Health Insurance
Finding
Affordable Health Insurance
When you have your health, you have everything. That’s why
it’s so important to protect your health and the health of your
family. Health insurance will help you keep your family safe.
And it’s more affordable than you think!
What
type of health insurance do you need?
There are actually several different types of health
insurance  policies, with a broad range of coverage and
premiums.
Major Medical – For the lowest cost in
medical insurance, consider a major medical policy. This covers
only major health crisis, such as surgery, which exceeds a high
deductible. You will still be responsible for routine doctor
visits, prescriptions, and tests, but the savings are
significant.
HMO – Health Maintenance Organizations
offer the lowest rates, but the choices of physicians and
facilities are limited to those within the organization. Using
a physician or facility outside of the plan may be only
partially covered, or not covered at all.
PPO – Preferred Provider Organizations
give the widest choices in doctors and facilities. Though
premiums may be higher, the excellent coverage choices may make
this policy worth the extra cost.
HSA – Health Savings Accounts combine a
high deductible health insurance plan with a tax-favored
savings account. You can deposit up to 100% of the plan’s
deductible amount and get a federal income tax deduction for it
as well. The money is yours to spend on any qualified medical
expense, including those that wouldn’t normally be covered by a
health insurance policy.
Tips to
Save on Health Insurance
- Higher co-pay – by paying just a
little more each time you visit the doctor, you can either
save on your premiums, or receive more coverage for the
same cost.
- Higher deductible – raising the
level of the annual amount you pay can save a great deal on
premium costs. Compare the cost of a $2000 deductible with
a $5000 deductible while shopping insurance, and see the
difference this can make.
- Bells and whistles will cost you more
- Maternity coverage or extensive prescription
features can be included in many plans. Ask your insurance
agent if these can be removed to lower the cost.
- Use a discount plan for dental
insurance, instead of including it in your health
plan. Most discount plans will tell you in advance which
dentists participate and an estimate of what each service
will cost. Many become active almost immediately.
- Take care of your health now – if
you have pre-existing conditions when you apply for health
insurance, your rates may be higher, or those conditions
may not be covered.
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco –
this pushes your rates into a different, more expensive
category
More ways to save on health insurance are available
in Insurance Shopping Tips.
It Pays
to Shop Around
To find the most affordable health insurance policy, spend a
little time comparing rates and coverage from different
insurance companies. Thanks to the internet, this will be
easier than you think. Just enter your zip code below, and you
will receive a list of health insurance companies offering
coverage in your area.
Take the first step towards protecting your health
now, so you and your family can enjoy a brighter
tomorrow.
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