Can You Afford Health Insurance ?
How To Afford Health Care
Bear with me. This article is a little complex. I do have a lot of experience with this topic, but since my audience is diverse, I have to answer the question for different types of people. I will assume that most people who are reading this are from the millions of Americans who lack group medical benefits. Some of you may have a group health plan at work, and that is usually your best option. However, I do understand that these days, that some employers expect the employees to kick in a large share of that too.
Millions more of you may work at a company that does not offer group major medical, be self employed, or laid off. Some of you may already suffer from a pre-existing health condition that makes it hard to get private insurance, or that even makes it hard to find another job!
Individual Health Insurance
You should not assume, right off the bat, that you cannot afford a private medical plan. These days, there are so many options that you may find one that covers you in case of a serious accident or illness at a budget friendly price. If you just lack group health, and want to cover yourself or your family, start with individual health insurance quotes. The online system is simple and quick, and it will give you a variety of alternatives in your area.
Be Wary of Health Discount Plans
There are discount health plans being marketed that are not health insurance at all, but discount cards. They may be very inexpensive, but since they are not actually health insurance, they are also not that useful. If you are approached with an offer like this, be sure to ask and get an asnwer to your questions about what the plan actually is! If you are still not sure, you an always check with your state insurance department.
High Risk Health Plans for Declines
Every state in the US has a high risk health plan, sometimes called a high risk health pool. These are for people with pre-existing conditions who do not have group health, and who have been declined (or would be declined) for coverage in the past. The new federal high risk health pools are part of health reform. You can find out about how this is being integrated into your state by checking your state high risk health plan as well. A simple internet search for “YOUR STATE” high risk health plan – should give you the answers you need. You can also ask a good health insurance agent because they should know how things work in your local area.
Unemployment or Low Income Alternatives For Health Insurance
COBRA – If you are unemployed, you may have a COBRA health insurance extension. This law extends your benefits for several months. But you will have to pay the whole premium without an employer contribution. Also, not everybody qualifies. Look here for COBRA Alternatives. and Unemployment Health Insurance.
Medicaid – This is the federal/state health insurance for low income people with very few assets. Again, search for information in your state.
CHIPS - The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) covers moderate to low income children. It also covers pregnant women! Search for information on the plan in your state.
Local Resouces – The PPARX.org website is a wonderful resource for peope who are having trouble paying for prescriptions and medical care. There is a handy zip code search where you an find low cost clinics and other types of medical care in your area. You can also find foundations that award grants to people with specific diseases.
Your county hospital system may also have a health plan with a sliding scale.
Seniors Or Disabled People On Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance plan for seniors and disabled people. It does not cover everything, though, and many covered people supplement it with other plans. This whole area is as complex as any other, but look at this simple way to Compare Medicare Health Plans. Some of these plans have premiums because they are from private companies. Other have low, or no, additional cost beyond the Part B premium.
If You Do Not Have Health Insurance….
If you lack health insurance, it is much better to explore your options now, while you are healthy! There are private plans, and there is some help from county, state, and federal programs. Health reform will bring more options but we are still waiting for it to be fully implemented. I believe I have given you plenty of resources so you can figure out some alternatives.
We welcome and comments or suggestions in the comments.
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Thanks. I think this article can help a lot of people if they can get through it. You did cover a lot of bases. The help with health insurace is out there if you know how to look for it, and also what to avoid.
Yeah, but getting the help can be tough – especially if you are already sick. Hopefully, we will see some more “changes” on the horizon.