Insurance costs a lot but having none costs more.
There are sensible ways to save money on insurance, but skipping coverage isn’t one of them. Medical bills from even a minor car accident can kill your savings – a major illness can push you into bankruptcy.Many small businesses have saved tons of money by offering their co-workers health insurance. Don’t be that one person that chooses not to pay from health insurance and then end up being homeless later.
If your employer offers insurance, grab it.
Group medical coverage, particularly when it’s large employer-subsidized, is almost always a better deal than anything you can get on your own, even if you’re young and healthy. If you’re NOT young and healthy, it’s definitely a better deal. Group medical insurance is a great way to get great prices. Kaiser, Aetna, HealthNet, Blue Cross, Blue Shield are just naming a few carriers that have large group medical coverage
Comparing plans is tough but necessary.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as standard coverage. Benefits and costs vary widely from plan to plan. If you have choices, you’ll have to examine each one closely to find the best deal. And when you have questions you should immediately call your health insurance broker so that they can help.
The lowest premium isn’t always the cheapest plan.
What your insurance covers is just as important as, and sometimes more important than, what you pay up front. Ultimately, the cheapest plan is the one with the best price for the benefits you’re most likely to use.
Even good coverage can have things missing.
You can count on your health insurance to cover you for a hospital stay. Most policies cover doctor visits, but benefits for mental health, prescription drugs and dental care are optional. That is why you should always consult your broker, either in the San Jose, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Francisco, or Milpitas area.
You’ll pay more for freedom.
Plans with the most comprehensive coverage at the lowest out-of-pocket cost require you to use a specified network of hospitals, doctors, labs, and other providers. The more flexibility you have, the more you pay, in either premiums or co-payments.
You can keep your insurance if you lose your job.
State and federal regulations protect you from losing your health coverage in the event you lose your job (COBRA). Unfortunately, they offer little protection from high premium costs. However, jobless workers may get help paying for these premiums as part of the economic stimulus bill.