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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Health Insurance -- Issues That Reduce Costs

By Chimezirim Odimba

A cheap rate can be achieved in a lot of ways. But at the same time, a number of methods people adopt in order to reduce cost usually make them get less than sufficient coverage. This is, nevertheless, not the case with the recommendations I'll share with you in this article as you'll save while still maintaining enough coverage. Here they are...

You will lower your premium if you have an outstanding credit rating. Those who have bad credit pay high rates for every form of insurance and that is also true for health. This is because insurance carriers regard individuals who miss payments as reckless and a bigger risk to them. This implies more risk to them and higher rates for you.

People who own home businesses are offered a unique chance to save in some states. States that offer this opportunity have regulations that demand that insurers offer home business owners the same price with large businesses.

In other states a home business is eligible for a group rate provided it employs a staff.

The good part is that the employee could be your wife or grown kid who works with you. You'll still be eligible for such group rates if such an employee works only part time.

This will give your extra savings as group rates are normally less than individual rates.

To know if you are eligible or even if your state has such a provision, call your state's department of insurance, department of financial services or their equivalent.

For people who are self employed, your premiums may be tax-deductible. You may as well get a tax break if your employer offers a flexible spending account. This suggests that you'll do well to talk with your tax professional. This will help you determine what will entitle you to a tax break and what won't.

You can reduce your costs by joining an HMO. HMOs give coverage that is far less exxpensive than traditional health insurance. With the cheaper cost comes restrictions in the doctors, medical professionals and hospitals you can use.

If you think that the restrictions of an HMO are more than what you save, you can opt for other health insurance plans.

You'll pay very low rates for traditional health insurance if you shop extensively. If you shop right you will spend much less on any plan you opt for.

But if in your case, you are willing to take the restrictions, then an HMO is a great option for you.

The US government publishes materials on health matters each year. You will understand more about health matters and health insurance policy if you can get these publications. They will give you information that will help you position yourself to save much and as well take the right safety measures. Your knowledge on health insurance goes a long way to determine what you eventually pay for health insurance.

Your drug cost might often be cheaper than your co-pay. It might not be less expensive for you to buy a prescription out of the pocket (without using insurance). Know which is best in each situation and do what profits you more.

Check and find out the difference before you use your insurance.

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