As more and more people go into business for themselves, or become independent contractors, there is an increased demand for independent medical insurance.
As an individual employee, you have no leverage with an insurance company to get a reduced rate, so acquiring medial insurance can be quite expensive. It has gotten to the point where many people have to go without medical insurance simply because they can not afford it. If you have husband or wife with medical coverage it is likely that you will not have to purchase your own insurance, however, that does not mean that your spouse is paying an increased monthly premium to cover you as well. Whether or not you are covered under somebody elses medical insurance, if you are interested in purchasing medical insurance for yourself the most important thing you can do is research all possible options. You must have an understanding of how the different types of plans work. From co-pays to monthly premiums, from choosing doctors and facilities to pre-existing conditions, without a through understanding of all of the various aspects of medical insurance you cannot purchase the plan that is best for you.
The internet has many websites that provide information to self employed individuals, or small business owners, specifically about health insurance. Again, the more information you have, the better prepared you will be, and the better the decision you will make. The websites offer information on insurance for the self employed vs. insurance for small businesses, as well as information on the different types of plans that are available, such as the HMO or PPO health insurance plans.
Advocacy For Patients with Chronic Illness is a non-profit organization which helps people whose pre-existing conditions have been an obstacle to procuring health insurance. Those with chronic illnesses can receive help in battling insurance companies and receive support and guidance. For those who are healthier, Freelancersunion.org is a website that works to ensure the self-employed of various industries and give them affordable options with lower premiums, and operates in about 30 states. Ehealthinsurance.com also provides several dozen different insurance plans which a potential customer can compare and contrast.
However, it does not provide insurance for customers in all states. The NASE, or National Association for the Self-Employed, is another valuable resource, and has forged an alliance with several leading insurance providers. Its website, NASE.org, provides tips for entrepreneurs, provides some health benefits, legal advocacy, life insurance. and helps them save money on personal as well as business expenses.
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