Health insurance comparisons and how to fight rising increases in rates

September 26, 2003 (Press Release) -- Often times we simply accept increase in rates. All too often we take a non-proactive type of acceptance when we are handed an insurance increase. It is better to contact your insurance company about 90 days before they post your renewal rate increase. If you have medical conditions than gather all medical files and send them to the underwriter requesting rate relief. Normally you will get it if you are in good shape or heading into positive diagnoses. Group insurance negotiation is handled much the same way but can be complicated with multiple employees with varying medical conditions. Visit with your agent to see if he/she is on top of the challenging aspect. You just have to know how to communicate in underwriting language. Think of a logical proposal of what can be said or provide documented facts to make an underwriter feel more comfortable in assessing rate relief. If your agent has a good reputation with the underwriter than it gets you into a much better situation. It is much the same as going to the bank asking for a loan. How well are you prepared? Do you have a relationship with the banker already?