HomeTrendingHow Can I Afford Health Insurance

How Can I Afford Health Insurance

Consider Working With Other Professionals

How Young Adults Can Find Affordable Health Insurance With HealthCare.gov

While you may want to work with a psychiatrist to diagnose your condition and prescribe any necessary medication, you may consider working with other professionals after you receive your treatment plan. If psychotherapy is part of the plan, you can explore working with a licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or other appropriately trained professional. You can also explore online options to find a more affordable option.

Get A Diagnosis Over The Phone

Unless you have a serious illness and need hospitalization, many doctors offer the option of telemedicine. You can get a diagnosis over the phone without having to pay the in-facility co-pays or service fees.

Some providers offer online and telephone services so you can get access to a doctor at any time. It is not the same as health insurance, but is a cheaper alternative and can still get you the care you need.

Finding The Right Plan For You

Whenshopping for health insurance its important to consider your currenthealthcare needs and any needs you anticipate in the future. Its alsoimportant to consider your budget and what you can afford.

Need help figuring out what coverage is right for you? eHealth is here to help. eHeath is the first and largest online health insurance brokerage, so you can be sure that you will find the best plan for you and your needs with us.

Our online tools are here to not only help save you money but help you keep your doctors when making the switch. eHealths comparison tool allows you to easily compare a large range of health insurance options, so that you can find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.

Start shopping for individual and family health insurance now!

And when you turn 65 and are ready for Medicare, let eHealth help you with that transition as well.

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Financial Aid Through The Exchange

If you buy a health plan through the Exchange, you may qualify for financial assistance that would lower your plan’s premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

The premium tax credit is based on income estimates and household information. Income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies for lower premiums with the premium tax credit.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded the existing premium tax credit program so more people qualify for financial assistance when enrolling in a health plan through the Exchange.

Annual income relative to the Federal Poverty Level

Household size

Key Dates For Getting Marketplace Coverage For 2022 During Open Enrollment

Health insurance: What coverage can I afford, options before Medicare ...

Keep in mind that you may be eligible to get a health plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . An SEP is caused by a qualifying event, such as having a baby, getting married, or moving to a new county. Also, if your household income is currently less than 150% of the federal poverty level, youre eligible to enroll anytime during 2022 because of the ARP. Learn more about how and when to enroll in health insurance.

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How To Find Affordable Health Insurance

The cost of health insurance varies mainly based on a combination of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The more you’re willing to pay out of pocket for care, the lower those monthly rates will be.

That means the most inexpensive health insurance plans are those with higher deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. That makes shopping for affordable healthcare a balancing act between what you pay every month and what you will have to pay if you need care.

Fortunately, there are programs and plans aimed at making affordable health insurance accessible.

What To Do If You Have No Health Insurance And Need To See A Doctor

Even if you dont have health insurance, you can still see a doctor and receive medical treatmentpreventive care, acute care, urgent care, or emergency care. The difficult part is to find services that are affordable. The best places to start are community health clinics, walk-in clinics, and direct care providers.

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Improved Access To Medical Services

People with access to health insurance have more access to health care services. When there is no financial barrier, then more people are willing to seek out medical care.

A study found that those who had coverage had better access to the following:

  • Behavioral and substance abuse treatment
  • Preventative care services
  • Great sense of well-being and overall health

Less Financial Stress

Health insurance covers hospital visits, emergency surgeries, prescription drugs, medications, preventative care, and doctor visits.

All of that can add up, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, have dependents, or need prescription medication. Health insurance works to give you a bit of financial relief after you pay for a premium

Coverage gives you financial protection and physical protection when you go to get professional medical services. That alone is one of the most important factors people look at when getting health insurance.

How Do I Get Health Insurance If I Cant Afford It

The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and how it improved individual and family health insurance

Before you decide to go without insurance, check out these options for ways to make health insurance more affordable for you. Go Off-Exchange. Join a Group. Adjust Your Income. Put Money in an HSA. Deduct Your Premiums. See If You Qualify for a Catastrophic Plan. Understand Limited Insurance Options.

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Healthmore Teens Are Attempting Suicide Its Not Clear Why

Why arent people getting the help they need? The answer is complicated. On one hand theres the lingering stigma around mental illness that may hinder people from seeking care , but theres also the fact that our health care system has yet to treat mental health as comprehensively as it does physical health. Theres no such thing as an insurance-covered annual mental health exam for instance, and therapists who do accept insurance are often working twice as hard just to get reimbursed by providers.

Having been through the ringer trying to not only find a therapist who accepts my insurance, but is also taking new clients, Id just about given up on my personal quest for affordable services. Fortunately, after talking with a number of experts in the field, Ive learned there a multiple ways to get the care I need without going broke in the process.

Tip #: Shop For Health Insurance Only

The Health Insurance Marketplace is for private health insurance only. You cant get life insurance, long-term care insurance or other types of insurance through the marketplace.

Medicare is another type of insurance that is not offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If youre eligible for Medicare and want to renew or apply for Medicare benefits, you can do so through the Social Security Administrations website.

But Medicare alone may not be enough to cover your medical expenses. In addition to your Medicare benefits, you can enroll in a supplemental health insurance plan that includes Advocate Health Care so youre getting the best health care possible.

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What To Do If You Cant Afford Health Insurance: Alternative Health Insurance Options

If you are and individual under the age of 30 or qualify for a hardship exemption and are in generally good health, you may be eligible for a catastrophic plan. Catastrophic plans are low-premium plans that tend to have a high-deductible but offer ACA-compliant coverage.

In most states, you can also buy short-term health insurance plans. Premiums for short-term plans tend to be substantially lower than those of comprehensive health plans available on the marketplace.

Although they are called short-term plans, you typically can keep your coverage up to 3 years in most states by simply renewing your plan annually. While these plans do not offer the comprehensive coverage of a major-medical health insurance plan, they do provide an affordable alternative to ACA-compliant plans that can keep you covered in worst-case scenarios.

If you enroll in a short-term plan, you will pay a monthly premium and a deductible. These plans typically offer the following benefits:

  • Some prescription medications
  • Visits to your doctor
  • Hospitalization due to illness or injury

Keep in mind that short-term plans can deny coverage for these services based on a pre-existing medical condition.

How To Get Affordable Health Insurance

I Can

It’s possible to find affordable health insurance by comparing options and applying for subsidies. Make sure you understand how low premiums can mean high deductibles and coinsurance amounts.

Finding affordable health insurance can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have insurance through an employer. Because employers cover part of the cost, cheap health insurance at work is more common that for those buying individual health insurance.

Between the Affordable Care Act marketplace and other government-sponsored options, cheap medical insurance is available to most people. The key is to research your options and understand the coverage you’re getting for your monthly premium.

Read on to find out how to find affordable insurance for you and your family.

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Receive The Help You Deserve

Working through a mental health challenge and living with mental illness can be challenging. Its important to recognize there is help out there, even if it takes some time to find a treatment option thats right for you.

While working with a psychiatrist can be helpful, its not the only way to treat or manage mental illness. Online therapy could be a good option if the hassle of or cost of attending in-person appointments prohibits you from getting the help you need.

Research suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for helping manage symptoms of depression. Additional studies suggest that therapy combined with medication is often a more effective treatment method for anxiety and depressive disorders than medication alone.

Turning 65 And Retiring: Consider Medicare And Other Options

When you get close to age 65, spend some time reviewing and considering all your Medicare options. When you do become eligible at age 65, youâll want to remember to sign up during your 7-month initial enrollment period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65.

Thereâs a lot to learn about the world of Medicare. Youâll need to know about Medicare Parts A, B, and D, as well as Medicare Advantage and âMedigapâ supplemental insurance plans.

In brief:

  • Part A covers hospital costs after you meet a deductible.
  • Part B is optional coverage for medical expenses and requires an annual premium. Part D is for prescription drug coverage.
  • Medicare Advantage plans are all-in-one managed care plans that provide the services covered under Part A and Part B of Medicare and may also cover other services that are not covered under Parts A and B, including Part D prescription drug coverage.
  • Supplemental policies, referred to as Medigap policies, are offered by private insurance companies to supplement expenses that Medicare Parts A and B do not typically cover.

Tip: You may be better off paying a higher premium but not having to pay out-of-pocket at your office visits. Look at the cost of annual premiums and co-pays at different levels of supplemental insurance. Compare these costs. Then factor in the number of visits and co-pay/co-insurance per visit that you anticipate for the next year.

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How Do I Get Cheap Health Insurance

Regardless of how you shop for an affordable health insurance plan, you’ll want to examine the numbers and make sure your doctors accept the plan. Otherwise, you may have to pay more or all of the costs for visits to those doctors.

Compare the premiums, copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Also, determine what costs are most important. Finally, ask yourself if you’d prefer lower premiums or lower out-of-pocket costs.

Michael Daugherty, vice president of sales at GetInsured, advises that very low-premium plans can have higher price tags because of out-of-pocket costs.

“Purchasing a plan with a low premium can be a pitfall if it ends up having a high deductible, he says. Also, short-term plans may appear to be cheap, but they only cover you in a catastrophic situation and generally exclude expenses that may result from pre-existing conditions. It’s important to buy health insurance from a reputable, qualified broker who can explain your options and tell you what the real cost of a health insurance plan is.”

Deborah Gordon, author of “The Healthcare Consumer’s Manifesto: How to Get the Most for Your Money,” says the best plan depends on your specific circumstances.

“If you don’t expect to need a lot of healthcare services, that trade-off may work out well for you, Gordon explains But, if you’re worried about unanticipated expenses or wouldn’t be able to handle medical bills, consider a plan that protects you a little better.”

Apply For Cost Assistance To Afford Health Insurance

When you can’t afford health care

Dont give up hope if you couldnt afford Obamacare in the past. The Affordable Care Act now aims to make healthcare more accessible to low-income households.

If your income is between 100 and 400% of the federal poverty level, you can get premium subsidies for your health insurance. This cost assistance is the reason why a lot more Americans can afford traditional health insurance.

The amount of your subsidy depends on your income level and your coverage you need. And the money goes straight to your insurer. You only have to pay the difference.

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Choose A High Deductible Plan

If you cant afford regular health insurance monthly premiums, it may be worth looking into a high deductible health plan . These types of health insurance plans have a lower month-to-month premium, so theyre more affordable in the long-term.

However, if anything goes wrong, youll have to pay a lot more out of pocket. According to the IRS a HDHPs deductible starts at $1400 for an individual, and $2800 for a family.

While its better to pay $1400 than $13,000 for a burst appendix, regular long-term treatments add up to a higher cost. So, if you need to speak with a doctor often, youll want to look into more affordable options.

Tips For More Affordable Health Insurance

Help decrease your health care costs and save money using the following easy tips:

  • Choose the right plan All plans provide the same set of essential health benefits, quality, and amount of care. Where they differ is on how the costs of the benefits are applied. Learn more.
  • Know your plan All plans are different. Before you go for care, make sure you know how your plan works, whats covered and where to go. It may save you time and money. Learn More.
  • Stay in your network Most health plans like HMOs and PPOs require you to use certain doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals. Stay in your network when possible to help avoid paying more. Register or log in to Blue Access for MembersSM, our secure member website, for a personalized search experience based on your health plan and network.
  • Understand your prescription benefits Know the details of your prescription drug coverage plan. Sometimes going to certain pharmacies or using mail order pharmacy services can help you save money. In addition, always ask your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a generic version of your medicine available. Learn more.
  • Use your member perks Look for member discounts on things like gym memberships and vision services. Check to see if there are special incentive programs for quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising and more.
  • Stay Healthy Do your best to eat right, exercise and get regular health screenings. Encourage all family members to live a healthy lifestyle, too.

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Tip #: Go For The Gold

There are four different types of health insurance plans to choose from on the Health Insurance Marketplace. They include:

  • Bronze This plan offers the lowest monthly premiums with the highest out-of-pocket costs for care. Bronze plans are a good choice if you want coverage for catastrophic events like accidents and life-threatening illnesses. Keep in mind that most routine care will need to be paid for out-of-pocket.
  • Silver Silver plans offer a moderate monthly premium and a moderate deductible to match. Youll pay slightly more per month than you would with a Bronze plan, but youll also pay less out-of-pocket.
  • Gold If you can pay a higher monthly premium and want lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care, a Gold plan could be a good choice. Those who expect to make a substantial number of health care visits in the coming year often choose Gold plans.
  • Platinum Platinum plans have the most expensive monthly premiums with the least out-of-pocket expenses. If you require frequent care, a Platinum plan will significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Each type of plan provides the same essential health benefits, including hospitalization, emergency care, rehabilitative services, lab tests, prescription drugs, preventive care, maternity and pediatric care, and treatment for mental health disorders and substance abuse.

Health Choice For Children

What to do if you can

The North Carolina Health Choice Health Insurance Program for Children is a comprehensive health coverage program for low-income children. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, but cannot to afford private or employer-sponsored health insurance, your children may qualify for NC Health Choice.

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