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financial crisis

Restoring Confidence in the US Banking System

Considering the 2008 financial crisis, how can the US restore confidence in the US banking system?

 

The Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2009 had a profound effect on US and global financial markets and destroyed confidence in the banking systems in the US and other major economies. It caused a global economic recession and resulted in massive bailouts of US and other financial systems, and the global economy is only just recovering from the effects of this crisis.

 

The crisis highlighted weaknesses, in the US banking system, which will require a combination of different measures in order to be addressed. Among the myriad issues highlighted by the crisis the biggest issue is, arguably, the need to address the systemic risks inherent in the banking system.

 

The systemic risks inherent in the banking system have been widely discussed in the aftermath of the crisis. Systemic risk arises in the banking system because of the potential for the failure of one bank or financial institution to affect other banks or financial institutions to such an extent that those other banks also face financial problems or even failure as well. Banks are connected to each other through the payments system and the financial system, and if a bank faces difficulty meeting its obligations to other banks this could, in turn force those other banks to face difficulty fulfilling their own obligations thus triggering a chain of bank failures. The risk posed by this ‘interconnectedness’ of banks to each other is currently the biggest headache for bank regulators around the world.

 

Restoring confidence in the US banking system requires properly addressing this systemic risk. There are two aspects to this. The first is ensuring that banks are well capitalized and well run so that they are resilient and do not run into financial problems. The second is ensuring that when banks run into financial problems there are efficient, well laid out plans for dealing with those banks so that the problems do not spill over to other banks or the wider banking system.

 

Ensuring that banks are well capitalized and well run requires the type of comprehensive, far-reaching regulation that can be found in the Obama administration’s Dodd Frank Act 2010. The legislation improves the overall structure of bank supervision in the US, closes loopholes in banking regulation, protects consumers and provides the US authorities with the tools they need to manage future financial crises. Despite this progress that has been made there remains more to be done to restore confidence in the US banking system. The banks themselves are already failing to live up to the new standards set by the regulation- in 2015 some of the biggest US banks struggled to pass the Federal Reserve’s ‘stress tests’. Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Morgan Stanley and J.P Morgan Chase & Co had to make adjustments to their capital buffers, while Bank of America Corp had to submit a revised plan, addressing its shortcomings, to the Federal Reserve.

Stress tests are used by regulators to determine whether a bank has enough capital to withstand the impact of unfavorable or adverse scenarios such as a deterioration in global economic conditions. The fact that some of the largest US banks are struggling to pass stress tests is worrying and should serve as a wake-up call to the banking industry to put its house in order.

 

Ensuring that there are efficient plans for dealing with banks that do run into financial problems has become another top priority for regulators in the aftermath of the crisis. It is unrealistic to expect that banks will never face financial problems and bank failures can always be prevented. The more responsible view is that there will be some banks that run into financial problems and there has to be a way to deal with such banks so as to avoid the problem spreading to other banks and thereby adversely affecting the banking system. This is the reason regulators have embraced the idea of Recovery and Resolution plans (also referred to as ‘living wills’) for banks.

 

Dealing with failing banks in an efficient manner can also help to avoid bank bailouts whereby taxpayers’ money is used to rescue struggling banks. Bank bailouts encourage what economists refer to as ‘moral hazard’, a situation where one person or institution takes more risks because it knows someone else will bear the costs of those risks. There are, however, signs that the banking industry is not taking the issue of recovery and resolution as seriously as the regulators- the Recovery and Resolution plans of five of the largest US banks were rejected by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC because the regulators were not convinced they would ensure an orderly and efficient resolution of those banks if they faced financial difficulties. J.P Morgan Chase & Co, Wells Fargo & Co, Bank of America Corp, State Street Corp and Bank of New York Mellon Corp have been given until October 1 this year to re-submit revised plans that convince the regulators that their Recovery & Resolution would not require tax-payer funded bailouts.

 

Tackling systemic risk is the key to restoring confidence in the US banking system, and this involves all stakeholders playing their part. The regulators have increased the level of supervision of the banking industry after the crisis and the onus is now on the banking industry to show that it recognizes, and is prepared to deal with, the systemic risks in the banking system. If the banking industry fails to get its act together then there is a greater likelihood that there will be another major financial crisis. It is, therefore, important for the banks to ensure that, at a minimum, they are complying with both the spirit and the letter of the new regulatory rules.

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psychology

The Best Psychological Therapy Methods

 

Psychological Therapy

 

 

Psychological Therapy, or Psychotherapies, is forms of treatment which involve talking to a trained therapist to help you overcome your difficulties.   Within all the different modalities of psychological therapy, it is agreed that it is the relationship between therapist and client which most influences the progress and outcome of treatment.

Some of the most common procedures are briefly described below:

 

 

Behavior Therapy

 

The way we feel influences the way we behave.  If we can, therefore, learn to behave differently in a particular situation, this will help to reduce the complicated feelings. They are particularly useful for anxiety related problems.

 

 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

 

Similar to Behavior Therapy, but in addition to looking at how our feelings affect our behavior, CBT looks at the links between our thoughts (cognitions), feelings and behavior.  If we can change the way we think about something, this will help us change the way we feel, and the way we behave.

 

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) are part of the new or “third wave” Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies.

 

 

Counseling

 

Involves the client talking about their difficulties with a counselor, who plays a listening and supportive role, and may sometimes provide practical advice on problem-solving.  Person Centered Counselling or Psychotherapy is based upon the work of Carl Rogers, who advocated the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, which includes genuineness, unconditional positive regard (non-judgmental), empathic understanding and active listening.  It is these attributes of a client-therapist relationship upon which all other modern psychotherapies are based.

 

 

Systemic Therapy (‘Family Therapy’)

 

This therapy focuses on how people get on as part of a group or system. This is often their immediate family but might also include their community or school/workplace. Systemic therapists often see problems as being in a group of people (or ‘system’) rather than in one person (the client).   If you see a systemic therapist, you may, but not necessarily, see them with other members of your family or social group.

 

Thrive Video: the power of evidence-based psychological therapies
Speakers: Professor David M Clark, Professor Lord Layard, Andrew Marr

 

(Brief) Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT)

 

Solution-focused therapy is a talking therapy that is brief and efficient. It can be brief because it is future-focused and because it works with the strengths of those who come to making the best use of their resources, and it can bring about lasting change precisely because it aims to build solutions rather than solve problems.   Rather than focusing on a person’s problems, the therapist, and client work together to identify the goal, what the client want to achieve, then use various techniques to reach this objective. Click for more about Solution Focused Therapy.

 

 

Group Therapy

 

Several people with similar problems meet. Group Therapy can vary, with the group facilitators or leaders using any of the therapies listed above.  Most group therapies last 1 – 1.5 hours, for weekly sessions. Some groups are ‘closed’ – being attended only by those who are invited, and no new members can join.  Closed groups run for a certain amount of time, typically several weeks.  Open groups are those that are run at the same time each week, and are open to anyone to join at any time (although group members are expected not to be late for the start of a session, nor leave early).

 

Some group therapies can be ‘led’ by a group leader, perhaps in an educational-type method, or in Inter-Personal Group therapies (Yalom); the group itself is the therapist.  The group member gains (Yalom’s Curative or Therapeutic Factors): support from other group members, the installation of hope, ability to identify with others and lessen feelings of being alone, exchange of information, help each other (each group member gains from giving as well as receiving), the group can resemble a family and the group members take on various roles which all can discuss and provide feedback on, improve social and interpersonal skills, trust and openness.

 

Group CBT is time-limited and usually psycho-educational.  See here for more information about CBT open group therapy.

 

 

 

Hypnotherapy

 

Hypnotherapy is simply a method of deep relaxation, which enables the therapist to use any of the psychotherapeutic approaches in a more efficient way.   In a deeply relaxed state, our conscious mind – while still being aware of what is happening, being said, and being fully able to ‘wake up’ – is less likely to resist the therapy with negative thoughts.  The subconscious mind is also more receptive to the therapeutic intervention, which it is considered makes treatment more effective.

 

 

From Psychological Therapies – Getselfhelp.co.uk
divorce counseling

Divorce Counseling

 

 

Divorce Counseling – What Qualifications Does a Divorce counseling therapist Need?

 

Since divorce can be one of the most emotionally and psychologically challenging events that impact numerous aspects of person’s life, it is no surprise that the qualifications of a divorce therapist are quite involved. When a marriage ends traumatically, a divorce therapist is usually responsible for helping an individual cope with the challenging mental, financial, emotional, and physical process of the uncoupling. Not only can divorce counseling therapists act as an intermediary to ensure that the separation is achieved with minimal hostility, but they can also equip individuals with the essential skills needed to navigate through all of the choppy waters associated with this life transition.

 

If you are interested in concentrating your career in helping clients through the painful process of divorce, the following are the qualifications that are expected for divorce therapists. Education Requirements to Become, a Divorce Therapist Similar to other mental health and therapy careers, starting a successful career as a divorce therapist involves lots of education beyond the baccalaureate level.

 

Usually, individuals seeking to become a divorce therapist will start by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, sociology, or social work with elective coursework focusing on marriage and family situations. Upon degree completion, most aspiring divorce therapists then go on to graduate school to earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, community counseling, or clinical mental health counseling. Although it is not required at this time, some divorce therapists go a step further to earn a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy as well.

 

 

 

Qualifications for Becoming Licensed as a Divorce Therapist Along with earning a master’s or doctoral degree in a field closely related to marriage or couples counseling, there are a set of training requirements that are needed to obtain licensure and certification as a divorce therapist.

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), qualified candidates for licensure must have graduated from an accredited program and obtained, at least, two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience working in direct service to married couples. Once these requirements have been met, divorce therapists must then pass a state licensing examination or the national examination for marriage and family therapists conducted through the AAMFT Regulatory Boards. Most Important Skills that Divorce Therapists Need In addition to the extensive training and educational requirements for this vital mental health profession, it is important for divorce therapists to gather the essential skills that will enable them to succeed in the career choice.

 

Since divorce therapists need to help their clients feel comfortable enough to share their deepest feelings, it is important that individuals possess strong interpersonal, communication, and listening skills to be compassionate in this extremely challenging transition. Divorce Therapists should also develop solid organizational skills to maintain thorough case notes, keep detailed paperwork files, and manage insurance claims.

 

Furthermore, divorce therapists often must work in close collaboration with spouses, children, family members, and other healthcare professionals, so strong collaboration skills are also a must. Overall, recent shocking United States divorce statistics indicate that 41 percent of first marriages, 60 percent of second marriages, and 73 percent of third marriages end in divorce.

 

As a result, the projected job growth for divorce therapists and other marriage counselors is expected to grow at a rate much faster than average at an impressive rate of 41 percent before 2020. For those who are seeking to take advantage of these plentiful job opportunities and actually make a difference in the lives of others struggling through a difficult time, it will be required that you fully complete all of the qualifications above of a divorce therapist.

 

Bibliography

 

“What Qualifications Does a Divorce Therapist Need?” . n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 21 Feb. 2016.

sex-therapy

Sex Therapist Secrets Every Person Should Know

Dr Marty Klien explains what Sex Therapy is

 

Is Sex Therapy The Most Trending Thing Now?

Ever wondered what sex therapists do (or don’t do), what issues they can help solve, and what happens in their offices?
We weren’t shy about asking the experts for the inside scoop on sex therapy. Here’s what we found out.

 

1. It Can Give You More Confidence in (and out of) the Bedroom

“What people don’t expect from sex therapy is how strong, confident and assertive they become in every area of their lives,” says Marne Wine, a licensed professional counselor, and AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) certified sex therapist in Westminster, Colorado. “Sex therapy is just life playing itself out in the bedroom. Are you willing to be OK with yourself because you don’t know everything or have all the answers? Are you willing to put yourself out there and risk ridicule and failure? Once you learn to do that in the bedroom—naked—you can do it anywhere.”

2. You Won’t Be Asked to Take Your Clothes Off

Wine says most people tense up when they think of sex therapy, mostly because they worry that the therapy might involve intimate situations. Fear not—standard sex therapy with a qualified sex therapist doesn’t involve nudity. “Although there are different types of people who work in the field of sex therapy, generally it simply talks therapy,” she says.

3. You Don’t Have to Worry About Saying Anything Taboo

Whether it’s a repressed memory, a sexual hangup or an issue of abuse that frightens you to talk about, there is no subject too taboo for a sex therapist. In fact, laying it all on the table is the first step to overcoming a sexual problem. And don’t worry about what the therapist will think. “Sex therapists have heard it all,” says Wine.

4. Finding the Right Therapist Can Make (or Break) Your Experience

Whether you’re considering seeing a sex therapist alone or with your husband, be picky, says Wine. “Check out his or her background. Is the therapist licensed in some professional counseling field—licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker? You want that fundamental, graduate-level counseling education as a basis for him or her doing sex therapy.

The sex therapy certification should be in addition to the graduate-level education.” And if, after the first appointment, you don’t feel comfortable with the therapist, find another one—or ask for a referral. “A good therapist will keep your best interests at heart—not her ego. I always tell my new clients if they aren’t comfortable with me, I will help them find another therapist. This work is too important not to have the right fit.”

5. It Can Help People Who Already Have Great Sex Lives

You and your husband have a great sex life—so what could sex therapy do for you? A lot, says Isadora Alman, a marriage and family therapist, and a board-certified sexologist in San Francisco. “Most people believe that something has to be broken, or that they do, to seek sex therapy. What I do is more about sexual and emotional enhancement, making things better. The most frequent therapeutic outcome of any sex therapy is the relief that comes with being able to talk about sexual feelings, thoughts, and fantasies, just putting them out there to be examined.”

6. It Might Save Your Marriage

Sexual issues take a major toll on a relationship, says Sybil Keane, a psychologist and mental health expert for JustAnswer.com. “When a couple is having troubles with their sex life, a regular marriage counselor might say, ‘Well, make time for you two to connect’ when it’s way more than just connecting for sex. It won’t help if the desire isn’t there or it just feels like a fake attempt to revive the same old, same old.” Want different advice? “Ask a sex therapist,” she says. “They can talk way beyond what a regular marriage counselor can. I believe that most people think that a sex therapist is a last-ditch solution to a sexual, marital problem. If more people went to sex therapy before a problem arose, they might not have to seek divorce advice down the road. Although we all like to believe that sex is something that comes naturally, it isn’t.”

7. It Can Help Solve a Range of Sexual Problems

What types of issues can sex therapy help with? According to Lynne Kolton Schneider, MA, Ph.D., a board-certified sex counselor in private practice, it can help with everything under the sun. “I see people who have difficulties with libido associated with cancer treatments; people who have sexual difficulties and dysfunctions related to surgical procedures; people who have difficulties with sexual positioning due to physical disabilities; and people who have problems being intimate because they have been sexually abused or raped.” And the list goes on: “I work with couples who haven’t had sex in months, or years, virgins who want their first experiences to be positive and women who have never had an orgasm.”

8. It Can Help You Be a Better Communicator

If your daily exchanges with your husband include “Take out the trash” and “It’s your turn to change the diaper,” a sex therapist could help you communicate in a more loving way. “Sex therapy is not always about sexual functioning,” says Dr. Schneider. “It’s probably equally as often about poor communication skills. Much of what I spend my time on concerns teaching patients how to communicate with each other—including how to fight fairly and when to choose to lose a ‘battle’ to win a ‘war.'”

Bibliography
“Sex Therapy Facts at WomansDay.com ” Sexual Health. n.p., 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 31 Jan. 2016.

What is Healthcare?

What is the Future of Healthcare?

How will healthcare change in the future? Dr. Stephen Klasko shares his insights on healthcare reform in this informative talk cleverly staged in the year 2020.

 

Try to imagine how the practice of medicine will be like in 2020 or 2030.

 

This not an easy exercise considering recent healthcare reform efforts and scientific discoveries make even a six-month view into the crystal ball a little cloudy.  To help us get an idea of what the future of healthcare will look like, we consulted Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Here are 3 changes, they said we may see:

A new way to deliver care

The traditional, one-size-fits-all, office visit model of medicine has reigned for decades. Physicians are locked into a system that requires they see patients in their office every 15 minutes, and alternatives like e-mail consultations have been slow to catch on.

Healthcare has been stuck here because of the payment structure, says David Moen, a physician and medical director of care model innovation at Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services. Moen’s job is to rethink the traditional model and find ways to make the alternatives work. The current financial structure limits this innovation, he says, and fails to take into account patient engagement and drive efficiencies.

But at Fairview, they are initiating care reform, Moen says, which will in turn inform payment reform. Moen says the future of care includes different delivery models (think phone, Internet, and group visits), a greater focus on patients’ behavior, and a far more team-oriented approach.

“This is probably the most opportune time in decades for physicians to provide leadership to the change taking place,” he says.

Online visits

Moen’s colleague, Eric Christianson, an emergency department physician at Fairview, has been trying his hand at what some believe will become a new tier for healthcare delivery: online visits.

As part of a pilot program with BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Christianson has started seeing some patients via the Internet, using a Web cam and a telephone. Already, after only about 40 visits, Christianson says he can see how this method would make him more efficient, and give him some flexibility in his schedule.

“It seems to me to be a very common sense, logical step,” he says. “The technology is out there. There are still things that need to be worked on, but as it’s being developed and being refined, it’s clear to me that it could be utilized for betterment of patient and physician experience.”

Not only will the online care model extend healthcare access to people in rural or underserved areas, but it can offer the physician a unique way to control her schedule.  Imagine spending half of the day in the office seeing patients, then returning to work — perhaps from the comfort of your home — in the evening after your child’s softball game or dinner with the family. Any down time between patients, such as a last-minute cancellation, can be filled with another appointment.

A patient can go online to find out which physicians are available for an online visit, says Roy Schoenberg, CEO of American Well, which provides the online system.

The physician can review records, communicate, and write a prescription — and actually get paid (albeit less than for an office visit).

Minnesota is one of only a few areas using the online care model, but Schoenberg envisions the system evolving to allow for other disciplines to participate and for physicians to consult with each other.

Christianson also sees the mode taking off. “There’s no question that online care is something that is going to grow,” he says. “This is just another layer we can utilize and help with the efficiencies of the whole system.”

Group visits

Perhaps the ultimate move toward more efficiency would be seeing more than one patient at a time. Imagine if you could corral a half-dozen of your patients with similar conditions into a single visit, allowing you or your staff to give the information and guidance once. For some physicians, this is already a reality, and many see group visits as a new model for the practice of the future.

Although group visits have been around for several years, the concept is gaining in popularity, and more payers are beginning to reimburse for them.

The concept started around patients with a similar condition, such congestive heart failure, who are in a rehab program, says Erica Drazen, managing director for the emerging practices division of CSC Healthcare Group, a planning and performance improvement consulting firm in Waltham, Mass. In a group visit, there may be a facilitated discussion about diet or exercise, after a nurse or physician has evaluated each patient individually.

“Patients listen to what is going on with every patient, as well as talk amongst themselves,” Drazen says, which provides them with greater insights into their condition and builds support among the group.

“As you hear questions and answers, you learn a lot about yourself,” she says. “Patients love the visit experience.”

Surprisingly, privacy concerns don’t seem to be a barrier to such visits, Drazen says, and of course any exam is done in a separate room.

This can allow the physician to be more efficient, and it also gives her some insight into the condition she might not otherwise get in one-on-one visits.

Group visits tend to be limited to organized systems of care, such as an HMO or large clinic that allows for reimbursement, Drazen says, but “where they are introduced, they spread pretty quickly.”

Rather than being uncomfortable for patients with chronic illnesses, group visits can be empowering, says David Ehrenberger, a family-practice physician at Bloomfield Family Practice, which has conducted group visits and is participating in a patient-centered medical home pilot project.

“That group dynamic is extremely powerful,” he says.

Private Health Insurance

6 Private Health Insurance Lies

Informative Video About Who Pays for Private Health Insurance.

Private Health Insurance

 

Although many Americans rely on their employers for health insurance coverage, there are several circumstances in which private health insurance is critical. If the time has come to select your own insurance, read on for some tips to guide you in the process.

 

When You Might Need Private Health Insurance

 

Private health insurance is sometimes required if you are: A recent college graduate – Most college students are covered under a parent’s health insurance plan or a plan offered or required by the university and sometimes they’re covered under both. Grads lose their college insurance and independent status because of their age or graduate status, which also makes them ineligible to be covered by their parents’ policy.

 

Unemployed – If you lose your job because of downsizing or resignation, you are most likely eligible to continue with your employer’s health insurance plan under COBRA except that you will have to pay its full cost yourself – the employer won’t subsidize part of the cost like it did when you were an employee. Eventually, this coverage runs out, and if you are still unemployed, you will need to find your own insurance. If you lose your job because you were fired rather than a victim of a downsizing, you are not eligible for COBRA and you’ll need to find your own insurance right away.

 

Part-time employee – Part-time jobs rarely offer health benefits. If you work part time, you usually have to supply your own health insurance.

 

Self-employed – Unless you can be covered under a spouse or partner who is a W-2 employee, you have to provide your own health insurance if you work for yourself.

 

Employer – If you start a business that has employees, laws might require that you offer them health insurance. Even if it is not required, you might want to offer it to be a competitive employer who can attract qualified job candidates. In this situation, you will have to shop for a business health insurance plan, also known as a group plan.

 

Retired – When you retire, you are no longer eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance. You’ll have to buy your own and because of your age and possible health conditions, it can be quite pricey. Dropped by your existing insurer – Sometimes people who need to make extensive use of their insurance, such as people who have serious medical problems, are dropped by their insurance companies even if they’ve been loyal customers for years. If this happens to you, consider seeking the guidance of an insurance agent who can help you find a plan specifically for someone with your medical condition.

 

Why You Still Need Health Insurance

 

If you find yourself in one of the above situations, don’t go without coverage for even a day. A small emergency like a broken bone can ruin you financially if you’re uninsured. These things are called “accidents” for a reason – in other words, you can’t predict when they will happen. No one expects to get hit by a car while going for a walk or fall down the basement stairs when carrying the laundry, but these things happen and they can be expensive without health insurance.

If you think you can’t afford your own insurance, you might be wrong. While there is a lot of hype in the media about the rising cost of healthcare, health insurance plans are available at a variety of prices. You might not be able to afford the kind of plan an employer would offer, but any plan is better than no plan. At a minimum, you want to be covered in the event of a major incident, such as an illness or the aforementioned broken bone.

 

First, decide whether you want a health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organizations (PPO), high-deductible health plan (HDHP), consumer-driven health plan (CHDP) or a point of service (POS) plan. Depending on your situation, a short-term plan might also be a good option. After you’ve decided on a type of plan, you’ll need to determine a deductible you are comfortable with. What could you afford to pay out-of-pocket each year in a worst-case scenario? Remember, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium; if your monthly cash flow is low, you might have to opt for a higher deductible. Next, go to the website of each of the major health insurance companies in your area and examine the options for the deductible you’ve chosen. Plans available vary by state, and within your state, the premiums for each plan vary by zip code.

You won’t know what you’ll really pay per month until you apply and fork over your medical history. Price and coverage can vary significantly by company. Often, it’s difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison to determine which company has the best combination of rates and coverage.

 

Your best bet is to limit your options to reputable insurers, then choose the plan they offer that provides the best combination of features you’ll use at a price you can afford. If you’re choosing a family plan or an employer plan, you’ll want to consider not just your own needs, but also the needs of others who will be covered under the plan.

 

Factors to Weigh in Choosing the Right Plan

 

Health insurance plans offer a variety of features. It’s unlikely that you’ll find a plan that offers everything you’d like, but consider the following features you need most so you can find the plan that offers the greatest number of them.

 

Does the plan offer prescription drug coverage?

 

Does it only cover generics?

 

What is the co-payment (co-pay) on generics and on name-brand drugs?

 

What is the office visit co-pay, and does the plan cap the number of office visits it will cover per year?

 

What is the co-pay for professional services, such as x-rays, lab tests, and surgery?

 

What is the co-pay for a hospital stay?

 

What is the co-pay for an emergency room visit?

 

Do you want a plan that allows you to add vision and dental coverage at minimal cost?

 

Do you need pregnancy benefits?

 

Do you already have a doctor you like? If so, you might want to find a PPO plan in which your doctor is part of the insurance company’s provider network.

 

What is the plan’s lifetime maximum payout? Try to get the highest amount possible if you’re buying a long-term plan.

 

Does the plan offer discounted services for preventive care, such as a free annual check-up?

 

Do you want specialty services like physical therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture visits to be covered? For PPOs, what is the cost for out-of-network services, should you want or need them? Can you afford this?

 

Conclusion: Getting your own health insurance policy isn’t as easy or inexpensive as getting signed up with an employer’s plan, but once you figure out what you need and become familiar with the terminology, it’s not too intimidating. With the number of options available, you can probably find a plan that meets your needs – and your budget.

 

Bibliography

 

“Buying Private Health Insurance | Investopedia”. Amy Fontinelle, 1 Jan. 1970.Web. 17 Jan. 2016.

Health Insurance Companies

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Health Insurance Companies

Humana is one of the largest and best-known health insurance companies in the United States. It offers health care services for individuals, business owners and military personnel.

 

Aetna has been providing health insurance to Connecticut residents since 1853, and today covers people in all 50 states. It is a pioneer in health care legislation and is responsible for making coverage of genetic testing and counseling an industry standard.

 

UnitedHealthCare is the largest single health care carrier in the United States. It currently covers approximately 70 million Americans and contributes large amounts of money to medical research every year.

 

Kaiser Permanente is a unique health care management program that is located mainly in the western United States. In California, Colorado and seven other states, patients who have Kaiser coverage get health care services, including hospital stays, at Kaiser health facilities.

 

Cigna is a worldwide health insurance organization that covers individuals, families and employers. It has been in business for over 30 years.

 

Anthem is one of the better-known national insurance companies. It operates under different names, depending on what state a patient is from, but covers patients throughout the United States.

 

Assurant has been offering a variety of insurance plans, including health insurance, for the last 100 years. It was named one of Forbes’ 50 Most Trustworthy Companies for 2014.

 

Health Net offers coverage to people in Arizona, California and Colorado. It is a California Market Plan associate, which means that low-income patients in California can get discounted insurance via Health Net under ACA rules.

 

United American began in 1947 as a one-man enterprise. Today, it is a national health care insurer based in Texas.

 

American Republic Insurance was founded just before the Great Depression, and it is now a national insurer offering customized health insurance plans.

 

eHealth is a private online marketplace helping individuals and families find Medicare, vision, dental and general health insurance plans. Consumers answer a few questions to get tailored insurance recommendations, quotes and plan comparisons.

 

Health Plans of America is not a health insurer. Instead, it provides consumers with competitive health insurance quotes for seniors, families, individuals, and young adults who want to save money by using the company’s website to request a free health insurance quote.

 

Bibliography
Best Health Insurance Companies for 2016 . (1970). Retrieved on January 13, 2016, from http://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/health.html.