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.

For most people with asthma, finding health insurance in Georgia will not be a problem. Each Georgia health insurance company will review your medical history and medication and make a determination.

Some major medical insurance companies will charge an additional rate, over and above the standard rate, to cover the risk while others will rider or exclude coverage for treating asthma.

Each health insurance company views asthma differently and your health insurance agent can be your guide by reviewing and pre-screening your application with multiple insurance companies.

All health insurance companies ask if you have visited the ER in connection with asthma or have been admitted in the last 5 years. If the answer is yes to either, you can almost certainly be assured your application will be declined.

When looking for Georgia health insurance, make sure your insurance broker asks for full details on your medical conditions and pre-screens your history before submitting an application.

Q: Doctor, I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it… don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. So have a cup now and then!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can’t think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain…Good!

Q: Aren’t fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!!! ….. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they’re permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It’s the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! ‘Round’ is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:

‘Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways – Chardonnay in one hand – chocolate in the other – body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘WOO HOO, What a Ride’

AND…..

For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the final word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine

and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION………

Eat and drink what you like.

Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

No beer at this one. Too bad. If you are not ready to get out the torches & pitchforks after watching this something must be wrong.

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