Consumer Tips

• Take your application for coverage seriously, and answer the health questions thoroughly–an insurance company may refuse to pay your claim or cancel your policy due to an incorrect or incomplete application.
  
• Watch out for “telemarketing fraud,” or high-pressure schemes in which a telephone caller may try to sell you unnecessary or unwanted insurance. Such a caller may use deceptive tactics, such as asking you to pay premiums in cash for a “last chance” offer. Ask for written policy information and thoroughly research the insurance agent and company credentials. If you suspect this type of crime has occurred, you may call our Fraud Hotline toll-free at 1-800-378-0445, or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352). For a nominal fee, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can add you to a list that telemarketers are forbidden to call. You can also register with the National Do Not Call Registry by visiting www.donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222.
  
• Contact your policy administrator if you want to convert from group to individual coverage because of divorce, age restrictions, etc.
  
• Your company must notify you in writing at least 45 days before canceling or not
  renewing your contract, or changing your premiums. HMOs must provide notice in 30
  days. You may contact the Consumer Helpline toll-free at 1-800-342-2762 if you do not
  receive such notification.
  
• You are entitled to a “free look” period of 10 days when you purchase an individual health insurance policy. You should return the policy by registered or certified mail within the allowed time if you decide not to keep it.
  
• You are entitled to a “grace period,” which is a specified time frame when you can
  submit an overdue payment and still maintain coverage under your policy.
  
• Ask your agent if the coverage involves an out-of-state policy; if so, you should make
  sure it contains all the coverage you need before you buy it. Read everything carefully. If your document says it is a “certificate,” you may have an out-of-state policy.
  
• Before buying additional policies, it pays to understand how your current coverage
  will work with another policy. Do not overinsure–you cannot collect on the same
  claim twice.
  
• Maintain continuous coverage by not canceling your old policy until you are
  certain that your new company has accepted your application. Some companies
  do not begin coverage until they approve your application and notify you.
  
• Pay your premiums, even if a dispute arises with your company. Otherwise, it may
  cancel your policy for nonpayment of premiums.

What about coverage for “alternative” therapies?
Due to increasing consumer interest, some health insurance companies and health maintenance organizations now offer coverage for “alternative” medicine and therapies, such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, massage, etc. In some cases, alternative treatments cost less than conventional approaches. However, widespread coverage for alternative medicines will probably not occur until medical experts can conduct long-term studies and additional research. The existing coverage generally involves limited reimbursement and other restrictions.