Uninsurable Or Can’t Afford Health Insurance, Now What?

So, which one of these health care cost situations applies to you.

Lost your health insurance because you were laid off and can no longer afford it?Uninsurable due to “pre-existing conditions”? Premium increases too much too handle anymore; sky rocketing costs of premiums and deductibles.With economic uncertainty, health care costs are something we cannot elude or ignore until “something happens”. Why should we have to be without a Health Care Plan because traditional insurance companies won’t insure us or we can’t afford to pay for it? As I have always said and will continue to say, “knowledge is power,” and we as Americans must stay informed so that our quality of life is not decided by our financial status.

Fortunately for us, there is an answer to affording and managing health care costs! The answer came to me when I was forced to cancel my insurance due to skyrocketing premiums and unbelievable out of pocket costs. I could no longer afford my health insurance. Other insurance companies with lower costs were not an option – I had been rejected from 3 major health insurance companies for pre-existing conditions. I thought I had only two choices, a very expensive health insurance premium from one of two possible insurance companies or no Health Benefit Plan at all.

I soon realized that I was paying approximately $3,600.00 give or take per year in health insurance premiums and then another $4,000.00 plus, in “out of pocket costs” for prescriptions and deductibles, and having to utilize hospital services with additional costs; I had to re-think where I was spending my hard earned money – that I didn’t have to spend to begin with. Now granted, we don’t know when emergencies are going to occur (hence, that’s why we call it “INSURANCE”) and being without health insurance is almost crazy, but realistically I could no longer afford it.

What I found and realized was that if I set aside a monthly amount (Premiums that I couldn’t afford) in a savings or investment account and purchased a Discount Medical Plan for less than $500.00 per year in premium, I would have more money in my pocket at the end of the year. My prescriptions were less on the plan than with my insurance plan and, what if I didn’t get sick? Do the math!

Wow, where would my hard earned money be. Of course, discipline is key here, it is expensive to be sick. And ultimately you will pay for your health care one way or another, right?

Okay, so let’s say you do get sick, and have to be hospitalized. If you cannot afford traditional health insurance or cannot get it because you have been turned down for one or more pre-existing conditions, you will have the Discount Health Benefit Plan as your savings net. They allow you to manage and save on your health care costs. One insurance broker said to me, “but most people don’t understand it’s not insurance. It’s a discount plan. An $80K surgery will still cost $40k”. And I responded with “yes it is a discount plan, but 40k as opposed to 80k to someone who is uninsured makes a difference, right?” I cannot afford insurance so why would I want to incur this type of debt when I don’t have to. Besides, there is one plan that has a hospital advocate that reviews your bills with the medical facility and tries to arrange an adjustment or savings on your account on your behalf. Sure there no guarantees, but that is better than facing the whole bill alone, right?

Always consult your Financial Advisor, CPA, Tax Attorney, I.R.S. on line (find out what you need to know about your financial position), when researching your options. Make this an informed and educated decision. Get proactive in your life and know your current Health Care Policy in place if you have one and if you don’t get some options.

For me, personally, it was a perfect fit. A Discount Medical and Dental Plan was the way to go. What’s really right for you? Find it, Know It, Own It! You as a patient are responsible to know your Health Care Policy Plan.

Here is what some Discount Health Benefit Plans offer:

Dental, Vision, Prescription, and Chiropractic care.
In the medical packages, they offer a package that will save you up to 50% or more at Doctors, Labs, physical therapy, mental health services and diabetic supplies for your entire household.
They offer a Hospital Advocacy service as well as a 24/7 Nurse Line. Registered Nurses are available to address immediate health matters or to answer any questions.
There are no waiting periods so you can use your benefits the same day you receive your membership package
No deductibles
No age limits
No cap limits
Membership Fee is guaranteed for two years.
IN ADDITION, you receive a 100% Satisfaction guarantee or your money back immediately, no questions asked.
NATIONWIDE

These plans are very affordable and cover your entire household. WOW!

So, if you can’t afford these traditional insurance plans, or you cannot obtain insurance due to pre-existing conditions, then a Discount Medical Plan may be your answer. Every person must analyze their own situation. What works for me, may not work for you, evaluate your health care concerns carefully. Your life is not something to gamble with!

Best of Luck!

Author: Lynn Pokorowski
Source: ezinearticles.com