The old adage that " the squeaky wheel gets the grease" is a valid contention. Simply stated, this philosophical advice means that unless the person speaks up and voices his desires, needs, or opinions by being the proverbial "squeaky wheel," they will be ignored. It is advantageous to become the "squeaky wheel" in matters regarding health insurance quotes, claims payment issues, and all related consequential health insurance matters.

First, the "squeaky wheel" is not a negative label; it simply someone who garners attention. For example, if presented with a high health insurance quote for a policy with a minimal elimination period, voice an objection. Unless the prospective insured requests a longer elimination period to appreciably lower the health insurance premium, the insurance agent or broker will assume a "take it or leave it" attitude. By becoming a "squeaky wheel" or a voice to contend with, the insurance professional will do the required research and develop a health insurance quote with a lower premium and a longer elimination period for the benefit of all concerned parties. The prospective insured receives a financially manageable health insurance quote and health insurance coverage. The health insurance company will, in turn, receive a satisfied, loyal, and conceivably lifetime health insurance customer.

In claims matters, if the health insurance company is resistant or refuses to pay a consequential health insurance claim, it is essential, necessary and critical to become the "squeaky wheel" especially in matters of principle. Several years ago a health insurance policyholder of thirty years was hospitalized, underwent surgeries, and was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. The health insurance company refused to pay the medical claim that exceeded $200,000 because of alcoholism, which was not established or supported. The policyholder's daughter became the "squeaky wheel." She produced evidence that her mother had never been late or absent from work but on one occasion in 30 years; the three-day absence was due to attending her father's funeral.

The old dated funeral program and her grandfather's death certificate confirmed the occurrence, which coincided with the dates of absence on the mother's work record. The daughter promised to contact the news media, the state insurance regulatory board, and place the matter in the hands of the courts if their decision was not reversed. Needless to say, in this case, the squeaky wheel received the proverbial "grease"-the health insurance company reconsidered and paid all of the mother's medical claims, as there was not any evidence of alcoholism.