Merritt Personal Lines Manual: Health Insurance: Needs Analysis: Key Questions

Does your employer offer you health insurance? Yes No

Do you have a choice between an HMO and a reimbursement-style policy? Yes No

Is your regular physician a provider for the HMO you're considering? Yes No

If you choose a medical expense policy, how much of a deductible are you considering? (It's worthwhile to compare premiums for a policy with several different deductibles.) _________________________________________________

Would you consider purchasing catastrophic coverage by increasing your deductible substantially? Yes No

Do you belong to a group that offers discounts on health insurance (e.g., a trade association, alumni group or church)? Yes No

Have you asked your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a health insurance plan? Yes No

What did he or she recommend? _____________________

If you have been unable to obtain insurance on your own, do you qualify for a state-sponsored health insurance pool? Yes No

Do you qualify for Medicaid? Yes No

Do you qualify for Medicare? Yes No

Have you considered a Medigap policy? Yes No

Do you need dental insurance? Yes No

Do you need a vision plan? Yes No

Do you need a prescription drug plan? Yes No

Does your employer offer a cafeteria plan? Yes No

How much money would you want to have withheld from your paycheck for a cafeteria plan? (Add up your regular monthly medical-related expenses and also include an allotment for annual costs, such as co-payments for doctors' visits and glasses.)

Health insurance premiums ______________
Average monthly co-payments ______________
Dental premiums/fees ______________
Alternate therapies, etc. ______________
Psychological counseling, etc. ______________
Child- and elder-care expenses ______________
Vision care expenses ______________
Medical equipment ______________
Other health-related expenses ______________
Monthly total ______________

If you're about to leave your job, have you investigated COBRA coverage? Yes No

If you do not have group health insurance through your job, have you considered a medical savings account? Yes No