Health Insurance Deductibles 101:

How to receive the most from your health insurance deductibles in 2012

            Not only does 2012 mark a new year with fresh beginnings, but it means a clean slate for health insurance deductibles. In other words, the deductibles from 2011 are gone whether you have reached your amount by the end of the year or not.

            Therefore, GoHealthInsurance.com provides some helpful advice for you and your family to get the most from your health insurance deductibles in the New Year. Recently published in The Wall Street Journal Market Watch, GoHealthInsurance details some things to remember for 2012:

ü  Don't put off health care services if you need them. Reaching the

            deductible earlier in the year gives consumers more time to receive

            coverage for services. This will also help avoid the last minute

            skirmish in December to get surgery or utilize other medical services

            before the end of the year.

ü  For those with a high deductible plan that is compatible with a Health

            Savings Account (HSA), open the account early in the year. The funds

            in a HSA collect interest over time so obviously it's better to open a

            HSA sooner rather than later.

ü  Realize there may be a different deductible to meet for the whole

            family versus a deductible for an individual family member.

ü  Find a plan with a deductible credit. Some health insurance companies offer plans that give people a credit if they don't meet their deductible. For example, Susan didn't meet her $10,000 deductible in 2011, so in 2012 she now has an $8,000 deductible.

This is a great benefit for any consumer who doesn't use health care services frequently.

ü  Understand whether a deductible can be applied for certain services.

            In fact, a deductible cannot be used for some services subject to a

            copayment. This would include a copayment from a visit with a primary

            care physician or an urgent care center. Health insurers supply a

            coverage list and note if the deductible will be utilized.