How to Find Health Coverage
- 1). Contact your state's insurance department. Fifty states and the District of Columbia have departments of insurance that regulate the provision and sale of health, life and automobile insurance. Although each state's department of insurance organizes consumer information differently, they all offer consumer information about health insurance---ranging from purchasing guides, comparison charts and tips to websites where consumers can shop for health insurance from companies doing business in the state. Look on your state government's website and search for the insurance department to find guides, links and information on how to find health coverage.
- 2). Look on health insurance company websites. If you are familiar with the health insurance companies that offer products in your state, check the companies' websites for health plans, pricing information and applications. Although companies do not provide information comparing their products with those sold by other companies, they do provide in-depth information about the benefits each of their plans offers, cost breakdowns, shopping guides and tips about their health coverage. Some companies also provide toll-free numbers that allow you to speak directly with health insurance plan staff if you have questions; other companies provide tools that let you search for insurance brokers in your area who offer their products.
- 3). Visit an insurance broker. Insurance agents or brokers in your community can help you find health coverage. By searching through local directory listings or using the tools from professional organizations like the National Association of Health Underwriters, you can locate a nearby insurance broker. Make an appointment to discuss health coverage options---you may need to provide basic information like your age and health status to help the broker isolate options that will work for your needs. Be sure to ask questions about benefits each health plans offers, as well as cost. Not only can a broker help you find coverage and answer questions about the different products available, he can sign you up during your appointment if you find coverage that suits your needs.
- 4). Ask friends and family. Like seeking recommendations for a doctor or a dentist, talking to neighbors, relatives, friends and coworkers will help you find health coverage. Ask questions about their current health insurance carriers. Do they like the coverage? How do the prices they pay measure up with the cost of other plans? What kind of benefits does their health plan provide? Members of your personal network will provide insight into the kind of coverage they get from their health plan, and they can help you find coverage that meets your specific needs.
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