Do not approach health insurance with fear. It is true the field is complex and your options are many, but the more you learn, the safer you will feel. Health insurance is similar to healthcare itself. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By making smart choices when you select health insurance, you can avoid difficulties in the future.
If you’ve just graduated from college and are looking to purchase health insurance for the first time, keep the following in mind. Many employers will provide health insurance for their employees that you can use. Those younger than 26 are still eligible to be on their parent’s insurance plan as well as a private and personal one.
See if your employer has a wellness program for their employees. Many employers provide incentives for the assessment of their employees’ health and lifestyles. You may be able to join a fitness program afterwards, which will help the company to save money on their insurance coverage, and that in turn would lower your own premium.
Open Enrollment
Be sure to take a close look at your needs and concerns when it comes to your open enrollment period. You may need more or less coverage than the previous year and changes may need to be made in your coverage. Open enrollment allows you time to change vision and dental insurance if your employer provides these options.
Buying individual coverage typically costs more than the group insurance employers provide, so have your expectations set accordingly. This means that you could possibly have to get and settle for a higher deductible, less coverage or both. Shop around to get the best coverage and rates.
Each year, check to see which prescriptions are covered. Health insurance carriers sometimes change which medicines they cover, so investigate the details when you re-enroll. When your daily meds are dropped by your health insurer, then start the hunt for a new plan right away.
There are always some situations and conditions that will not be covered by your health insurance. Check over your policy with great care, so that you know what it will, and will not pay for. Understand that you may have to pay on your own for things that are not covered, such as certain procedures or medications.
Do not volunteer personal information to health companies who call to solicit services or ask for applications. Only answer direct questions. If you volunteer extra information they will make a record of it, and may use it to raise your premiums, or even deny you insurance coverage at all.
Figure out which insurance plan best fits your health needs. You can pick between POS, PPO or HMO. Each of these options offers different features and benefits, so you must compare each plan before agreeing to pay for coverage. If you like your present doctor, make sure with any policy you choose there is an option to stick with him.
It’s a good idea, before choosing an insurance provider, to call your physician, clinics and hospitals to confirm that you will be covered completely if you use their services. This information should be readily available to you from the health insurance company.
If you are relatively healthy and do not visit the doctor often, start an HSA (Health Savings Account). All the money that is saved from paying deductibles and premiums can be added to this account and you can use this for medical expenses when they come up.
Health Insurance
Don’t wait until you’re sick to find out what your health insurance covers. Prepare yourself and learn all you can about insurance and your options. Having less health insurance than you need can prove costly, but you can rectify the problem at any time.
