Posted: 02/03/09
Accidents happen. And when they happen to you, you want to be able to think of your health not your ability to pay for it. Whether you have an individual health insurance provider or a group healthcare plan, it's important to plan for emergency situations ahead of time by determining the best way to manage your insurance. Just like every individual health insurance provider is different, so is every policy. Your first step in securing coverage when you need it, is checking to see if your plan includes emergency care. If so, determine:
- Does my plan have a co-pay or a deductible for emergency visits?
- Is prior authorization needed?
- Do I have to seek treatment at a specific hospital or can I go to the nearest emergency center?
- Who defines what is considered a medically necessity after an emergency situation is stabilized?
- What can I do if my health plan refuses my claim for emergency care?
Once you have these questions answered, talk with your individual health insurance provider about any other conditions you might not have thought of. It's better to be prepared before an emergency than overwhelmed during one.
