The Uninsured: Falling Through the Cracks

As the cost of health care continues to rise, more and more Americans are living without
health insurance-over 46 million in 2005, according to U.S. census data. And, while most of us falsely believe the uninsured are also unemployed, that is no longer the case.

Statistics show that the majority of uninsured Americans are two-parent families, at least one of whom works full-time. So why are they uninsured, since nearly two-thirds of our country's non-elderly have the benefit of employer-offered health insurance?

Most say they simply can't afford it, either because their employers don't supplement the bulk of the expense or they don't make enough to buy insurance themselves. Either way, it seems they're left with only two options: apply for public assistance or live without health care entirely.

A Closer Look

To better understand the effects of living without
health insurance, let's take a closer look at the uninsured, courtesy of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Here are some findings from a 2005 report on the uninsured:

Who's Uninsured?

* More than 8 in 10 of the uninsured are workers or their dependents.
* Because Medicare covers many older Americans, most of the uninsured are under age 65.
* They tend to be employed and making less than $20,000 per year.
* Members of minority groups are disproportionately represented among the uninsured.
* The majority have gone without insurance for two or more years.

Why Are They Uninsured?

1. Too expensive (64%)
2. No employer-sponsored coverage (8%)
3. Don't want or need it (8%)
4. Change in employment (7%)
5. Ineligible for public assistance (2%)
6. Pre-existing condition/pregnancy (1%)
7. Unemployed (1%)
8. Undergoing family status change: divorce, death, etc. (1%)

As these statistics indicate, most Americans are uninsured not by choice, but rather by circumstance.

The Lasting Effects

The consequences of living without
health insurance can be dire:

* Lack of routine health care, resulting in late diagnosis and treatment
* Lower quality emergency care, increasing the chance of death
* Higher mortality rates in otherwise preventable diseases
* Financial strain and debt from medical bills
* Lack of maternity care, resulting in higher mother and infant mortality rates

Though millions face these consequences every day, many can be helped. By getting involved in their communities, understanding our health care system and how it works, and talking with local insurance agents-some of whom specialize in low-cost insurance for the needy-many of our nation's indigent can find needed care without sacrificing their health.

Making a Change

Our health care system appears broken. And though congress and special-interest groups are working hard to help those who are falling through the cracks, change takes time. Meanwhile, the uninsured go without routine checkups and much-needed care, or find the help they need through government assistance programs-passing the cost along to those who are insured.

If you or your loved ones are uninsured, InsureMe can help. Our network of agents will work hard to help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were born out of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act signed by President Bush in late 2003.

An HSA is like a tax-sheltered savings account. You even get a debit card. If you don't deplete it this year, the remaining money rolls over into the next, growing at a tax-favored rate. Whatever is left upon retirement you can withdraw and use however you wish.

To be eligible for an HSA, you must have a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), which is an inexpensive, health insurance policy with much higher out-of-pocket cost. Though the deductible includes all your medical expenses, the plan can cover preventative care, such as immunizations, prenatal care and physicals. All other expenses, including prescriptions, are paid using the funds in your Health Savings Account.

Each year, you and your employer can contribute to your HSA up to the deductible amount of your HDHP.

Who Should Get an HSA?

Individuals with few health-care needs benefit most from an HSA. Portable, flexible and, if you rarely seek medical care, affordable, an HSA is a better choice for some.

An HSA is like an IRA, providing a place for you to deposit non-taxable money you can collect when you retire. And you'll likely save money on the HDHP because your health insurance premiums will be much lower.

When Is a Traditional Plan Better?

If you have a chronic condition that requires frequent medical care and numerous prescriptions, an HSA could get pretty expensive and you should probably pick a standard managed-care plan. With an HSA, you're required to pay those costs until you reach the deductible, which can be as high as $1,050 for an individual and $2,100 for a family.

HSAs, yes or no? It's a personal choice that will likely affect many facets of your life, so be sure to assess your personal situation—your physical health, your financial health—before making the switch from a standard health insurance plan to an HSA.

Related:

http://www.treasury.gov/offices/public-affairs/hsa/

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Health and Life Combos: A Great Way to Save

You purchase health and life insurance policies for a similar reason-to create a safety net for you and your family.

When you buy a health and life insurance combo from the same agent, you often stand to save money. Insurers offer incentives when you purchase two policies simultaneously; you save because you're giving them more business.

Benefits of a Combo

Save Money

The reason you get a few dollars knocked off the price when you buy two T-shirts instead of just one is the same reason you get a discount when you purchase two different policies from the same insurer. They want you to buy more.

When it comes to clothing, this may not be advantageous. After all, you can only have so many T-shirts! But if you're in the market for both health and life insurance, why not get them in the same place and save a few bucks?

Simplicity

Between your utilities, credit cards and insurance, you're probably juggling several payments with different due dates. Buying your health and life insurance together means one less bill or email to manage.

Health Insurance Basics

Three Basic Types of Managed Care

* Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): The main concept behind a PPO is the network. If you utilize this type of health insurance, you may choose any health care provider from within your network, determined by your policy, or any non-network health care provider. You usually are required to make a co-payment or pay co-insurance. Staying in-network saves you a bundle with PPO!
* Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Like the PPO, the HMO requires you to make a co-payment to an in-network physician. However, the HMO will not pay for services you receive outside the network. In order to obtain specialty care, you must attain a referral to a specialist from your primary-care physician.
* Point of Service (POS or Open Access HMO): This health insurance plan is similar to the HMO. However, when you need care, you can go out of network. But the POS will reimburse you only 50 to 80 percent and you also may be required to pay co-insurance and a deductible.

Non Managed Care

* Health Savings Account (HSA): Like the name implies, an HSA is a tax-sheltered savings account for medical expenses only. To be eligible for an HSA, you must purchase a high deductible health plan (HDHP), which is an inexpensive policy with greater out-of-pocket costs. Each year, you may contribute to your HSA up to the deductible amount of your HDHP. An HSA is not considered managed care because you are in control of your health care, using your own money to pay for services. However, any money you don't use will roll into the next year and upon your retirement, you can withdrawal the money and use it how you wish.

Terms You Should Know

* Premiums: Total monthly or annual policy payment
* Deductible: The amount you must pay before your health insurance plan steps in and begins paying your health care expenses. HMO and POS plans may eliminate this payment when you remain in-network.
* Co-payment: The amount you pay when you receive care. This amount varies depending on your health insurance plan and whether you've gone to an in-network provider.
* Co-insurance: Usually a percentage, co-insurance is the part of your health care you pay along with your deductible. Co-insurance is common in the indemnity and PPO plans. In a POS plan, you often will have to pay co-insurance as a penalty for going out of network.

Life Insurance Basics

Term Life Insurance: Term life insurance is more flexible and less expensive than permanent life insurance. It's best suited for younger families with several dependents, but without the financial means to pay the higher premiums of permanent whole or universal policies.

This type of life insurance lasts only the number of years you elect. However if you choose this term life insurance, make sure it's annual renewable or convertible; otherwise, it can become quite expensive.

* Level Term: Premiums and coverage are fixed over a certain time period.
* Increasing/Decreasing Term: While premiums stay the same, the amount of coverage increases or decreases over a designated amount of time.
* Renewable Term: Your term life insurance inevitably increases as you age, but your health is less predictable. A renewable term policy allows you to renew your policy without another medical examination.
* Convertible Term: This type of policy works well if you are planning to buy permanent life insurance in the future. It allows you to convert your term policy into a permanent one after a designated amount of time.

Permanent (Cash Value) Life Insurance: The premiums for permanent life insurance are five to ten times as much as for term life insurance. However, permanent life insurance usually covers you for your lifetime and often offers a cash value-you can actually accrue money throughout the life of your policy.

* Traditional Whole Life: If you pay the premiums, this policy won't expire. Many whole life policies have a cash value, or savings account. Part of your payment goes toward the cost of the insurance and the remainder is put in your cash value savings account. This type of life insurance is intended to cover the higher cost of your premiums as you age.
* Universal Life Insurance: This type of life insurance is the most flexible. As your financial needs change, so can your premiums. As with whole life, universal life has a savings account feature in which part of your premium payments are placed. Once a substantial amount has amassed, you can use all or part of this amount for your future premium payments. However, once the savings get used up, you have to begin paying again or risk losing your life insurance.
* Variable Life Insurance: This type of policy offers a savings account that you can invest in stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Your money grows more quickly than with whole or universal policies, but there is more risk. However, many variable policies guarantee your death benefit won't fall below a minimum level.
* Variable Universal Life Insurance: This type of life insurance combines the theory of the universal policy and the variable policy. It collects your money in a savings account that can be invested or used to pay future premiums.

A health and life insurance combo can save you time and money. At InsureMe we'll match you with agents on our network. Then, you can use your discretion and choose the right insurance that makes the most financial sense for you and yours.

Contact us today and start saving!

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

The Many Forms of Managed Care

HMO, PPO, POS—it's a veritable alphabet soup of health plans! Choosing the right insurance first requires understanding what features each type has to offer and which ones will meet your personal and financial needs.

Three Basic Types of Managed Care

* Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): The main concept behind a PPO is the network. If you utilize this type of health insurance, you may choose any health care provider from within your network, determined by your policy, or any non-network health care provider. You usually are required to make a co-payment or pay co-insurance. Staying in-network saves you a bundle with PPO!
* Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Like the PPO, the HMO requires you to make a co-payment to an in-network physician. However, the HMO will not pay for services you receive outside the network. In order to obtain specialty care, you must attain a referral to a specialist from your primary-care physician.
* Point of Service (POS or Open Access HMO): This health insurance plan is similar to the HMO. However, when you need care, you can go out of network. But the POS will reimburse you only 50 to 80 percent and you also may be required to pay co-insurance and a deductible.

You May Want a PPO If:

* You'd like the option of seeking out-of-network care
* You don't mind making a co-payment—usually about $20—at the time of each visit
* You don't mind paying a yearly out-of-pocket deductible before your insurer will begin coverage
* You'd like to benefit from discounted prescriptions and a large network of doctors from which to choose

You May Want an HMO If:

* You are a relatively healthy individual with no abnormal conditions that would require a specialist
* You want to avoid filling out numerous insurance forms
* You value preventative health care in the form of programs that encourage healthier life choices to achieve better health
* You'd like to benefit from slightly reduced premiums
* You don't mind working with only one primary-care physician who must refer you to a specialist for any unusual medical needs

You May Want a POS If:

* You can't decide between a HMO and PPO—this one is like a hybrid of the two
* You'd like to choose between the HMO or PPO option each time you need care
* You'd like the flexibility of going out of network and don't mind higher co-pays or coinsurance when you do
* You'd like to decide whether or not to pick a primary-care physician

Evaluate your health, financial situation and time constraints—even your personality type. If you are the type who prefers structure and organization, an HMO may suit you better than a PPO. If you have a chronic health condition that requires frequent medical attention, a PPO or POS may be your best bet.

Weigh the options, talk to friends and family about the types of plans they have, and choose what you think will work best for you!

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Texas Health Insurance Quotes

Texas Health/Medical Insurance Information

The most common way Texans are insured is through a group plan sponsored by their employers. Unfortunately, Texans who are self-employed, between jobs or not covered by an employer find it very difficult to find affordable health insurance.

The 78th Legislature of Texas has passed a pair of measures designed to help individuals who are not covered under an employer's health insurance plan:

Consumer Choice Plans—Texas legislators passed Senate Bill 541, which allows HMOs and insurance companies to offer "consumer choice plans." These plans are exempt from state-mandated health benefits required in traditional health insurance plans. This allows consumers to buy health insurance plans with a number of specified coverages that will fit various budgets. This bill helps Texas consumers move away from the "all or nothing" approach used toward insurance in the past.

Health Cooperatives—Senate Bill 10, passed by the legislature, gives small employers an opportunity to take advantage of the discounts large employers receive on their corporate health insurance plans. Bill 10 allows Texas companies to form "Health Group Cooperatives" of at least 10 separate employers, who can then purchase health insurance for their employees as a group. The goal of the bill is to encourage more employers to provide health insurance as an employee benefit.

Get Smart about Insurance Fraud—Insurance fraud is becoming increasingly common in Texas, and is being committed by groups or individuals who are trying to capitalize on the difficult health insurance market. A sure sign of a possible insurance scam is an unknown insurance company offering health insurance plans at prices well below that of legitimate insurers. It is always a good idea to call the Texas Department of Insurance's Consumer Information Line at (800) 252-3439 to confirm that the insurance company with which you do business is licensed in the state of Texas.

For more information on how InsureMe can help you find the right health insurance, please take a look at our FAQ section. Thank you for visiting InsureMe.com!

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Colorado Health Insurance Quotes

Thank you for visiting InsureMe.com, your source for Colorado health insurance quotes and information. Below you will find information regarding your rights as a health insurance consumer in the state of Colorado, some things to consider when shopping for insurance and advice for finding coverage if insurers will not sell it to you.

Once you have boned up on Colorado health insurance, just fill out the "Get a free quote" box to the right to receive up to five free quotes from agents in your area, who compete to serve you.

Don't wait for unexpected injury or illness to strike. Find Colorado health insurance today.
What You Need to Know about Colorado Health Insurance

Shopping for Colorado Health Insurance: Tips to Follow

A smart consumer is a protected consumer. Before signing on the dotted line, make a checklist of these items to ensure your protection:

Get Recommendations—If you have special needs or preexisting conditions, make sure you contact a doctor or support organization for health insurance recommendations.

Ask Questions—after reading through the policy, direct any and all questions to your Colorado health insurance agent. A good agent will be more than happy to make sure you understand your policy.

Know What the Policy Covers—be sure to review the "exclusions and limitations" section of your policy. Knowing what your policy covers will help avoid surprises during a physician or hospital visit.

Look into the Future—ask your Colorado health insurance agent how your rates will increase as you age, and how often the insurer can increase rates.

Identify Your Coverage Area—if you are looking for a managed-care plan, check the provider's directory to make sure there are suitable doctors, hospitals and other health care facilities in your area.

Put Them to the Test—call the insurer's customer service number to see how quickly you are able to get help.

Rights and Privileges of Colorado Health Insurance

As a consumer, you have certain rights pertaining to Colorado health insurance under state law. You should be aware of your rights and privileges to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you put your Colorado health insurance to work.

Regardless of the type of health insurance coverage you hold, you have a right to:

* Insurance coverage for state-mandated benefits
* Know what your health insurance plan does and does not cover
* Contact your insurer to complain or appeal any decisions with which you disagree
* Receive a standard form outlining health insurance benefits for comparison between companies and health plans
* A written explanation of why an insurance company denies your health insurance application, or excludes a health condition from insurance coverage
* Coverage of emergency room care, if you believe you are facing a life- or limb-threatening injury (even if it turns out you were not)
* Prompt payment of claims

What to Do If You Are Denied Health Insurance Coverage

If you have been denied Colorado health insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions, you may qualify for the Colorado Uninsurable Health Insurance Plan (CUHIP).

CUHIP is a state-run program, offering Colorado health insurance to those previously deemed "uninsurable". However, due to the high risk levels of CUHIP patients, CUHIP subscribers pay about 30 percent more for Colorado health insurance than those insured through the normal market. It is for this reason that CUHIP should be considered a last resort.

If you are uninsurable due to a pre-existing health condition, you may contact the CUHIP administrator at (800) 672-8477 for more information.

Maintain Your Health with Colorado Health Insurance!

Maintain your access to the health care system with Colorado health insurance. Just enter your information in our quote box and receive your free quotes today!

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

California Health Insurance Quotes

At InsureMe, we know having California health insurance is central to maintaining your access to the health care system. We also know millions of Californians are currently without health insurance.

We’re here to help—first by arming you with information, and then by providing you with up to five free quotes on California health insurance for your comparison.

So let InsureMe help you find the best California health insurance to cover your health care needs. Get your free quotes today!
What You Should Know about California Health Insurance

Current Events and Issues

In recent years, the California health insurance industry has brought in over $106 billion annually. Despite these earnings, health insurance premiums in California seem to be rising relentlessly to accommodate the ever-increasing cost of health care.

This trend has resulted in millions of uninsured residents across the state. In fact, a recent Families USA survey showed that there are close to 6.5 million Californians living without health insurance—over 20 percent of the state's population.

If you are part of that 20 percent, you don’t need to feel the stress of being uninsured any longer. Read on to learn how InsureMe—and the State of California—can help you find affordable California health insurance.

Types of California Health Insurance

In California, there are five types of health insurance policies you can purchase: Indemnity, Preferred Provider Organization, Health Maintenance Organization, Self-Insured Plans and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement.

* Indemnity policies are traditional fee-for-service plans, allowing you to seek treatment from any physician you choose. You may pay a deductible or co-payment with this plan.
* Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) policies provide a list of contracted providers from which you can choose to visit. You also have the option of seeing someone out-of-network at a higher cost to you.
* Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) policies require you to see health care professionals affiliated with the HMO, except in emergency situations. Typically, people covered by HMO’s choose a primary care physician to oversee their care.
* Self-Insured Health Plan polices are primarily used by labor unions, school districts and large employers; these groups provide a pool of money, from which they draw to pay for their employees health care.
* Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) polices permit members of trade, industry, professional and other associations to create trust funds for the purpose of providing health care to their employees.

For more detailed information about these plans, contact the California Department of Insurance at (800) 927-HELP, or visit them on the Web.

State-Assisted Care

If you have been unsuccessful in obtaining California health insurance for financial or health reasons, check out the following programs:

The Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP) offers limited health insurance benefits to Californians unable to obtain coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Some restrictions do apply; for more on MRMIP, call (800) 289-6574.

The Healthy Families Program, offered through MRMIP, provides low cost health, dental and vision coverage to kids from low income families not eligible for public assistance. For more information on the Healthy Families Program, call (800) 880-5305.

The Access for Infants and Mothers Program (AIM) was established to expand care for pregnant women. AIM offers a comprehensive benefits plan, including both inpatient and outpatient care. For more information on AIM, call (800) 433-2311. Pacific Health Advantage (PacAdvantage) provides more affordable California health insurance to small businesses with two to 50 employees. Plan rates may vary by age, family size and region. For more on PacAdvantage, call (877) 735-5742.

These are just some of the many ways that California is working to bring California health insurance to all residents, in efforts to make the category of the uninsured obsolete.

Find California Health Insurance Today

Your access to health care depends largely on your health coverage. Maintain that access by finding California health insurance today.

Just fill out our box and receive up to five free quotes from InsureMe. Finding affordable health insurance has never been easier.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Health Insurance for Teachers

Now posing a dramatic and serious challenge for school districts across the country, health insurance for teachers is no longer a guaranteed financial benefit.

As the cost of health care escalates and school budgets stretch to their limits, today's educators must either shoulder a heavier percentage of group health insurance premiums than ever before, or opt out of school-sponsored health insurance altogether.

If you're a teacher searching for affordable alternatives, take heart; you do have options. Read on to find out why traditional group health insurance may be failing you…and just what you can do about it.

The Dilemma

New medical technologies, the price of specialized and emergency care, and a booming pharmaceutical industry have pushed premium costs skyward. As hospital costs increase and drug companies develop new medications to fight the spread of sickness and disease, they pass those expenses along to the rest of us—teachers included.

But as one of the more traditionally low-paying and least recognized professions around, teachers' resources are limited. This forces them to either:

* Surrender wage increases to keep health insurance costs at bay, or
* Pay a larger percentage of health care costs in exchange for meager cost of living increases

Either way, teachers are left at a distinct financial disadvantage—and often with no health insurance at all.

One Solution

For teachers tired of supplementing group health insurance rates, individual or family health insurance may be just the needed solution.

Unlike group health plans, these types of policies are negotiable. That means you can work with an agent to get the coverage you need, rather than settling for what your state teachers' association or local school district offers.

If you buy personal health insurance and subsequently leave your teaching job, change careers or retire, you take your policy with you. You face no coverage lapses, no additional waiting periods on preexisting conditions and you’re spared the need for COBRA continuation coverage.

Buying both health and life insurance from the same insurer also carries a discount you can't get with a group health plan for teachers. Multi-policy discounts can help you maximize savings so your paycheck stretches further and your budget is more manageable.

What They Don't Tell You

Though touted as the best way to save money on health insurance, group plans may or may not be right for you. But they're definitely not a cure-all—and that's an unpublished secret in the world of group health insurance.

Before you just accept teachers' health insurance at face value, talk to a licensed health insurance agent. That way, you can discover your options, examine them closely and make an informed decision….the right one for you.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Catastrophic Health Insurance

Many Americans live day to day without health insurance. And while the cost of routine medical care won't ruin most of us financially, the expense of a catastrophic illness certainly could.

If you're looking for low insurance premiums but want coverage that picks up the slack when it comes to major medical concerns, a catastrophic health insurance policy might be just what you need. Read on for more information about this cost-saving health insurance strategy.

Take Charge of Your Health

Also known as "high deductible" or "major medical" insurance, catastrophic health insurance is designed to protect you from ruinous medical costs while encouraging you to shop wisely for routine health care.

Here's how it works:

* You choose a higher-than-normal deductible, usually between $250 and $2,000, depending on your insurer. (The deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your insurer starts paying.)
* You agree to cover your own medical costs up to that deductible amount.
* Once you spend up to your deductible, your insurance company covers 100 percent of your medical costs (with certain restrictions).

As you can see, catastrophic health insurance leaves the choice in your hands. You make the choices that fit you and/or your family best; your insurance company rewards you for taking on a measure of additional financial risk.

It's just that simple!

A Money-Saving Choice

Choosing a catastrophic health insurance plan can drop your premiums significantly.

How? By agreeing to cover the expense of your own routine health care costs, like doctor visits, medications and such, you lessen the financial impact to your insurer—and that, in turn, lowers the cost of your health care.

Meanwhile, you're empowered to live a healthy life, take care of yourself and seek treatment only when necessary, cutting avoidable expenses from your budget…and who among us can't afford to do a little more of that?

Serious Coverage

So what is covered under a catastrophic health insurance policy?

Depending on the policy you choose, medical procedures that can help diagnose, avoid or eliminate catastrophic illness are generally covered. This includes medical processes such as x-rays, hospital visits, lab tests, surgery and intensive-care stays, to name just a few.

And what isn't covered? Usually, more routine events such as doctor visits, medications, prenatal care and some preexisting conditions are excluded from catastrophic health insurance plans.

Keep in mind there are always exceptions. So if your employer doesn't offer health insurance coverage or you don't want to pay for health coverage you really don't need, speak with a qualified health insurance agent on the InsureMe network. There are many high-deductible plans to choose from—and it certainly never hurts to know your options!

Shopping Tips for the Novice

Before you buy a catastrophic health insurance plan, reflect on these questions—while comparing policies—to help you decide if this type of protection is well-suited to your and/or your family's needs:

1. How much is the deductible?
2. How much are the premiums (payable monthly, quarterly or yearly)?
3. Are these calculations in line with my/my family's budget?
4. How much coverage do I/we really need?
5. Can I/we afford to cover my/our own doctors' visits and prescriptions?
6. Do I/we have any preexisting conditions requiring frequent medical visits or treatments?
7. Am I/are we a generally healthy individual/family?
8. What is the lifetime annual benefit (the yearly limit your insurer will cover)? Will this meet my/our needs?

Don't let the sometimes unsettling cost of health insurance leave you unprotected. Consider a catastrophic health insurance plan, use InsureMe to get quotes from agents in your area, and lower your premiums.

It's a great way to save on health insurance—without sacrificing essential coverage!

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Self-Employment Health Insurance

Self-employment health insurance sales is one of the biggest and most lucrative markets for health insurance companies.

By nature, self-employed individuals are the perfect market for insurance companies seeking to sell individual and family health insurance policies because the self-employed tend to have difficulty getting insured by group plans except through a spouse. Also, the self-employed tend to comparison shop for insurance more often than most. For these reasons, many companies target this sector of the health insurance market.

While the self-employed have many options when purchasing health insurance, the variety of choices can be overwhelming. Sometimes, well-known companies that sell group policies can also sell individual and family policies. Many consumers find this to be a good option since they trust insurance companies with recognized names.

To find out if a large company offers individual insurance, call the company or check their company Web site.

A great way to find health insurance, whether self-employed or not, is by using our online referral service. We collect your information and then distribute it to up to eight health insurance agents and/or insurers. These insurance agents are from your area, and must pay a fee for your information. This means they're motivated and will contact you with their best insurance policy quotes in order to gain your business. Remember, the more agents you speak with, the higher the chances of finding an insurance policy that fits both your needs and your budget.

Being self-employed can be a great adventure with personal satisfaction and financial reward as some of the benefits. However, there can also be many obstacles, like having to find health insurance. By utilizing the resources on this Web site, you will be better able to find, understand and purchase the right health insurance for you.

Take advantage of our referral service and apply for insurance quotes from agents in your area. Start now by filling out our quote box !

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Inexpensive Health Insurance: The Choice Is Yours

Just because you're healthy doesn't mean you don't need health insurance. In fact, health insurance is meant to help you stay healthy!

But many people mistakenly think they can't afford to pay for health insurance to maintain their health. In many cases, that's simply not true. And health insurance doesn't just help in maintaining your physical health, it can protect your financial health as well. A 2005 Harvard University study of nearly 2,000 Americans in bankruptcy courts revealed that half were there because of illness or medical bills.

Making Lifestyle Changes

If you're uninsured, don't despair; InsureMe is here to help you find inexpensive health insurance. We help by matching you with agent and insurers and health discount plan providers. They, in turn, provide you with free quotes, allowing you to compare policies and pick the one that meets your needs.

We understand how tight household budgets are these days and, at the same time, we want to help you get-and stay-healthy. But first you must help yourself.

How? Start by doing everything possible to lead a healthy lifestyle:

1. If you currently smoke or use tobacco, stop.
2. If you don't exercise or eat a well-balanced diet, start.
3. See your doctor for annual physicals so problems can be detected right away, before they get out of hand.
4. Limit your alcohol consumption.

No one can make these lifestyle changes for you; you'll have to make them yourself. But staying healthy is the best way to get inexpensive health insurance.

Locating Inexpensive Health Care

Beyond making lifestyle changes, there are several other ways to find inexpensive health insurance, while still maximizing coverage. We suggest these tips for best results:

* See if you qualify for group health insurance. Check with your employer, an alumni association or professional group you belong to. Many organizations offer group plans at discounted rates-a big money-saver when it comes to your premiums.
* Examine individual health plans. They're less expensive than you might think!
* Consider pairing a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a health insurance plan. An HSA allows you to use pre-tax dollars to cover routine health expenses, lowering the cost of your major medical insurance.
* Increase your deductibles. The more you're willing to pay before your insurance kicks in, the less you'll pay in insurance premiums.
* If you have a small income, check on state-sponsored programs through your state's division of insurance, or contact your local division of family services to see if you qualify for Medicaid. Many states have help available; you just have to ask.

Finally, make use of resources like the internet and friends and family. Spend some time researching, reading and getting recommendations. Since health insurance quotes can vary widely from one insurer to another, these might be the shortest routes to the savings you need.

Taking Care of Business

When it comes to inexpensive health insurance, the choice really is yours. So don't risk your well being, life and finances by going without insurance.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Health Insurance Quotes from InsureMe

In the past, consumers like you who were looking for health insurance quotes had to look up insurance agents in the phone book, call for an appointment, and give their personal health history for every quote they needed. This was a time-consuming and frustrating process, as some health insurance quotes were well outside some consumers' price range, and consumers had to wait a considerable time to get a health insurance quote. However, this system did have one advantage—consumers were able to speak with a real agent, ask questions, get a clear understanding of the health insurance policy, and then get an accurate health insurance quote.

The advent of the Internet allowed consumers the opportunity to access insurance information and health insurance quotes online through insurance referral services. These services cater to the growing demand for online health insurance quotes and, as you may expect, each has its own way of providing quotes to consumers.

Some companies provide health insurance quotes online. This method is convenient because it gives you an idea how much health insurance will cost. Caveat emptor (buyer beware): sometimes online health insurance quotes can be inaccurate. Some companies present their cheapest possible quote online, and many of their insurance plans have minimal coverage and high co-payments or high deductibles.

Keep in mind that health insurance quotes are based on many determining factors, such as health history, height, weight and age. Be wary of quotes generated without this basic information, as they are likely to be inaccurate.

Companies like InsureMe are another type of insurance referral service. We send your information to insurance agents or insurance companies that pay for it. The advantages to this type of service are numerous. First, you input your information only once and it is distributed to multiple insurance agents (in most cases), and you receive multiple quotes with only one inquiry. This helps consumers like you save time when looking for health insurance quotes. Second, you get competitive quotes from knowledgeable professionals who analyze your information and give you an accurate quote. These insurance agents tend to be responsive and eager to help.

InsureMe is a leader in the online health insurance referral business, and we have been helping people find the right insurance since 1993.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Finding Cheap Health Insurance

Cheap health insurance—everyone wants it, but not many people know how to find it. Paying an affordable insurance premium and getting the kind of insurance coverage you need would be great, wouldn't it? Of course it would—but how do you find cheap insurance?

When looking for health insurance, don't forget the old saying "you get what you pay for." As always, make sure you understand your coverage limitations when you sign up for any kind of health insurance or discount plan.

Hospitalization or catastrophic health insurance plans also can provide cheap health insurance. These types of plans focus on coverage that will protect you in case of some sort of major, life-changing event, such as a bad accident or major illness. These types of plans usually do not cover any type of preventative care, such as doctor visits. Some individuals who seldom visit the doctor can create a suitable health plan by combining a hospitalization or catastrophic plan along with a medical discount card.

As mentioned, medical discount cards can be useful in conjunction with other coverage. A medical discount card, however, is not a health insurance plan. It is actually nothing like health insurance. What it will do is save you a fixed amount, or a percentage of the cost, of a particular procedure or a visit with a participating physician. In the case of a catastrophic illness or injury, a medical discount card may save you a percentage of your medical bill but most likely, your out-of-pocket expenses will be enormous. Beware of medical discount salespeople who misrepresent medical discount cards as an alternative to a good health insurance policy.

Cheap health insurance is best found by investing time, educating yourself and comparing a few policies. InsureMe is designed to be an invaluable resource for insurance shoppers like you in this process. Fill out our easy form, and we’ll match you with insurance agents, carriers and discount plan providers who may be able help you make the best decision regarding your insurance.

Once again, shop around, get multiple quotes, and learn all you can about a policy before you buy health insurance, be it cheap, expensive or somewhere in between.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.

Health Insurance: Your Questions Answered

What is managed care?

Managed care is a health-care system in which your primary physician acts as the gatekeeper for other specialized medical services. There are three main types of managed care.

* Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): The main concept behind a PPO is the network. If you opt for this type of insurance, you may choose any health care provider from within your network, determined by your policy, or any non-network health care provider. You are usually required to make a co-payment or pay co-insurance. Staying in-network saves you a bundle with the PPO!
* Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Like the PPO, the HMO requires you to make a co-payment to an in-network physician. However, an HMO will not pay for services you receive outside the network. Your primary care physician acts as the gatekeeper to your health care. In order to obtain specialty care, you must attain a referral from them.
* Point of Service (POS or Open Access HMO): This health insurance plan is similar to the HMO. However, you can go out of network. But the plan usually only reimburses you 50 to 80 percent, and you may be required to pay co-insurance and a deductible.

Is a managed care the only type of health-care system?

No. Over the last decade, the cost of health insurance has inflated considerably. The government responded by creating the Health Savings Account (HSA), which is a consumer-driven health-care system. The HSA pairs with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

The health-care consumer puts tax-exempt money into the savings account. When they require medical care, they use the money in their account to pay for it. If the cost of service exceeds the deductible of their HDHP, the insurance company pays the excess.

The HSA could save you money because you only pay if you seek care. However, if you have a health condition or accident-prone children, this type of policy may end up costing you.

What is an out-of-pocket limit?

After you spend a certain amount on covered medical services, including your co-payments and deductibles, your insurance company pays the rest of your medical expenses for the remainder of the year.

What is a lifetime maximum?

Your plan only pays a certain amount for medical care you receive throughout your lifetime. This amount varies depending on your plan. This is especially important to know if you or a family member suffers from an ongoing medical condition.

What are exclusions and limitations?

Depending on your policy, some services are not included, like cosmetic dentistry or mental health care. And some items are limited, such as the length of time you can stay in the hospital. You are responsible for those things excluded or limited by your plan.

How often do rates change? Do they increase as I get older?

As you age, you're at higher risk for certain health conditions. For example, men are more susceptible to prostate cancer after age 55. Insurance underwriters take those types of statistics into account. Asking questions and understanding how they determine your health ranking is the best way to ensure you get a fair price. Conditions like high cholesterol or blood pressure used to guarantee a higher insurance rate. But because of medical advances, that is no longer the case.

Does health insurance pay for prescriptions?

In many cases, you will make a co-payment for prescriptions. Depending on your plan, certain types of prescriptions may not be covered, such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacements.

Are there waiting periods before certain treatments are covered?

Some policies have waiting periods before they make payments on any health care you receive. Others have waiting periods before you can receive treatment for pre-existing conditions. It varies, so it's important to find out before committing to a plan.

Becoming informed is the first step. Now it’s time to request a quote by filling out a short application. Let us get you on the right track to getting the right health insurance.

This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.