The rates are the same for smoker and non-smoker with Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.
Each company has a height/weight ratio used to rate (increase premium based on risk factors) or decline coverage. Consumers Life has one of the most liberal charts. Coverage may be offered when others carriers would not offer the client coverage.
Decreasing deductible offered by Assurant Health allows deductible to be reduced up to twice a year. Qualifying clients receive a 10% reduction of their deductible two times a year. For instance a family with a $10,000 deductible could see credit of $1,000 twice a year-that's $2,000 in deductible savings every year. That year's calendar deductible can be as low as $1,500 for an individual plan, and $3,000 for a family plan.
Certain qualifications apply. The One Decreasing Deductible feature applies only to the calendar-year deductible (network calendar-year plan deductible for a PPO plan. The One Decreasing Deductible does not change the plan deductible as shown on the contract.
Some companies offer an initial 12 month rate guarantee.
Still others offer for additional premium 24 and 36 months rate guarantee.
Lab, x-ray, and emergency room benefits may be available before you meet your deductible. The companies indicated offer these benefits under certain conditions, and at various dollar amounts. Each company brochure will explain these benefits in detail.
* Humana offers a specific dollar amount per person per year for lab and x-ray.
Most traditional health care plans offer doctor co-pay visits as part of your premium. The number of visits, co-pay amount, and benefits included, vary by company and plan within a company.
For some companies the doctor co-pay benefit is an optional benefit. You must select this coverage and pay an increased premium. Thus, if you do not go to the doctor often, you may find your plan costs less by eliminating this benefit. If you do go to a doctor within the network you will pay a negotiated rate which for most companies applies to your annual deductible.
Each company brochure will provide complete benefits.
Prescription coverage varies by company. Some companies and plans offering drug coverage do not have a deductible on their generic/tier one medicine. For brand-name or tier two there is a deductible you must satisfy unless otherwise stated. Some have a deductible on all medications before co-pays apply. Still others offer generic only coverage. This is an area you want to be clear on your specific need to ensure you select the right plan for your specific situation.
If you are currently taking medicine, underwriting may offer you coverage at an increased premium.
Diabetics are considered with Consumers Life if they take only one oral medicine and have no other health issues. Specific determination is made by underwriting and this is no guarantee of coverage.