Health care coverage provides financial security, better access to health care and improved health for families and individuals. Affording health care isn't always easy, especially with high unemployment rates and increased health insurance costs. Whether you are between jobs, laid off or simply can't afford a traditional health insurance plan, there are several options for affordable health care.
High-Deductible Plan
Health care coverage plans with high deductibles offer lower premiums than traditional health insurance plans. The policy often doesn't cover any medical expenses until you reach the high deductible, which, as of June 2010, may be around $2,000 or more depending on the policy you choose. In general, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. This option works well if you are generally healthy but want coverage in case of an unexpected accident or major illness. Make sure you understand exactly what the policy covers and what portion you have to pay.
Club Insurance Plans
Many clubs or organizations offer health insurance plans at a discounted price to members. This may include your school's alumni association, a professional organization or a community group. Groups such as AARP also routinely offer health insurance to members. If you aren't already a member of a similar group, consider the cost of membership to determine if the investment is worth the savings on health insurance. The plan may be a traditional health insurance policy or a health discount plan that reduces your out-of-pocket expenses when you go to the doctor. Read the fine print to ensure you understand all of the details of the health care coverage.
Temporary Insurance
Temporary, or short-term, insurance policies help bridge the gap if you are between jobs. If you don't currently have access to other health care coverage but will in the near future, this option may work for you. Short-term health insurance policies typically only pay for major medical expenses. The coverage may not be ideal, but it protects you from huge medical bills if you have an accident or other unexpected health event.
Community Health Centers
Community health centers often provide medical services for a reduced fee. Some clinics funded by the federal government have a sliding pay scale that uses your income to determine how much you pay for services. Urgent care facilities sometimes offer more affordable health care for individuals without insurance. Some medical facilities will offer a discount or negotiate the payment if you are uninsured and paying in cash.
Discount Prescriptions
The costs of many medications are very high, adding to health care costs for those who are uninsured. Many pharmacies at chain stores now offer discounted costs for generic drugs, with a cost of only a few dollars for a basic prescription. Not all medications fall under the discounted cost, but it can save you a significant amount of money if you are prescribed a medication on the list.
Member Comments