists as well as hospitals and clinics without the need for referrals. You can even go outside of the PPO network for care, but your out-of-pocket costs will be higher.

* Health Maintenance Organizations or HMOs-are quite commonly considered the most affordable health care coverage. They also provide comprehensive coverage, but it is important to stay within the network and with a particular primary care physician who refers the patient if any other specialist services are needed.

* Health Savings Accounts or HSA accounts-offer high-deductible coverage, so you may have to pay more up-front for medical care and premiums are lower. However, the HAS accounts also include a tax-free medical savings account to help cover your out-of-pocket costs.

* Fee for Service or FFS plans-provide an even more affordable option, but typically do not provide comprehensive coverage and things like preventative care. You pay for all medical appointments and services and then the FFS plan will reimburse you a certain, pre-determined percentage of your cost.

Lining up these types of accounts side by side, you will then want to make a list of the medical services you have received in the past two years as well as predict the services you may be utilizing in the coming year. Also, take into consideration your budget. Are you able to pay higher premiums in an effort to save on out-of-pocket medical costs, or does it make more sense to go with lower premiums and risk the possibility of having to pay more out-of-pocket if an unexpected illness or injury occurs? Would you have the funds to cover these kinds of unexpected costs?

Really looking closely at your unique medical needs as you conduct your health insurance plans comparison is the best way to choose the plan that is right for you. As you arm yourself with the information you need to make an informed choice, you can know that you have taken responsibility for the medical and financial health both of yourself and your family members.

Brits opt for private insurance deals

Worried Britons are seeking out private health insurance.The number of Britons taking out private insurance deals has risen over the past 12 months, despite the continued economic downturn.

New research from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has found that over 6.2 million people were covered by private medical insurance (PMI) in 2008.

An additional 1.1 million consumers had arrangements in place with the Healthcare Trust, taking the total number of people covered by private insurance deals to over 7.3 million.

This marks a 2.7% increase on 2007's figures, with the ABI welcoming the results.

Director general Nick Starling explained that corporate PMI makes sense for both employees and companies.

He said: "PMI is good for companies and the economy because it enables employees to get back to work after illness or injury as quickly as possible."

Research from BUPA released in response to the ABI figures revealed that the top reason for taking out PMI is to gain access to clean hospitals.

Insured Cover Health Costs of Uninsured

A "hidden health tax" has families paying $1,017 more in health insurance premiums in 2009; according to Families USA, a healthcare advocacy group. Individuals pay an additional $368, the group says.

According to Reuters, a report released Thursday by Families USA said that healthcare providers charge those with private insurance more to cover the cost of care for those without it, and insurers, in turn, raise premiums to pass along the cost. In 2008, people without insurance got about $116 billion worth of healthcare and paid for about 37 percent of the cost.

While government programs and charities paid 26 percent, $42.7 billion was left on the shoulders of the privately insured, the report found.