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Division of Insurance Offers Tips in Recognition of National Men’s Health Week

06/15/09 - CARSON CITY, NV – National Men’s Health Week begins today and runs through June 21. The annual awareness campaign brings attention to preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. In recognition of this important campaign, the Nevada Division of Insurance is pleased to offer the following health insurance tips for men to get the most out of their policies.

1. Read your insurance plan’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and understand all co-pays and
   deductibles.
2. Be familiar with your health plan’s disclosure statement so that you can tell what benefits are reduced or not covered.
3. Fill out all applications accurately. If you don’t, the carrier may retroactively cancel your
   policy.
4. Before purchasing any life or health plan, read all materials and enrollment forms to learn your rights and the nature and extent of your coverage. Ask for disclosures; don’t rely on marketing materials alone to explain what is and is not covered.
5. Consult consumer guides on what to look for in a particular life or health plan. The Nevada
   Division of Insurance offers one at http://www.doi.state.nv.us/Guide_Keeping_Health_Ins.pdf.
6. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best benefits, service and price.
7. Make sure the producer you are dealing with and the carrier you are contemplating a policy from are licensed in Nevada. You can verify an insurance company in Nevada at www.nvinsurancealert.com or by calling the Division of Insurance at (775) 687-4270 in Carson City, (702) 486-4009 in Las Vegas, or toll free at 1-888-872-3234.
8. Questions? Call the Consumer Services Section of the Nevada Division of Insurance at
   (775) 687-4270 in Carson City, (702) 486-4009 in Las Vegas, or toll free at 1-888-872-3234.
9. When you buy, checks should only be made payable to the insurance company and not to the
   producer or in the producer’s name.
10. Ask at your local public library for financial rating publications that summarize an insurance company’s financial position.
11. Buy a life or health policy from a producer with a good reputation – it is safer than buying from
    someone you do not know.
12. Compare before you buy.
13. Do not be pressured to buy on the producer’s first visit.
14. Never sign blank application forms.
15. Make sure to read everything that you are being asked to sign.
16. Take advantage of the “free look” period to decide if the policy you received is the one you want.

For more information about National Men’s Health Week, visit http://www.menshealthmonth.org/week/. For more information about the Division of Insurance, visit http://doi.state.nv.us/.

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