Having trouble finding competitive rates from different companies? Simply enter your zip code below to find health insurance quotes near you today.
If you are currently unemployed, or work for a company or organization that does not offer health insurance coverage, you can contact local health insurance companies and ask if they offer individual coverage.
Are there other places where I can find health insurance?
Another place to apply for health insurance is your local department of social services. With a department in each county, you can call on social services to learn about the options available to you and your family when it comes to health insurance.
Many times, there might be circumstances that prevent you from getting the right type of health insurance coverage at an affordable cost. The department of social services can explain all of your options and help you find the appropriate coverage for you.
Is there a cost associated with applying for health insurance?
In most cases, there should be no cost for applying for health insurance. Whether through your employer, the health insurance company, or department of social services, you should never pay to apply for coverage.
If someone insists that you pay to apply, contact the company directly, or call social services for assistance. Once you have coverage, there will most likely be costs involved. However, there should be no exchange of money to apply for coverage.
What are the different types of health care coverage?
Depending on the level of coverage you receive, you and your family can get care for:
- Doctor appointments
- Labs and x-rays
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medication
- Surgeries
Most insurances cover basic preventative care, such as well child visits and annual exams for adults. Some insurances cover expensive procedures such as hospital stays, prescription drugs, behavioral and mental health care.
However, it is important to look at the different options available and determine which one is the most appropriate for your situation and is the most affordable. Some health plans may not have the highest premium costs, but may require extremely high co-pays for services.
Other plans may offer basic coverage, but have high health insurance deductibles that must be met in order to receive coverage. Most companies offer a side-by-side comparison as to the different options available to the policyholders. Be sure to spend time and compare before agreeing to a certain coverage plan.
Is there free or low cost health insurance available?
Yes, if you meet certain income requirements and do not have the ability to secure health insurance coverage through an employer, you may be able to get health insurance coverage through a state or federal program.
For example, parents of young children who do not have insurance coverage can be covered through Child Health Plus at little or no cost. This coverage allows children to see a physician, get all their necessary vaccinations, and receive prescription medicine when necessary.
In fact, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, some states are receiving bonuses for signing children up for health insurance.
The cost of Child Health Plus will depend on family income, but will never cost more than $60 a month, per child.
Family Health Plus is also available to families that cannot get insurance through other sources. Similar to Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus offers the basic care adults need to stay healthy and ability to be treated when they are sick.
Does all health insurance include dental and vision coverage?
The answer to this question depends on the coverage. Some health insurance companies offer dental insurance riders and vision insurance riders that allow you to get treatment when necessary.
Many dental and vision plans are more expensive than regular health care coverage, and can cause your premiums to be much higher. Speak to the company as well as either your employer or the social services department to learn about the best options available when it comes to dental and vision coverage.
Finally, be sure to look into any supplemental plan to ensure that the coverage is beneficial. Several companies offer “discount cards” for an annual fee. These discounts can be used with certain health care providers, pharmacies, and dentists. However, before paying for a discount card, find out if the savings will be worth the cost.
Find rates for health insurance coverage today by entering your zip code below.