If you’re like many Americans, your health insurance plan might leave something to be desired. Probably because it’s a crappy plans that covers very little. But there are ways to improve
the coverage of your existing plan or find a new one that offers more benefits at a lower cost. Here are some tips on how to find and keep better coverage:
Check your current coverage
It’s important to understand your current health insurance coverage. You may be surprised by what you learn. For example, perhaps your plan only covers emergency services. That’s important to know because you can’t go to the emergency room for any ailment, ailment or injury, you may have. You can’t use it to treat sprained ankle or broken arm. But once you understand that, it should be easier to find a new plan that covers more.
Ask for a better rate or better coverage
If your current plan isn’t very good, you can always discuss changing coverage with your current employer. Your employer may agree to pick up the cost of a new plan or offer you a better rate than what you have now. If you can’t get a better rate from your current plan, you can always go with a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan since they’re the most common form of health insurance coverage. But be forewarned: BCBS plans often come with very high deductibles and high copays. While they may be cheaper than most other plans, they don’t offer the same level of protection.
Don’t be afraid to change plans
Changing plans is good strategy if you’re still finding that your current plan doesn’t offer the coverage you need. Many people are surprised to learn that many plans change each year. You may be able to find one that covers more services for less cost. Additionally, given the current state of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it may be possible to find a plan that doesn’t meet the current mandates of the law. That may allow you to find a plan that covers fewer services and is more expensive.
Shop around before finalizing your selection
Before finalizing your choice, consider shopping around and see if you can find a lower cost plan. You may be able to find a different plan that covers more services at a lower price. Or perhaps you can upgrade your chosen plan to a better level of coverage. Ask your doctor to see if they’ll accept it as a form of patient payment. You may be able to upgrade your coverage to a catastrophic health plan that covers major illnesses and injuries.
Ask for help when necessary
Depending on the reason that you changed coverage, you may be subject to a special enrollment period. During this time, you have a set period of time to change coverage or find a new plan. But if you’re switching plans, you’re likely exempt from this requirement. In that case, you should call the help line and request a special enrollment period. They’ll help you get the paperwork together and make sure that you get the time you need for the switch.
Conclusion
Health insurance plans come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the right one for you can be a bit of a challenge. However, with a little preparation and perseverance, you can eventually find the coverage that’s right for you. It might take some trial and error, but with a little patience you’ll eventually find the perfect health plan for you. And don’t forget that there are many resources available to assist with the process, including healthcare providers, online forums, and healthcare comparison sites. Whether you’re shopping for a new plan or looking to switch coverage, these tips can help you better understand your options and find the best coverage possible.
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