FINDING THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR NEEDS

We mentioned early on that when it comes to health care, there is no “one

size fits all.”

Ideally, working for an employer who offers non-contributory health

insurance is what most of us would aspire to. However, that is not a realistic

scenario.

Finding affordable, adequate health care coverage is a huge problem in our

country right now. If you are in a situation where you require certain

medications and have no access to reduced rates on prescriptions you can almost

bet the farm that you will be paying top dollar for the medications you need.

When considering a change in employment, scrutinizing the potential

employers health care plan is a given. Sadly, many people look at everything

about a new job except the health care plan, just lumping it together with a

“benefit package.” This could be a huge mistake. Contracting a debilitating

illness or becoming an unwilling participant in an accident is not something that

anyone can foresee.

This is particularly true with young singles. Life situations change and a

health care plan that was adequate for a single person may not apply should

he/she marry and even have children while employed. If their policy has no

provisions for the addition of dependents in the future you can find your health

care woefully inadequate. Take the time to project what your future situation

might be and plan accordingly.

One of the most overlooked segments of our society are the self-employed.

Depending on age and dependent requirements, the cost for individual coverage

can be astronomical.

If you are self-employed or a very small business owner, consider joining a

local association like a chamber of commerce, better business bureau or some

other type of business organization.

Many of these organizations offer access to health care that might

otherwise be prohibitive on an individual basis. They often charge a

membership fee to the organization. Sometimes even when you factor in several

hundred dollars a year for membership dues, that small cost far outweighs the

potential savings in premiums. Health care packages are often one of the most

lucrative options these organizations have to assist in recruitment of new

members.

If you do not fall into either of the categories above, you might investigate

other potential group options. Fraternal organizations, unions and clubs may

offer access to group rates. The important thing is to pursue every possible

avenue with an eye toward obtaining access to group health insurance.

Unless you are in a category considered as “low income” that would afford

you access to social health care you can plan on paying hefty premiums. If you

have a pre-existing condition, your chances of obtaining affordable rates are

statistically very low. But, there are some things you can do. Some tips to bear in

mind are:

<>

are and how widely diversified policies can be.

<>

adequate for your needs.

<>

excluded.

<>

<>

<>

<>

incur?

<>

<>

<>

<>

providers?

<>

<>

etc.

If you are in that “no mans land” where you do not yet qualify for

Medicare, Medicaid or any of the other social programs yet are too old for

individual coverage you might take a look at AARP. It can provide a stop gap for

that period of time while you are waiting to qualify for assistance.

If you are a young single parent, investigate any subsidized programs that

might be available in your state. Many states have programs that will provide

care for your children if not for yourself. These social programs are generally

based on a sliding scale based on your income level and in many cases visits and

prescriptions for your children might be free of charge.

With the skyrocketing costs of health care, no one should ever feel

embarrassed or sacrifice the health of themselves or their loved ones by applying

for any type of assistance that might be available to meet their needs. Until

something happens to curb this upward spiral we must all take special steps to

see that the most vulnerable members of our society receive the health care they

need. . .namely, our children and our elderly.