Tip Of The Day: Fight To Get Yourself Medical Coverage

You may have to take on your insurance company someday, if you’re initially denied coverage for a procedure, but there are several ways to help your case.

Remember, even if you are denied the first time, you can appeal and most insurance companies give you one or two chances to appeal your case:

• Understand your policy. Review it on a regular basis, make sure you understand exactly what is covered and what is not. If you have questions call your insurance company and have them explain, especially before you schedule any kind of procedure.

• Be organized--have all your paperwork in order, take detailed notes of your interactions during the process.

• Save everything; receipts, reports, etc. Keep a detailed folder with all of your medical paperwork.

• If you still need help, contact your state's Department of Insurance (in some states known as the Department of Managed Care).

Every state has different ways of assisting consumers with health insurance appeals. The Kaiser Family Foundation provides information on every state's health care rules.