Brian Weems Williams » individual health insurance

Hello?! Attention 50 year olds: Get a physical!!!

BrianWilliams — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:42:30 +0000

It seems like every week I sit down with someone, mostly men, who are over 50 years old and they tell me how healthy they are, “Why I haven’t been to the doctor in 20 years! I’m in great shape!” Maybe.

Pretty much every health insurance company insuring individuals requires someone 50 or older to have had a physical with bloodwork done in the last 2 years. No physical? Case closed. Period. No insurance. It’s too much of a risk for the insurance company. Plenty of these so-called healthy folks will drop dead tomorrow! Do you really have to think for more than a minute to come up with the face of a fifty something friend or c0-worker that “seemed to be in good shape”, that collapsed with a heart attack or stroke?

Geez, if you already have insurance, a preventive physical is FREE as a mandate of health care reform. And even if you forget the wise old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, if you are in the market for health insurance for yourself…you won’t get coverage without a physical!

So suck it up you wimps that fear all doctors. What? You’re TOO BUSY! Heart disease and cancer thrives on people who are just “too busy”. And stop being so self-centered, it’s not all about YOU. I have a hunch some people you know might also have an interest in you getting a physical. So what are you waiting for? Make that appointment!

Should I Self Insure or Use My Employer’s Health Plan?

BrianWilliams — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:11:34 +0000

As the cost of health care rises in this country, employers may be paying less and less toward your health benefits. It’s very common for the company to pay a lot for you the employee, but very little for your spouse and/or kids. It’s worth it to look at options to self insure.

Wow, Term Life Insurance is Cheap!

BrianWilliams — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:08:07 +0000

Rates have come down dramatically in term life insurance in the last few years, due to the fact that we are all living longer, and the insurance companies haven’t had to too many claims.

What is an HMO?

BrianWilliams — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 02:04:17 +0000

HMO is a health maintenance organization. It’s managed health care. Your doctor is your “primary care physician” or PCP. You must see your PCP to get a referral to see a specialist. It’s a “closed” network of providers, meaning you have no coverage if you go outside the network. Is it right for you? Watch the video to see.

What is a PPO?

BrianWilliams — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:37:00 +0000

A PPO is a Preferred Provider Organization. The preferred providers, doctors and hospitals, are your “in network” service providers. You get a negotiated, reduced cost for services in network, you pay more outside the network. The vast majority of health plans are PPO.

Insurance for the Self-Employed

BrianWilliams — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:46:58 +0000

If you are self-employed you do not have the luxury of having insurance benefits offered by the company you work for. The good news is…you can build a personal policy that includes what you want and leaves out what you don’t want. Group insurance is one size fits all, take it or leave it. When you’re on your own, it only has to fit you.

What Does it Mean to “Self-Insure”

BrianWilliams — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:38:57 +0000

There are many reasons why you might have to “self-insure”. Maybe you quit your job, got laid off, your company doesn’t offer insurance, your self-employed, an independent contractor or commissioned sales person. Perhaps it’s too expensive to be added on to your spouse’s plan. Whatever the reason, you’re on your own, but not alone. I may be able to help you get benefits.

HSA’s Health Savings Accounts

BrianWilliams — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:21:00 +0000

Is an HSA the best option when you self insure?

Short Term Health Insurance

BrianWilliams — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:44:23 +0000

If you just lost your job AND your benefits and COBRA is too expensive, this might be the answer.

Affordable Health Insurance

BrianWilliams — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:31:27 +0000

How can you make your health insurance affordable?