This is the least expensive way to acquire insurance. If you work for a big organization, it may pay some or all of your monthly premium. prominent businesses have the bargaining power to provide lower premiums and better benefits. You probably wouldn't be required to pass a health exam, and your preexisting medical conditions may be covered. You're also more likely to have a choice of plans if you work for a big company.

independently owned businesses, on the other hand, are at a disfavor in negotiating insurance reporting. They may have problems even obtaining coverage based on the health history of one or more employees, and their cost per acquisition are likely to be more expensive. Some states have supported laws that expect insurers to offer coverage to small groups within a price parameter.

If you and your spouse are both covered by insurance at your current employer, the insurance firms may coordinate your benefits. That means that whatever is not covered by one plan (your primary carrier) could be paid by the former(a)--provided you and your spouse are each taken care of under the other's insurance policy. You may never experience more than 100% of the cost of the program provided. Not all insurers have the same policies, so check with your employee benefits advocate to see how benefits will be unified.

If you lose or leave your employment, you have the option of extending your existing insurance program for up to 18 months under The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA). The same law allows an employee's family to continue coverage for up to three years following death or divorce. COBRA permits you to continue your health care coverage at your former employer's group rate, plus a small (maximum of 2%) administrative fee. If you fail to pay the premiums, your coverage will be canceled and you will not be able to reestablish it.

COBRA coverage ends when you start a new job with health benefits. The option to carry coverage under COBRA is critical if you cannot afford the high costs of an individual policy or if you have a preexisting consideration.

As an single person

If you are self-employed or not working, and are not covered by another family member's insurance policy, you should purchase an independant service. The premiums for single person can be expensive, even for the most basic services. The best advice is to comparison shop and buy the best coverage you can afford. Group reporting may be available to members of certain trade or professional organizations. A few states have 'risk pools,' which provide service to any person regardless of prior medical problems. check into with your state insurance department if you are unable to obtain coverage on your own. Note that some preexisting health issues may not be covered under your individual health insurance program. Be sure to determine with your insurance provider what is and is not included.

Medicare and Medigap insurance policies.

Once you are 65, you can obtain Medicare insurance programs from the federal government's health insurance program. You also may qualify if you have certain ailments. Medicare does not pay all of your associated costs, and there are deductibles. Excluded are most nursing-home care or long-term care in the home. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. Many people over 65 buy a Medigap insurance policy from a private insurer to supplement Medicare coverage.

There are 12 standard Medigap policies, labeled A through L, which make it easy to comparison buy. Depending on which packet you choose, Medigap coverage may pay for such things as Medicare deductibles, coinsurance amounts or prescription medication. Medigap insurers must accept you, regardless of preexisting conditions, if you apply within six months of becoming eligible for Medicare. If you wait longer, you may be refused coverage.