The cost of health care is skyrocketing by day. This is as result of complications, modern technology, high cost of research, cost of specialist attention and others. This has greatly affected access to quality health care especially to low income families. For this reason, the current federal administration in the United States took steps to protect her citizen by enacting the health reform law in March 2010.
The reform advocates for subsidy of medical care without compromising quality. It promotes unhindered access to health care for all citizens irrespective of health condition or income. It also mandates insurance companies to include preventive and wellness benefits in any new health plan. And advocates for sanctions against any insurer who will deny anybody cover under any guise. The law indeed contains so many provisions to help the common man.
However, before the coming of the health reform law, there exist quality and affordable health insurance programs you can take advantage of.
The problem most consumers face is lack of adequate information.
Let’s take a look at some of affordable health insurance programs.
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
This program is designed for those who are laid off from employment. Under this program, a laid off person can still continue with his past employer’s health plan at a subsidized rate for a period of 18 months. The premium is reduced by 65% and eligible individuals pay only 35% of their total medical need.
Temporary Health Insurance
This is an indemnity plan and transitory in nature.
It provides cover for 6 months with lesser procedural formalities. It does not cover for preventive, routine dental and optical care. However, it’s better than not being insured.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
This form of plan is classified under the permanent cover. This program is ideal for employees of small businesses. This program allows the employer to determine what he or she will contribute into his or her employee’s health program. The HSA accumulates tax free interest and removes the burden of premium from the employer.
Other choices available are the group health insurance, state risk pool and dental discounts. There are also state and federal government sponsored health programs such as the Medicare or Medicaid, Tricare, State Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Child Health Plus (CHPlus), Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Veterans Health Administration and so many others. Research and get yourself educated more on these programs.
If you are considering health insurance, get connected with online insurance brokers to help you buy quality coverage at the cheapest market rate. Please you are advised not to be overwhelmed with lower cost but concentrate more on getting quality contract that provides for all your need.
I hope you find this information useful in your search for quality and affordable health insurance.
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