Kaiser Permanente and Anthem Blue Cross operate very different healthcare models, which leads many to wonder – does Kaiser Permanente accept Anthem Blue Cross insurance? The short answer is no. Kaiser Permanente only accepts its own insurance plans at its facilities and doctors’ offices. It does not accept Anthem Blue Cross plans. However, the healthcare … Read more
Loadings are extra charges added to insurance premiums to account for higher-than-expected risks. Loadings allow insurers to adjust pricing based on individual risk profiles. But how exactly do loadings work and when are they applied? What Is a Loading in Insurance? A loading is an additional premium charged to policyholders who are deemed higher risk … Read more
Medicare eligibility isn’t based on income levels or assets. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents 65 or older can enroll in Medicare. However, higher-income seniors may pay more for Medicare coverage. Those with limited means can qualify for financial assistance. Understanding how income affects Medicare costs helps you budget appropriately. Continue reading to learn more … Read more
Medicare Advantage plans offer bundled benefits, but restrict your choice of providers. With Original Medicare you can see any doctor. So can you switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare without penalty? The short answer is yes – you can go back to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods with no penalty. However, your … Read more
Dealing with damage or loss of property due to a casualty event like a natural disaster, accident, or theft can be extremely difficult. Not only do you have the burden of repairing or replacing your property, but you also have to navigate the complex tax rules around insurance proceeds and casualty losses. One common question … Read more
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are a great way to save money tax-free for current and future healthcare expenses. One of the key benefits of an HSA is that funds can be used tax-free for a wide range of qualified medical expenses. But what exactly counts as a qualified expense for HSA purposes? This comprehensive guide … Read more
If you’ve shopped for insurance or filed a claim before, you’ve likely come across the term “insurance carrier.” But what exactly does it mean? What’s the difference between a carrier and other common insurance terms like provider, underwriter, or agent? This comprehensive guide will explain the meaning of insurance carrier and how carriers fit into … Read more
Health insurance plans often have both deductibles and copays as forms of cost-sharing. This can lead to confusion over whether you still owe copays once your deductible is satisfied for the year. The short answer is yes – you generally continue paying any applicable copays even after meeting your deductible. Understanding the ongoing nature of … Read more
Coinsurance is one of the most confusing parts of health insurance. You pay a premium every month, but then there are deductibles, copays, and coinsurance too. It can get complicated quickly. One common coinsurance question is: what does 0% coinsurance mean after you meet your deductible? Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly … Read more
When you buy insurance, how is your premium or rate determined? Insurance companies use different methods of rating to calculate policy rates based on risk factors. The three primary methods of insurance rating are: Judgment rating Class rating Merit rating Understanding how these methods work can provide insight into why your insurance costs what it … Read more