What kind of Insurance do you have?

Its a daily topic... What insurance do you have? The first question I ask patients when they come in the door at Oxygen Plus Medical Equipment is what insurance do you have? Often times they hesitate or question what they have. I always ask to see the insurance card. Looking at the card is always the best to insure correct information. It amazes me that most often they have no idea what coverage they have. The biggest problem is that they don't not only know what coverage they have but where they can get supplies or treatment. Sometimes, people are enrolled in an HMO that dictates where they can go and receive services and treatment. It is also common that the person has no idea what their copay is or deductible is. Not only is it imortant to know your benefits prior to receiving treament or services but it's essential to know where you can go. Insurance doesn't always cover all services or treatment. Most people over 65 years old have Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
However, Medicare only covers 80% of services under Part B benefits. So additional secondary insurance is necessary to cover the remaining balance incurred. It is CRUCIAL to call your insurance provider prior to receiving any benefits or treatment and know your policy. For more information call Oxygen Plus at 734-429-7444. Visit us at 98 N.Ann Arbor, Saline, MI 48176
On the web at www.oxygenplusmichigan.com

What kind of Insurance do you have?

     It's truly amazing to me that almost everyday I have someone call me or stop into Oxygen Plus and not know or realize what insurance they have. Often they do not know what benefits they have. It's important to verify what coverage you have before any major purchase. Being in this business for many years now I have learned a tremendous amount about reimbursement and 'tricks" to billing. We are happy to assist with any questions. Regarding specific insurance questions I often recommend for the patient to call their individual insurance company prior to coming into the store and get an explanation of their policy. It is much easier for the patient to call and get details of their policy then it is for the provider to. You should ask what your deductible is and your copay. Often those amounts will have to be paid up front.

      At Oxygen Plus we have no problem getting details and an explanation of benefits for the patient but this may take some time. I also have to have basic information including insurance number, date of birth and name of the patient. Please feel free to stop by our store we are located at 98 N.Ann Arbor St. Saline, MI  48176
     If you have Medicare it only pays for 80% of medical and equipment. So, it is important to purchase a secondary insurance plan to pay for the 20% that isn't covered. I often see BCBS,United Healthcare, AARP as secondary insurance. There are many plans that you can choose from.
We recommend researching three company plans before deciding on what is the best for you. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information and explanation on coverage and specific plans.

     Please feel free to call us at 734-429-7444 or visit us http://www.oxygenplusmichigan.com/

Do you know what your health insurance deductible is?

Every year at this time I start thinking about and talking about deductibles and co-insurance. For 2011 medicare recipents have a $167.00 deductible. What does that mean? Starting January 1, 2011 the recipent or patient will have to pay out of pocket $167.00 before any office visit or medical expense is covered. Also, medicare only pays for 80% of the charges. If there is no secondary insurance than the patient would be responsible for the 20% remaining balance. If you have private insurance than other deductibles and co-pays may apply. It is essential to call your insurance company to insure you know your policy prior to receiving health care. For more information call Oxygen Plus Medical Equipment or visit www.oxygenplusmichigan.com.