Orgill/Singer CEO provides tips on finding insurance information
While moving to a new city is an exciting time for some, the journey can prove stressful as the little details of starting a new life start to take shape. Finding new doctors, updating or replacing existing insurance coverage, or securing new health insurance may find itself on the list of details for many new residents and their families.
Chief Executive Officer David Dahan of Orgill/Singer & Associates, one of the largest independent, multiline insurance brokerages in Nevada, offers advice on how new residents can find much-needed information on health insurance matters.
Where can one go to find information on different types of insurance, as well as coverage guidelines for the Las Vegas area? Web sites such as Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org) offer clear and basic definitions for insurance coverage types. The Nevada Division of Insurance (www.doi.state.nv.us) is helpful to residents just entering the valley, as it details current information on insurance guidelines and restrictions for the state and updated news on legislation pertaining to the insurance industry.
"As available insurance information and rates are constantly changing, it is highly beneficial for new residents to consult an insurance agent or broker at the start of their search," said Dahan. "A conscientious insurance professional will be able to help you identify what are the appropriate insurance policies for you and your family, as well as answer any questions that may arise."
According to Dahan, new residents need to ask the right questions when selecting a new health insurance plan, including:
* Where are the medical offices and hospitals in the network located?
* How are referrals to specialists handled?
* What hospitals are available through the plan?
* What arrangements does the plan have for emergency care?
* What health care services are covered?
* What preventive health care services are covered?
* Are there limits on medical treatments or other services?
* How much is the health insurance premium?
* What, if any, are the co-payments for specific services?
* How much more will it cost to use non-network physicians?
* What is the deductible and co-insurance for non-network care?
* Is there an out of pocket maximum?
* How many doctors are there to choose from?
* Are doctors in the network private or group practice physicians?
While many newcomers may have health insurance from their new employers, there are times when a person may be between jobs, self-employed or simply just cannot afford a comprehensive health insurance plan. Dahan suggests temporary health insurance as an option.
"A temporary health insurance plan is ideal for people in nontraditional careers, temporary employees, people in the middle of a career transition and self-employed individuals just to name a few," said Dahan. "Ask your insurance broker if temporary health insurance is right for you."
After a new health insurance plan is in place, residents may want to find out more information on the health care professionals servicing this industry. For example, is your doctor board certified? Has he or she had action taken against them from the state or had complaints filed against them from former patients?
"Before selecting a new physician, you may want additional information on their credentials and practice history," said Dahan. "To find out if a doctor is board certified and other general information, consult the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners for medical doctors and the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine for doctors of osteopathy."
Since 1986, Orgill/Singer & Associates has expanded into one of the largest independent, multiline insurance brokerages in the state and has provided superior protection for businesses and families throughout Southern Nevada. The firm's divisions are employee benefits, personal life and health, business and commercial insurance, personal property and liability insurance, physicians services, dentists services and bond services.
