Choosing a health insurance plan may seem overwhelming, but HHM Health is here to help. Insurance companies use confusing terms regarding healthcare and selecting a plan forces you to think hard about your health and finances. Whether you are aging out of your parent’s plan, in a plan that no longer works for you or you’re uninsured and want to see available options, we have plenty of advice and tips to ensure you can find the right healthcare plan.
- Know Where to Go
It’s not always obvious where to look for health insurance, as the United States has hundreds of programs available.
If you are 65 or older, you are eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a federally run program that involves the government paying for most of your health care. If you have a disability, you might also be eligible to receive Medicare. For those under 65, the vast majority will have health insurance options through their employer, who will typically cover between 50% and 90% of premium costs.
Medicaid is another health insurance option. Medicaid is a health insurance program that mostly helps people with low incomes. It covers almost one in four Americans. This program is funded by federal and state governments but is run by each state, so where you live determines your eligibility. If you don’t know how to enroll in Medicaid and want to be seen at one of our clinics, HHM Health has an enrollment team that can help you.
For anyone else, Healthcare.gov is your one-stop shop for health insurance, which the Affordable Care Act created. This is where you can shop for health insurance if any of the categories mentioned above do not apply to you. In this marketplace, you can apply for financial help depending on your income and choose a plan.
- Think About Your Health
If you are overwhelmed by the options available to you, especially in the Affordable Care Act marketplace, it’s best to think about your health and what applies to you. Basic questions can help narrow this search down. For instance, do you have an ongoing health issue you will need care for?
If you are healthy, a variety of plans might work for you. However, if your spouse or child has ongoing health needs, having more information can help narrow your choices to the health insurance that best suits your needs. You may even be able to enter medications and doctor’s names to filter out plans that do not cover them.
There are two major types of plans to consider: HMOs and PPOs. Health Maintenance Organizations have a strict network of providers, so if you choose to see a provider outside of the network, all costs are on you. Preferred Organizations give you a more comprehensive range of providers. Even though it costs a bit more, it still pays for some of the costs.
- Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Plans Online
The internet has proven to be a scary place as more and more scams have arisen online. It is important not to put your contact information in health insurance interest forms on random websites or click on online ads for insurance.
Plans that appear on Google seem appealing due to their low cost, but tend to be short-term plans that do not cover basic prescriptions or annual check-ups. Experts advise going straight to Healthcare.gov because, no matter where you live or your financial status, you can go through the portal and find healthcare options that will work for you. Any plan found through Healthcare.gov will cover essential benefits, including preventative care and hospital coverage.
HHM Health is a non-profit community health facility that offers compassionate, excellent healthcare that is easily accessible. We provide services to the Dallas, Texas area, which also happens to be the country’s most uninsured county. We welcome you to contact our center if you live in the Dallas neighborhood and need our services.
To find out more, go to www.hhmhealth.org now.
