Believe it or not, there is an art (and a bit of science as well) to applying for health insurance in Georgia if you want to get the best offer. Some Georgia health insurance companies are routinely rejecting half of applications submitted. Overall, roughly 80% of applications that are not rejected will result in a modified counter-offer from the health insurance company.
So how do you improve your odds?
Work with an experienced agent. Seriously. We do this every day and know what underwriters are looking for and what they need to underwrite an application. Someone who only completes a health insurance application once in a blue moon will invariably provide too much information or not enough.
Health insurance applications are purposely tricky and redundant. If you are not careful you will give conflicting responses which will delay your application and reduce your chances of a better offer.
Medical history is important, including any medications you have been prescribed in the last 5 years. Some medical conditions and symptoms discussed but never diagnosed or treated can get your application rejected. Starting a new medication can result in a rejection as can stopping a medication without doctors approval. Any change in medication or dosage in the most recent 6 months can trigger a decline or disappointing offer.
Exact dates are not needed but general timelines are. Knowing the medical condition, medication(s), dosage and how often the medication is administered helps the health insurance underwriter to get a good idea of what kind of risk you present.
The application process consists of an electronic or paper application followed by (in most cases) a telephone interview. Too often clients will kill their chances of getting a fair offer during the phone interview unless they know what to expect. We counsel all clients on the entire process, and all applications are pre-screened before ever submitting to the health insurance company for review.
Health insurance companies also rely on information from MIB (Medical Information Bureau) as well as a prescription drug database such as IntelliScript or Ingenix (MedPoint).
You can request a copy of your IntelliScript report by calling (877) 211-4816; copies of your MedPoint information are available by calling (888) 206-0335. You can also go online for IntelliScript or MedPoint.
Each health insurance company is different in the way they underwrite an application. A rejection or increased rate with one company may produce a better offer from a different health insurance company. One thing is certain. Applying to several companies at once or in succession greatly reduces your chance of getting a good offer.
Like most things in life, you can do it yourself or work with someone who knows how the game is played. If you want to know what to expect and be assured of getting the best possible offer, work with a professional agent when applying for health insurance in Georgia.
Tags: affordable health insurance · Georgia health insurance · underwritingNo Comments.
