Health Insurance: A Complete Guide (2024)

After the health care reform was passed into law, the possibilities for people without employer sponsored health insurance began to open up. To get a better idea of what is available and who can qualify, here are a few common questions and the answers that most often apply to them. Keep in mind that the new laws will not be finalized until 2014, and that these answers do not apply to everyone. Continue Reading

When the new health care reform laws go into effect in 2014, it will not make much difference what state you move to for your health insurance coverage because all insurance companies will be required to accept applicants regardless of any preexisting conditions they may have. Until then, moving to another state when you have a preexisting condition can be a difficult decision and there may not be any acceptable solutions outside… Continue Reading

People who have health insurance provided by a current employer, and are considering a job change to a new employer, can use COBRA insurance coverage as a means of retaining the same health coverage in the interim. Even people that are self-employed can make use of COBRA insurance. COBRA is an acronym for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act; it recognizes the fact that employees have a right to maintain their current health… Continue Reading

The Affordable Care Act, called the ACA, is a broad set of laws that are intended to reform healthcare in America. Originally passed in 2010, some portions of the ACA have already gone into effect, and others are set to become effective between now and the year 2020. The ACA will have some effect on all Americans, but the majority of the changes are designed to give aid to those who are… Continue Reading

Health insurance is sometimes protected temporarily by COBRA insurance, depending on whether you were laid off, quit your job, or were terminated by the company. Under all 3, your coverage is probably going to cost you more, so it will be in your best interest to find another group plan as quickly as possible. Here is a clear explanation of what the different types of job termination mean to your health insurance. Continue Reading

There are special insurance plans available for people who have preexisting conditions. These plans are the health insurance equivalent of high risk insurance, guarding against probable problems in exchange for a higher premium rate. Traditionally, this has been the only way for people who suffered from conditions such as asthma or diabetes to get private insurance coverage. Before you purchase such a plan today, it might be a good idea to do… Continue Reading

Flexible Spending Account, called an FSA, is a special type of tax-free savings account that builds money you can apply to medical costs outside of those covered by your health plan. The money you deposit into the plan is before taxes are applied to your salary, which means the money is completely tax-free. The limitation is that you can only use the accrued savings for medical and health related costs. Continue Reading

Even with all of the changes in the United States to make health care more affordable for every citizen, many Americans still deal with expensive medical bills. Some people pay high monthly premiums so that their deductibles are lower and their medical coverage kicks in faster. Some people pay high deductibles to reduce the cost of monthly premiums. Many people face medical expenses that their health insurance plans only partially cover or… Continue Reading