I created this group to start a dialogue among group members on issues concerning health insurance and health care for small business owners and self-employed individuals who are part of a small group health insurance plan or that purchase their own individual health insurance coverage.  I invite all member to share their personal experiences and stories about Health Insurance and Health Care, both good and bad. 

In today's fast paced world, business owners don't often have the time to thoroughly check out the insurance companies or service providers that they rely on to provide health care coverage and medical treatment.  Although health insurance is a "tangible" item, it is often "intangible," in the sense that the limitations of a health insurance policy or the quality of health care services that are delivered are usually not apparent until medical treatment is rendered. This is one of the primary reasons that many companies, often appearing legitimate, can get away with selling bogus health insurance coverage to unsuspecting business owners.   

I am convinced that the same rings true for health care services.  As health care costs continue to skyrocket, are we becoming more limited in our health care options?  How much of a role does our health insurance company play in our health care choices? How do we know that the care or treatment administered by a particular doctor, hospital or medical service provider is quality care?  How are the Uninsured coping with the cost of medical care?  Why are health insurance rates increasing and what is being done about it?  Do you know what you were charged for your last hospital visit?  Have you been scammed by a bogus insurance company?

My goal is to bring these "every day" concerns, questions and stories into the public consciousness.  So if you are not sure where to start, as far as posting or commenting on these topics, you can start by answering any of the questions above.  Additionally, I have written several blog articles, which I believe, focus on these issues and I encourage you to read and post comments in this forum, as well as, on my blog.

Lastly, if you have any comments or suggestions or ideas on specific topics we can discuss in this forum, please take the time to provide your input.  I am certain that the issues and topics that we discuss in this forum will yield valuable information that you will be able to use in your everyday lives.  I believe that by sharing information and resources and exchanging ideas about these topics, we can all become more "informed" health care consumers.

Sincerely,

C. Steven Tucker