While there is no shortage in quality healthcare, finding affordable health plans can at times be difficult.
Altura Benefits takes pride in informing the community of the available public options for the uninsured. Whether you're uninsured due to health risks or a lack of monetary means, you have viable options.
The Utah Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool (HIPUtah)
In 1991, the state of Utah established HIPUtah to specifically address the problem which people with serious medical conditions face. These conditions often make them unable to obtain health insurance at any price. HIPUtah offers health plan options for those who get denied coverage in the private sector. If you'd like more information regarding these plans and/or an application, please contact us at Altura Benefits.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP is a state health insurance plan for children. This program is financed by Federal and State governments. Providing health insurance for your children may seem unaffordable; however, CHIP provides health insurance for the children of families who qualify.
For Federal information go to: www.cms.hhs.gov/home/schip.asp
Utah residents can obtain state specific information by calling (877) 543-7669 or going to www.health.utah.gov/chip
Utah's Premium Partnership for Health Insurance (UPP)
If you are uninsured, but you have access to health insurance through your employer, UPP may be able to help you pay for it. For more information call (888) 222-2542 or go to http://health.utah.gov/upp/index.htm
The Primary Care Network (PCN)
PCN is health plan offered by the Utah Department of Health. It covers services administered by a primary care provider. For more information call (888) 222-2542 or go to http://health.utah.gov/pcn/index.html
Medicaid
If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care you need so you can get healthy - and stay healthy.
Medicaid is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your healthcare providers.
For more Federal information go to: www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/
Utah residents can obtain state specific information by calling (800) 662-9651 or going to www.health.utah.gov/medicaid/
Utah women who are pregnant and do not have the money to pay for prenatal care may qualify for temporary financial help. Call (800) 826-9662 or go to www.babyyourbaby.org/ for more information.
Medicare
Health insurance for:
• people age 65 or older
• people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and
• people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
Benefits:
Part A Hospital Insurance - Most people don't pay a premium for Part A because they or a spouse already paid for it through their payroll taxes while working. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, including critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities (not custodial or long-term care). It also helps cover hospice care and some home health care. Beneficiaries must meet certain conditions to get these benefits.
Part B Medical Insurance - Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover doctors' services and outpatient care. It also covers some other medical services that Part A doesn't cover, such as some of the services of physical and occupational therapists, and some home healthcare. Part B helps pay for these covered services and supplies when they are medically necessary.
Prescription Drug Coverage - Most people will pay a monthly premium for this coverage. Starting January 1, 2006, new Medicare prescription drug coverage will be available to everyone with Medicare. Everyone with Medicare can get this coverage that may help lower prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is insurance. Private companies provide the coverage. Beneficiaries choose the drug plan and pay a monthly premium. Like other insurance, if a beneficiary decides not to enroll in a drug plan when they are first eligible, they may pay a penalty if they choose to join later.
For additional information you can call (800) 633-4227 or go to www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp or www.medicare.gov/
