One of the hot-button political issues of the day is health insurance. Personal responsibility is a big issue in the current debate on Healthcare Reform. One side believes that the cost of healthcare should be spread evenly among everyone. It sounds fair and reasonable if everyone took care of themselves but the other side says that those with unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and obesity should bear the responsibility of their own actions. By eliminating the financial consequences of their actions we are actually encouraging their unhealthy habits and increasing the costs for those who act responsibly. Why should responsible citizens subsidize the irresponsibile ones?
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi medical advisor, Tom Fenter agrees he says, “We need to focus on our lifestyle, personal responsibility, reduce weight, quit smoking. That’s the way we’re going to get control of healthcare costs.” He contends that there’s simply not enough money in the healthcare system to keep bailing people out because of their unhealthy decisions. Many people agree that to get a handle on the increasing cost of health insurance policies people shouldn’t rely on the health system to fix their health problems, but rather rely on themselves. Tim McMahon~editor
How to Find the Right Health Insurance Policy?
With many people not sure of the state of the industry, and health insurance companies always trying to eke more profit out of its constituents, it can seem a daunting task to get a good value on a health insurance policy. However, there are some techniques that can assure that you receive the best healthcare insurance policy available to you.
There are many websites that specialize in comparing different policies from major reputable health insurance companies. These websites should be visited first before you visit any agent individually. Before the rise of the Internet, the information that is available on these websites, was only available to the general public in metered portions. On top of that, many of the biggest health insurance companies will actually put their best deals on this type of website. They know that swing customers will flock to these sites in high numbers, and if they can attract these customers to their policies, the higher volume will allow them to pass along a savings that will benefit both parties.
Once you have finished with your research on the comparison websites, you can then take your search to individual companies. Contrary to popular belief, the health insurance rates that are listed on company websites and in public pamphlets are hardly set in stone. Health insurance is one of the most highly competitive industries in the world today, and agents are more than willing to offer better deals for those customers who show that they are willing to walk away from a deal that does not benefit them.
More Tips for Finding Health Insurance Policies
You should also consider policies from companies that are outside your immediate geography. Because of many new laws that recently passed, people may be able to insure themselves with an out-of-state policy, depending on the state in which they reside. You can also compare different rates in different states so that you can talk down individual agents in your locale.
You also want to make sure that you get a policy that fits your individual needs. Many agents will show you a lower-priced policy simply to get your mind on the price specifically. However, this lower-priced policy may not cover you fully if you have dependents or business that you have to insure in addition to yourself. Do not be fooled into thinking that the cheapest health insurance policy is the health insurance policy with the best value; this is often not the case.
Above all, make sure that you get the appropriate coverage. The monthly amount that you may save on a premium may not be worth the large out-of-pocket payment that you will have to pay if an unexpected emergency were to happen. On the other hand, if you have enough savings and are in good health, you may opt for a larger deductable allowing you to save the premium difference and build a health savings account. Another way to reduce health insurance costs is through a Group Health Insurance Policy. If you can get insurance through your place of employment or even join a group you may be able to reduce your costs.
Regardless of the politics, finding the best insurance coverage for your particular situation is still your responsibility no one can make that decision for you. And proper insurance remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from financial catastrophe.
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