Insurance World

Perhaps there is hope for fixing the healthcare crisis after all. Hillary Rodham Clinton, author of a failed attempt to overhaul healthcare in the 90s, and Newt Gingrich, engineer of the 90’s Republican Revolution largely brought on by Clinton’s failed attempt, sat down together recently at a National Press Club session entitled “Ceasefire on Health Care” to discuss what they just might agree on.

And they did agree indeed on several issues including, much to the surprise of some, Gingrich’s proposal to “voucherize” Medicaid. “There is enough money in the system right now to cover the uninsured,” said Clinton. It’s not that the meeting was that earth-shattering, but perhaps it is a sign of a growing trend to piecemeal fixes to the healthcare crisis rather than starting from scratch.

That we are, and have been, in a healthcare crisis is clear when you consider that over 44 million Americans have no insurance of any type. The reason for most is that they simply cannot afford any kind of coverage. Attempts to provide universal coverage or cause significant changes through federal mandates have failed.

According to the Bush administration, the solution would be moving healthcare toward new association-based health plans, including HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and consumer-driven health plans. “To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs,” says President George W. Bush. “Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates so they can cover more workers with health insurance—I urge you to pass association health plans.”

The use of association-based health plans is finally starting to catch on. These plans offer solutions for those who previously thought themselves to be “uninsurable.” A small but increasing number of people are taking a look at these affordable plans.

One of the newer and more popular plans, the USA+ Guaranteed Acceptance Plan, includes a myriad of choices and benefits for its members. Membership in the plan allows members access to hospital indemnity benefits, prescription benefits, and disability benefits. It also carries provisions for medical, dental, accident, and vision care. It even includes several lifestyle benefits including road side service, travel benefits, and discounts on shopping, dining, and movies.

“The USA+ Guaranteed Acceptance Plan is a product whose time has come,” says Richard J. Monello, President and CEO of Custom Health Plans, Inc. His company is a leader in providing the new product recently made available. “It is a true blanket guaranteed acceptance benefit package,” adds Monello. “The best thing is that everyone is accepted, even those with pre-existing conditions.”

These new health plans, in addition to being great for consumers, are also beneficial for agents and brokers. “For those agents looking to strengthen their portfolio and provide healthcare coverage to the uninsurable, the USA+ Guaranteed Acceptance Health Plan is truly a first-of-it’s kind product,” says Jason A. Milz, Executive Vice-President of Custom Health Plans, Inc. “At last, there is a product that will address their growing databases of uninsured Americans and that will pay them a level commission for the life of the plan.”

Monello’s company, Custom Health Plans, offers several different membership packages with different types and levels of benefits. “Finally, there is a solution for the 44 million uninsurable Americans who have no other options,” says Monello.

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For brochures and further information or to set up an interview with Richard J. Monello for a story, please contact Jay Wilke at 727-443-7115, ext. 223 or at jayw@event-management.com.

An increasing number of individuals face every day without the convenience of health insurance. Whether it be a job that fails to provide coverage, a lack of employment altogether or simply a lack of funds to pay for health insurance, many individuals are forced to search for alternative options when it comes to healthcare.

The good news for individuals without health insurance is that many hospitals now offer convenient payment plans for treatments and/or surgical procedures. By signing an agreement with the billing office, some patients are now able to undergo treatment or have surgery that would otherwise be unavailable due to a lack of health insurance coverage.

Another option is free clinics, which are located throughout America and offer low or no cost treatment to both children and adults. This type of clinic generally provides routine check-ups, immunizations and is equipped to treat common ailments. For more serious injuries or sickness, free clinics may refer patients to an emergency care facility such as a hospital.

The most effective way to locate the nearest free clinic is to contact the local health department. As many expect, free clinics are very busy and appointments may be the best way to receive prompt treatment. If an emergency arises, a free clinic may be able to assist the patient with general care or may need to direct them to a nearby emergency room. There is always the possibility of receiving medical treatment as a walk-in patient, but an appointment is best.

Individuals who seek health insurance, but do not have a job that provides this service, may be able to obtain coverage through any major insurance provider. In many cases, this is the only option for individuals who are self-employed or continue to make a living as an entrepreneur. In addition, certain companies provide temporary coverage, which lasts 6-12 months, and is specifically designed, for individuals who are temporarily in between jobs. This type of coverage is very affordable and may be the perfect answer for anyone who finds themselves suddenly without coverage.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in conjunction with, or in place of, professional medical advice. Patients who feel that they require ongoing care, which free clinics may or may not be able to provide, should consult their nearest hospital or medical center for proper diagnosis and treatments of their ailment.