A simple trip to the emergency room for an illness or broken bone can cost thousands of dollars. Add a
hospital stay or surgery and the price soars. The average person in the United States does not have a savings
account or a rainy-day fund protecting them from unexpected expenses.
Medical bills are one of the highest causes of bankruptcy in the United States. We all have the desire to live a
decent life, saving for retirement and living with the feeling of financial security. With one simple doctor visit
informing you that you or a member of your family has a diagnosis of cancer, heart attack/stroke or any
other major diagnosis can change your life and financial security for possibly for the rest of your life. Do you
really want to take that risk?
When you have health insurance, benefits can offer immediate savings.
Most health plans offer a copay such as $25 doctor visits and $60 urgent care visits. They also usually offer
free well visits, immunizations, colonoscopies, mammograms, annual physicals.
The insurance company is responsible for the balance. They also usually have deductibles such as $2,500 or
$5,000. Deductibles are what you must pay prior to the insurance company paying any portion of
emergency room visits, labs, x-rays, hospital stays, etc. Deductibles are followed by coinsurance; most
policies have either an 80/20 or 70/30 coinsurance benefit. After the deductible is met, coinsurance starts.
The higher number is what percent the insurance company is responsible for and you are responsible for the
remaining percentage. Health plans also have a max out of pocket amount; when this is met the insurance
company is responsible for 100% of the remaining balance for the rest of the policy year.
Confused? You are not alone.
That’s why it’s important to have an insurance broker to assist you. A broker represents many different
companies offering different plans, different networks, and a variety of prices. Linda Buchmann at American
Trustee would love to assist you with your health care needs! Please feel free to call/text
660-537-5177 or email linda@amtrustee.com for your personal or employee benefits.
I’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
