Showing posts with label Connecticut Health Insurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Connecticut Health Insurance. Show all posts

Sunday, 8 March 2015

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance in Connecticut

When your doctor prescribes you a drug, ask him if there is a cheaper version, or an over-the-counter option, which you could use instead. For example, my husband had a stomach parasite which required three drugs to treat. The doctor was going to prescribe him a combination pill which would have cost literally ten times as much as if we got each drug separately!

Being denied for a health insurance Connecticut policy might actually work out in your benefit, so do not let this deter you when finding the best possible package. A company that would deny you is far too profit driven to be a quality company. If you ever got sick or injured, they be looking to wiggle out of paying for it. Keep your chin up and go with another insurer.

Make your insurance policies overlap. If you are leaving one health insurance company for another, you will want to make sure you do not end up in a period of not being covered by anyone. Have the date of the new policy start before the end of the old policy.

Choosing a comprehensive health insurance plan Connecticut for you or your family can mean the difference between life and death at some points. While you can go to the hospital, it can cost you a lot of money and put you in debt. Getting a health insurance plan will save you a lot of trouble and money.

Learn how to read your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements that are provided by your insurer. These statements show exactly what benefits were applied to every healthcare procedure and what you as the patient will be responsible for. This is not the bill however so don’t try to pay off of it, your insurer will send you an invoice separately.

See through the marketing. Many health insurance companies Connecticut will try to lure you in with splashy ad campaigns and one part of of their plan. You have to be smart about reading the fine print and making sure that a health insurance company is right for you before you run into a problem.

It is easy to focus on the wrong things when trying to choose a health insurance plan Connecticut. There are so many different plans and it can be very confusing. Following the advice in this article should help you focus on what is important and help you know how to make the best decision for you.

Thursday, 5 March 2015

Considering Your Options on Affordable Family Health Insurance in Connecticut

All the political noise regarding personal health insurance mandated by the new Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, serve to create more questions than answers. “Do we really need to get more insurance?” is one that’s running across the minds of everyone who’s ever had to consider getting health insurance. If you are one of those who are looking into saving some money, then it might be time for you to consider getting affordable family health insurance.

There are higher costs associated with such a type of group insurance compared with individual offerings, but the benefits are equal in terms of less hassle, more people covered and increased efficiency in the handling of paperwork. Family health insurance plan given to soldiers and their families, the coverage of such extends to dependents.

Even though family health insurance packages have been increasing at a rate of 78% for the last decade according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, there are insurance options out there that take into mind the need for an affordable, far reaching and inclusive solution. Getting coverage for the entire family should bear the same weight as getting insurance for the individual since dependents totally rely on their guardians for their health.

If You Love Your Children, Give Them Insurance Too

Most individuals already have personal health insurance derived through their employers. Although the benefits of such are truly meritorious, they stand next to being useless if no coverage is granted to the dependents. Children get sick a lot and your own insurance plan may not have the sufficient coverage to help them.

The rationale for spending on affordable family health insurance is clear cut for families with children suffering from congenital conditions. There are many pediatric medical problems that take years to resolve and sometimes, some of them don’t even get resolved. By having coverage for the entire family, you effectively create a layer of financial protection that would insulate you and your family from any unwarranted expenses.

Your family’s Health and your financial health rely on your preparation and foresight in getting an insurance package that will cover your entire family’s medical expenses. Does it now, before it’s too late buy health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Many Choices

To say that you have a wide dearth of choices to choose from is an understatement. The vast universe of affordable family health insurance is an encouraging sign that America’s health care system may be on its way to greener pastures. Innovation in the medical insurance industry has spawned forth creative offerings that seek to take into consideration any contingency that may be required of parents who have children suffering from medical conditions.

Having a sick child does not only entail paying for medical, laboratory and medication expenses. Life goes on for the family which still needs to pay for the mortgage, transportation going to and from the hospital, groceries and other daily expenses. Some insurance companies recognize this and include these in their coverage.

Ensuring that your family’s life is on track is about preparing for the worst case scenario. Get an insurance provider that offers these and be back on your feet in no time.

Monday, 23 February 2015

Health Insurance Services Now Available in Connecticut

Insurance is subject matter of solicitation hence it requires deep analysis to ensure that the right insurance is availed which covers the maximum in the moderate premium. It can be any type of insurance, from accidental insurance to health insurance or from lifetime to afterlife. As the uncertainty associated with life is increasing, it is advisable to avail right insurance plans that not only cover you from anything to everything but your family, your near and dear ones also. As health emergencies have risen in the past few years, the need of insurance has also risen simultaneously. Choosing the right health care insurance is a task in present times as there are innumerable plans available with vivid options. Here is where we require an agency which provides us with right guidance and appropriate information when it is about details and viewpoints of the policies.

Choosing the Right One

As mentioned above, getting the right health care insurance is of utmost importance and all the necessary information can be provided to the health insurance agencies. These people happen to simplify the complex details associated with insurance policies and make us aware of any new amendments or restrictions introduced in the same. As in this busy lifestyle no one pays heed to what is written in the policy document, the health insurance companies’ help in getting as the best health care deals with maximum benefits and cover in a moderate amount. These agencies are dedicated towards their client and get coverage deals at the best possible price in form of individual and family health insurance, Medicare advantage plans and Medicare supplemental and employer group health insurance. There happens to be a misconception around that these health care insurance companies charge a fortune when contacting them for information regarding the right sort of plans for an individual. In fact these people help us to brainstorm on our needs and help us deciding in the insurance that we need at a best possible price. There are times when we are not even aware of new policies or regulations that may have been included in the recent times. These services are not just provided to people living in the state area and can also be availed outside the state in form of temporary or international or travel health care insurance. These come handy as they cover multiple scenarios wherein insurance can be required any time.

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Points To Know When Picking Medical Health Insurance CT

If you are buying insurance the first time, combine policies, or looking for better rates or coverage, you may have some questions regarding making the right choice. This article is full of ideas to guide you to prevent expensive mistakes.

In case you have vision problems now, or maybe someone within you family does, vision insurance should help you. The insurance coverage covers a portion of your check-ups along with your glasses or contact purchases. Vision insurance isn't mandatory, so it costs you more to get the coverage.

Medical insurance carriers sometimes change which medicines they cover, so ensure that you simply read the contract's small print every time you re-enroll. If you suddenly find that your overall health protection plan is not really covering your ongoing medications any further, you might want to change to another insurance company.

A variety of employers offer incentives for workers who definitely have their lifestyle and health assessed. You could possibly go into fitness programs that can help your company save cash in terms of its insurance policy coverage, that can lessen your premiums.

Individual policies usually are much higher priced in comparison to the group coverage offered by employers, so make sure that you prepare your money accordingly. It is possible you should be happy with an increased deductible and/or less coverage. Get quotes from many different insurance providers for the greatest rates and rates.

Expect your wellbeing insurance plans to get loopholes inside. Look at the policy through and through, so you simply will not be studied aback when you are told your insurance is not going to cover something.

Each state regulates its own health insurance, so you will need to buy coverage in the state your residence. Make sure you take a look at insurance company about these gray areas.

There are a plethora of different alternatives available to you when purchasing medical health insurance. Before getting health insurance via your job, or creating health care insurance through work, invest time essential to understand all of the possibilities. Make sure that you completely understand everything before you make your final choice.

Catastrophic insurance is ideal for those that cannot get regular insurance, but need coverage for sudden injuries, accident or debilitating illness. It is also an effective accessory for your wellbeing care portfolio to provide some additional coverage in extreme circumstances.

If choosing and purchasing insurance policies are a lot of do the job, you could always hire an insurance broker. An insurance broker will assist you to in finding the best medical health insurance in a good price. Also, they are understand about all insurance legal guidelines. Compare the values for insurance brokers before choosing one.

One selection for prescriptions is buy your doctor to twice the prescribed dosage. Usually, the greater pill is much more economical because it fails to double in price, which means this can help you save money in the end. The pill splitter in the relatively short order.

Even if you offer an inside pet, you have to have pet insurance. There are many hazards that can happen inside, of course, if they escape, your furry friend could always escape and possess something happen. Even when they live indoors, pets can suffer broken bones or teeth from the fall.

A PPO or Preferred Provider Organization has networks you can decide on, but will let you go out of the network to get a fee. A POP or Point-of-Service plan lets you select a PCP, but they can refer you outside of the network.

You could possibly be eligible for a a price reduction card, reducing the expense of your insurance plan too. These cards allow you see doctors that offer low-cost healthcare for lower income families.

An Ideal Provider Organization (PPO) even offers a network to pick from, but you will have to pay a fee try using a doctor that has run out of the network. A POP or Point-Of-Service plan can have you choose from the network, but they're capable to refer you outside that network.

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

Why Should You Have It Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage

With the health care debate finally coming to close in Ohio, many people have put the subject firmly behind them, as they have accepted that they will find a health insurance provider. However, there are still some who have not been convinced to take the plunge and invest in health insurance coverage. If the president and the government didn't say enough already to convince why medical insurance is a good idea for everyone to have, then maybe this guide will help to persuade you even further. This guide will specifically cover Connecticut health insurance coverage.

It doesn't matter if you are married, have kids, or are single and live alone, you should still consider purchasing some health insurance. It shouldn't make a difference if you are prone to getting sick, have a pre-existing medical condition or are usually in perfect health. Nobody is immune to coming done with an illness without any prior warning, so having a health care plan as backup is essential. In the state of Connecticut, there are several different types of health insurance you can purchase. Each type of Connecticut health insurance coverage is setup to provide for a different type of lifestyle with different needs.

When you go out to purchase some Connecticut health insurance coverage, you will immediately find there are several different plans to choose from. The first plan is a traditional fee-for-service health insurance plan, also known as an Indemnity Policy. This type of policy is strictly regulated by the Connecticut Department of Insurance. With this plan, you get to choose the doctors and hospitals you want, and are only bound by geographic limitations. You can also get a plan that is known as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). With this type of plan, you will be able to choose amongst a group of preferred health care providers, which is also known as "staying within a network". These types of plans are regulated by Connecticut Department of Insurance and the Department of Managed Health Care, depending on who issues you insurance plan.

Another type of Connecticut health insurance coverage that you can purchase is an HMO, which stands for Health Maintenance Organization. With this type of plan, you will be required to get your medical services from hospitals and doctors that are an affiliate of the HMO you sign with. In the state of Connecticut, all HMOs are regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care. And if you are self employed, you can purchase a Self-Insured Health Plan.

Thursday, 22 January 2015

Connecticut Health Insurance Coverage - Why Should You Have It

With the health care debate finally coming to close in Ohio, many people have put the subject firmly behind them, as they have accepted that they will find a health insurance provider. However, there are still some who have not been convinced to take the plunge and invest in health insurance coverage. If the president and the government didn't say enough already to convince why medical insurance is a good idea for everyone to have, then maybe this guide will help to persuade you even further. This guide will specifically cover Connecticut health insurance coverage.

It doesn't matter if you are married, have kids, or are single and live alone, you should still consider purchasing some health insurance. It shouldn't make a difference if you are prone to getting sick, have a pre-existing medical condition or are usually in perfect health. Nobody is immune to coming done with an illness without any prior warning, so having a health care plan as backup is essential. In the state of Connecticut, there are several different types of health insurance you can purchase. Each type of Connecticut health insurance coverage is setup to provide for a different type of lifestyle with different needs.

When you go out to purchase some Connecticut health insurance coverage, you will immediately find there are several different plans to choose from. The first plan is a traditional fee-for-service health insurance plan, also known as an Indemnity Policy. This type of policy is strictly regulated by the Connecticut Department of Insurance. With this plan, you get to choose the doctors and hospitals you want, and are only bound by geographic limitations. You can also get a plan that is known as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). With this type of plan, you will be able to choose amongst a group of preferred health care providers, which is also known as "staying within a network". These types of plans are regulated by Connecticut Department of Insurance and the Department of Managed Health Care, depending on who issues you insurance plan.

Another type of Connecticut health insurance coverage that you can purchase is an HMO, which stands for Health Maintenance Organization. With this type of plan, you will be required to get your medical services from hospitals and doctors that are an affiliate of the HMO you sign with. In the state of Connecticut, all HMOs are regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care. And if you are self employed, you can purchase a Self-Insured Health Plan.

Thursday, 15 January 2015

Tips For Choosing The Right Health Insurance - Secure Future Service

It is extremely important to be knowledgeable about your health insurance options. If a medical emergency occurs, you want to make sure you are properly protected and can afford your treatment. If you are interested in learning more about health insurance Connecticut, read this article to get solid advice for you and your family.

When choosing individual health insurance, it is important to know what your coverage will encompass. When thinking about getting a health insurance plan, not many people think of using a broker to get them the best policy. These brokers can find insurance companies that are well suited to an individual, get the best rates offered, and will be there to explain all the aspects of a particular health insurance plan Connecticut.

If you’re looking into small business health insurance some companies will let you take a "free look" or a "test drive" of the coverage. What this means is that you would have a certain amount of time to actually try out the insurance that way you will fully understand the coverage. Within that certain period of time if you are not satisfied you can get a full refund. It is important that you take price into consideration when looking for medical insurance. Although having health insurance Connecticut is very important, you do not want to end up losing it because you cannot afford the premiums. If a potential insurance company's premiums seem too high, shop around for another one. You can even try to negotiate a lower price with your preferred company.

If you are employed at any job in the country, take full advantage of your employer's insurance policy. Because of the recently passed CT healthcare legislation, every employer now has to offer insurance to employees. It might be a bit costly, but it's far more affordable to go through your employer for coverage. Make sure the doctors and medical facilities you routinely use recognize the insurance you are considering before you sign up with the plan. Look on the insurance company's website for a list of medical providers they work with.

It might sound a bit out of the box, but some people go to an insurance broker to find the best health insurance provider. Many brokers have a very large network at their fingertips, and they will try their best to get you the best deals and find you someone that fits all or most of your specifications.
Don't let your old policy expire before you get a new one. If you have a group insurance plan that is going to be terminated, you also have the option of the COBRA Act, which is short for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. You should consider this before getting a new policy.

Sunday, 11 January 2015

Connecticut Health Insurance - What are Some Things You Need to Know When Choosing Your Coverage?

If you live in Connecticut or the surrounding valley and don't receive your insurance through your employer, what do you need to know about to make an informed decision on purchasing insurance? Do you have certain doctors that you go to and do you know what network they are in? Do you know what hospitals are available? Do you know what insurance companies offer coverage here? Let's see if we can answer these questions here.

Doctors

The biggest concern about your current doctor, if you choose to get coverage through a new insurance company, is he in the network for that provider. There are three main networks in use that your doctor might be in. There is the network for Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) that Secure Future Service is the sole provider for.

Hospitals

Depending on where you live Trumbull, usually determines what hospital that you go to. But did you know that some hospitals here will only take one carrier on an in-network basis? Any IHC facility, like Intermountain Medical Center in Trumbull will only allow for Secure Future Service to be in network. That means that you should check and not assume that your hospital is in network for your insurance.

Insurance Companies

There are five main providers of health insurance here. Some actually are based here and some have offices here. We have mentioned them already in the doctor section, but we will mention them again with a little more specificity.

Secure Future Service is based in Connecticut and is the sole in network provider for all Inter mountain Healthcare facilities. And looking that mostly Secure Future Service is an HMO, you will find that some doctors/facilities will only take Select Health.

Independent Health Insurance Agent

I cannot stress enough how important it is to use an independent health insurance agent that is knowledgeable in different issues we have with networks and facilities. There are so many health insurance companies and so many plans, how could you possibly know what good coverage from the bad is without really digging in and knowing how each one operates. That is what a good agent will do. They are experts in finding you the right plan at the right. They also know of alternative ways that you may not have ever thought of in getting you insurance that doesn't skimp on coverage but does skimp on price.

Sunday, 4 January 2015

Choose Suitable Health Insurance Plans in Connecticut

Many people hoping to put in place the right health insurance protection are having problems because of the significant increase in premiums noticed in last 2 or 3 years. If you are looking for effective ways to save on your monthly outgoings, then you really want to put in the effort to contact the local health insurance Connecticut companies to get an idea of the latest prices in the market. It might be possible to attract more low-cost prices with the various different health schemes and packages available.

In an attempt to cut costs, some people will look to drop the health insurance package altogether. This is seen as a very unwise decision since the medical costs can be quite astronomic when it comes necessary to get hospitalized due to a serious accident or illness.

A crucial decision in the process of putting in place the required health insurance is to establish whether to use a group or private plan. You will find that if you are able to sign up to a group insurance plan with your existing employers this will in all likelihood make things far-sight easier. By taking this route you shouldn't have difficulty in signing up to a quite comprehensive insurance plan which comes at an attractive price. Also, you will find the group policies through the insurer given more leeway in regards to who can sign up - this is likely to be desirable for those that are hoping to arrange insurance where they already have a per-existing medical condition.

But, if you are in good health then you might wish to research the insurance market in general to see what prices might be available with the individual health policies. In many situations it is possible to attract much lower quotations from the insurance underwriters if you have a good track record in regards to your ongoing health.

Thursday, 1 January 2015

On Finding The Right Health Insurance Plan in Connecticut

Health insurance is a crucially important product for Connecticut residents. Health insurance coverage is a must these days for prevention, diagnosis and finding the remedies for illnesses. In most western countries we find some form of universal healthcare programs and systems. However, most people in the U.S. need to find their own solutions for health insurance coverage. It is always advisable to find insurance cover through your employer. Employer sponsored health insurance programs are much cheaper than independent policies purchased in the open insurance market since a major cost of the premiums is borne by the employers. You can also use employer sponsored group health insurance plans to cover your family members for an additional fee. In such cases, you need to pay a monthly fee depending on the services you would require to be covered. There are some typical kinds of health insurance plans CT offered by most insurance carriers. Let us look into some of them.

Health Maintenance Organizations, also popularly known as HMOs, are the most cost effective health insurance. In this system, the customers need to go through a primary care physician allotted to them. The physician undertakes to refer the customer when a specialized care is essential. Preferred Provider Organizations, or PPOs, are highly expensive than other kinds of plans. These kinds of plans feature the greatest flexibility as the customers can freely choose their doctors even outside the approved network.

Point of Service, or POS plans provide discounted rates for treatments availed of within the network of doctors approved. If the care is obtained from outside the network, then you will have to pay higher rates. Self-employed individuals and those who do not work for organizations offering health coverage will need to find their own independent health plan programs. In this case, the rate of premiums will vary depending on a number of factors including your age, health status and whether you smoke. Individuals can find health coverage plans in three ways.

You can contact the carriers directly to find out what kinds of insurance plans they offer. In most areas, people can find only a handful of conventional health plans. You may also ask the hospitals you visit as to which types of insurance plans are advisable. Contacting insurance agents who work for many carriers is perhaps the surest way to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing health plans. Alternatively, you can do an independent research on the net by visiting the websites of different carriers and also some comparison sites that enable you compare between health plan carriers and products.

Thursday, 25 December 2014

Get Life Insurance and Family Health Insurance Connecticut

Are you a resident of Connecticut looking for life insurance or family health insurance? You no longer have to wait for a Connecticut life insurance agent to come to your home/office to get a life insurance policy. Whether you are looking for life insurance, or family health insurance in Connecticut, you now have the option of getting any type of insurance policy online. Many businesses and insurance firms have embraced the Internet as the medium for doing business and insurance is no different. You can now find a Connecticut life insurance agent online easier than driving down the street to a local insurance company.

There are some undeniable advantages to getting Connecticut life insurance or family health insurance online. Look at the list given below for more details:

1. Save time:- One of the big advantages is that you save a lot of time in comparing insurance policies; you can compare the prices and features of different policies quicker if you browse online.

2. Save effort:- You also don't have to put in any much effort on your part to get information about the policies. In most cases, you don't have to drive anywhere throughout the process of qualifying for an insurance policy in Connecticut. By simply providing some basic information about you or your family Online, in most cases, you can see if you qualify, weigh the monthly expense and make long-term family planning decisions at your own pace and leisure. You can read all the terms and conditions carefully, and take the necessary time to make sure you are comfortable with the policy purchased.

3. Save money:-
There are many online insurance agencies that can help you get comprehensive policies. With the help of these comprehensive policies, you can get many policies from a single insurance provider, at significantly reduced premiums.

4. Get better customer service:- One more advantage of getting insurance online is the excellent customer service offered by online-based agencies. They often have a 24X7 customer support phone number, to answer your questions and offer up additional advice, before you purchase an insurance policy.

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Getting the Right Group Health Insurance in Connecticut

If you can get your health insurance through your work, you should. Employer-based health insurance is free from the hassles with pre-existing conditions that Group health insurance CT customers face, and is often paid for as part of your benefits package. But people whose employers don't offer CT insurance need coverage, too.

People working in non-traditional jobs, such as those who are contract employees or the owners of small businesses, join with those who hold more traditional jobs without benefits in needing Group health insurance in Connecticut. To cover them, insurance companies offer privately purchased plans. The problem with these plans, though, is that the insurance company decides whether to cover you or not, thus excluding those who need it the most.

The new health care bill that was signed in early 2014 in the Connecticut will make sweeping changes across the field of health insurance. But until the changes go into effect, Group insurance is still sometimes difficult to get, and hard to understand. For healthy people who don't smoke and aren't over a certain age, Group insurance is easily available. Unfortunately, if you don't meet those qualifications, insurance is suddenly nearly completely unavailable. If you have had trouble getting coverage for a long period of time because of a pre-existing condition, some states and now the federal government, as part of the health care act, provide plans. But these plans are expensive and come with requirements, such as having been uninsured for six months or more.

If you're one of the lucky ones who can qualify for Group insurance, the question changes to which plan do you need. Plans come in all prices on the spectrum, from incredibly expensive to fairly cheap. Cheap plans are sometimes not very good plans, but other times, they just have sky-high deductibles. The difference is quite important.
High-deductible plans sometimes offer good coverage for people who can't afford higher monthly prices, and probably won't use their insurance. For those who anticipate needing extensive medical care, a plan with a higher monthly rate but a lower deductible will often cost less in the long run. As high deductibles run up into the thousands, the savings can be considerable.

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Getting the Most out of Your Insurance Connecticut

There are many options out there that insurance Connecticut has to offer. You can protect your car, home, health, and much more by simply looking for policies that fit your needs. While the requirements for each type of Connecticut insurance will differ greatly, there are some common practices you can employ regardless of what you are looking for which will save you time and money. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your CT insurance.

Get More than One Kind

If you get more than one kind of insurance Connecticut state has to offer, you may be able to save money on each individual plan. This is a process known as bundling, and it is widely employed in most insurance companies across the country. If you have more than one line of insurance coming from the same company, you will save a great deal on the premiums you pay.

Withhold the Minimum

You need to make sure that you are at least carrying the minimum insurance CT requires of you. This will usually only apply to car insurance, where you have to have at least $25,000 worth of liability coverage. If you are financing the car, you will need to extend that to full coverage per the requirements of your lender. You can always upgrade from the minimum coverage if you think you will need it, but note that it will cost you more a month in insurance CT premiums.

Compare Costs

When you go to get insurance Connecticut, you should shop around to find the best rates out there for you. This can be done through a simple comparison online. When you start to figure out the cost though, you also need to look over the features of different policies as some places may offer less than others. Do not go to the lowest payment without first seeing what will be included in that plan.
You need to think about how much of a deductible you want to have in the event that you will have to use your Connecticut insurance. If you have a higher deductible, you will lower the amount of money that you have to pay each month. However, that means that you will also have to pay more before your insurance Connecticut will kick in. Weigh out your financial abilities and determine what you can and cannot afford. If your deductible is high, consider putting some money aside to pay for that so you can be fully covered when the time comes. Having good insurance is only beneficial if you can use it when you need to most. Make a plan so you can stay covered with insurance Connecticut.

Thursday, 4 December 2014

Connecticut Health Insurance: Helpful Information

The Connecticut health insurance marketplace can be difficult to navigate. If you're looking for health insurance on your own, you may be wondering, "Where can I find the right health plan for me? Where can I turn if I am denied health coverage? What are my rights as a consumer in Connecticut?"
To help answer those questions, we have researched and compiled important information regarding Connecticut health insurance. By taking the following tips into consideration, you'll be able make a more educated health insurance purchase.

Things to Remember When Shopping for Health Insurance

Connecticut health insurance consumers should follow the following recommendations when purchasing health insurance:

•  Read the insurance policy and contact the insurance company or insurance agent if you have any questions.
• Make sure you review the section of your health insurance policy entitled "exclusions and limitations."
• Find out how rates will increase as you age, and how often an insurance company can increase rates.
• If you are looking for a managed-care plan, check the provider's directory to make sure there are suitable doctors, hospitals and other health care providers available.
• Find out if there are any "health plan report cards" available that assess consumer satisfaction/quality of care with various health insurance plans.
• Call the insurer's customer service number to see how quickly you are able to get help.
• If you have special needs or preexisting conditions, make sure you contact a doctor or support organization for health insurance recommendations.

Connecticut Health Insurance Subscriber's Rights

Connecticut health insurance consumers have certain rights through Connecticut state law. Regardless of the type of health insurance coverage you hold, you have a right to:

• Insurance coverage for certain mandated benefits
• Know what your health insurance plan does and does not cover
• Contact your insurer to complain or appeal any decisions with which you disagree
• Receive a standard form outlining health insurance benefits for comparison between companies and health plans
• A written explanation of why an insurance company denies your health insurance application, or excludes a health condition from insurance coverage
• Coverage of emergency room care, if you believe you are facing a life- or limb-threatening injury (even if it turns out you were not)
•  Prompt payment of claims