Finding affordable health care insurance

Research all your options so you have the information you need to make your medical decisions with confidence.

Research all your options so you have the information you need to make your medical decisions with confidence.

While  there is a lot of talk in Washington about health care reform, it probably doesn’t help you if you need medical insurance TODAY.

If you’re in the market for health insurance–whether you recently lost your benefits or you’re just looking for better rates–here are a few tips to finding affordable, comprehensive health care insurance for you and your family.

Use a health insurance broker
Brokers know the market. They can help you shop for the lowest prices, and they also know which companies offer the best coverage for your needs.

For example, Tech CU offers medical and life insurance. The credit union works with such companies as Blue Anthem, Blue Shield of California or Kaiser Permanente to find its members medical and life insurance at affordable prices. Tech CU representatives can walk you through the pros and cons of each plan since there are so many options and it’s easy to feel confused or overwhelmed.  (Here are some good questions to ask when choosing a plan.)

The National Association of Health Underwriters can also put you in touch with specialists in your area too.

The Internet is your friend
You can find lots of online sites that can give you instant quotes. For example, did you know a healthy 30-year-old single female can find health care plans that start as low as $40? Do this to compare rates and make sure you’re getting the most for your money.

Use government resources
The state of California has dedicated online sites to help you figure it all out: http://www.ca.gov/Health/HealthCareServ/HealthInsurance.html

You can find information for everything from help for drug and alcohol abuse to contacts for caregivers and mental health programs.

Can COBRA help?
COBRA is more expensive but it can be useful if you are in poor health, in a market with few choices, or you want to stick with your current doctors.

Don’t take something as important as health care coverage lightly. Research all your options so you have the information you need to make your decision with confidence.

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