Affordable health insurance for our families is one thing we all
want. However finding quality health care and affordable family
health insurance aren't always easy (get free
health insurance quotes).
Family Health Insurance Options
Usually the most affordable method of purchasing family health
insurance is through employer-provided coverage. Because the costs
of coverage are shared by the employee and the employer, your family
ends up paying lower premiums. Of course, you'll also face limitations
because most employers only offer one or two plans to choose from.
Another option is to purchase your own family health insurance
plan. Your costs may be higher - the average family premium was
$334 per month in 2002, according to the Kaiser
Family Foundation - but you'll get to choose a network of doctors
you feel comfortable with and you'll be able to select your own
deductible. You can learn more by reading "The
Consumer's Guide to Health Insurance" from the Indiana Department
of Insurance or our article on "Health
Insurance Coverage."
Family Medical Insurance Issues
Picking affordable health insurance should be done carefully. Some
plans offer lower premiums or deductibles but don't cover many important
medical needs, such as preventative medicine. Preventative medicine
includes yearly screenings, immunizations, and regular physicals
that are meant to detect early signs of health problems, such as
cancer, or to prevent problems from developing, such as measles
or polio. Even though preventative medicine is often recommended
by doctors, not all insurance plans cover them nor will they extend
their coverage in most cases if a doctor requires the tests to be
done. For this reason, you need to carefully review your policy
regarding the types of preventative medicine your family needs to
ensure that you can take these medical precautions.
Another issue is prescription coverage. More insurance plans are
moving away from paying the costs of prescriptions. Of those that
do, you'll still be expected to pay a co-payment of anywhere from
$5 to $35 per prescription. Those costs can add up, but they are
considerably less than the $100 and up price tag on the most common
prescriptions your family may need. Therefore, it's a good idea
to search around for a plan that covers some prescription expenses.
Buying a Family Health Insurance Plan
If you are purchasing a private family health insurance plan, then
you should shop around. Dozens of insurance providers are willing
to provide you with a health insurance quote based on your needs.
These health insurance quotes can make it easier for you to compare
plans. The National Committee
for Quality Assurance's web site also provides some useful assistance
in finding the best plans for your family. You may also want to
consider purchasing temporary insurance for your family, especially
if you are between jobs. You can learn more about this option by
reading our article on "Short
Term Health Insurance."
Other Resources
