Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Finding Health Insurance in Michigan

By Jeff Cline

In Michigan health insurance carriers may underwrite their medical plans for individuals themselves. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is one exception to this rule. BCBS of MI and employer based HMO plans must be written as a HIPPA or guarantee issue plan.

The rule prevents those who may be excluded due to a prior or current medical issue from being able to acquire health insurance. BCBS of MI can not restrict based on current or history of a medical condition. They also must adhere to a community rate.

Individual carriers may exclude and limit coverage based on current or prior medical conditions. They can take advanatage of excluding pre existing conditions for up to 12 months also. They do not have to allow individuals to get credit for pre ex just for having prior coverage either.

Individual health insurance base their rates on many factors. All of which they choose. These factors can change but are most often, current market, age groups, locations and type of plan.

Michigan has low income options for the cistizens as well. For those who can not afford individual health insurance there are plans such as MIChild. This is a health plan just for children of low income families. Children can go to the doctor, see a dentist, visit an ER or get help for mental health or substance abuse, just to name few.

The Michigan Department of Human Services may determine you eligible for many other options. These other low income options are available through the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

If you are looking for information on all your health and health insurance needs visit the Michigan Department of Community Services website. They can help you find what fits you best. They also have information on providers and carriers in your area.

Michigan would like to lower the current 11.4% rate of uninsured individuals in the State. Not having the resources for help is a big reason for this rate. Michigan has worked very hard to make all this information available to the citizens of Michigan. You can research and find what health insurance option fits your needs or budget.

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