Sunday, May 29, 2011

What are some affordable health insurance plans?

Besides medicare, what are some cheap, affordable insurance plans in the hudson valley, ny?
--------------------
None -- Insurance isn't cheap. If you can qualify, Medicare and Medicaid would be the cheapest. If children are involved, look into CHIP. Otherwise, shop around. Your best insurance option is probably going to be to get a high deductable, "catistrophic" coverage. (with a $5k or $10k deductable). That will cover you if the worst happens, and effectively give you their contracted rate on routine services. (You can then negotiate with some providers). UHC, Blue Cross, and Aetna are the major insurance companies, and have such policies. A local plan that accesses a major network (like UHC, PHCS, Beechstreet) may be a more affordable alternative. I would not recommend the health coverage (discount card) suggested above. It may be helpful for dental /vision. But most healthcare providers have absolutely no obligation to take them, and will not. Unlike insurance, these plans don't have a contract with the provider -- they are basically appealing to the good nature of the provider. You can actually negotiate a better rate yourself by just asking the provider, and telling them you are paying for the visit yourself. I know hospitals that give as much as a 40% discount to self pay patients. They want your business, and this is still a better rate than they pay to many insurance companies.
Source

No comments:

Post a Comment