Harver Health Insurance Group Tokyo Reviews: Tips before buying the right health insurance

We all know the popular saying "Health is Wealth". It is just a simple phrase but its meaning is quite astounding and profound.

Nowadays, health has become equivalent to the value of wealth in all societies around the world. A good health must be one of the most important priorities in our life because without it, no one can appreciate anything in life. For instance, you can't work and provide the needs of your family if you are unhealthy.

So, choosing the right health insurance plan is actually a tough decision to make. It can provide you and your family the feeling of comfort and safety. In case someone in your family got sick or has an accident, you want to give them the best chance of getting well.

Based from the review of Harver Group based in Tokyo, more than eighty percent of financial crisis comes from health emergencies. For this kind of emergency, you will not only need money for the treatment but for most individuals, it will also damage their ability to earn which results to hitting them with a double impact.

So health insurance is really a must right now because you don't want to lose a family member just because you can't afford to give him the best medical treatment.

Once you have some health issues like diabetes, the possibilities of having a health insurance goes low and the price goes high. So it is advisable that you should get a health insurance as soon as possible because what is the worth of paying a small amount in exchange of getting a peace of mind.

Harver Group provided some important tips below that you need to consider before buying a health insurance:

Get an individual health insurance

Even if your company provides you a corporate group health insurance, you should get an individual health insurance. Because once you quit or retire from your job, there might be a chance that your corporate cover will end. The company could also choose to withdraw this benefit or decide to leave other family members out from the insurance coverage.

If you can't afford a full individual Mediclaim, you can get a Super Top Up instead in which it provides additional protection at an affordable price when hospitalization costs are very high.

Choose as soon as possible

It is important that you get a health insurance before you turn forty or as early as possible. You can have the benefit of no-claims bonus and combine to the original insurance coverage every claim-free year, since you are possibly to make no or few claims in earlier stages of life.

Buy a health insurance that is renewable for lifetime

Your objective is to get a health insurance which provides lifetime renewability. Once you get older and have illnesses, protection is possible if only your policy offers lifetime renewability.

Don't buy a health insurance with claim loading

In case you get a serious illness that needs a long-term cure then with claim loading, your premiums keeps on growing and shortly can become unaffordable.

Buy from a reputable and trustworthy broker

It is necessary to purchase from a reliable and reputed broker that has a wide selection of insurance plans and can recommend you for the most ideal plan and works in your best interest, and doesn't prefer one company over another.

Don't buy direct and online. You can choose a plan or review services online but only buy the health insurance through an entity which has the means to assist you with claims.

Do not lie or hide information

Just in case you have an illness, see to it that you state it in your application form. You can have the broker to help you get a plan that will cover the illness even after a waiting period. Most of the plans nowadays also covered pre-existing conditions after 3 to 5 years based upon the plan.

Choose a health insurance that offers a short waiting period

All health insurance have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions. It is usually recommended to choose for a company that provides minimum waiting period. Don't forget to determine the waiting period of the health insurance that has been advised to you. Varying from company to company, waiting period usually extends from 2 to 5 years. Don't include companies that offer you insurance coverage with lifetime exclusions from your choices.

Choose a policy with no or minimal sub-limits

Sub-limits clause is used by some insurance companies to reduce their claims cost and is restricted to some common diseases. The list of diseases under sub-limits and restriction in treatment costs varies from company-to-company.

Room rent, diagnostics and doctor's fee are the most commonly introduced sub-limits. You need to understand the sub-limits clause to avoid paying from your own sources and, thereby, defeating the very purpose of buying health insurance.

You must read all your insurance policy documents all over again before having the final decision of buying a health insurance. Ask your insurance advisor or the insurance company as many questions as possible to clarify all your concerns. It will solve any misunderstandings or uncertainties that might exist.

Home Health Aide Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison After Medicaid Fraud Scheme

Harver Health Insurance Group Tokyo News – A home health aide has been sentenced to three years in prison for Medicaid fraud. He admitted submitting hundreds of phony claims to Medicaid for services he never performed.

The suspect is Anatoli Rountsev, a 53 year old living in Totowa, New Jersey. He is one of the six employees from the Confident Care Corporation caught in the scam.

Confident Care Corporation of Hackensack provides care and services to individuals in their homes. The firm is an ideal alternative to an institutionalized living for seniors and disabled because they know that most people prefer to be taken care of at home. They care for those who demand short-term and long-term assistance.  Furthermore, people of different ages and socioeconomic status can use their services.

They also have ten satellite offices all over New Jersey, as well as offices in Florida.

The amount that the investigators say Medicaid paid for the phony claims was $12,598. Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman states that the suspect should pay the said amount in restitution under the sentence imposed.

The 53-year-old Rountsev admitted in December that he'd charged Medicaid 463 times from January 2008 to June 2009 for patients he never saw because he was working another unrelated job during that time.

Edward A. Jerejian, a judge on the Vicinage 2 Superior Court in New Jersey said that Rountsev must return the money in addition to serving time.

The professionals who coordinated the investigation are Deputy Attorney General Jordan D. Mamorsky, Detective Kylie Mattis and Analyst B'leia Williams.

Harver Group Health Insurance suggests that the public must report a suspected fraud by calling the local authorities, and always be aware of fraudsters and their strategies. You can also read old posts from our website to learn more about fraud and the damages it may cause to you.

Tips to consider on getting a health plan

Choosing health benefits is one of the most significant decisions you make every year, Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group provided below some basic points you need to consider in choosing the plan that is best for you and your family.

1. Understand the meaning of terms

Basically, you need to comprehend the meaning of various health benefits-related terms such as deductible, co-insurance, premium, in-network and health savings account. You can check different glossaries online related to healthcare.

2. Give consideration to other people

If other people are going to be covered under your benefits plan, don’t just think of yourself. As you are reassessing your benefits for the upcoming year, take this tip into consideration.

3. Create a list

Make a summary of your recent and expected future health care needs. This list may include any planned surgeries, health care procedures or prescription medications for the upcoming year.

4. Ask your doctor

In addition to your list, ask your doctor or one of the doctor’s associate’s questions about your consultations, tests medications and other health care services you might need over the coming year.

5. Decide which is the best benefit plan

You should identify on which benefit plan have worked best for you in the past because it may still work for you. But you need to reconsider your health benefit needs if you had a major change in life like getting married, having a baby or retiring.

6. Read the fine print

Think of the problems you had with your previous benefits plans. The open enrollment period is a good time to try to learn more about coverage you wish you had in the past. Also, be sure to read well the ‘fine print’ – number of clauses within a health insurance policy. It consists of important definitions and explanations.

7. Review your plan

Review thoroughly the open enrollment material supplied by your employer, or information from your insurer about plans for the next year. Especially, make an effort to make note of how the benefits plans are going to change from this year to next, and whether your selected doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network.

8. Understand the deadline

You must know the deadline for making your decision. Make specific note regarding the timeline for enrollment and give yourself enough time to decide on your benefits before the deadline. Start ahead of time because you do not wish to be rushing answers with the deadline approaching.

9. Ask questions

You must understand what you’re buying. You can pose a question to your employer or your broker, marketplace or insurance company if you don’t understand the details of the plan offered if you’re buying coverage yourself. Many employers also provide open enrollment meetings as well as other resources that will help you better understand your choices.

10. Keep in mind the cost of your plan

While there are probably several factors in your health benefits decision, cost is practically one of the primary factors. Be sure you understand all the costs associated with your plan, and not simply the plan premium.

Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group: Cyberattack Targets Health Insurer Records

One of the US' largest health insurers, Anthem, has announced last week that millions of their employee and client records have been illegally accessed through a sophisticated cyberattack.

While Anthem is still cooperating with ongoing investigations regarding the attack, the initial information given was that around 80 million customer and employee records in a database were compromised. The data apparently include addresses, birthdates, names, employment and income information.

However, they claim that credit card data were not included in the breach and stated that medical records and doctor information were likely not compromised.

This could be one of the largest breaches in client data to date and the largest in the healthcare sector, noted Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group, as Anthem owns a number of brands like Anthem Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Cross of Georgia.

According to the health insurer, they learned of the breach by the end of January and have notified the FBI promptly. Cybersecurity firm Mandiant was also called in to secure Anthem's computer systems.

Anthem Chief Executive Joseph Swedish, whose personal data was involved as well, apologized through a letter and emphasized that they are working continuously to ensure their clients' and staff's data.

Security breach threats are particularly concerning in the financial and healthcare sectors that usually collect sensitive information about clients. Even without credit card information, combinations of names, birthdates and Social Security numbers would be more than enough to gain a lot of money in the black market. In fact, the FBI has already ranked cybercrime as a top law enforcement activity.

Technology experts from Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group and other law enforcement officials are saying that getting hacked is inevitable and it's only a matter of when. They admitted that it is a challenge to keep up with the cyber criminals especially since most of them are based abroad.

Anthem promised that it will give free credit monitoring and identity repair services for affected clients.

Harver Health Insurance Group Tokyo News: Fidelis Care Offers Tips for Selecting Coverage

As NY State of Health Extends Enrollment Deadline, Fidelis Care Offers Tips for Selecting Coverage

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- If you need health insurance coverage on January 1, 2015 and have yet to enroll through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, time is running out. This Saturday, December 20, is the deadline to enroll for coverage that takes effect when the new year begins (see also Medical, Healthcare).

Choosing coverage is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Fidelis Care Chief Marketing Officer Pamela Hassen offers the following tips to help you pick the coverage that's right for you.

Compare the coverage options:

The NY State of Health products are organized by metal level (platinum, gold, silver, and bronze), all offering the same coverage but with different monthly premiums and cost sharing. Hassen recommends taking a look at your health care needs to determine which metal level will be the most economical, balancing the premium with your expected out-of-pocket costs. While there are child-only products, you likely have the option of enrolling your child in quality, affordable coverage through the State-sponsored Child Health Plus program.

Determine the cost of coverage:

"Everyone wants to know how much their coverage will cost, but it's not always as simple as looking at the premium rate that's listed. Many individuals and families qualify for subsidies or tax credits that can lower their premiums and cost sharing," Hassen explained.

It's easy to get an estimate of your costs in about 60 seconds, using the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor. Found on the homepage of Fidelis Care's website, fideliscare.org, the Affordable Care Advisor only needs basic information to calculate an estimated monthly premium, including federal subsidies and tax credits. It will also let you know if you may qualify for Medicaid.

Check the providers and the formulary:

If you prefer to see specific doctors or regularly take certain prescription drugs, be sure to do your homework. Hassen advises you check the health plan's provider network to see if your specific doctor is included. Also, drug formularies vary from health plan to health plan. It's important to consider how much you will pay for specific prescription drugs.

Keep an eye on the calendar:

While you must enroll by December 20 in order for your coverage to be effective on January 1, 2015, NY State of Health open enrollment runs through February 15, 2015. After that time, it is difficult to select or change health insurance coverage. Most New York State residents are required to have health insurance coverage in 2015 or face a tax penalty.

To make the enrollment process as easy as possible, Hassen recommends turning to an expert for assistance.

"Our trained representatives will meet you at our office, a community location, or even at your home. They are experts and can make sure you enroll correctly and sign up for federal assistance if you are eligible," she said.

To prevent and detect fraud within the health care and the insurance industry, Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group will help you. The Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group has official connections with health fraud investigation agencies.

Harver Health Insurance Group Tokyo News: Tax returns this year require health insurance information, government offers tips

Because 2015 is the first year Californians will have to provide information about their health insurance on their tax returns, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a fact sheet detailing what they'll need to know, officials announced.

In the coming weeks, the administration will continue to provide added resources to help consumers prepare for tax filing season, including online tools to help individuals connect with local tax preparation services and determine if they are eligible for an exemption, officials said.

More than three quarters of tax filers will just need to check a box on their tax return indicating they had health coverage for all of 2014, but there will be added steps for those who bought coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, or decided not to enroll in coverage. Those who had basic health insurance in 2014 meeting the Minimum Essential Coverage requirement for the Affordable Care Act won't receive any new forms in the mail and won't have to fill out new forms when they file their 2014 income tax returns.

What consumers need to know:

When you file your tax return, you'll need to check a box indicating you and your family had health insurance for all of 2014. Types of coverage that meets the Affordable Care Act's standards include: Most job-based plans, including retiree plans and COBRA coverage; Medicare Part A or Part C; Medicaid; the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); most individual health plans you bought outside the Marketplace, including "grandfathered" plans.; If you're under 26, coverage under a parent's plan.

Filing electronically is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. Last year, some 85 percent of taxpayers e-filed. Electronic Filing options include free Volunteer Assistance, IRS Free File and professional assistance. Helpful resources available include the IRS Resource Guide: Health Care Law: What's New for Individuals & Families.

Last year millions of people purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and most benefited from a tax credit to lower their monthly premium. Those enrolled in such a plan must provide some basic information about their health insurance when they file their taxes. All Marketplace consumers will receive a new statement called a Form 1095-A  that includes all the information they need about their coverage to file their return. Form 1095-A will come by mail by early February. In most states, you can also download a copy of your statement through your Marketplace account starting in late January or early February. You must wait for your Form 1095-A to arrive before filing your taxes. If it hasn't come by early February, you should contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.

When you get your Form 1095-A, check the information on it like the number of people in your household for accuracy. If you find an error, call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to find out how to get a corrected form.

Keep your Form 1095-A with your other important tax information, like your W-2.

If a tax credit lowered your monthly health insurance premiums for 2014, you will use your Form 1095-A to input some basic information when you file your taxes. When you signed up for health insurance, you had to estimate your 2014 income, which determined the size of your tax credit. Now, you must compare your estimated income with your actual income which could impact the final amount of your tax credit, as can a change in your income or household size during the year. You may see a smaller refund or owe money back if you underestimated your income. You may also get a bigger refund if you overestimated you income.

If you owe money back, there are several repayment options available.

If you did not receive a tax credit to lower your monthly premiums in the Marketplace, you can visit HealthCare.gov/taxes/tools/ to get information you'll need to enter into your tax forms to see if you might qualify.

If your Marketplace coverage started partway through 2014 and you were uninsured earlier in the year, or if you were uninsured for only a short period of time during the year, you may be eligible for an exemption from the requirement to have health coverage. You can claim the exemption on your tax return when you file. The process is fast and easy, requiring only that you select the exemption that applies to you and enter the corresponding code.

Available helpful resources:

HHS Fact Sheet: 3 Tips About Marketplace Coverage & Your Taxes.

Use a tool to get information you may need to determine your 2014 premium tax credit.

Learn more about your taxes if you had a 2014 plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

IRS Resource Guide: Health Care Law: What's New for Individuals & Families.

Learn more about Payment Plans, Installment Agreements and Offers in Compromise.

While those who can afford health coverage but chose not to buy it may have to pay a fee, individuals who could not afford coverage or met other conditions can receive an exemption. If you qualify, receiving an exemption is simple and easy, and means you won't have to pay a fee. You can claim most exemptions on your tax return, but some exemptions are only available through the Marketplace.

There are a variety of exemptions available, including if:

The cost of coverage was too high. This applies to you if the lowest priced plan available to you would have cost more than 8 percent of your income. Visit HealthCare.gov/taxes/tools for information you may need to claim the 2014 unaffordable coverage exemption.

You were uninsured for only a short period of time.

You experienced a hardship, such as if you had medical expenses that resulted in substantial debt, if a close family member passed away, or if you experienced domestic violence, among other hardships. You will need to apply to the Health Insurance Marketplace to qualify for this exemption.

When you file your taxes, you will enter information about the months you had coverage and any exemptions you qualify for on your tax forms. If you could have afforded coverage in 2014 but chose not to buy it and you don't qualify for an exemption you will have to pay a fee with your federal tax return. The fee is based on your income and on how many months you didn't have coverage.

If you didn't have health coverage for all of 2014, you'll pay the higher of $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, without coverage, limited to a family maximum of $285, or 1 percent of your income, subject to certain caps.

Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group: Health insurance options for ACA shoppers

Maine citizens looking to purchase health insurance on healthcare.gov now have more choices for their 2015 plans. We did a quick roundup of the 3 main players in the local health insurance field in Maine.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. A veteran in the health insurance industry, Anthem has been around even before the launch of the Affordable Care Act website 3 years ago. In fact, it has registered over 18,000 Maine citizens as individual clients (i.e. customers who bought their own coverage instead of getting it through work benefits). Their enrolment rates is almost twice as high as their closest rival which is not surprising since they are getting corporate backing from WellPoint, one of the national health insurers with a big market share.

Almost 20% of the enrollees on the ACA site for 2014 plans  were through Anthem. So this year, they seem to be prepared for a big comeback with their premium rates reduced by 1%.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. A newcomer in the industry, the non-profit Harvard Pilgrim came to the market with 4 plans for 2015. Though relatively new, it's already familiar with health reforms from its partnership with the now-defunct Dirigo Health (Maine's effort to increase the number of citizens with health insurance).

Harver Health Insurance Counter Fraud Group noted that with 3 health insurers from which to choose from, Maine citizens are benefiting greatly in a growing competitive market, which is incidentally also a goal of the Obamacare.

Maine Community Health Options. This health insurer from Lewiston has around 80% share of Maine buyers in healthcare.gov's website in the primary enrolment period. This startup was created after the ACA (Obamacare) which provides loans for those who want to create health insurance cooperatives. A number of "co-ops" have already registered enrolment rates that are below their targets but Maine Community Health Options seems to be operating as a great example especially in providing reasonable prices.

This year, the premium rate for their most-availed plan decreased by around 0.5%. Their other premium rates were increased albeit on the less popular plans.