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.
There are many options for the college graduate when it comes to choosing health insurance coverage. If you are currently employed, you may be eligible for your employer’s insurance plans. You can also consider your parents’ insurance if you are below 26 years of age. If nothing else works, there are a ton of personal plans available through insurance companies, too.
Evaluate what your health insurance needs are so you’ll be ready when open enrollment time is near. Even if a certain plan fit you well in the past, your needs may have changed, thus, you need different coverage. Open enrollment also gives you the opportunity for making changes to other plans, such as dental or vision.
Choose catastrophic insurance coverage over comprehensive to lower your premiums. You will be covered for emergency care, but not for simple visits to your doctor.
Health Insurance
Did you know that your health insurance can help you pay less on your taxes? Many people do not realize that the premiums you pay for health insurance are tax deductible. Health insurance premiums, prescription costs, deductibles and other expenses not covered by insurance may be deductible on your tax return. Check your state tax guidelines to ensure you’re adhering to both local and federal rules.
Choose the type of health insurance plan that best suits your needs. There are many different plan choices, including PPO, POS and HMO. They all have different options that you should look into and consider before buying from any company. Importantly, double-check that your current doctor is available for use in any plan you are considering.
Check with the doctors and hospitals that you use and make sure you will be able to keep going to them under the insurance policy you select. To get a list of doctors that accept the health insurance you’re considering, simply visit the insurance provider’s website.
Keep in mind that some insurance companies will add a surcharge if a spouse you include on your insurance plan has access to their own insurance through an employer. Sometimes, it is less expensive for you and your spouse to have individual insurance through your own employers. Do the math on both scenarios to be sure.
Starting a personal Health Savings Account or HSA is a good idea if you are among the lucky few that rarely goes to a doctor’s office. This allows a person to save money pre-tax in an account to be used for medical expenses later. The premium savings from a high deductible can go into the account, for example.
When you get injured or have an illness, you do not want to suddenly learn you are not covered for certain things. Prepare yourself and learn all you can about insurance and your options. Living with poor health insurance is a bad decision, but it is one that you can correct at any time.
