Moving to the fastest growing city in America? Las Vegas offers an amazing quality of life. Order your free copy now!
| Insurance |
HEALTH INSURANCE
If you’re like other Las Vegas newcomers, a top priority is finding a new physician for you and your family. How do you learn about your health-care options and find a family doctor? Your employer should be your first stop. Your company’s Human Resources office usually can provide you with brochures about hospitals and doctors that will accept the company’s insurance. For more information about finding a doctor in the Las Vegas area, see the Health and Wellness section.
Chief Executive Officer David Dahan of Orgill/Singer & Associates, one of the largest independent, multiline insurance brokerages in Nevada, offers advice on how new residents can find much-needed information on health insurance matters, “As available insurance information and rates are constantly changing, it is highly beneficial for new residents to consult an insurance agent or broker at the start of their search,” says Dahan. “A conscientious insurance professional will be able to help you identify what are the appropriate insurance policies for you and your family as well as answer any questions that may arise.”
While many newcomers may have health insurance from their new employers, there are times when a person may be between jobs, self-employed or simply just cannot afford a comprehensive health insurance plan. Dahan suggests temporary health insurance as an option: “A temporary health insurance plan is ideal for people in nontraditional careers, temporary employees, people in the middle of a career transition and self-employed individuals just to name a few,” says Dahan. “Ask your insurance broker if temporary health insurance is right for you.”
After a new health insurance plan is in place, residents may want to find out more information on the health-care professionals servicing this industry. For example, is your doctor Board certified? Has he or she had action taken against them from the state or had complaints filed against them from former patients?
“Before selecting a new physician, you may want additional information on their credentials and practice history,” says Dahan. “To find out if a doctor is Board certified and other general information, consult the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners for medical doctors and the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine for doctors of osteopathy.”
— Shopping for Health Insurance
Make sure you understand the full extent of the coverage that is included in any health plan you’re considering. If you have more than one option, choose the plan with the highest level of coverage you can afford. The higher a plan’s deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, the more you usually can save on premiums. However, you’ll also have to pay more out of pocket for claims.
For health insurance, consider factors other than cost. A carrier’s financial rating and history of consumer complaints are important considerations. Ask your friends, family and current physician for recommendations. Make sure you learn the answers to the following questions about any health plan you’re considering:
— Health Plan Basics
Health-care plans pay for most, and sometimes all, of the treatment costs for illnesses and injuries. Many people obtain health coverage as part of a group—such as an employer, professional association or other organization—that offers health coverage to its employees or members. Others may buy individual health coverage directly from an agent or insurer. The type of plan you have and how you obtain it usually determines the benefits included, how you access and receive medical care and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
— Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
An HMO provides “managed care” in return for a monthly or quarterly premium. You pay a fee—the amount depends on the specifics of your coverage—and are offered a range of health benefits that cover the entire spectrum from preventive care and education to physician care, surgery and hospitalization. An HMO is a one-stop shop for all your health-care needs. Your health care is “managed” by your primary-care physician, usually a general practitioner.
If you’re like other Las Vegas newcomers, a top priority is finding a new physician for you and your family. How do you learn about your health-care options and find a family doctor? Your employer should be your first stop. Your company’s Human Resources office usually can provide you with brochures about hospitals and doctors that will accept the company’s insurance. For more information about finding a doctor in the Las Vegas area, see the Health and Wellness section.
Chief Executive Officer David Dahan of Orgill/Singer & Associates, one of the largest independent, multiline insurance brokerages in Nevada, offers advice on how new residents can find much-needed information on health insurance matters, “As available insurance information and rates are constantly changing, it is highly beneficial for new residents to consult an insurance agent or broker at the start of their search,” says Dahan. “A conscientious insurance professional will be able to help you identify what are the appropriate insurance policies for you and your family as well as answer any questions that may arise.”
While many newcomers may have health insurance from their new employers, there are times when a person may be between jobs, self-employed or simply just cannot afford a comprehensive health insurance plan. Dahan suggests temporary health insurance as an option: “A temporary health insurance plan is ideal for people in nontraditional careers, temporary employees, people in the middle of a career transition and self-employed individuals just to name a few,” says Dahan. “Ask your insurance broker if temporary health insurance is right for you.”
After a new health insurance plan is in place, residents may want to find out more information on the health-care professionals servicing this industry. For example, is your doctor Board certified? Has he or she had action taken against them from the state or had complaints filed against them from former patients?
“Before selecting a new physician, you may want additional information on their credentials and practice history,” says Dahan. “To find out if a doctor is Board certified and other general information, consult the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners for medical doctors and the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine for doctors of osteopathy.”
— Shopping for Health Insurance
Make sure you understand the full extent of the coverage that is included in any health plan you’re considering. If you have more than one option, choose the plan with the highest level of coverage you can afford. The higher a plan’s deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, the more you usually can save on premiums. However, you’ll also have to pay more out of pocket for claims.
For health insurance, consider factors other than cost. A carrier’s financial rating and history of consumer complaints are important considerations. Ask your friends, family and current physician for recommendations. Make sure you learn the answers to the following questions about any health plan you’re considering:
- Question 1: Does the plan cover your choice of physicians and hospitals?
- Question 2: Are there limits on medicines, referrals to specialists or the types of treatment or surgery available?
- Question 3: Are there benefit limits per person, family, illness, treatment and/or hospital stay?
- Question 4: What is the procedure for out-of-network emergency care?
- Question 5: Does the plan have yearly or lifetime maximums?
— Health Plan Basics
Health-care plans pay for most, and sometimes all, of the treatment costs for illnesses and injuries. Many people obtain health coverage as part of a group—such as an employer, professional association or other organization—that offers health coverage to its employees or members. Others may buy individual health coverage directly from an agent or insurer. The type of plan you have and how you obtain it usually determines the benefits included, how you access and receive medical care and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
— Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
An HMO provides “managed care” in return for a monthly or quarterly premium. You pay a fee—the amount depends on the specifics of your coverage—and are offered a range of health benefits that cover the entire spectrum from preventive care and education to physician care, surgery and hospitalization. An HMO is a one-stop shop for all your health-care needs. Your health care is “managed” by your primary-care physician, usually a general practitioner.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Nevada consistently ranks high among the favored states ...
