These are helpful questions when you are researching new health insurance policies or asking questions about your current policy.
- Does this policy cover Christian Science nursing in a Christian Science nursing facility? Does the facility need to be accredited? By what organization(s)? Does the facility need to be licensed by the state?
- Does this policy cover the services of a Christian Science practitioner listed in the current Christian Science Journal?
- Does the policy cover the services of a Christian Science nurse in my home? Does the nurse need to be listed in the current Christian Science Journal?
- Do I need to have a doctor’s exam and diagnosis before this policy will pay benefits?
- Do I need a physical exam prior to enrolling?
- What type of Christian Science nursing is covered? Policies often only cover “skilled” nursing sometimes called “intensive” care rather than “custodial” or “long-term care.”
- When does the policy become effective following admission to a facility?
- Do the daily benefits cover daily rates at a Christian Science facility? If not, what is the gap and how much would you pay for that?
- Does the policy cover the patient’s portion of Medicare charges?
- How long is the benefit period?
- How soon after the purchase of a policy are benefits available?
- Do premiums increase over time? If premiums remain consistent, will benefits reduce at a certain age?
Get everything in writing! In the policy or in a rider to the policy, everything must be stated in writing if it is to be binding.
A number of these questions were taken from a handout “Health Insurance – The Basics” distributed by High Ridge House in Riverdale, NY.
