Affordable Medical Plan Options
How can you find affordable health insurance today?
If you do not have group health because you are self-employed, unemployed, or work for a company with no group benefits, you are probably concerned about affordable and accessible health insurance. You may have had to pay more for insurance and medical services even if you do have an employer based group medical plan. The news about medical coverage is still pretty grim, and the number of Americans without major medical coverage approaches 50 million. Some people who are covered under very basic health plans find that they still owe a lot of money if they have a serious accident or illness.
For example, some less expensive health plans may only cover $25,000 worth of out patient services. This may seem like a lot of money if you are just concerned about an ER visit because of a broken arm or minor injury. However, some medical services like chemotherapy treatments, can run through thousands of dollars a visit.
Individual Health Insurance: If you are self employed, a contract worker, or without group benefits because your company does not have this benefit, consider an individual health plan. Private insurance has some advantages because you can find a variety of plans to fit into various budgets and you can carry your coverage with you if you change jobs.
Some people think that individual health plans are more expensive than group health plans. This is not always true though. Companies usually contribute part of the premium, and so it looks like the cost is less because employees do not have to pay as much. However, if you added up the total premiums, you would not be able to say that one is always cheaper than the other. In fact, people in good health may find that an individual medical plan is more affordable.
High Risk Health Plans: You may be declined by private carriers for a variety of reasons. Each state, and now the federal government, does have high risk medical plans for people who do not have group coverage and got declined for private plans. You should search for information in your state. The state website should also direct you to information about the new federal high risk health plan.
Low Income Medical Plans: The federal and state governments provide Medicaid for very low income people with few assets. The children's health insurance program (CHIPS) covers kids from low to moderate income families. There are also county hospital systems and low income clinics which may provide services on a sliding scale. Some private foundations and charities provide money for people who need to cope with particular diseases. A good place to start researching your options is at PPARX.org. This website has a handy zip code search to help you find various options in your own community.
Medical Care Cost Sharing Organizations: A lot of these are faith based groups. They provide a "membership", which is not the same as insurance. Instead of paying premiums, members pay dues. The intent of these organizations is to provide money for members who need help with health care costs.
There is not one single health plan solution for every person or every family. We just want to let you know that there are a variety of affordable health plan solutions. It is up to you to research your options so you can have security and good health in the future!
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Learn more about individual health insurance options if you are self employed or do not get group medical benefits.
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