How To Compare Different Health Insurance Options

Purchasing and/or maintaining a health plan is a crucial benefit for both individuals as well as families . When compared to other plans, health insurance can often prove less expensive in the long run. However, purchasing the appropriate option can seem overwhelming.
What To Know
When beginning the process, initiate a conversation with a current employer or a spouse's current employer about specific health insurance offered at the office. Obtaining benefits at a place of business often provides the simplest and most straightforward method as well as the most comprehensive package.  Additionally, many companies subsidize premium costs which can turn into a substantial yearly savings as well.
Research the specifics of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). COBRA's federal regulations allow the recently unemployed to extend health insurance benefits through a former employer's plan for a period of 18-36 months.  Be prepared to absorb the cost of the full premium and not the subsidized rate offered through a former employer.
Working directly with a health insurance agent can often help dig through the many details when comparing options.  Find a local agency to collect data on the many different choices available based on specific familial responsibilities and any pre-existing conditions. Visit the National Association of Health Underwriters at www.nahu.org to easily select an office in your neighborhood.
Research and compare the pros and cons of fee-for-service, Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) and Point of Service (POS) plans. Fee-for-service options often allow a broad spectrum of flexibility on where to go for primary care as well as selecting specialists.  However, this flexibility often comes with a higher premium than other outlines.  Keep in mind that raising a deductible may help defray this expense. A PPO offers a rate higher than a fee-for-service plan, but will require care from physicians within their specified network.  A POS association works similarly as a PPO, but mandates that the primary care physician select any required specialists.  Finally, HMO's are highly restrictive but often do provide the least expensive rates. 
Participants with preexisting conditions should always compare costs of drug prescriptions currently being filled.  Ensure that switching plans will not bump up the price on regularly taken medications as this can truly affect the total out-of-pocket costs for the health insurance coverage.
When comparing choices, remember to keep in mind the time it takes to seek care for a specific medical condition.  Some health insurance plans will often keep patients waiting while verifying coverage, while others have a speedy turnaround.  This is an important process to consider for patients with moderate to severe health restrictions. 
Before signing on the dotted line, verify a policy renewal form.  Regardless of medical history or current condition, the clause should automatically renew at existing rates.  Also ensure there is a "no-dropping" clause to confirm no possibility for an unforeseen lapse in coverage.
The current healthcare system can often seem difficult to pilot through.  However, armed with a few tips and some general knowledge, finding an appropriate plan can be an easy transition.