That's completely false. HIPPA regulations govern pre-existing condition exclusions in group plans. Individual plans don't have to consider prior coverage, and they can deny a policy or permanently exclude conditions. Group plans are prohibited by law from doing this.
The Need for Health Care Reform
Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by KenH, Mar 13, 2008.
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As a Southern Baptist minister, I could greatly benefit by this. As it stands now, you have to be in a church with 10 or more employees to get on a group plan through Guidestone. Otherwise, you have to be underwritten for an individual plan. It's hard to get accepted.
If we could voluntarily associate, then all of the SBC ministers in the state who have to get individual insurance could pool together for a group plan.
I'd love to see that option. -
I think you're confusing HIPPA with COBRA.
Still, group plans are likely better because groups have more purchasing power than individuals for obvious reasons. -
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Secondly, I think every state has at least one "must cover" company which cannot exclude. Here in MI is it Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I have been through this to know. Again, the issue will be pricing, and group plans are almost always better. But health insurance is still available. I think the better way to go these days is a high-deductible plan with an HSA.
But I think there is a more fundamental issue, namely, whose responsibility is it to provide health care? Some say the government, and they want a single-payer system. Some say companies, and they want companies to do it. Some say it is the individual, and individuals should take care of it.
I think the latter is true. It is not now, nor has it ever been, the governments job to provide health care. We shouldn't start now. If you can get it through your company, then get it. If you can't, then get it yourself.
And BTW, I think it is HIPAA, not HIPPA. -
You are correct, it is HIPAA.
As far as your statement is concerned, group plans and individual plans are governed differently. In that sense, there can be no true equals across these lines. -
They are not governed that differently, with the exception in most cases of maternity benefits (which make no sense on an individual plan). My plan being having individual insurance is almost the same as my plan was when I was working through a company. I am sure there are some plans that are radically different, but for every group coverage plan, you can likely find a very similar plan for individual coverage.
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However, individual plans rate you based on your health and age. Group plans have more flat rates. Unhealthy people can get excellent, affordable coverage through group plans. Healthy people can barely afford good coverage through individual insurance.
Of course, the other major disparity is in the tax system. Individual insurance (except for the self-employed) is not even partly deductible unless you itemize. Group plans are pre-tax. -
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