How To Find Affordable Health Insurance

Uploaded by Howcast on Dec 17, 2009
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Use these tips to find a health plan that meets your needs and your budget.
To complete this How-To you will need:
Research
A high deductible
A health savings account (optional)
Step 1: Check state laws
Become familiar with the health insurance laws in your state. Type the name of your state and "health insurance laws" into a search engine to find the appropriate government web site.
Step 2: Check out group rates
Check out policies that trade associations offer; they often have lower rates. But make sure you're contacting a reputable trade group. Some lure in members with low premiums that jump up in a year or two.
Tip: If you're self-employed, see if your state offers group rates to businesses with just a few employees.
Step 3: Comparison shop
Comparison shop either on your own or with the help of a health insurance broker. Locate the latter through nahu.org.
Step 4: Read the fine print
Buyer beware: Some policies offer only "limited benefits," a distinction that's not apparent unless you read the fine print.
Tip: Three-quarters of Americans who are pushed into personal bankruptcy by medical problems had health insurance.
Step 5: Go for a high deductible
Consider a high deductible. Depending on the size of your family and your medical situation, it may be cheaper to hold health insurance primarily for a catastrophic illness or injury rather than for regular office visits.
Tip: Find out if you can open a health savings account, which lets you put money in an interest-bearing account that can be withdrawn, tax-free, for medical expenses your insurance doesn't cover.
Step 6: Protect your children
Protect your children by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOW for information on low-cost -- or even free -- health insurance for children 18 years and younger. Each state has its own program for low-income families, and eligibility rules vary.
Step 7: Look into Medicaid
If your income is very low, find out if you're eligible for Medicaid by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Step 8: Apply for Medicare
If you're 65 years or older, apply for the federal health insurance program known as Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Dallas L Alford IV, CPA is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of North Carolina and owner of Atlantic Financial Consulting, a consulting firm that provides comprehensive medical billing services, practice management consulting, coding audits, Medicare compliance, Medicare RAC support and other general medical practice consulting services.
To learn more about Atlantic Financial Consulting you may visit their website at
http://atlanticfinancial.us/ or contact Dallas L Alford IV, CPA directly at 1 888-428-2555, Ext. 200.