Everyone knows that INSURANCE works best when fewest number of participants actually use it (i.e. make claims). Then system generates profit, which lowers premium that, in turn, brings more paying participants. The participants are happy NOT TO USE insurance, especially if it does not cost them too much. On contrary, HEALTH CARE system works best when most people use it (i.e. get teeth cleaning, checkups and vaccinations).

Fortunately, back in 1980s, idea of so-called patient advocacy via health care savings programs was introduced to U.S. These programs negotiate prices with health care providers on behalf of their members. Since they represent large groups, resulting discounts are usually same that hospitals and physicians give to big insurance companies.

This innovative approach benefits medical providers because they get paid "on spot" without enormous paperwork and disputes with insurance companies. It also benefits you and me by providing an access to discounted "insurance rates" without high premiums.

Many of such programs also allow their members to contribute money to medical savings accounts that are tax deductible or not taxable. Monthly membership fee is affordable and no one can be turned down because of a pre- existing condition.

It does not look like current health care crisis is going to have a Hollywood-style "happy ending". It's up to us to analyze situation and find solution... otherwise, next blockbuster about healthcare may well be a horror movie.

(C) by Irina 2003.

========================================================== About Author: Irina helps people save money on healthcare and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/ ==========================================================

The second level comprises health maintenance and routine medical procedures. For these, insurance is not answer. Instead, there are two alternatives. One is for people to pay these costs out of pocket, way we now pay for many other routine needs. There are number of benefits to this approach, including no managed care and less paperwork. For many people, coming up with cash to pay routine medical bills, especially if they know that any major illness or injury would trigger a backup insurance plan, would not be difficult.

For others, however, it would. Fortunately, back in 1980s, idea of so-called patient advocacy via health care savings programs was born. The availability and popularity of these programs is picking up year after year, as more and more people, unable to get or afford health insurance, are discovering them for first time. These programs negotiate prices with health care providers on behalf of their members. Since they represent large groups, resulting discounts are usually same that hospitals and physicians give to big insurance companies. But this is where similarity with old health insurance model ends.

With health care savings program, it's a patient, not an insurance company, who pays bill. This seemingly minor adjustment makes a world of difference. It benefits medical providers because they get paid "on spot" without enormous paperwork and disputes with insurance companies. It also benefits individual consumers who get access to discounted "insurance rates" without having to pay high premiums. Yet most importantly, entire system appears to be financially sound and socially viable.

Unlike traditional insurance model, patient advocacy actually encourages people to seek medical help as soon as need arises thus preventing "little aches" form developing into life- threatening illnesses and financial disasters. Monthly membership fee is affordable and no one can be turned down because of a pre- existing condition. Many of such programs also allow their members to contribute money to medical savings accounts. Federal law makes this an attractive option, because medical savings accounts are tax deductible or not taxable, as long as funds are used to pay for health care.

Five years from now, average health insurance premium may well exceed a car payment and a mortgage payment combined together. There is, however, a way to keep our families healthy without jeopardizing financial security. This writing was intended to assist reader in finding that right solution by providing a better understanding of ever-changing situation and available options.

Copyright (C) by Irina 2003.

================================================================= About Author: Irina runs home-based business helping people save on health care and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/ mailto:imakemoney@freeautobot.com =================================================================