I would like to find a provider that will pay 50% - 80% of my medical bills and all that good stuff. Where should I start looking? Who is best to go with? Is there anything you think I should go with?
nurse ratchet
Favorite Answer
Your choices will vary from one state to another. Blue Cross Blue Shield is in every state, and they are OK. Coventry has a good product and it is reasonably priced, but that is in my state. I highly suggest that you contact a couple of independent agents in your area and get some advice and quotes from them. I would not buy over the Internet. An agent is very important to you if you have problems with the company down the line. It is nice to have an actual "person" that lives in your state, knows your laws and the market, and cares about their client.
Steve Luptak
The answer to this questions depends on many factors, such as your overall health, location, age, industry, etc. Here are some resources for finding coverage:
1. Choosing and Using a Health Plan, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/hlthpln1.htm
2. State Guides to Finding Health Insurance (fifty-one in all), Families USA at http://www.familiesusa.org/resources/publications/by-topic/private-insurance.html
3. Choosing a Health Plan, Health Rights Hotline, at http://www.hrh.org/cag.html
4. A CONSUMER GUIDE FOR GETTING AND KEEPING HEALTH INSURANCE for each state and the District of Columbia — fifty-one in all, The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net
5. Best Health Plans 2006, US News & World Report, http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-health-insurance/topplans.htm
There is no single best company for everyone. I may be able to help if you gave more information. I have 30-years experience as a health insurance consumer advocate. I may be reached at Medicare.Advocate@gmail.com.
Good luck!
Chloe
Well, depending on where you are located, I just saw something that might interest you. There’s a new company offering low cost individual health plans in Texas for young, reasonably healthy people. It’s actually pretty cool – surprised no one thought of it sooner. You buy into a plan at a super low cost with fixed benefits that will cover the typical activities and preventative care of a healthy person. Then, if something catastrophic happens, you have the option to get additional levels of coverage, even AFTER the event. You’d have to check it out for more details, but that was the gist. http://www.precedent.com Even if you’re not in Texas, my understanding is that they’ll be offering plans in additional states soon. Hope this helps!
Rick
First - Health Insurance for the self employed should not be taken lightly. When doing your search, be sure to review the small print. Do not sacrifice "coverage" for a lower premium. Its always better to raise deductibles in order to lower your premium. Coverage is what is considered a covered benefit - dont drop things like Rx coverage, or outpatient hosptializations.
There are some nice plans that are called Health Savings Account Qualified plans that allow consumers to open a tax advantaged savings account that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses tax free while they are in their "deductible" period. They also allow the consumer to save for future medical expenses tax free.
Read my article below - it will help you further understand this concept.
PJ
This company is pretty good if you are in good health: http://www.assuranthealth.com/
Their most economical plan is a large deductible plan. You pay more of the doctor bill but less in premium to the insurance company. That way you only pay if you need it. If you pay higher premiums and don't use it, well that just waists money.