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Individual Health Insurance - Five Reasons to Consider It
The reality is harsh: according to the U.S. Census, 47 million Americans were without health insurance in 2006-nearly one-sixth of the entire population. Even worse, AARP.org reports that 78 percent of the uninsured are employed.
If you're not covered through your employer-and even if you are-investing in an individual health insurance policy may be the most affordable way to keep yourself properly insured. In this article you'll find five reasons to consider investing in an individual health insurance policy.
Reason #1: You're Not Covered at Work
It used to be that full-time employees were all but guaranteed employed-based healthcare benefits, but that tradition is quickly fading away. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, only 60% of employers offer health insurance benefits to their employees. For part-time workers, the prospects of receiving employer-based healthcare are even less promising.
If your employer doesn't offer healthcare benefits, you may want to consider shopping around for an individual health insurance policy.
Reason #2:Individual Health Insurance is Less Expensive Than Employer-Based Coverage
Many employees, especially those who work for smaller companies, have found that some individual health insurance policies are more affordable than employer-based plans. With employees expected to pay higher premiums and increased out-of-pocket costs in the coming years, the problem will likely get worse.
A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust found that 37% of employees who work in a company with three to 199 employees will pay more than half the cost of their family's healthcare premium. As the average family healthcare premium is now $12,000, many employees at smaller businesses can expect to pay over $500 a month for a family healthcare plan.
Reason #3: Your Employer-Based Options Are Shrinking
For those who have access to employer-based healthcare benefits, the reality is bittersweet: you're covered, but your healthcare options may be shrinking. According to the New York Times, more than 100 major companies (and hundreds of smaller ones) offer employees a high-deductible plan as a single take-it-or-leave-it option. Even if a company offers a conventional health insurance policy, high premium costs are pushing employees to choose the lowest-cost alternatives-regardless of the quality of care the plan provides.
When applying for an individual health insurance plan, you're not tied down to a limited number of options. With Anikim.com, shopping and comparing multiple plans can help you find a coverage level that best fits your needs.
Reason #4: You're Not Eligible for COBRA, Medicare or Other Coverage
If you're not eligible for COBRA or too young for Medicare, one of your only options may be to purchase an individual health insurance policy. Medicare is only available to those 65 and over, with some exceptions for disabled people under 65. If you've been enrolled in COBRA for an extended period of time, you already know that your benefits will likely run out after a period of 18-36 months. If you've been denied by COBRA, Medicare or other coverage, you may be desperate for an alternative.
Whatever the case, applying for an individual health insurance policy can help you gain access to affordable medical care.
Reason #5: It's Affordable!
Individual health insurance can be extremely affordable-sometimes more affordable than employer-based coverage. Shopping around for quotes with Anikim.com could land you a fantastic health insurance policy at an affordable rate!
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