You can purchase individual coverage directly from an insurance company, or through one of its representatives. You may be eligible to participate in a group plan, such as through your fraternal organization, alumni association, trade association, or your chamber of commerce.  Online shopping is another option. Many nonproprietary Websites allow you to compare one plan against another, and to get a quick idea of premiums and deductibles. Here are some examples (this is not an all-inclusive list).
 Additional resources for health insurance and consumer tips may be referenced at: The National Association of Health Underwriters, a professional association of more than 20,000 health insurance agents, brokers and benefit specialists, is extremely concerned about the problem of the uninsured. They have developed a Health Care Coverage Options Database that contains information about private health insurance coverage, as well as the many public and private programs available to Americans to help them obtain the medical care they need. http://www.nahu.org/consumer/healthcare Tonik offers three health plan options specifically for active people who need health insurance but hate forms and jargon. They are easy to understand and very affordable. You can apply for the plans in 15 minutes or less and often be approved within twenty-four hours. http://www.tonik.us All about the benefits provides young workers with the knowledge they need to make informed health benefits decisions. The website guides users through typical experiences with information and real world examples -- graduating from high school or college, interviewing and starting a new job and budgeting for new expenses. http://www.allaboutthebenefits.com The California Health Care Foundation has reviewed purchasing health insurance on-line and developed tips for consumers that offer general guidelines for purchasing online and also provides resources (including Web site addresses) for general information and specific needs. http://www.chcf.org/topics/healthinsurance/index.cfm?itemID=20217  If you prefer a more personal touch, you can work with licensed health insurance salespeople known as agents or brokers. Independent brokers sell insurance plans from many companies, and they can help you find the coverage that best suits your individual needs. Insurance agents work with only one company and promote that company’s products. To work with an agent, you need to know first which insurance company you want to use. Both brokers and agents are knowledgeable about state and federal regulations, and have satisfied licensing requirements that require them to keep up-to-date on your state’s insurance market. They can help you:
Agents and brokers are paid commissions by the insurance companies whose products they sell; you will not be charged for their assistance. To find an insurance professional in your community, search this list of brokers from the National Association of Health Underwriters. http://www.nahu.org/consumer/findagent.cfm |
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