It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of the insurance options that are out there. However, if there happens to be a medical emergency, you will be relieved to have that little card handy to present to the staff at the hospital. The following tips will tell you all you need to know about health insurance, including the many ways it can save you from disaster.
Ask your employer about any existing employee wellness program. Some companies offer discounted gym memberships and reduced rates for preventative medical care. You might be able to get lower premiums and sign up for a fitness program for instance.
Open Enrollment
When open enrollment time comes, review your health insurance plans and needs. Even though you may have had the same plan for a number of years, it may be too expensive or it might not cover your current needs. Open enrollment can also be the best time to change vision and dental coverage if that is offered.
Individual policies usually are much more expensive compared to the group coverage given by employers, so it is advised to plan accordingly. It is possible you might have to be satisfied with a higher deductible and/or less coverage. Take some time to research companies so that you can get the best rates and coverage.
You should expect that your insurance will have stipulations and loopholes. Thoroughly read your policy, so you wont be surprised when they tell you that your insurance doesn’t cover something. Resign yourself to the fact that certain procedures or medications will not be covered if that is the case.
You can save money by choosing generic drugs, no matter what kind of insurance you have. It’s unlikely that your prescription will not have a generic option, and studies have proven that the efficacy of both name brand and generic prescriptions are equal.
Make sure you choose a plan that covers any medications you currently take, as well as the basics, like antibiotics. This list will be different every year or so, so make sure you check it when you enroll again to avoid a surprise at the pharmacy when filling your medication.
If you are thinking about becoming a parent, look at your health insurance and make sure they will cover your expenses throughout the pregnancy. Some heath insurance policies do not cover some or all of pregnancy-related services.
If you are one of those people that does not go to the doctor too much, your best bet would probably be to start a Health Savings Account (HSA). Any dollars you save towards deductibles, premiums and copays can get saved in an HSA and applied towards future medical expenses.
If you are thinking about catastrophic health insurance, you need to do some serious research. Make sure your policy covers the kind of events that are the most likely to happen. As soon as you make your decision, start making deposits into your Health Savings Account in case you need to use it for your deductible.
Health Insurance
Are you insured? If medical problems ever arise for your family and yourself, health insurance can ensure that your medical costs are covered while you receive the best care available. Apply the information that you have read so that you and your family are covered under a health insurance plan.
