Finding Health Insurance With Value

FINDING THE BEST HEALTH INSURANCE VALUE FOR YOUR NEEDS



When it comes to health insurance, there is no "one size fits all."

Ideally, working for an employer who offers non-contributory
health insurance is what most of us would aspire to. However, that is
not a realistic scenario.

Finding affordable, adequate health insurance coverage is a huge
problem in our country right now. If you are in a situation where you
require certain medications and have no access to reduced rates on
prescriptions you can almost bet the farm that you will be paying top
dollar for the medications you need.

When considering a change in employment, scrutinizing the
potential employers health insurance plan is a given. Sadly, many people
look at everything about a new job except the health insurance plan, just
lumping it together with a "benefit package." This could be a huge
mistake. Contracting a debilitating illness or becoming an unwilling
participant in an accident is not something that anyone can foresee.

This is particularly true with young singles. Life situations
change and a health insurance plan that was adequate for a single person
may not apply should he/she marry and even have children while
employed. If their policy has no provisions for the addition of
dependents in the future you can find your health insurance plan woefully
inadequate. Take the time to project what your future situation might
be and plan accordingly.

One of the most overlooked segments of our society are the self-
employed. Depending on age and dependent requirements, the cost
for individual coverage can be astronomical.

If you are self-employed or a very small business owner,
consider joining a local association like a chamber of commerce, better
business bureau or some other type of business organization.

Many of these organizations offer access to health insurance that
might otherwise be prohibitive on an individual basis. They often
charge a membership fee to the organization. Sometimes even when
you factor in several hundred dollars a year for membership dues, that
small cost far outweighs the potential savings in premiums. Health
insurance packages are often one of the most lucrative options these
organizations have to assist in recruitment of new members.

If you do not fall into either of the categories above, you might
investigate other potential group options. Fraternal organizations,
unions and clubs may offer access to group rates. The important thing
is to pursue every possible avenue with an eye toward obtaining
access to group health insurance.

Unless you are in a category considered as "low income" that
would afford you access to social health care you can plan on paying
hefty premiums. If you have a pre-existing condition, your chances of
obtaining affordable rates are statistically very low. But, there are
some things you can do. Some tips to bear in mind are:

.. Shop very carefully. You now understand what some of
the options are and how widely diversified policies can be.

.. Make certain you are looking at health insurance that is
appropriate and adequate for your needs.

.. Read the fine print so you understand what is included and
what is excluded.

.. Never buy a policy that covers a single disease.

.. Are there deductibles and if so, how much?

.. Does the coverage include major medical?

.. What is the maximum out of pocket expense you can
expect to incur?

.. When does coverage begin?

.. Does the coverage include prescriptions?

.. Are lab fees and x-rays included?

.. Can you choose your own physician or select from a list of
providers?

.. What is most important to you?

.. Does the coverage include dental, vision, maternity, well-
baby care, etc.

If you are in that "no mans land" where you do not yet qualify
for Medicare, Medicaid or any of the other social programs yet are too
old for individual coverage you might take a look at AARP. It can
provide a stop gap for that period of time while you are waiting to
qualify for assistance.

If you are a young single parent, investigate any subsidized
programs that might be available in your state. Many states have
programs that will provide care for your children if not for yourself.
These social programs are generally based on a sliding scale based on
your income level and in many cases visits and prescriptions for your
children might be free of charge.

With the skyrocketing costs of health care, no one should ever
feel embarrassed or sacrifice the health of themselves or their loved
ones by applying for any type of assistance that might be available to
meet their needs. Until something happens to curb this upward spiral
we must all take special steps to see that the most vulnerable
members of our society receive the health care they need. . .namely,
our children and our elderly.

About the Author

Steven Smith is the CEO of SDS Financial, LLC and Pro Health Quotes.com. To view other articles written by Steven Smith or to obtain health insurance quotes and comparisons of over 200 quality health plans, you can visit www.ProHealthQuotes.com.

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