Health Insurance Articles
Two Treatments That Standard Health Coverage Will Not Pay For
2010-06-07
Health insurance coverage is meant to help individuals, families, groups, and employees receive medical services and treatments that they may not be able to afford otherwise. Insurance companies typically negotiate lower rates with physicians, hospitals, clinics, and medical centers and pass on these savings to patients. There are several levels of health insurance coverage available, depending on what a person's particular health and medical needs are. Basic insurance covers such services as routine doctor visits, prescriptions, routine medical tests like x-rays, MRIs, or CTscans. There are several services that are not covered by a basic health insurance plan. They may be covered under a more comprehensive insurance plan or they may have to be paid for out of pocket.
One of the treatment options that are not covered by a basic health insurance plan is cosmetic surgery. This is surgery that is performed to change or improve a person's appearance and can include any part of the body. It may be something like a tummy tuck, breast enlargement, face lift, or liposuction. Some forms of cosmetic surgery are covered, including surgery to correct a deformation, birth defect, or injury caused by an accident. If a person's teeth or jaw has been shattered or broken because of a blow to the face, this is also covered. This exclusion is meant to discourage people from misusing their insurance policy to pay for unnecessary procedures which take up valuable time and prevent surgeons from being able to perform surgeries that are essential.
Another one of the treatment options that are not covered under a basic health insurance policy is the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, cigarettes, over the counter drugs, or prescription drug addiction. Substance abuse can affect anyone from teenagers, pregnant women, working parents, or even the elderly. It is a problem that can affect anyone - regardless of income, lifestyle, or area of residence. Substance abuse treatment is designed to help remove the substance from the person's body through detoxification and rehabilitation as an outpatient or in a facility. Diagnosis is usually done by a trained professional who will refer the patient to a detox or drug abuse clinic to begin treatment.
It is important to know what coverage is offered in the health plan you choose to purchase for you and your family. If you rarely need to see a doctor, you may want to consider opting for a basic health plan. But, if you have children and require more extensive medical treatments, then you should research a more complete and comprehensive insurance plan. Discuss your concerns and questions with a reputable insurance company.
