Right now, in our country, finding affordable, adequate health care coverage is an immense problem. You can almost bet the farm that you will be paying top dollar for the medications you need, if you are in a situation, where you require certain medications and have no access to reduced rates on prescriptions.
Self-employed is one of the most overlooked segments of our society. The cost for individual coverage can be astronomical depending on age and dependent requirements.
Consider joining a local association like a chamber of commerce, better business bureau or some other type of business organization, if you are self-employed or a very small business owner.
Sometimes even when you factor in several hundred dollars a year for membership dues, that small cost far outweighs the potential savings in premiums.
These organizations offer access to health care that might otherwise be prohibitive on an individual basis. For organization, they often charge a membership fee.
One of the most lucrative options these organizations have to assist in recruitment of new members is Health care packages.
You might investigate other potential group options if you do not fall into either of the categories above. Fraternal organizations, unions, and clubs may offer access to group rates. Access to group health insurance is the important thing to pursue every possible avenue with an eye toward obtaining.
You can plan to pay large premiums except you are in a category considered as "low income" that would afford you access to social health care. Your chances of obtaining affordable rates are statistically very low, if you have a pre-existing condition,.
But, there are some things you can do. Some tips to bear in mind are:
- 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?
- Does the coverage include dental, vision, maternity, well-baby care.
- What is most important to you?
- 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 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. While you are waiting to qualify for assistance, it can provide a stopgap for that period.
In many cases, these social programs are generally based on a sliding scale based on your income level; visits and prescriptions for your children might be free of charge.
Investigate any subsidized programs that might be existing in your state, if you are a young single parent. Many states have programs that will provide care for your children if not for yourself.
This could be a huge mistake. Contracting a debilitating illness or becoming an unwilling participant in an accident is not something that anyone can foresee.
When considering a change in employment, scrutinizing the potential employers health care plan is a given. Sadly, many people look at everything about a new job except the health care plan, just lumping it together with a "benefit package."
If their policy has no provisions for the addition of dependents, in the future you can find your health care woefully inadequate. Take the time to project what your future situation might be and plan accordingly.
This is particularly true with young singles. Life situations change and a health care plan that was adequate for a single person may not apply should he/she marry and even have children while employed.
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