Independent Health/dental Insurance???

Hi S.,
Here's what I remember about HMO and PPO: HMO you MUST use someone on their list to get it paid at all. PPO, you can use anyone, but you will get a higher percentage paid if you use someone on the list.

If you have pre-existing conditions make sure you ask how soon they will be covered.

For quotes, I would start with any other insurance company you have (car, home, life) and ask them. If they don't do health, ask if they know anyone good who does. I suppose the next step would be the phone book, or referrals from friends/relatives.

Do NOT use Mega, I think they are out of TX. We used them for awhile and got the runaround. Friends use them and say that is still the norm.

I would contact your state insurance department with these questions also. Can't hurt and it might help.

Good luck!
K. Z.

The basic difference between an HMO and PPO is that with HMO you will have no out of network benefits and require a referral to see a specialist. HMO's are not really offered much anymore so this will not likely be a choice for you anyway.

You might want to try to find an insurance BROKER as opposed to an insurance agent. I'm not sure how brokers work in Olahoma, but here in Washington state, insurance brokers don't charge client (you for example) for their services. Once they sign an individual or family up for a policy within a plan, they are given a commission from the insurance company directly.

I just recently worked with a broker and had a very positove experience. He walked me through several plans, showed me quotes for the plans and helped figure out what plan would be best for me. I wound up going with Alliant Plus through Group Health which is only available on the West Coast and I'm paying about $280 a month, but my deductable is quite high.

An HMO limits you to seeing only the providers on an approved list. For example, the Group Health side of plan is an HMO, so if I had just stuck with GH I could only see GH doctors. I choose the Alliant option, and it gives a broader choice of doctors. A PPO gives you an even longer list of doctors to chose from; they don't confine you to a limited few doctors to choose from.

If you want specific plans and quotes I would suggest working with a broker. The best way to find one is to ask your doctor for a referral. Since your previous insurance has ended, (so it sounds) you do need to act quickly; the longer you wait, the less likely you are to be accepted on a new plan. Here in Washington, I believe you have 60 days to switch to a new plan without question when you are going from one plan to another. Longer than that, and then you run into health questionaires and pre-existing conditions problems. However, that may have changed with the new health care laws, IDK.

Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps.

Just make sure it is actually insurance and not a dental discount plan(which most dentists I called won't even accept).
You could ask your insurance agent, but mine had outrageous fees.
PPO Prefered Provider You must use someone on the list to get it paid at the hightest rate(you only get 60% paid if not prefered)

Out of all the ins. we prefer BCBS. Indiv. But we have a high dedc. in order to afford the premiums. We have an PPO. HMO, to my understanding is that you go to any specialist or anything and it is covered . PPO you have to get referrals. I think. HMO is usually good if your going to be having a baby but PPO too me is standard for a growing family.

I do not pay for Dental Ins . We pay less a year if you pay cash. A lot of dentists will give you discount for paying cash. We just save the money and prepare. The only way Dental ins is good...is if you have a lot of work needed to your mouth. IF it is just basic cleaning and x rays, ususally it is pretty affordable. And the best thing is that you get to write all this off on your taxes :0)

Good luck

Hi,

Good timing. I just met with an independent to see if my family could get a better deal than what we have through my husband's employer. The guy I talked to his Gary Bush -- email: ____@____.com. I live in Texas, but I would say that even if he cannot help you, he would know someone who can. I really liked him and he was honest and told me that we had a pretty good deal and doubted if we could get something better. Hope it works for you and good luck.