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How to Find Cheap Health Insurance
May 2, 2009 | 4 Comments
Looking for a cheap medical insurance rate with a top company? Here’s how to get it.
Health Insurance
Medical insurance costs have doubled in the last few years, and because of that a lot of people think they can’t afford to be covered. Other people feel they don’t need it because they’re healthy and won’t be stricken with a major medical problem. Wrong on both counts.
Fact is, we all need insurance and there are ways to get a cheap medical insurance rate.
Cheap Health Insurance
Medicaid
If you’re in a low income bracket, your state has a Medicaid program that will provide medical insurance for you and your family if your qualify. Medicaid medical insurance provides coverage for dental care, eye care, health care, and prescription drugs. For information on Medicaid medical insurance, call or visit your nearest Division of Family Services office for details.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, your next step is to go shopping for an inexpensive health care plan. There are two types of insurance that offer the most benefits for the least amount of money – HMOs and PPOs:
HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations)
HMOs charge a fixed monthly fee for which they provide medical services that include doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, and prescription drug coverage. Members must choose a primary car physician who oversees their health care, and they can only receive medical treatment from doctors and facilities that are part of the HMO’s network.
PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations)
PPOs are similar to HMOs in that you receive medical services through a prescribed network of physicians and facilities. But unlike HMOs, members do not need to get permission from their primary care physician to see a specialist. PPOs cost about 5% more than HMOs.
Why Buy Insurance?
Don’t wait until it’s to late. You never know what may or can happen. Even though health insurance is expensive or hard to get for some people these days it still pays off big time. If you get injured badly just once you may owe thousands of dollars. Don’t get caught without it when you need it. You’ll be glad once you’ve made the right choice and its one less worry off you mind.
Cheap Health Insurance Rates
You can call local insurance companies or go to individual insurance sites to get health insurance rate quotes, but the easiest way to get quotes is to go to an insurance comparison website.
Insurance comparison sites let you get quotes from a number of insurance companies. You want to get at least three quotes, then choose the quote that’s best for your circumstances. If you have any questions about health insurance, the better comparison sites have free info and insurance companies you can browse through.
John C Alzza
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-find-cheap-health-insurance-192107.html
Comments
4 Comments so far
Where can I find basic and cheap health insurance?
I am a 25 year old part time college student looking for very basic and cheap health insurance. I had prior insurance under my father’s plan but was dropped when I turned 25. Legally I can elect COBRA continuation coverage but the monthly cost is above what I can afford. I am looking for cheap insurance that would cover doctor visits and prescriptions. I am not very knowledgeable about any of this; any advice would be greatly appreciated.
sorry buddy, I do not believe there is such an animal. I think "cheap health insurance" is about as extinct as dinosaurs. Right now I am paying almost $1000 per month for a family of 5 (actually 4 because my employer supposedly pays mine). The worst part is that the stupid plan isn't worth crap. it just doesn't pay for stuff like I should. I mean d@mnit if I pay 12000/year, I would expect to be able to get something out of that plan, but there are so many loopholes and stuff that I end up paying that and a bunch on top of it.
I could almost buy a car for that much money every year… Insurance companies are the biggest fraud ever passed unto the naive americans. Insurance companies are the DEVIL. We should get rid of all forms of insurance and promote personal responsibility. Yeah, like it used to be you know. You go to the doctor and pay for the services period. If doctors will have to deal directly with real people, they won't be able to charge the insane amounts they charge, because they'll have to look you in the eye.
Only a couple of months ago I hurt myself with an axe. It really wasn't much. They had to do an xray and 6 stitches. and that cost me almost $800. HELLO? 6 freegin stitches and an xray should not cost that much.
References :
Check at your school-they may offer some kind of student insurance.
The other best alternative is to meet with an Independant Agent in your area. Tell him what you need and what you can afford. He can find several different companies and several different coverage plans and tell you what is best for your situation.
You may find that it is best to pay for a plan that will pay for a catastrophic illness and pay for doctors visits and prescriptions out of your pocket. Of course, that would depend on the types of prescriptions you require and whether you could get those as generic (Walmart )or through some other discounted program (30 day supply through the mail-in).
References :
If you have no health conditions, there is plenty available.
COBRA is way too expensive, unless you are have a condition(s) that would keep you out of the regular market. You can buy some very good policies for about $120-to $200 a month or so in your age group, that have some high deductibles, but also provide some solid "first dollar" basic care for free. This varies a lot by state and could be a bit higher or lower. Never, ever go without basic, high deductible coverage for anything more than a short period.
Try http://www.ehealthinsurance.com if you want to get some prices. Then, contact a local agent who specializes in health for individuals. Most will show you a policy from Blue Cross or one or two companies that are popular and that they have a deal with, including the folks at ehealthinsurance.
However, a local specialist will discuss the entire market with you, and show you other stuff. A good agent will offer to meet with you or invite you to their office nearby. Good agents are not "salesy" and I suggest taking them up on it, since they can do their best recommendations when communications are in person and they can really understand your goals.
References :
http://www.nahu.org (for local agents)