HELP- How to Find Right Health Insurance

I would recommend Kaiser Permanente. When I was in school and had aged out of my father's plan, I had an individual plan with them.

They provide comprehensive coverage and they provide reduced fee for service dental. They are good for people who are basically in good health and want to stay that way. The downside with Kaiser is you don't have much choice in doctor. The good part is you can always see one.

If you go to www.ehealthinsurance.com you put your info in and it will bring up all the health plans that you are eligible for in your area. Hope this helps.

I've think out of all my insurance coverages Blue Cross/Blue Shield has always been the best. I've had a variety of different BC/BS programs in a variety of states and have always had minimal issues with routine care, surgeries and care for my baby who has also has surgeries and been hospitalized on more than one occasion. The worst insurance that I've had, had to Kaiser, they make it difficult just to make an appointment. I hope this helps and good luck in your search for healthcare coverage. I also hear that Medicare and Medicaid is really good for children, if you are eligible.

You might want to see if you are eligibile for medical assistance (based on income):
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/ma4families/index.html

If not, your kids might be eligible for CHIP which covers medical and dental and generally has a higher income threshold: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/mchp/
If your income is too high, there is a premium program (up to $56,500 for a family of four) which involves fairly low monthly costs. See: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/mchp/pdf/MCHPPremium-Cove...

Good luck!

hi K., call 1-800-492-6116 and talk to someone at the maryland health insurance commission. it's a state agency whose purpose is to help people understand premiums, select programs according to your needs (which they will help you identify) and compare rates.
good luck!
khairete
S.

I work for an insurance company and I can say that there are tons of options and that many people don't understand their coverage. My biggest advice is to read the contract before you buy so you know what is covered. Also look at deductibles (the amount you have to contribute before the insurance will pay for anything). If it has a high deductible and you cant afford it, then don't get that policy. A friend of mine picked up a $2000 deductible policy only to find that she cannot afford the $2000, thus the coverage is useless. If there is something specific that you are looking for coverage, like IVF or weight loss or hearing aids, look carefully to make sure that they are covered and don't take the word of a broker either. Look at what you are paying for prescription drugs, is it mandatory that you have to take generics or will you pay more for the brand name drug, many brand names are hundreds of dollars more expensive so if you need a brand and need to pay the difference between the brand and generic it will put you into tons of money, if you are ok with the generic, it really doesnt matter. Look at the dental also, some plans will only contribute a small amount to the cost and you pay the rest, others will pay for everything as long as your dentist participates with the plan. I know BlueCross offers small employer group plans to employers that are between 2 and 50 employees, so that may be an option for your husband. Some plans like Kaiser will only allow you to use their providers, which leads to little choice, but it may be less expensive. It can get confusing, but you are smart to get health insurance. Good luck and feel free to contact me if you need a term defined for you.

Hi, K., Try contacting Sarah Hettel: ____@____.com. Hopefully, she can help you find a good plan and answer all of your questions. It can be tough to figure it all out!!! Good luck.

My husband had his own business for 6 years and we used Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and have been very happy with it. He's now at another job and we've kept Anthem. They cover well baby visits for FREE through 6 years (shots, etc.) and copays are $20 or $30 if we need to go to specialist. We switched plans within Anthem and pay $206 for a family of three in good health plus we put $200 a month into a Health Savings Plan which they helped us set up. We have high deductibles to get the low monthly fee, so that's something to consider. But the $200 gets saved up from month to month and year to year and can cover the deductible, medicine, dental cleanings, etc. The Anthem plan covers major dental surgery and we pay for our own cleanings instead of paying for insurance to cover it. You'd have to find out if you need dental insurance for your husband's work. We're in VA and have never been told by a doctor or specialist that they don't take Anthem. Also, the $206 is for a plan where WE pick our own doctors, which I really like. I do NOT need a referral to get care. I was really surprised at the low cost if the family is in good health, no smokers, etc. GOOD LUCK! D.

The first step is to create a checklist of what you need and/or want.
1. Covers well checks for the kids (up to a certain age?)
2. Covers yearly visits, checks for adults
3. Covers hospital visits (ER, Surgery, etc)
4. What about when you travel?
5. What is the dr. visit copay?
6. What is the deducible limit? ($250, $500?)
7. What is the percent covered once you reach the deducible?
Some websites to google for are:
assurant health
anthem health

For dental, if you just want cleanings, etc. it may be just as cheap to just pay as you go.
M.

Hi K.,

For Health & Dental Insurance try AmeriPlan they are a 17 year strong established Corporation. Nationwide health care programs and Member of the Chamber of Commerce.

You can save up to 50% or more on Medical Care Includes: Free Dental, Vision, Chiropractic and Prescription Program for Entire Household.

They are Very Affordable there is No Waiting Period.

Instant Savings/Members Pay All Health Care Provider Fees.

No Paperwork, All Ongoing Dental/Medical Problems Are Accepted & Pregnancy.

All specialists Included and NO Age Limit.

If you have any questions or I can help you in anyway please contact me at:
###-###-####
____@____.com
Visit our web at www.mybenefitsPlus.com/mwolters