The number of Americans with no health insurance is staggering. And it keeps getting bigger. But it is understandable why many do not carry health insurance. For one, the price tag of most plans is too high. When people work for employers who do not provide a group health insurance, it is difficult to find one on their own.
But, there is hope. There are low cost health insurance plan options out there. Here are some ways you can find low cost health insurance.
1) Medicaid. You may qualify even if you have a job. Medicaid pays health care costs for low-income families. Each state has their own eligibility criteria so check with your state’s website. Keep in mind that qualification standards change every year, so even though you don’t qualify now, you may qualify in the future.
2) Medicare. Sometimes overlooked, if you are 65 or older, you will qualify for this program offered through the federal government.
3) State high risk health insurance pool. If you have a pre-existing condition, your state may have an insurance plan you would qualify for. Check with you state.
4) Individual and Family Health Insurance. This is offered by a slew of various insurance companies. This is pretty much the same plan as offered by employers. Choose the high deductible option to save on costs. In addition, many plans have a very high deductible policy for those that want coverage for worst case scenarios or unforeseen emergencies. This is usually a low cost option.
5) Short term health insurance coverage. Great for someone in-between jobs. This is just like individual coverage above but for a specified period of time which keeps costs down.
6) Group Insurance form Organization memberships. Often overlooked, find out whether your alumni association or various other organizations you might be involved with offers a group insurance policy. Often these policies can be cheaper than finding insurance on your own. If a group you are part of does not offer health insurance, ask them to start a program. They may not know they can get group discount rates from insurance companies.
7) Group Health Expenses Sharing Plan. This is not insurance, but pooled money from lots of individuals to pay for each others’ health care. It is like a group who becomes their own insurance company. Medi-Share is one such well-known plan.
Health Insurance Discount Cards; This is not insurance, but a way to save costs. For a small monthly fee, you get a discounted rate from doctors and other health care providers who are part of the network participating in the discount card plan. This may not save you from financial catastrophe should you or your family suffer a major medical expense, but it can surely save a lot of money if you have no health care plan at all.
4 Tips to Get Low Cost Health Insurance Plans
