Do not approach health insurance with fear. It is true the field is complex and your options are many, but the more you learn, the safer you will feel. Health insurance is similar to healthcare itself. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By making smart choices when you select health insurance, you can avoid difficulties in the future.
Individual policies tend to cost quite a bit more than a group plan, so be sure that you plan out your finances accordingly. It is possible you might have to be satisfied with a higher deductible and/or less coverage. It is always a good idea to get quotes from several different companies, to ensure that you are receiving the best possible deal.
Vision Insurance
If you need glasses, or if someone in you family does, vision insurance should benefit you. The insurance will likely cover some of the cost of doctor visits as well as a portion of costs related to contact lenses and glasses. You do not have to have vision insurance, and some choose to save money by not buying this coverage.
It is wise to look over your prescription insurance plan at least once a year. Health insurance companies tend to change the medications they cover, so see to it that you read the contract’s fine print each time you re-enroll. If a medication you rely on daily is not covered anymore, you may need to find a new insurance carrier.
Obtaining catastrophic coverage instead of comprehensive coverage can often save you money on health insurance. The lesser coverage only covers hospital visits or emergency care, but it will save you money.
Be sure to regularly check to see which prescriptions are covered by your health insurance policy. The list of covered prescriptions changes annually, so it is important to be certain that your medication is still covered.
The Health Savings Account (HSA) option is likely the best choice for you if you rarely visit the physician. Just think, the money you are not paying in higher insurance costs can be set aside for any future medical expenses.
Be sure to review your bills carefully. Even with health insurance you will get bills that you did not expect. Prescription medications especially can add up to a significant expense that you may not have factored in to your out-of-pocket costs. Many doctors just write out these prescriptions for brand-name meds without mentioning generics. Also, shop around. Some generic medications cost less at different pharmacies.
When selecting health insurance, be aware you have many options. Prepare yourself before meeting an insurance agent, try to read all of the options that are available to you and the specifics of the plan that applies to you. Understand what all of it means before picking anything.
When you go to switch your insurance policy, make sure to get all the information about your current plan. Take note of deductibles, the annual cost, co-pays and the types of medical procedures and costs that your old policy covers. Keep this information, as well as a copy of the plan you have currently, available when searching for a different policy.
An option you have when getting a prescription from your doctor is to ask him to double the dose he prescribes. In most cases, a larger pill does not cost much more than a smaller one; you could be saving money in the long term. This way your pill splitter is going to be paid for before you know it.
You might be able to qualify for a medical care card which entitles you to discounts, reducing the cost of your insurance policy as well. These cards let you go to doctors in the network at a cheaper cost if you have a lower income. These cards can also get you an HSA, or Health Spending Account plan, which will cover costs.
When you get sick or hurt is not the best time to find out you have inadequate health insurance. Instead, learn as much as possible about the terms and limitations of your current insurance plan, and familiarize yourself with all of your options. Having a poor insurance policy is not a good decision, but you can change that anytime.
