Health insurance offers coverage to people in case of a health emergency. Some companies provide health insurance to their employees, but there are many individuals who need to secure health insurance on their own. There are options for cheap health insurance, but it will take some research. In some cases, cheap health insurance is not an option for people However, with a little time and research, it is possible to find a plan that will give you peace of mind.
Medicaid and Medicare
First, determine if you are eligible for a government plan like Medicaid or Medicare. Even if you are employed, you might still qualify for Medicaid if you have a low income. Medicaid provides health care for your entire family. If you are over the age of the age of sixty-five you will automatically qualify for Medicare. Medicare is provided by the government through social security. People receiving disability benefits might also qualify for special government health insurance.
COBRA Benefits
COBRA or Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act is a law which allows previously employed people to continue receiving insurance benefits through their former employer. It is cheaper than some individual health policies, but you will not be entitled to the discounts available through your former employer’s group plan. You will be able get health insurance for you and your family at this rate for at least a year. Essentially, COBRA provides former employees, spouses, former spouses, dependent children and retirees with short term health coverage at cheaper rates. Depending on your age and medical condition, COBRA might offer a cheap health insurance plan that is unavailable anywhere else.
Health Maintenance Organizations
Health Maintenance Organizations or HMOs are health plans that offer services from doctors and other health care professionals at a cheaper rate. These health professionals have agreed to provide services via the HMO. People who are a part of an HMO insurance plan choose a Primary Care Physician from a number of doctors who are a part of the HMO network. The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) health insurance plan normally covers a number of medical services. These services range from regular check-ups to maternal and baby care, prescription drugs, lab tests and optical examinations. Agreeing to limit yourself to care from only a certain number of doctors makes it possible to get cheap health insurance.
Group Insurance Plans
Group insurance is often cheaper than individual insurance. If you are a member of a particular organization or group you might be eligible for cheap health insurance based on your membership. It will be much cheaper than paying for individual coverage or having to pay out of pocket for medical expenses. Even if you are not a member of a group, you might be able to join a group with an insurance plan. Some individuals might even be eligible for group insurance without realizing. If you are a business owner with two or more employees, you should be able to receive group health coverage. Proprietors can also obtain a group plan known as the “group of one” insurance plan. It does not matter what group plan you are qualified for, it will most definitely be cheaper than an individual health care plan.
Discount Cards for Health Insurance
Obtaining a health insurance discount card allows you to pay discounted fees when you see your doctor or visit the hospital. You will be required to pay a monthly fee for the card. Remember, this is not an insurance plan and will not carry the benefits of an insurance policy. However, if you are unable to find cheap health insurance elsewhere, this might be a great option.