One of the biggest problems that modern society faces is the lack of decent health care for every single citizen. The plain fact of the matter is that although quality medical is indeed available, it's simply not within the financial reach of many, many hard-working people. There are numerous factors that contribute to this, but the sum total of the effects is easily recognized as an ever-rising spiral in the cost of health insurance. Is there anything that you can do about it? Well, here are a few tips to help make health insurance a bit more affordable for you and your family.
- Compare plans, compare quotes, compare everything. If you're self-employed or work for a company that's too small to offer decent benefits, there are private insurance companies that will underwrite policies for you. Many do not require a physical exam, but they will require that you fill out a detailed health questionnaire. Finding the best and most affordable policy will take some time and research. Shopping can be done online or over the telephone. Be sure to find out about dental and vision coverage also – whether they're included with the basic policy or optional add-ons. For a healthy individual with no pre-existing medical conditions, it's quite possible that you can get a policy for somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 or so a month.
- Choose your deductible wisely. If the monthly premiums themselves make you feel a bit queasy, elect a higher deductible. The more responsibility you take for your health care in the form of a higher deductible, the lower your premiums will be each month. But try to stay away from deductibles over $1,000; they tend make the coverage not worth the money.
- Find out the insurance company's policy on pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions may cause your premiums to be higher than normal. But – and this is more likely the case – the insurance company will require a waiting period of six months to a year or more before they'll cover any bills related to that condition.
- Don't get sucked into those plans that say they are not traditional health insurance but low-cost alternatives. Some of them may work only in certain regions, states or areas and with certain providers that accept their contract terms. If you don't live in an area where there are providers that you can use, the coverage will be useless. But even if you do live in a "qualifying" area, be very careful with these plans. Check them out thoroughly.
- Look to your employer. Many places of employment offer affordable health insurance, so before going anywhere else see what they do offer. If they offer medical and dental for you and your family, take it. It's very likely that whatever medical coverage you can get from your job will be a better deal than trying to outsource it.
Finding affordable health insurance is a daunting but necessary task. Ready access to quality medical care can be the difference between life and death for you or your loved ones. Don't skimp.
