By Marilyn Katz
Do You Need An Affordable Health Plan?
Shopping for a new health plan can be a frustrating and complicated task these days. Your own decision will, of course, depend upon your own individual circumstances. You have to consider your personal situation, find out what plans are available in your town or city, and then try to figure out which option is best for you.
Can You Get Group Medical Benefits?
If you are one of the lucky people who get group major medical coverage as part of your employee benefits, you may not have that big of a problem. You may only have one health plan to pick, or you may be able to choose one from a selection your company provides. If your company offers a true major medical plan with good benefits, and if they pick up part of the tab, your choices may be simple.
Do You Lack A Group Health Plan?
Millions of working Americans lack access to employer based health insurance. They may work for a company with no group plan. They may be self-employed. They may work on contract. If you make a decent income, but lack group medical benefits, you may want to start out by comparing private health insurance companies. You have to find insurers that do business in your own city or town, but you will probably find a lot of different choices.
Your big problem will be finding a policy that provides good coverage at an affordable price. You must balance the monthly price tag against any potential out of pocket costs. You may have to pay for co-payments, deductibles, and uncovered services even if you do buy a policy.
What If Private Health Insurance Companies Decline You?
Private health insurers do have the right to decline applicants that do not meet their published underwriting guidelines. They usually decline applicants who have a pre-existing health condition that they believe makes them too risky to cover. This can be very frustrating, but there are solutions. In the US, each state has some type of high risk health plan for residents who got declined by private insurers. Health reform has also begun to implement a new federal high risk health plan.
You can find out more about these programs by search for information on the Internet. Each state should have a program page with information about prices, how to qualify, and how to apply. If a health insurance agent helped you apply for the plan that declined you, he or she should also be able to direct you to the right local resources.
What If Health Insurance Costs Too Much?
Private health plans and, in some areas, high risk health plans, may be expensive. If you cannot afford the premium, you should consider federal, state, and county health plans that assist people with low incomes. There are also some other organizations, associated with charities or churches, that help people pay for medical care that they need.
You Have Health Insurance Choices
You actually have a lot of choices to make. Your own best choice will depend upon your individual situation.