Do not approach health insurance with fear. It is true the field is complex and your options are many, but the more you learn, the safer you will feel. Health insurance is similar to healthcare itself. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By making smart choices when you select health insurance, you can avoid difficulties in the future.
When you choose health insurance, know what your policy covers. When you have a health insurance plan that will cover incidents like this, it can make a huge difference when you have to pay for things during you downtime.
Before opting into your company’s health care pool plan, you should first focus on the health of you and your family to see if this type of plan is right for you. If you are not dealing with any health issues, you may be tempted to buy insurance that has a cheaper premium. This can be risky; although you pay less per month for this type of coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for medical care if you develop a serious health condition.
Re-assess your prescription coverage every year. Sometimes, insurance companies change which medications they cover. When re-enrollment time comes around, you should always check to make sure your medication is covered. When your daily meds are dropped by your health insurer, then start the hunt for a new plan right away.
Catastrophic Coverage
Obtaining catastrophic coverage instead of comprehensive coverage can often save you money on health insurance. Catastrophic coverage only kicks in for emergency care and hospitalizations, whereas comprehensive coverages includes coverage for prescriptions and visits to the doctor.
Your health insurance can help you reduce your taxes. One commonly-overlooked tax benefit is that your premiums are actually tax deductible. Prescription medications, non-covered office visits and deductibles may also be deducted. There are differences in state and federal taxes, so it’s best to look at tax guidelines to get a clear understanding.
Expect health insurance policies to have hidden loopholes within the fine print. Make sure you read the policy thoroughly, if you do not you may be shocked to learn that your insurance doesn’t cover a visit or procedure. Make sure you are ready to pay for medical expenses that are not covered, such as certain medications that can come out of pocket.
Do not learn about the shortcomings of your insurance coverage during an emergency or illness. Be prepared, learn ahead of time everything you need to know about your insurance, and find out what alternatives are available. Living with poor health insurance is a bad decision, but it is one that you can correct at any time.