Finding Affordable Health Insurance

Updated on September 14, 2021

As the saying goes, at least you have your health. But good health requires quality health care. Regular physicals with a doctor and twice-yearly dental checkups are the minima you need. There is also eye care. Even if you don’t wear glasses now, you may need them as you age and there are cataracts and eye diseases to be concerned about. Mental health is equally important and if you need therapy and/or medication, you should take that seriously.

Health care can be expensive. The average person generally can’t afford to pay medical bills out of pocket, especially for pricey procedures such as surgery or a root canal. You need health insurance. If your job doesn’t provide it, you have to get your own. Insurance can also be expensive, but affordable health plans are available.

Searching for Quotes

One option is to look for health insurance quotes on your own through internet searches or by contacting individual insurance companies. You compile a list of quotes then go through them all. You can then choose the plan that best fits your budget and your needs. The problem with doing it this way is that it can be time-consuming and frustrating. It can be easy to miss a company that might be able to provide exactly what you need at a price you can afford. There are better ways to go about this.

Your State Health Exchange

Most states have a health exchange. These are government-run sites where you can create an account and they will guide you through finding affordable health insurance. You create a profile containing information about your income, number of dependents and mortgage or rent. The exchange matches you up with insurance options within an affordable range. You can peruse each plan and choose the one that works best. Many people have found affordable health insurance for themselves and their families this way.

Independent Brokers

Another way to go is to use an independent insurance broker. They are not government agents but specialize in negotiating with insurance companies on their customers’ behalf. A broker can find the best rates in your area and generally will offer quotes for free. You can use a local broker or find one online that can handle customers in any state. This can be an effective way to find the right plan at the right price. 

Medicaid

For people with very low incomes and few resources, there is Medicaid. This is insurance funded by the federal government. It is free to those who qualify and provides medical, dental, and eye care with no copay. The number of health professionals you can use is often limited as some will not take Medicaid. Nevertheless, Medicaid helps many families who simply could not afford health insurance any other way.

Regular health care is necessary to stay in good mental and physical health. It can be expensive, so there is insurance. Finding an affordable health plan may seem impossible, but by following these tips, you can find affordable coverage for you and your loved ones. 

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