Recently, I learned just how challenging signing up for private medical insurance can be in the American. I was going off my group medical insurance and needed private
coverage. Through the assistance of my insurance agent, I completed the initial internet-based application in less than an hour.
<h3>That was the easy part.</h3>
A week after completing the application, I got a follow up call to my application from the “medical department” of the company. I was told this was to verify some of the
information on my application.
<h3>And here’s where things got a bit rough.</h3>
The woman who interviewed me wanted VERY detailed information on health care claims. Since the specific details she wanted were in my doctor’s medical records, not at
home, I was unprepared for her questions. I made every effort to be helpful, but the call rapidly became an unfriendly interrogation.
For almost an hour, I was asked the same questions over and over until I felt like shouting, “Asked and answered!” For most of them I replied “I don’t know.” Eventually I
asked her to contact my medical providers. When she finally did, they checked my records and answered her questions.
By the time I hung up the phone, I felt like I’d gone three rounds with Mike Tyson. I was both frustrated that I couldn’t answer her questions and emotionally exhausted. She
treated me like a criminal instead of a person seeking private medical insurance. It wasn’t a good experience!
Because of what happened to me, I did some research. It helped me to compile the following list of ten things I believe anyone signing up for private medical insurance in the
American should know. I hope this list will help you or someone you know to avoid what happened to me.
<h3>Before You Apply…</h3>
<ol>
<li>1. Don’t let your policy expire prior to seeking new coverage. If your policy is being canceled you can go on the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
(COBRA). This act ensures continuation of group medical coverage that otherwise might be terminated.</li>
<li>2. Talk to your medical providers about your medical records before you apply. For private insurance, corporations can review your medical history as far back as ten
years. Therefore, ensure your records are up-to-date and talk with your physician(s) about any health issues that might be red flagged.</li>
<li>3. Buy copies of your medical records. You are able to also request a copy of your medical records under the Health Care Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA). For more information on HIPAA, go to http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8-med.htm</li>
<li>4. Locate out what your state’s policies are in relation to private medical insurance. Each state may have certain exceptions or variations regarding coverage. Most will
publish this information internet-based. Visit your state’s governmental website and search for “private medical insurance ” or “health insurance policies.”</li>
<li>5. Check to see if you’ve a file with the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a central database of medical information shared by major insurance corporations. If
the MIB has a file on you, a free copy can be obtained once a year by calling (866) 692-6901, or by visiting the company’s website at
http://www.mib.com/html/request_your_record.html. percent20</li>
<li>6. Consult with a eligible independent insurance agent. An insurance agent will know the private insurance regulations for your state and can help you through the
application process.</li>
<li>7. Buy a copy of your application and REVIEW it before you send it in. Some corporations may refuse a claim or terminate the policy solely because the information in
the application is inaccurate. If you leave something out accidentally, it could cause problems. Read over your application carefully to be sure you’ve answered all the
questions accurately.</li>
<h3>If You Get A Follow Up Call…</h3>
<li>8. Answer only the questions asked. Don’t volunteer any additional information. Be courteous and remember the interviewer isn’t your friend or your medical doctor. In
these types of interviews you’ve NO privacy protection. In addition, the interview will most likely be recorded so think before you respond.</li>
<li>9. If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest about it. I recommend you get comfortable with saying, “I don’t have that information, please contact my doctor.”
When asked specific questions about medical procedures don’t guess, refer them to your doctor(s) and your medical records.</li>
<li>10. Be honest and stick to the facts regarding your medical history. The corporation you are signing up to may have access to your MIB file, and already know certain
aspects of your medical history. If you are caught lying, you can be denied. Most applications ask if you’ve ever been denied medical insurance, and a denial can be an
immediate “red flag” on any future ap








