Applying for Private Health Insurance: 10 Things You Should Know!

Recently, I learned just how difficult applying for privateHIPAA, go to
health insurance can be in the United States. I was4. Find out what your state's policies are in relation to
going off my group health insurance and neededprivate health insurance.
private coverage. Through the assistance of myEach state may have certain exceptions or variations
insurance agent, I completed the initial online applicationregarding coverage. Most will publish this information
in less than an hour.online. Visit your state's governmental website and
That was the easy part.search for "private health insurance" or "health
A week after completing the application, I got a followinsurance policies."
up call to my application from the "medical department"5. Check to see if you have a file with the Medical
of the company. I was told this was to verify some ofInformation Bureau (MIB).
the information on my application.The MIB is a central database of medical information
And here's where things got a bit rough.shared by major insurance companies. If the MIB has a
The woman who interviewed me wanted VERYfile on you, a free copy can be obtained once a year
detailed information on medical claims. Since theby calling (866) 692-6901, or by visiting the company's
specific details she wanted were in my doctor'swebsite at
medical records, not at home, I was unprepared for6. Consult with a qualified independent insurance agent.
her questions. I made every effort to be helpful, but theAn insurance agent will know the private insurance
call rapidly became an unfriendly interrogation.regulations for your state and can help you through the
For almost an hour, I was asked the same questionsapplication process. To find an agent in your area go
over and over until I felt like shouting, "Asked andto:
answered!" For most of them I simply replied "I don't7. Obtain a copy of your application and REVIEW it
know." Eventually I asked her to contact my doctors.before you send it in.
When she finally did, they checked my records andSome companies may refuse a claim or terminate the
answered her questions.policy solely because the information in the application
By the time I hung up the phone, I felt like I'd gone threeis inaccurate. If you leave something out accidentally, it
rounds with Mike Tyson. I was both frustrated that Icould cause problems. Read over your application
couldn't answer her questions and emotionallycarefully to be sure you've answered all the questions
exhausted. She treated me like a criminal instead of aaccurately.
person seeking private health insurance. It wasn't aIF YOU RECEIVE A FOLLOW UP CALL
good experience!8. Answer only the questions asked. Do not volunteer
Because of what happened to me, I did someany additional information.
research. It helped me to compile the following list ofBe courteous and remember the interviewer is not
ten things I believe anyone applying for private healthyour friend or your medical doctor. In these types of
insurance in the United States should know. I hope thisinterviews you have NO privacy protection. In addition,
list will help you or someone you know to avoid whatthe interview will most likely be recorded so think
happened to me.before you respond.
BEFORE YOU APPLY9. If you don't know the answer to a question, be
1. Do not let your policy expire prior to seeking newhonest about it.
coverage.I recommend you get comfortable with saying, "I do
If your policy is being cancelled you can go on thenot have that information, please contact my doctor."
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation ActWhen asked specific questions about medical
(COBRA). This act ensures continuation of groupprocedures don't guess, refer them to your doctor(s)
health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.and your medical records.
For information, go to:10. Be honest and stick to the facts regarding your
2. Talk to your physicians about your medical recordsmedical history.
before you apply.The company you are applying to may have access
For private insurance, companies can review yourto your MIB file, and already know certain aspects of
medical history as far back as ten years. Therefore,your medical history. If you are caught lying, you can
ensure your records are up-to-date and talk with yourbe denied. Most applications ask if you've ever been
physician(s) about any health issues that might be reddenied health insurance, and a denial can be an
flagged.immediate "red flag" on any future applications.
3. Obtain copies of your medical records.I hope you find these suggestions helpful. Just
You can also request a copy of your medical recordsremember that when applying for private health
under the Health Insurance Portability andinsurance in the United States, the best policy is to
Accountability Act (HIPAA). For more information onadopt the Boy Scout motto of "BE PREPARED!