Affordable Health Insurance
With unemployment soaring and people in fear of losing their jobs or already having lost them the concern over how to find good affordable health insurance is a pressing question. Health insurance is one of those things you hope you never need, but you sure are glad you have it when you do. However, since it isn't a constant necessity that you use all the time you don't want to spend a fortune on it, and yet, most policies seem to cost just that—a fortune.
Remember the COBRA
If your job has, or in the case of a layoff, had employee health insurance coverage don't forget that the government demands that they continue your coverage for a period of time at the group play rates. Be prepared for a little bit of 'sticker shock' however. In the event that your employer paid a part of your premiums in order to keep the group rates lower your costs for the same insurance you had while you were an active employee will cost a little more. COBRA is not generally a cost effective or affordable health insurance; it is a safety net in case the unthinkable happens while you are searching for the best coverage.
The good news is that because of the current economy and so many people facing job losses the new stimulus bill made provisions to help with the cost of COBRA health insurance so make sure your costs reflect that. It is set up to pay up to 65% of the costs of the premiums in some cases. Unless your employer paid all of your premiums when you were working that should easily cover the costs of the shared end of your payment. COBRA is limited to a certain length of time, however, so do not put off looking for that affordable health insurance in the meantime.
Check Your Health Insurance Policy for Prescriptions
When searching for affordable health insurance make sure the policies include important items like prescription coverage. Even though it may be tempting to skimp on things like that in order to save money on the premiums the costs of prescription medicines are often so high they are prohibitive without it. What good is being able to go to the doctor or hospital if you can't afford the cure?
Health Insurance Online Quotes
The Internet is one of the best resources you have available to you when you are searching for affordable health insurance. It makes it possible to shop and compare all available options from the convenience of your home without pressure. There are many websites you can go to that will show you comparisons of all available policies according to your specifics such as how many people are in your family, what existing health problems you may have, your age, and other personal information.
Keep it in Check
Make sure that the policy you end up choosing has a cancel period. A ten day recession period gives anyone signing a contract time to 'cool off' and change their minds. This is helpful if you are feeling pressured with the need to get affordable health insurance and take a policy before you find one the next day even better and cheaper.
Affordable Health Insurance AND a Tax Break
Keep in mind that as expensive as even the most affordable health insurance can be when you are paying your own premiums you can declare it on your income tax return making it a large deduction.
Reputation is Worth a Lot
Make sure you are getting what you pay for. When you find a health insurance company you feel is in your ball park price wise and has the provisions you need in a policy check their reputation. Affordable health insurance is only a good thing if the company will actually be there to pay the bills when they come in. Sometimes skimping on cost instead of paying for the solid reputations of a bigger company can be a mistake. There are, however, very responsible smaller companies out there with excellent affordable health insurance. Just be sure to do your homework so you are not left in pain and in debt when the doctor bills come in.
