Low Income Health Insurance… Great for Students

kirpo — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 04:29:17 +0000

What’s the matter with you… why don’t you have low income health insurance?

That’s what they always seem to ask. It seems that many of the people that complain about uninsured consumers bringing down the system, all have money. Indeed, how can one possibly think about ordering health insurance when the family barely makes enough money to pay rent, groceries and basic amenities?

Some families simply cannot afford health insurance. It doesn’t help that some insurance providers are making it difficult for low income families, by increasing insurance rates or denying coverage for individuals with a pre-existing condition.

Don’t despair!

Even if you are a low-income family that cannot afford traditional health insurance you may be able to find a good deal on low income health insurance. The facts speak for themselves: according to the Commonwealth Fund, which estimates that 96% of high income families have health insurance, but 53% of low income families do not.

So no one is denying the fact that a good health insurance policy may be too expensive for low income families to afford. However, having no insurance still creates many problems that are hard to ignore. When a person is uninsured he or she is four times more likely to avoid seeing a doctor for urgent care or preventative care.

Avoiding a doctor for years on end gives the body plenty of time to develop an undetected and untreated disease. Because of this fact, it is believed that almost 50% of all advanced stage diseases are found in the uninsured.

Even though uninsured individuals believe they are saving on costs, they still pay $3,300 (average) on emergency room costs each year. Lastly, some doctors and clinics will refuse to see individuals who are uninsured. While emergency rooms may not turn away people in need, higher quality clinics still can.

So it should be reassuring to know that low income health insurance options are available even if traditional HMOs and PPOs are not affordable. Usually low income health insurance plans refer to supplemental plans and savings account plans.

That means that while you do not have a traditional policy in effect, you still can save on prescription drugs, doctor visits or in selected cases even diagnostic testing or surgery.

Supplemental low income health insurance plans charge much lower premiums than standard policies.

The average supplemental premium could cost 50% less than a traditional premium. Insured families can also enjoy hospital benefits as well as limited accident coverage. This is not a full medical plan but it can help tremendously.

There are also other types of alternative plans to consider such as catastrophic health insurance plans (that cover only major testing and surgery) as well as a high deductible plan. Some of these plans can cover surgeries and testing bills of up to two million dollars!

If you are in doubt, then talk to an insurance agent about a plan that is right for you. Remember that you’re not only providing for your own health but also the health of your children and spouse. Responsibility is not cheap, that is very true. However, it may be more affordable than you think!

Health Insurance for Students… If Anyone Needs It, They Do!!

kirpo — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:48 +0000

Health insurance for students makes a lot of sense.

Good students are the future of this country and are the great minds that will shape tomorrow. It’s important that these students seek regular medical check ups and have access to a doctor. After all, student life after hours isn’t exactly known for being fit and healthy. This makes health insurance for students a necessity in this day and age.

How does it work?

In some cases, students will rely on their school’s health care clinic rather than looking for insurance. However, these health care programs are not very comprehensive in quality, nor do they provide any great savings on medical care. They are just there…they are convenient. Private health insurance for students provides more advantages and benefits for these young people.

Health insurance may be paid by the student, who may have a part-time job outside the school, or by a student’s parents who are sponsoring the education. As with any health insurance policy, students will have to make decisions on maximum coverage, a deductible amount and which physicians they want to use.

For example, it’s important to note that some injures (such as sports injuries) will not be covered by some policies.

Suddenly, that’s thousands of dollars of debt the student or his family must contend with. Students should also consider if their insurance provider works with referrals or if they must approve every healthcare provider that gives a service. Insurance companies should also be easily accessible through customer support telephone lines.

Now more than ever it is important for students and their families to look into health insurance.

For students, putting themselves at risk for sickness, injury and disease is just a part of life. Some of the dangers students are exposed to include fights, binge-drinking and sexual activity with multiple partners. Even if students live a generally conservative lifestyle, there is still the risk of contracting diseases like tuberculosis or the notorious swine flu.

How can you find health insurance for students?

You must conduct a search of all the insurance providers in your area. While some providers can only be reached on the phone or through their websites, others can provide instant only quotes by way of a search comparison tool.

Remember that these quotes are just estimates and that you won’t know the full extent of coverage until you talk to a representative and see the items in the contract. Do not sign with a provider without considering other options. Also, factor in your unique needs to your search.

For example, does your education require that you travel to other countries? Will you be covered in the event of an injury? What about prices on prescription medication?

Lastly… consider the state that you are in.

Laws on health insurance for students differ according to state. This is why a comparison tool is useful: it saves you time by bringing back only relevant insurance quotes. It’s time to start taking your health seriously—when you are young and vibrant, not when you’re out of school and developing ulcers! You can find a good insurance quote online and safeguard your future.

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