SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Health Insurance: Your Questions Answered
What does everything mean & how to choose the right policy
( 18 pages )

How To Shop For Health Care & Compare Premiums

Unless you are in a category considered as “low income” that would afford you access to social health care you can plan on paying hefty premiums. If you have a pre-existing condition, your chances of obtaining affordable rates are statistically very low. But, there are some things you can do. Some tips to bear in mind are:

• Shop very carefully. You now understand what some of the options are and how widely diversified policies can be.
• Make certain you are looking at insurance that is appropriate and adequate for your needs.
• Read the fine print so you understand what is included and what is excluded.
• Never buy a policy that covers a single disease.
• Are there deductibles and if so, how much?
• Does the coverage include major medical?
• What is the maximum out of pocket expense you can expect to incur?
• When does coverage begin?
• Does the coverage include prescriptions?
• Are lab fees and x-rays included?
• Can you choose your own physician or select from a list of providers?
• What is most important to you?
• Does the coverage include dental, vision, maternity, well-baby care, etc.

If you are in that “no mans land” where you do not yet qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or any of the other social programs yet are too old for individual coverage you might take a look at AARP. It can provide a stop gap for that period of time while you are waiting to qualify for assistance.

If you are a young single parent, investigate any subsidized programs that might be available in your state. Many states have programs that will provide care for your children if not for yourself. These social programs are generally based on a sliding scale based on your income level and in many cases visits and prescriptions for your children might be free of charge.

With the skyrocketing costs of health care, no one should ever feel embarrassed or sacrifice the health of themselves or their loved ones by applying for any type of assistance that might be available to meet their needs. Until something happens to curb this upward spiral we must all take special steps to see that the most vulnerable members of our society receive the health care they need. . .namely, our children and our elderly.

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