What Is Considered A Dependent?

Traditionally, it is your spouse or child. Stepchildren are usually included in the definition although an ex-spouse is typically not allowed to be classified as a dependent for insurance purposes. If they are listed as a dependent on your tax return, there could be an exception. There also may be an age requirement for the requested change.

How Do I Find Out How Much It Costs To Insure A Dependent?

We make it easy to view rates from all of the top companies. The top portion of this page allows you to enter your zip code to start the free quote process. Quickly, you’ll be able to provide some basic information to determine which companies will offer you the lowest rates.

How Expensive Is It To Add A Dependent To An Existing Plan?

The cost depends on a number of factors. Of course, a single dependent is going to cost less than adding a spouse and multiple children. Also, rates in certain states, such as Ohio, will tend to be cheaper than other states such as New Jersey or New York. If it is a group-sponsored plan, than the percentage of the premium paid by the employer will have a tremendous impact on your cost.

If you already have an existing independent health insurance policy, juvenile rates should not be that high. Usually, the monthly cost will be between $25 and $100 per month per person, assuming there are no major health issues present. However, adding a spouse can be more expensive since the husband or wife will be much older than the children.  Also, the likelihood of a major health condition is higher, so the risk of denial of coverage is a possibility. Online medical insurance is always available.

If a spouse or child can not be added to an existing policy because of medical problems, there are other alternatives. Most states have “Open Enrollment” programs that offered medical coverage to dependents. “High Risk Pools” have been created by the “Affordable Care” Act that could potentially help, if all of the criteria are met. Rates will vary from one state to the next. Pennsylvania rates, for example are only $270 per month (approximately). Most other states have higher premiums.

Can A Dependent Buy His/Her Own Medical Insurance?

Yes, they can. However, depending on the age of the person to be insured, options may be limited. For example, if it is a child under age 19, many health insurers will not offer coverage unless a parent is included on the policy. “Child only” health care plans were largely eliminated in 2011 due to changes from national health care reform. “Short-term” plans are usually available although benefits will be limited.

A spouse can easily apply for their own personal plan. The Rate on a separate plan is often substantially lower than the group rate through an employer. The reason is that often group medical insurance premiums through employers are often very favorable for the employee. But once a spouse and/or dependents are added, the employer may no longer be contributing towards the coverage, and the cost increases.

Maternity benefits are much more likely to be covered under health care through an employer. If this is a potential issue, spouse benefits through an employer should typically be accepted, unless an individual plan is available with maternity coverages. However, many individual plans either don’t include maternity coverage or charge a very high rate for its inclusion.

This type of plan can also be used for US citizens that are traveling to foreign countries and need temporary medical coverage. Whether the trip is for a few days or is an extended visit of a few months or more, there are affordable options offered from reputable insurers.

What Do These Plans Cover?

A standard visitors health care plan covers the most common emergency room and hospital expenses such as room charges, surgery, inpatient diagnostic testing, many outpatient expenses, intensive care, anesthesia and various facility charges. Private duty nurses, office visits and prescriptions may be covered, although subject to policy restrictions.

However, often there are specific limitations on the covered amounts per event or the total benefit for the life of the plan. Typically, the maximum lifetime benefit is between $25,000 and $100,000. Also, often there are scheduled maximum benefits for many items including surgeries and daily room charges.

What If I Live Here In The US And I’m Traveling Overseas And Coming Back?

Actually, that’s what many of these types of plans are designed for. The vast majority of persons who travel to Europe, Asia or other destinations, do indeed return! Depending on the type of current policy you have, some benefits should provide coverage, especially for major catastrophic expenses. However, often, unexpected physician visits (or specialist visits) may not be covered under your personal or group plan.

Many visitors health insurance policies can provide some of this missing coverage. Although you won’t have the same comprehensive benefits that you are accustomed to, a portion of these office visits or prescriptions will be paid for. There will be limitations, depending on the plan you select, and many times it will NOT be cost effective to add limited office visit and/or RX coverage.

We Just Hired A Nanny From Overseas. Can She Get Medical Coverage?

Usually, she can, although some companies may want her to be a “legal resident” of the state for a period of time. Typically, that time frame is about 6 months. However, there are many health insurance companies that would be able to offer her a policy very soon after she arrives.

Initially, she may only qualify for a basic catastrophic plan with very little office visit or prescription coverages. But preventive benefits should be included with no out-of-pocket cost and at some point (perhaps within 3-12 months), a more comprehensive plan will be able to be offered. Each company has different guidelines so it’s always important to research more than one carrier.

Blue Cross, Aetna, UnitedHealthOne and any regional insurers in your area would be good choices to check. When you request a quote at the top of the page, you’ll be able to view and compare plans from most of those companies. Each company will clearly provide their policy on foreign travel and how it affects policy benefits.

Who Qualifies For A Preferred Medical Plan?

Although each insurer has a different set of guidelines, there are some common factors that each company uses. The BMI (Body Mass Index) is commonly utilized to help determine a rating. For example, if you are a 5’10” male, you will probably have to weigh less than 200 pounds to qualify for the best rate. A 5’4” female will probably have to weigh less than 165 pounds. Different carriers, however, will have slight variations to these numbers.

Also, if an applicant weighs more than these suggested weight limits, it does not mean their application for coverage will be declined. They could be assigned a “standard” rating, which may slightly, but not significantly raise the rate. But a combination of major weight problems along with multiple conditions could cause an underwriter to deny coverage.

How Much Lower Are Preferred Rates?

Each company determines their own underwriting criteria and guidelines, but generally, a preferred rate is about 10%-20% less than a “standard” rate in health insurance. Typically, the insured must be taking no medication (there are exceptions) and have no ongoing conditions (again…there may be exceptions) to qualify for the best rate.

Many companies offer “modified” rate classes that will often provide rates 25%-100% above the normal rate. While this isn’t an ideal rate, it does have its place. Sometimes, there are only a few different rate classes. However, a few carriers will have many rate classes…even as much as 10 different ones!

For example, if an applicant for medical coverage takes medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and is also 35 pounds overweight, it is possible the policy will be approved. However, the issued rate may be 75% higher than the original quoted rate. This “modified” increase does not impact the benefits of the policy, just the cost.

Other common conditions that can cause the original quoted premium to increase are restless leg syndrome, gerd, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, seizures, arthritis, headaches, and sleep apnea. Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list and the severity of the condition will affect the rate.

Are Some Medical Insurance Plans Better Than Others?

Yes. The most expensive policies will often have low or no major medical deductible. For example, often HMO plans will contain a small daily maximum expense instead of a larger deductible such as $2,500. Many PPO plans offer low deductible options (such as $250 or $500), which can raise the rate as much as 25%-40%.

Depending on the carrier and state you reside, you may see a “Cadillac” plan that features extra benefits such as brand-name prescription benefits with no deductible to meet, enhanced mental illness coverage and first-dollar coverage on hospital claims with no coinsurance or deductible. These plans are very expensive, so unless your employer is paying the cost, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a policy that costs less.

Other forms of insurance, such as dental, life and vehicle plans, will also have preferred classifications. But health care is clearly the most intriguing, since in many instances you can change your behavior and improve your own class. When you request to view rates at the top of the page, you’ll be able to determine your own personal rating.

The top portion of every page on this website provides you with the opportunity to quickly compare the policies that are likely to be able to help you cut your costs. Entering your zip code and other information will be required. But don’t worry. We don’t want or need personal financial information such as your social security number.

Recent changes to national health care here in the US have improved the quality of individual and group plans. But at what cost? Now that there is no cap on lifetime payable benefits and mandated preventive coverage is required, both private and employer-sponsored policy premiums have risen. Additional changes resulting from future government regulations could further strain medical rates.

What Can You Do About Your Costs?

Consumers can often effectively reduce their medical insurance premiums. Naturally, the most common method is to reduce coverages. Typically, we don’t recommend changing your benefits unless you fully understand the impact of the proposed changes and the “worst case scenario” that can result.

For example, if you alter your private health care plan by substantially bringing your catastrophic deductible up to $10,000, your potential costs (with coinsurance) could be as much as $15,000. If you were to have two major claims in successive years, are you prepared to pay $30,000 out of your own pocket? While the $3,000 (or more) savings per year would have been nice, in retrospect, changing your policy could create some major financial hardship.

Shopping and comparing to find new medical coverage can be time-consuming so it’s best to let the experts do all of the legwork for you. And yes…that’s where we can help! Whether you have pre-existing conditions, or you’re in perfect health, we’ll be able to evaluate dozens (often hundreds) of available plans in your area, and advise you if it’s feasible to reduce your premiums in a way that won’t jeopardize your long-term health care. And we’ll also try to point out situations where your payments are tax-deductible.

How Are Medical Insurance Premiums Calculated?

Actually, there are a number of factors. Of course, your overall health plays a huge role in this calculation. If you don’t have any existing conditions, don’t smoke, don’t take any medications and you have a normal BMI (Body Mass Index), you’ll probably enjoy a low rate. Conversely, If you have been treated for cancer, diabetes or heart disease, there’s a good chance you’re not going to be happy with the rate you are being charged.

As expected, your smoking status, age and state of residence will also influence your rate. If you’re a young healthy male in Ohio, you will be paying a ridiculously low rate. If you move to New Jersey, for example, you will see a significant increase in your premium. Also, typically, males pay less than females until about age 50.

We’ll continue to monitor rates of health care providers and publish the latest information that may help you stabilize and possibly lower what you pay for your own coverage.

What Is A Deductible And How Does It Work?

Quite simply, it is the dollar amount that you are responsible to pay if you have a major medical claim. Typically, these types of claims include inpatient or outpatient hospital bills, ER charges and certain other expenses. The insurer will generally pay a large portion (or sometimes all) of the remaining charges. There usually is not a lifetime cap on benefits paid unless it is a short-term plan.

If you have a comprehensive health insurance policy, which is usually fairly expensive, many of your medical costs will not be subject to a deductible. For example, most “copay” policies have a specified amount (usually between $15 and $40) that you pay for a covered office visit. Although there may be a limit to the number of covered visits allowed per year, most plans allow for unlimited covered visits. Qualified preventive office visits and expensed would not have to meet a copay or deductible.

Prescriptions work very similarly. A catastrophic medical plan will either exclude RX benefits or force you to meet a deductible before any benefits are paid. But a comprehensive policy will feature copays that allow you to pay just a small portion of the actual cost of the prescription (non-generic). Generic prescriptions are generally so inexpensive that you often pay those expenses yourself.

What Is The Best Deductible To Have?

The best option is the one that allows you to pay the lowest possible amount on the combination of your medical insurance premium and out of pocket expenses. We’ll create a few scenarios to help you understand the concept.

If you are very healthy, have few medical expenses and no serious physical conditions, a higher deductible is your best choice. For example, by having a $5,000 deductible on the large claims instead of a $1,000 deductible, you may save as much as $2,000-$4,000 per year, depending on the number of persons that are insured. Thus, if you were to meet your deducible once every five years (which is much more often than expected with healthy insureds), you would pay $8,000 more in deductibles but perhaps save as much as $10,000 to $20,000 in premiums.

However, lower health insurance deductibles make more economical sense if the risk is higher that you medical expenses will reach or exceed your stated deductible. For example, even if you save $3,000 per year with a higher deductible, if your out-of-pocket expenses are more than the savings, you are better keeping the deductible low. Essentially, each situation is different, and also your health can change quickly, which would impact any potential savings.

What Are The Highest And Lowest Deductibles Available?

Most large insurers will not offer options lower than $500. Occasionally, a $250 option may be available. But the rate will be very high, and even without any health issues, the rate may not be competitive. You may be paying $350 per year to save only $250.

Higher deductibles are much more popular. The $2,500 and $1,000 choices are among the favorites of individuals and families that purchase their own private medical insurance. However, most companies offer $5,000 options and a few allow you to pick deductibles as high as $25,000. The rate will be low but your risk will be quite high. Typically, we don’t recommend anything above $10,000.

Can I Ever Change The Deductible On My Health Insurance Plan?

Yes and No. OK…I’ll explain. Usually, on the anniversary date of your policy, you can request a change. However, you may have to answer some medical questions to qualify for a deductible change, especially if you want to lower the amount. Naturally, if you have any surgeries planned, you will not be granted the request.

How Many Times Per Year Do I Have To Pay It?

Typically, most medical insurance policies limit one deductible per person per year. If there is more than one person insured under the plan, it is possible that the maximum may be increased to two (and rarely three) deductibles. But generally, the deductible is satisfied “per year” instead of “per occurrence.”  A common exception is short-term contracts through selected carriers.

Your Health

How is your health? Do you have serious medical problems that need immediate attention? Or have you received treatment for internal cancer or heart disease within the last seven years? If so, obtaining coverage through your DOI (Department Of Insurance) might be the best choice. Also, your State Risk Pool is established to find affordable medical coverage for persons that otherwise can not find a company that will insure them.

If you don’t have any serious medical issues (usually, high blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma, allergies and most other conditions are acceptable) then the process will be easy. An agent with plenty of experience that represents multiple companies is a good resource. Or, you can make it simple and get your health insurance quote at the top of the page (by providing your zip code).

What Type Of Policy

What type of coverage do you want? If you are mainly concerned with “big ticket” items such as hospital and surgery expenses, then a “high deductible” policy will suit your needs best. The rates are low and policies like this (catastrophic plans) will pay for the big expenses and allow you to sleep at night!

If you are willing to pay a higher rate in exchange for much better office visit and prescription expenses, then a “comprehensive” policy would suit your needs the best. This type of policy is much more common when you have multiple dependents and the likelihood of many more claims is likely. And you can always change from one type of policy to another, or from one carrier to another (assuming you can medically qualify).

How Much Do You Have To Pay Now

That varies. There are still a few companies that allow you to apply for a policy without paying an upfront premium and without providing any credit card or billing details. In some states, for example, Blue Cross does not request an initial payment to accompany the application. However, many carriers do require you to give them billing information. Often, once the policy is approved, you will be charged that premium. Of course, you can request a refund if the policy is unacceptable to you.

How Long Will It Take To Get Your Medical Insurance Approved?

Not too long. If it is a short-term policy, then you can expect an answer from the underwriter within a few days. Sometimes you are immediately approved. For most other plans, it usually takes between a week and a month to issue a policy. You do not have to take an examination, but the application must be reviewed. Sometimes, if there are existing conditions, additional information (such as medical records) may be ordered.

However, if you request a specific date for the policy to take effect, generally that request is honored if the process takes longer than anticipated. Of course, this assumes you are approved and you accept the offer that is made by the insurer.

The Insurer Told Me My Policy Was Approved. Now What?

Congratulations! You now have medical insurance! Your ID card will be arriving shortly with a policy that may take you a few weeks to read! But take the time to read it and make notes of any portions of the contract that you don’t understand. Before you seek treatment, make sure your providers are “in network.”

We have created a “Top-Ten” list to help guide consumers as they get ready to purchase medical insurance. We’re confident this list of recommendations will save you time, money and frustration!

1. Carefully choose the websites you visit. If you see many advertisements mixed in with the content, you may want to find another website. The articles you see should be relevant and fairly up-to-date. If you are reading an article that appears to have just been written, and it is a few years old, this website probably won’t help you.
2. State-specific websites are always the best to use. That is, if you live in Virginia, most of the content on the site should revolve around Virginia medical issues, not other states.
3. Never pay an agent or broker a fee. You don’t have to. Agents and brokers are compensation by the carriers, and there is never a reason for you to pay them any additional amount. Also, rarely are there ever any fees when you apply for coverage although short-term plans may impose a small administrative charge.
4. If you are replacing an existing policy, request an effective date far enough in advance that you have time to review the new plan. For example, by asking for an effective date 45-60 days from the application date, you’ll be able to closely examine policy differences with your broker. Of course, if you need coverage immediately, this may not be possible.
5. Be aware of “pre-existing condition” clauses and how it affects you. If you are being treated for a condition, it’s important to understand if the new policy will cover your medical costs and if there will be a waiting period.
6. Don’t invite strangers to your home just so you can view a proposal. If a broker or company can not email, fax or send (through the mail) a specific proposal and explanation of coverages, then find someone new to work with. Most (perhaps all) reputable health care professionals can easily provide the information you need within an hour…and often within a few minutes. There is never a reason someone would have to make a home visit.
7. Only purchase medical insurance from a reputable company. If you never heard of the carrier, and neither did anybody else, it may be a stripped-down discount policy that will provide very little benefit to you. If you are asked to pay a large application fee, it is likely it is one of these types of policies. Avoid them.
8. Check your provider network. You can be paying the lowest rate in the state. But if you have to drive 100 miles to be treated, your policy won’t be very valuable to you. Also check availability of hospitals and other facilities. At least a few of your local hospitals should be included in the Network. If they aren’t, it might be a good idea to consider a different health insurance company.
9. Don’t buy additional riders unless you have carefully reviewed their cost and benefit. Supplemental accident, life, dental, vision and maternity are a few of the most popular add-ons to policies. If they’re not cost-effective for you, then take a pass. Most riders can be added at a later date so it’s not imperative to make a rushed decision on them. Often (not all of the time), they are not a good buy.
10.   Don’t do it alone! Websites like this, which provide free quotes and information, are great tools that can only help you. You buy medical coverage every few years while we help thousands of individuals and families each month. We can help! Use the “Get Free Quotes” space on this page.

We help consumers purchase medical insurance plans at the best possible rates. There are never any fees for the help we provide and you can always contact us with your health care concerns or questions. Our goal is to save you money by finding the best available coverage for you.

Details Of Coverage

The “Copay Value” plan is actually a slimmed down version of the “Copay Select” plan, which is UnitedHealthOne’s most comprehensive plan. However, to keep the cost of the policy down, four office visits (per person per year) are provided to each insured, instead of unlimited covered visits. A $35 copay applies and a deductible then applies to any covered visit in excess of the four that are allowed. However, the cost of the office visits in excess of four would still receive a discount.

Like most plans issued after October of 2010, federal health care reform has mandated that any qualified preventive expense be covered without a waiting period, applicable deductible or any copay. Thus, routine annual physicals, mammograms, pap smears, wellness visits and many other benefits are provided with no out of pocket expense to the policyholder. We have found that this feature will potentially save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the policy.

Prescription coverage is limited. Generic drugs are covered with a $15 copay. However, non-generic drugs are not covered. Potentially, expensive prescription costs could create high out of pocket costs. Whenever possible, always ask your physician for generic options.

Deductible options range from $1,000 to $10,000. When a higher deductible is selected, the premium, already about 25% lower than UnitedHealthOne’s “Copay Select” plan, will drop again. The coinsurance amount is 30%, which can potentially add an additional $5,000 (the maximum) of out of pocket expenses to the deductible. While, of course, it is impossible to predict the number and type of major medical claims you will have in the future, higher deductibles are clearly the best option if very few (or no) hospital claims are submitted. The number of deductibles will not exceed two per family, regardless of how many family members are insured.

Although national health care reform is being challenged in court, currently, some of the mandated changes still apply to this policy. For example, there is no maximum payout on covered expenses. Whether your lifetime medical expenses are $250,000 or $25 million, they will be paid by UnitedHealthOne (subject to any deductible, coinsurance or coverage limitations). There is also no annual cap on the benefits that are paid. Other benefits may also be added in the next few years.

This type of policy is not the right fit for every individual or family. Rates can easily be quite competitive in one state, and perhaps not nearly as competitive in other areas of the country. That’s why it’s important to review and compare your quotes from all of the major companies to see if the “Copay Value” is the best fit for you.

About UnitedHealthOne

UnitedHealthOne is the recognized name of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurers in the United States. Golden Rule underwrites and administrates the plans and has offered health care coverage for more than 60 years. Their plans are generally very competitively priced and the Network of doctors, specialists, hospitals and other health care providers, is very extensive. No matter where you live, there should be an “in-network” provider close by.

Applying For Coverage

When you request quotes (at the top of this page), after providing some basic information, you’ll be able to make a side-by-side comparison of this plan with other similar plans. However, you may want to spend a little bit more money to upgrade your coverage to “unlimited” office visit benefits. And it also may be more cost-effective to completely eliminate office visit benefits if you can drastically reduce your health insurance costs.

Michigan Health Insurance Companies

The top companies in the state (in no order of importance) are Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Celtic, UnitedHealthOne, Humana, and Health Alliance Plan. Each of the carriers offers a large variety of individual and family health care options consisting of comprehensive, major medical and qualified high deductible plans. Most of the companies also offer short-term options that allow for temporary coverage. Policies that are designed for short-term use are indeed cheap, but will have some limitations. You can read more about them in this article.

We do not recommend the purchase of limited benefit or medical discount policies. Often advertised as genuine health care, in actuality…they are not. Exclusions are plentiful and customer satisfaction is usually low. Most major companies do NOT offer this type of policy. In most instances, it is lesser-known carriers that offer these options. Buyer beware!

Low Cost Plans In Michigan

UnitedHealthOne “Saver 80” plan. If you are looking for very inexpensive catastrophic coverage, this may be your best choice. The major expenses are covered such as hospital visits, ER, and inpatient/outpatient surgeries. Recognized preventive costs are also paid at 100% and deductible options are available as high as $10,000.

Humana “Monogram Total” plan. A high-deductible plan that typically receives very good ratings. Once the deductible has been met, covered expenses are paid at 100%. The $7,500 deductible option is very popular. Of course, you may select a lower deductible.

UnitedHealthOne “Copay Select Value” plan. A uniquely priced Michigan plan that keeps rates low, but still provides four office visits per year (per person) that are only subject to a $35 copay. Preventive services, like most plans, provide 100% coverage with no waiting period. A $15 copay on generic prescriptions is included. We like the higher deductible options on this plan.

Aetna “PPO Value” plan. A generous five office visits per year (per person) are allowed. A copay of $40 must be paid, but no deductible applies to these office visits. Visits to a specialist are subject to a $50 copay. Generic prescriptions are subject to a $20 copay, so you probably will not use this coverage. Brand and non-formulary prescriptions receive an Aetna discount and preventive benefits are covered at 100%. This plan is similar  to the UnitedHealthOne “Copay Select Value” plan although the Aetna plan is slightly more expensive with a tad more coverage.

Celtic Basic PPO plan. Two $30 copay office visits are allowed per person (per year). Generic drugs are covered with a $15 copay and brand and non-formulary prescriptions are covered with 35% and 50% coinsurance. And don’t forget the separate $1,000 prescription deductible!  A $7,500 deductible is available on this plan. Celtic is based in Chicago and provided great customer service.

Michigan Health Savings Accounts

A Michigan HSA is a great cost-savings health care alternative that will allow you to take near complete-control over your medical treatment and take a tax-deduction for many health, dental and vision expenses. And yes…it really is considered qualified major medical insurance. An HSA is not one of those goofy “discount plans.”

Almost all of the big carriers in the state offer Health Savings Accounts. Many different deductible and coinsurance combinations are available. However, the higher deductible/0% coinsurance plans seem to be the most popular. An optional 20% coinsurance will slightly lower rates, but also increase your out-of-pocket costs.

The most competitively-priced HSA plans in Michigan are offered by Aetna (including the AARP Aetna contract), UnitedHealthOne, Celtic and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Humana, in many areas of the state, also offers reasonably-priced policies. The actual savings account portion of these policies can be picked by you. Chase Bank and many other institutions can be used. It’s wise to compare monthly fees and interest rates to help determine which bank is best for you.

Coverage For Less Than 12 Months

Often, benefits are only needed for a few months. In situations like this, or even if the need for health care is between 6 and 12 months, a temporary plan is the best choice. Although office visits, prescriptions and pre-existing conditions are often excluded, rates are low and policies only take a few days (sometimes less) to approve.

While there are many acceptable options for temporary coverage, the Michigan policies that seem to be worth consideration are the UnitedHealthOne “Medical Value” plan, the Health Insurance Innovations “Med Plus STM” plan and the UnitedHealthOne “Medical Plus” plan. Assurant also offers competitive rates on their 0% coinsurance option. Since rates vary by zip code, it’s worth comparing all three companies.

All of these companies are able to approve applications quickly and issue policies within 24 hours. It generally takes about 15-30 minutes to complete the process, which allows the consumer time to determine what type of long-term coverage is best for them…an individual plan or an employer-sponsored contract. And yes…you can cancel the policy at any time.

Applying For Michigan Health Insurance

Once you have provided the information needed for the quote (at the top of the page), you will be presented with rate and coverage options from the top companies. At that point, if you wish to apply for a policy, the application process does not involve taking a physical. There will be medical questions to answer but it will not be necessary for anybody to personally see you.

You are not required to keep your policy any longer that is needed. Almost all plans allow you to cancel your coverage with a phone call or letter in writing. And, of course, it is always a good idea to compare rates every 3-5 years to ensure the rate you are paying for your Michigan health insurance is still competitive.

Group Medical Insurance

Group medical insurance (also referred to as “employer-sponsored) is available from most large and small companies. Typically, the larger the size of the company, the bigger the contribution by that employer towards its employee health care costs. Often, group health insurance rates much are more expensive (because of lower deductibles on major claims) than personal coverage. Thus, if the employer is not paying a large portion of the premium, purchasing coverage yourself may be an option to consider.

However, when filling out an application for an individual health plan, it’s important to consider the rate, coverages and what exclusions (if any) will be placed on the policy. When applying for coverage, if you are being treated for an existing condition, it’s possible that your rate could increase and a specific coverage will be removed or altered. The final determination will be provided in writing, and before accepting the offer, a comprehensive comparison should be made between the personal and group plans. Usually, when you are accepted, you have a window (perhaps 10-60 days) that allows you to study and compare your new plan and decide if you wish to keep it.

Limited Benefit Insurance

Limited benefit plans provide somewhat affordable medical options to persons with multiple or major health conditions. Often, the plans offer very basic office visit and prescription coverage and extremely high out of pocket expenses on hospital stays. They should only be used with caution and of course, the “fine print” should always be read at least twice! If you’re not sure if you have this type of plan or are being quoted this type of contract, simply ask us.

Medical “discount plans” are readily available online and are not considered to be “credible coverage.” Often, the coverage descriptions are vague and large applications are required to activate coverage. Although they are “guarantee issue” policies, we strongly advise against their purchase, since it is likely you’ll pay a large amount of money if you have a catastrophic claim. In fact, you might even pay quite a bit for a smaller claim!

Providing unbiased assistance is our specialty and we’ll be happy to help you choose which policy best matches your needs. When you “request a quote” from our website, within a few minutes, you’ll be able to easily compare the options that work best for you. That’s the purpose of our website…to be consumer-friendly and offer health care plans at the lowest available rates. We’ll find the plan that’s best for you, not the insurer. And I know we have said before, but it’s important…You never pay any fees by using our website!