According to a report released by the Department of Health and Human Services in March, more than 105 million Americans are currently enrolled in health insurance plans that, prior to the passage of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, would have imposed lifetime coverage limits on their benefits.

In a press release accompanying the report, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said, “For years, Americans with lifetime caps imposed on their health insurance benefits have had to live with the fear that if an illness or accident happened, they could max out their health coverage when they needed it the most. Now, because of the health care law, they no longer have to live in fear of that happening.”

According to The American Journal of Medicine, approximately 60 percent of the personal bankruptcy actions filed in the U.S. are directly attributable to unresolved medical debt. About 75% of those individuals who file for bankruptcy actually do have health insurance. The cost of health care is so high in the U.S., however, that a major illness can easily generate medical bills in excess of $1 million, and it is estimated that annually, hospitals in this country overcharge patients by as much as $10 billion.

The removal of lifetime coverage limits is of significant help to people who are fighting long-term illnesses like cancer, and also facing the accompanying potential for devastating financial disaster. Additionally, about 28 million children will benefit from the changed policy. Health care reform has also made it impossible for children to be excluded from health care coverage due to a pre-existing condition, and they are allowed to remain on their parents insurance policies up to age of 26, regardless of their educational or marital status.

Approximately 70 million of those who no longer face lifetime caps have insurance as part of a large employer plan, 25 million on small employer plans, and 10 million through privately purchased health insurance.

Other data included in the report indicated that 3.5 million Medicare recipients saved $2.1 billion on prescription drugs in 2011 due to aspects of health care reform, with 32.5 million beneficiaries accessing free preventive health care.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Lifting of Lifetime Coverage Caps Benefits 105 Million Health Insurance Customers.

The Pennsylvania Senate is poised to vote on a measure drafted by Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati, a Republican, that would amend the state’s constitution, making it illegal for anyone in Pennsylvania to be forced to obtain health insurance or to be fined for failing to do so.

The move is a direct effort to circumvent the personal mandate requirement of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a clause currently set to be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. If found to be constitutional, the mandate would take effect in 2014.

For the amendment to pass in Pennsylvania, it must be approved in two back-to-back legislative sessions and then be subject to a state-wide referendum. If the bill is approved in 2012, it could go up for a second vote after the legislature’s new session begins in January, and be on the ballot for the consideration of the citizenry in May 2013.

In speaking with reporters, Scarnati said, “I’m not doing this to debate Obamacare; that’s not really the issue. What this is really about is giving Pennsylvanians the ability to go to the polls and vote how they feel about being mandated by the federal government on this issue. I think that will be a very clear, clear message to the administration, to Congress and to the courts.”

There is a similar measure before the Pennsylvania House put forth by Rep. Matt Baker that would prohibit mandatory health insurance thorough a state law rather than a constitutional amendment. Leaders in both houses have said it will be necessary to meet and decide which approach stands the greatest chance of succeeding.

Health advocates oppose both moves, saying the prohibition would elevate health care costs and limit the choices available to state residents. The personal mandate has become a major point of debate in the lead up to the 2012 presidential election, with conservative Republicans and Tea Party adherents calling for the abolition of “Obamacare.”

Another key provision of the Affordable Care Act is the establishment of health insurance exchanges to create a competitive market for consumers and small businesses. Few states have made any concrete progress in establishing the exchanges, however, with many openly admitting they are awaiting the outcome of the election.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Pennsylvania Moves to Outlaw Health Insurance Mandate.

The American political scene is currently fraught with glaring contradictions in the public perception of health care reform. Even Americans who are drawing public benefits from much-debated “entitlement” programs from Social Security and Medicare to Medicaid support candidates calling for the abolition of those programs. In part, this is due to the poor public relations with which health care reform was presented to the American people in 2010 as well as a failure to explain that the real driving issue underlying the reform is personal financial protection.

Medical Debt Drives High Rate of Personal Bankruptcy

It is incredibly easy for someone to be hospitalized for nothing more than “tests,” with no serious injuries or diagnosed infection, and to walk out with medical bills in excess of $50,000. Coming out of what is now being called the “Great Recession,” approximately 62 percent of all personal bankruptcies filed in this country are directly caused by medical debt. A single illness without adequate health insurance coverage can destroy a family’s finances for years to come.

Currently there are some 50 million Americans who have no health insurance of any kind, including the 9.3 million who lost their health benefits during the recession along with their jobs. If the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is allowed to progress to full implementation in 2014, approximately 95 percent of the national population would be covered.

The stipulation for mandatory health insurance is, however, one of the most hated aspects of health care reform, and its constitutionality will be reviewed by the Supreme Court this March in the case of Florida v. Department of Health and Human Services, No. 11-400.

Supreme Court Review Spurs Attitude of Delay

The effect of the Supreme Court review, which is happening concurrently with the 2012 presidential election has been a massive delay of key aspects of the Affordable Care Act. Many conservative states that support Republican candidates who vow to see “Obamacare” repealed have tabled any efforts to implement the federally mandated health care exchanges that are designed to create a competitive insurance marketplace by January 1, 2014.

If those states do not meet the 2013 deadline to create exchanges, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be forced to take charge of the process, further increasing the burden on the federal government and setting the stage for even more state-federal power struggles.

Health Care Reform Suffers from Bad Press

Supporters of health care reform say the process is the victim of a vicious smear campaign by radio talk show hosts and conservative political commentators who have convinced Americans that the reforms either have no bearing on their lives or will actually cut them out of responsible health care. A long-standing rumor, for instance, is the idea that the law creates so-called “death panels” that will cut health-care expenses by essentially murdering old people.

Because the act was handled as an “insider” effort elicited to gain the support of the insurance industry, the medical community, and Congress, the legislation lacked a more broad-based and educational effort to build a broader public support base. In truth, health care reform in the wake of the Great Recession is more vital than ever to the financial interests of all Americans who, whether they realize it or not, are likely living one major illness away from financial ruin.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Ongoing Debate on Health Care Reform Fails to Consider Financial Perils of Medical Debt.

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act sought to reform health care in America in one sweeping, comprehensive package. The legislation could not, however, put purchasing power in the hands of consumers hard hit by the recession that began late in 2008. According to figures compiled by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and published in the journal “Health Affairs,” health care spending in the U.S. in 2010 increased only 3.9 percent. The second lowest increase in half a century.

High Unemployment Equals Lost Insurance Benefits

As unemployment hovered between 8 to 9 percent from 2009 through 2011, many Americans lost their job-based insurance benefits and could not afford private policies. As a result, more and more people put off medical care. Total health care spending in the U.S. for 2010 came to $2.54 billion (17.9 percent of the total economy), or approximately $8,402 per person.

Health care costs in the U.S. have increased almost 8 times from the 1980 level of $1, 110 per person. Many Americans who had already struggled with that upward curve for three decades lost the fight when they lost their jobs during the recession, or were forced to sharply curtail personal expenses to cover day-to-day necessities like food for their children.

Annual spending on health care in 2009 grew just 3.8 percent, the lowest rate recorded in 50 years. The miniscule 0.1 percentage point change in that level for 2010 is a clear indicator of the tight economic conditions under which Americans continue to labor more than a year later. Even given these statistics, however, per capita health spending in this country is the highest in the world.

Health Care Prime Political Point in Presidential Election

As the country moves into the 2012 presidential election season, these are the kinds of numbers that will be front and center in candidates’ remarks about the perceived success or failure of President Barack Obama’s health care reform package. Hailed by the White House as the president’s central domestic achievement, critics argue that the Affordable Care Act is actually Obama’s greatest failure and illustrates his ineffectiveness as a leader.

In March, the Supreme Court will be reviewing the constitutionality of one of the most hotly debated aspects of the Affordable Care Act, the requirement that all Americans have health coverage by 2014. Critics contend that the constitution does not give Congress the power to compel citizens to purchase any product in a free marketplace including insurance coverage. Although most Americans are compelled to buy auto insurance as a condition of holding a driver’s license, those stipulations are state, not federal laws.

High Cost of Medical Care Tied to Federal Debt and Spending

Health care reform also intersects with the ongoing acrimonious political infighting about the federal debt and deficit spending. By the second quarter of 2011, outlays for Medicare and Medicaid benefits were already up 10 percent for the year over 2010 levels, and on track to post a $90 billion hike for the year, sending the annual rate above $1 trillion for the first time.

Conservative candidates are hammering for both a repeal of key aspects of what is termed as “Obamacare” in the political jargon, as well as for a sharp decrease in “entitlement” programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Given the graying of the American population, spending increases in both programs are inevitable without legislative changes. Every day for the next 15 years, thousands of Baby Boomers will turn 65 and become eligible for both Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Additionally in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will extend coverage to some 30 million more Americans when Medicaid is to be expanded via a system of health insurance exchanges in each state. In 2011, Medicaid enrollment was up by 3.7 million as droves of Americans sought federal help when they could no longer afford private health insurance. The Obama administration, in an effort to help state governments, increased federal spending to share the Medicaid burden.

The Health Care Debate if Far from Resolved

Given the relationship between health care reform and deficit spending, President Obama will face an-ever growing challenge in defending the success of his health care reform package. In 2011, insurance premiums grew faster than benefits for the first time in approximately seven years. The price of coverage was up 8 to 9 percent on average, with some small group plans seeing even steeper hikes. Although small business owners tend to have a more intimate relationship with their employees and continue to offer insurance benefits even in hard times, many can no longer afford to keep their doors open and pay for health insurance.

Misunderstands and Rumors Complicate the Situation

Perhaps no other president in modern history has been at the center of so many swirling rumors as Barack Obama. When the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a study in November 2011, the results indicated that the vast majority of Americans do not understand the Affordable Care Act, nor can they name its major provisions. Yet, 44 percent of those surveyed disapprove of the legislation and by extension, the president.

Outrageous claims continue to circle on the Internet, with one of the most prevalent being the so-called “death panel.” This rumor suggests that the president’s support of “end of life” counseling is actually an attempt to cut medical spending in the U.S. by killing off thousands of older Americans by denying life-extending care to them in their final years. Run the phrase “Obama death panel” through a search engine and more than 135,000,000 results are returned.

Facts Speaker Louder than Rumors

Even in the face of that kind of obviously inflammatory rumor mongering, however, there are hard facts that make the health care reform debate central to the overall feeling of frustration and decline with which American voters are struggling. Insurance is 8-9 percent more expensive and fewer Americans than ever are utilizing the services of a doctor. We are an overweight and out-of-shape nation, with a third of the population qualifying as obese. Diabetes and heart disease are on the rise, and the population is growing older.

These problems are set against a varied social backdrop. There is an ever-widening gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” in America, graphically illustrated by the Occupy protests in the summer of 2010. Government spending is out of control. The collapse of the mortgage industry and the sweeping wave of foreclosures led to a real estate crisis that left thousands of Americans homeless and starting over. And there is a widespread call for a clamp down on big business after the bailout of Wall Street failed to halt rogue behavior on the part of big business. The popularly perceived failure of health care reform is symptomatic of a larger malaise, with the common man suffering the hardships while the politicians debate.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Ongoing Health Care Reform Debate Symptomatic of Larger Problems.

The on-going debate over the state of health care in the United States will move front and center in the 2012 presidential election year. For the most part, politicians will be focused on major policy points, like the highly contentious requirement for all Americans to carry health insurance by 2014. The decision the Supreme Court hands down after its review of that aspect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will contribute materially to all the subsequent political rhetoric. In the meantime, real people are dealing with real health insurance issues out of the national limelight, like the crisis of failed medical device implants, in particular, metal-on-metal artificial hips.

Widespread Failure of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants

These devices, which were marketed to consumers in their mid-50s were touted as a significant improvement over the previous generation of implants. Specifically recommended for younger patients, implants like the DePuy hip, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, were supposed to have an operational life of 15 years or more. As many as half a million Americans may have received these implants, that once accounted for a third of all artificial knees and hips used in America. Now, however, more than 5,000 lawsuits are underway, with many more to come, targeting surgeons for improperly positioning the devices and seeking recompense from manufacturers for their faulty designs.

In addition to simple failure of the hip’s function, the all-metal devices, during the regular motion of normal wear and tear, can shed metal debris into the surrounding bone and tissue. If left unattended, this may lead to bone necrosis or “death.” If the damage is sufficiently severe, a second “revision” surgery may be impossible, since the bone will no longer hold an implant. Consequently, thousands of Americans are being left permanently crippled in their 50s. The costs for these defective implants ultimately trickle through the entire medical system; they result in higher insurance premiums as companies try to recoup their benefit expenses; and they are even felt by taxpayers via the cost of Medicare payments.

Individual Medical Bills Reach Staggering Levels

A case highlighted by the New York Times vividly shows just how expensive a prolonged medical crisis of the nature of a failed hip implant can be. The newspaper profiled a 55-year old man whose artificial hip failed. Although his insurance did cover all his costs, the associated hospital fees were in excess of $400,000 with an additional $28,000 in doctor’s fees. Insurance companies will make that money back, and they typically do so by raising premiums across the board. Since health insurance benefits have already seen an 8-9 percent hike in 2011, with some pundits expecting that much again in 2012, specific cases like the crisis of medical device failures materially deepen an already bad situation.

The medical device failure issue also points to the broader scope of a phrase like “health care reform.” Most Americans equate that simply with, “I want to pay less for my health insurance,” when the next statement should be “and I want the Food and Drug Administration to do a better job of protecting me.” As long as problems of the size and severity of medical implant failure exist, bringing the cost of health care down in the U.S. is going to be extremely difficult. No one wants to eat the expense of such a failure, and so a complex game of robbing Peter to pay Paul begins, with the consumer most often being the one who loses in the end.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Failure of Medical Implant Devices Severely Escalates Health Care Costs.

In an opinion piece for The Washington Post, Robert J. Samuelson discusses the extent to which the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may prove to be a political liability for President Obama in the 2010 presidential election. His discussion is based on what Samuelson calls Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ efforts to make the health care reform law “disappear” for the president. In particular, Samuelson cites Sebelius’ decision to pass the final decision on the definition of “essential health benefits” for minimum health insurance to the states.

Under the provisions of the act, all Americans will be legally required to carry “acceptable” health insurance by 2014. The specific meaning of that language, however, is left up to the Health and Human Services secretary, and its implications are enormous. By 2016, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 35 million Americans will receive subsidized health insurance through Medicaid or via policies purchased through state insurance exchanges. The “essential health benefits” definition will apply to that coverage, as well as to unsubsidized policies purchased by individuals or in small-group insurance markets for pools of employees of 100 workers or less.

The conundrum is the same one that has plagued health insurance for decades. The broader the provisions of the policy, the more expensive the premium, which, in this case, would escalate government spending levels at a time when trimming the budget and resolving debt is central to the national debate. Sebelius essentially, as Samuelson termed it, “ducked this question.” Each state will define essential health benefits based on its own existing policies. Whether or not this adheres to the letter of the health care law is highly questionable, and it certainly does not provide for a comprehensible and enforceable national standard.

In immediate political terms, however, the decision could deflect a great deal of Republican criticism away from the President who has had to contend with charges that his reforms create a health care strait jacket that forces “one size fits all” coverage on all Americans. In dealing with the conservative opposition, it’s hard to politically err on the side of states rights. This historic pull between federal and state prerogatives, however, beyond directly contributing to a civil war, most normally creates the one element that already exists in over-abundance in the health care debate — confusion.

Under the present decision then, the states will have to make a choice on the “essential health benefits” definition based on one of ten existing insurance plans in the state. Samuelson quotes an example of how the directive explains the available choices, “The largest plan by enrollment in any of the three largest small group insurance products in the state’s small group market.” That alone proves that what is good politics for the president in terms of the coming election is not good policy for the average American. Of course, the whole thing could be rendered a moot point if, in March 2012, the Supreme Court renders that portion of the Affordable Health Care act which creates mandatory health insurance unconstitutional.

The only thing that’s clear about about the ongoing health care debate is that it will become more confusing, not less so between now and November, when the entire matter could fall to a completely new presidential administration.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Definition of Essential Health Benefits Good Politics, but Poor Policy.

The first stages of the Health Insurance Reform Act has only recently gone into effect, and many people find themselves confused about what it means to them. This new legislature will affect every American differently, and it is important to find out what changes may be necessary to stay in accordance with the new laws. One of the biggest ways the act may affect people is through health insurance rates nationwide.

Lower Premiums for Low-Income People

People who live near the poverty level can expect to get the greatest benefit out of the Health Insurance Reform Act, especially where health insurance rates are involved. They can expect lower premiums and out of pocket costs as well as better health care offered at each visit with the new incentives being implemented for doctors in every hospital in America. Middle class families may save as much as $2,300 a year in health insurance costs.

More Care Provided for the Price You Pay

No matter what your current premium is, the Health Insurance Reform Act will require your insurer to provide more care. For example, annual wellness visits and other preventative services will be mandatory in all health plans with no out of pocket costs necessary for people who choose to take advantage of these services. These out of pocket costs include both copayments and deductibles.

No More Limits

With the Health Insurance Reform Act in place, insurance companies will no longer be able to impose limits on the amount of coverage provided over a lifetime. This will stretch insurance dollars even farther than before, when it was possible for those with ongoing illnesses to exhaust the amount of care they were able to receive due to the limits on their insurance policies.

Easier Appeals Process

For the premium paid each month for health insurance, the Health Insurance Reform Act requires providers to make it easier for their customers to dispute coverage and plan denials. In a case where a health insurance provider refuses to offer coverage for medical care that a customer feels should be included in their plan, it will be easier than ever to make a claim against the company, even with the help of the state.

New Maximums for Insurance Premiums

The price people are expected to pay for health insurance in both premiums and out of pocket costs will be tied directly to their income, especially for those who are near the federal poverty level. Insurance companies are also being required to offer more services and benefits for their prices, especially those who provide for their customers through businesses, to improve the quality and level of health care available.

Of all the changes that will go into effect as a result of the Health Insurance Reform Act, people need to be most informed on how it will affect them individually – and the rates they pay each month. Those who are entitled to lower premiums and out of pocket costs need to make sure they are receiving the care for the price providers are required to by law to give them.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at How Does the Health Insurance Reform Act Affect My Health Insurance Rates?.

Health insurance benefits are important for all individuals to receive because it can be extremely expensive and sometimes cost prohibitive to seek life-improving or necessary medical care. Special health insurance is available to war veterans, who sometimes need special benefits.

How is War Veteran’s Insurance Different?

Many health insurance companies are not willing to insure the types of injuries that are acquired during a war veteran’s career. These injuries often require treatment for the rest of the veterans’ lives. Veteran’s health insurance is prepared to handle these line-of-duty injuries. Veterans will not be turned away from this health insurance due to their injuries.

Why Does the Military Offer this Insurance?

The military provides insurance for veterans because the Veterans Association wants to maintain and increase high veteran satisfaction. The country owes it to those that have served the country to protect them once they have completed their jobs. Veterans deserve the best health insurance and accessibility possible.

Who Qualifies for Veteran’s Health Insurance?

The most basic and important qualification to receive veteran’s health insurance is that the applicant must be a veteran. No individuals filing alone that are not veterans will be accepted by the plan. Some of the other questions include whether the applicant was honorably discharged or released and whether Reservists or National Guard members were called to active duty and whether they completed the full call-up periods.

Insurance for a Veteran’s Family

Sometimes veteran’s health insurance packages are able to include a veteran’s family. It might not be the best option for the veteran or his or her family, but it is worth evaluating because it might just be the best option. If the veteran’s health insurance is able to cover the family, check to make sure that the insurance will cover any special health needs of the family members.

How to Get Veteran’s Health Insurance

To see if a veteran qualifies for the veteran’s health insurance, contact the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). VHA is a subsidiary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The staff at VHA provides services such as finding local VHA doctors and locating specialists for veterans in need of treatment.

How to Apply for Veteran’s Health Insurance

To apply for veteran’s health benefits, submit the VA Form 10-10EZ online at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/. For help, applicants can call the help line at 1-877-222-VETS (8387). The application can also be submitted by phone at this number Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM EST. The form can also be printed out and submitted in person or by mail to the veteran’s local VA Medical Center or clinic. These options are also available for renewing benefits.

War veterans owe it to themselves to apply for veteran’s health insurance benefits to protect their health and financial security. Many veterans do not need to postpone expensive medical treatments because they qualify for quality insurance that will provide them the means and the specialists required to restore their health and peace of mind.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at War Veteran Health Insurance Explained.

When preparing for retirement, it is important to consider what health care plans are available. It is risky to let employer-sponsored health care expire without having a replacement lined up, so before this happens individuals should be sure to research their options. Here are some of the basics.

Medicare

Medicare is available for retirees who are 65 or over. It divided into different parts, but Parts A, B, and D are the most relevant. Part A is free for most retirees and is also known as “hospital coverage.” It helps cover the cost of inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospices, and some home health care. Part B requires a monthly premium based on household income, and helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient care, and some physical therapies and home health care services; however, all services must be deemed medically necessary for coverage. Part D plans are available to help cover prescription drug costs. Part D plans are run by private companies who determine any additional monthly premiums.

COBRA

If you choose to retire before the age of 65, COBRA may be an option. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, a law that requires employers to continue to provide healthcare benefits to retired employees for up to 18 months after retirement. However, the employer is not required to continue their contribution. This means that individuals will need to pay the entire premium which can be a substantial cost. If you are considering this option, be sure to contact your human resources manager to find out exactly how much continuing your coverage will cost.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, requires individual states to include provisions for high-risk persons to be able to purchase insurance. Each state has its own way of doing things, but in general, HIPAA options are expensive and only provide very limited medical coverage. If this is your only option, it may be better than going uninsured. However, finding private coverage may be less expensive and offer better coverage options than relying on a HIPAA plan.

Private Insurance

If you are retiring before age 65 and are in good health, you may be able to find affordable private healthcare insurance. There are many coverage options available and premiums can be kept low by choosing plans with high deductibles. Shopping online can help you get an idea of basic costs and compare prices of different providers as well as different levels of coverage. Speaking to an agent in person or over the phone can also help you get a better idea of your options and find the best deal.

As you approach retirement, keep in mind that, in the long run, good coverage may save you more money than cheap coverage and will also give you peace of mind. When planning your retirement savings, make sure to be realistic and expect continued increases in healthcare costs. This will help you maintain a high standard of living and enjoy your golden years.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at Retirement and Health Insurance.

You’ve tried lowering your deductible, choosing lower coverage policies, and just about everything else to save money, but health insurance rates are still skyrocketing. Following these five unorthodox tips can help you cut your healthcare costs and find alternative ways to get the affordable health care coverage you need.

Find a Generic Drug Plan

You may have noticed when shopping for over-the-counter medicines that the store brands cost much less than the brand-name varieties. The same is true for the prescription drugs that insurance companies cover. Generic drugs are identical in composition to their brand-name counterparts, but the brand names are significantly more expensive. As a way to cut down on costs, some health insurance companies have begun offering lower health insurance rates for policy holders who agree to purchase generic drugs.

Quit Smoking

It will come as no surprise that smokers carrier a higher risk of health care expenses, but many people may not be aware that smoking can also increase the cost of their insurance. Insurance companies analyze risk to determine rates, so it follows that high risk populations end up with higher health insurance premiums. There are many good reasons to quit smoking, so here’s one more: if you are a smoker and are looking for a lower price on health insurance, it’s time to kick the habit.

Shop Online

By shopping online, it is easy to see the level of coverage that companies offer as well as the rates and discounts that are available. You can easily customize your health insurance quote by filling out short questionnaires, allowing you to compare different plans and weigh the benefits of each one. Furthermore, you can take your time while examine your options so that when you are ready to buy, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you got the best insurance rate possible.

Consider Separate Policies for Family Members

It may seem intuitive that you will get the best rate possible by grouping your family together, but sometimes buying insurance for high-risk individuals can increase rates for an entire family. It may be possible to get a better deal by shopping on an individual basis rather than including everyone in a single family plan, then doing the math to see if splitting the plans will help you save money.

Ask for Discounts

Some insurance companies offer bonuses and discounts for participating in fitness programs, paying for premiums on a yearly basis, getting annual check ups and more. But you’ll never know if you don’t ask! Call your insurance company or check out their website to find out what kinds of discounts are available. You may even find that you are already doing something that can save you money.

In today’s world of high-priced health care, the only thing more expensive than paying for insurance is not paying for insurance. However, following these tips and being proactive when finding the right coverage can help you get discounts, save money, and have confidence that you and your family will be covered in the event of an emergency.

Content provided by Affordable Health Insurance. You can find the original article at 5 Unorthodox Ways to Lower Health Insurance Rates.