Individual Health insurance??

[Mark Snapp]

Recently my small company replaced their group health insurance plan with individual coverage. While I realize this is still less expensive than Cobra, I am now on the lookout for options as far as health insurance is concerned.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for checking this out!

[David Bagdade]

Please contact me at your convenience. I have a number of options for people who are in your situation. Thanks!

[Mark Howard]

I have suggestions, and they don't cost you a thing! (my suggestions that is) Stay away from copay plans, copays are the last gasp of overpriced ineffecient health insurance plans. If you do to the doctor once a week and are on some expensive prescriptions, maybe. Otherwise, get an HSA plan. As an independent health insurance consultant, this is what I do, and my service is free to you. Don't put your information online to get quotes, every snake oil salesman in the USA will call you with the crap of the day insurance plan. Get your insurance from someone you can find (and beat to a pulp if they lied to you). I can represent any plan worth having. My main companies are Assurant (best rate guarantee, but watch out when that runs out!, nice feature of 'declining' deductible) and Anthem (best PPO network, free preventive care on the plans, and most 'reasonable' rate increases), AMS (a United Healthcare company with lower rates but some reduced coverage) Call or email or reply, whatever works for you.

[Shelly Arens]

Hi Mark,

Have you looked into full coverage provided by a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)? Because a PEO has thousands of employees, they can leverage group rates available to large companies. I'd love the opportunity to discuss options with you. Please visit my company's website: http://psmin.com/

Best regards,

Shelly Arens
[e-mail]

[Michael R.]

Health Advantage Program.

http://www.hhcorp.org/adv.htm

Pretty self-explanatory but let me know if you have any questions.

[Chris Eppards]

Michael - The HA program is ONLY for low-income and uninsured residents of Indianapolis who aren't otherwise eligible for other coverage (which includes COBRA).

Mark - Health Insurance is complex to understand and compare all the various plans available.

Please, if you do anything before you make changes to your coverage, find a professional to help guide you through the process. I would suggest finding a local Independent Insurance Agent/Broker. A Broker will typically give you a free consultation, has access to multiple carriers, knows the market and can educate you on your options before you make any changes that could adversely affect you and your family.

[Michael R.]

Sorry, Chris, I don't agree. Just because Mark may be eligible for health insurance at his job doesn't mean he can't get HA. I've had jobs where I was eligible for health insurance but I opted for the HA program because it's cheaper. Now, Mark may not be eligible because of how much money he makes, but that's another story altogether. I have no clue what his financial situation is so that is why I posted it. He asked for other health insurance options and I gave him one.

[Chris Eppards]

Michael - HA is something compared to nothing, but as a licensed insurance professional I do not feel that it is a suitable alternative to group or individual medical coverage. HA is a last resort for those who are not eligible for or cannot afford anything else for the following reasons (just to name a few);

* The HA program is limited to a handful of Providers in Marion County only, which may not include his current Provider.
* If he is not a Marion county resident (i.e. maybe he lives just north of 96th St.), all bets are off since he would not be eligible to apply.
* HA does not provide coverage outside of Marion County, so if your outside of Marion County and gets sick or injured they could be up a creek without a paddle.

You are absolutely right in that we don't know Mark's circumstances, which is why I suggested he contact a local, licensed Agent to review his financial situation and help him find the best coverage option available for him and his family.

Cheers!

[Michael R.]

Cost-wise it has got to be cheaper than most/all insurance plans. But, I definitely agree with your 'being outside of Marion County' comment. I guess I overlooked that aspect of it. Lastly, the HA program isn't limited in terms of the amount of doctors a participant would have access to or facilities he/she could be seen at. It's expanded in recent years and St. Vincents--while not necessarily affilliated with HA-- expanded to include a program that caters to low-income folks. I believe that program is less than two years old. Anyways, I just wanted to provide that info to Mark because it is very cost-effective and it's very easy to get signed up to.