Renee Darata » Family health insurance

Buying Affordable Health Insurance Online without an Agent

Renee Darata — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:16:33 +0000

In the search for health insurance, consumers are directed to many websites where they can receive a quote and apply online. My website allows consumers to apply online as well.

Is this in the best interests of consumers? After all, you must be licensed to sell health insurance because it is complicated. Most consumers will focus on price, an important issue, and then may find they didn’t get what they thought they were getting.

In 2010, with changes mandated by healthcare reform, the major carriers here in Utah changed their plans at least once. The plans have moved away from the traditional plans many consumers were familiar with. Some cover chiropractic care, some don’t cover prescriptions. This saves money which is passed onto the consumer in lower premiums.

I strongly suggest that you consult with a licensed health insurance professional before applying for affordable health insurance online.

Our office serves residents of Salt Lake county and surrounding areas.

Affordable Health Insurance

Renee Darata — Tue, 03 May 2011 07:04:51 +0000

Shopping for an affordable health insurance policy?

Consider a high deductible plan. If you are single and choose a $1250 deductible, your total costs for the year may be $2500.

You need to read the summary of benefits to see what the maximum out of pocket costs are.

A traditional plan may have a $1000 deductible, and co-pays of $25 and $40 for Dr visits, co-pays of $250 for emergency room visits, and 20% co-insurance.

Co-pays do not count towards the maximum out of pocket expenses. A slightly higher deductible could save you money in a year where your health insurance expenses are higher due to an injury or surgery.

For further information contact our office for an affordable health insurance quote.

Insurance Rates to Rise by 2012?

Renee Darata — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:59:27 +0000

Insurance companies have 2 ways to make money. Through the premiums charged to consumers and businesses and also through the income made on reserves they have on hand to pay out catastrophic claims.

Reserves have declined for some carriers which will require them to raise insurance premiums to rebuild reserves.

Some analysts predict about a 10% increase in 2012. Rates have declined for several years now and insurance companies will tighten up underwriting guidelines, get out of some lines of insurance and raise rates.

5 Things You Must Know Before Buying Health Insurance

Renee Darata — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 05:16:29 +0000



What’s Up with Healthcare Reform?
Renee Darata — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 23:11:10 +0000
On September 23rd 2010,  healthcare reform began.  The government has new rules on how children can not be declined for health issues.  There is also preventative care without any out of pocket expense to the consumer. Lifetime maximum is now unlimited. Plans written between March and September will also  have changes.  All new plans issued after Sept 23rd will have these new coverages.  Other plans are grandfathered and you will need to check with your insurance carrier to see how this change affects you.
In preparation for the roll out; health insurance carriers in the

state of  Utah have modified their individual health insurance

plans.  The new offerings have higher deductibles and other changes that could add to the consumers out of pocket expenses.  They will no longer issue a child only plan.  If the parents are uninsurable, we can not offer coverage to the children.  This is an unfortunate consequence to healthcare reform and I know of no political activity to rectify the situation.
Stay Tuned.
As always, I welcome your questions.  



Buying an Affordable Family Health Insurance Policy
Renee Darata — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:50:23 +0000
Many families are struggling to keep their health insurance. 
Here are a few factors to consider:

Reapply with the same carrier-you are placed within a risk pool when you first buy the policy.  That risk pool may have a higher than average claims ratio.  If you re-apply you may be bundled with a  pool of people who will have lower than average claims.
Consider a higher office visit co-pay
Apply to another health insurance carrier
Higher deductibles don’t save you very much money
Consider a HSA/High Deductible Plan if you are healthy and rarely visit the DR.

Affordable Family Health Insurance is a quest best undertaken with a personal agent.  The agent knows the underwriting guidelines of the insurance carriers and can advise you how to save money.
In Utah, the premiums are the same whether or not you use the services of an insurance agent.  It’s like buying a  house without a Realtor,  you need an agent to negotiate  the contract.
For assistance with your family health insurance, please give me a call.