Step 1.  Check with your employer.

Regardless of whether your work offers a group health plan, this is an excellent first step.  This is due to the fact that employers are inundated with proposals and information regarding group health insurance.  For most employers, group health insurance is always under consideration.

Bring up the topic with your manager or supervisor.  There's a good chance they'll be able to provide valuable advice.

If your workplace does offer a group health plan, fantastic!  Your search for health insurance may be over.  However, before enrolling in the employee health plan, be sure you understand everything there is to know about it.  The availability of a health plan does not mean that it is the best plan for you and your family.

Also, you may have to wait a certain amount of time before being covered under the group plan.  If this is the case, you may need to obtain a short-term insurance policy to cover the period during which you are not insured.  In Georgia, there are several national health insurance providers that offer short-term health policies.  Don't make the mistake of going without health insurance coverage.  It's not worth the risk.


Step 2.  Visit Healthcare.gov.

Visit: Healthcare.gov to discover what health insurance plans are available in the Columbus, GA region.  You will find all sorts of valuable information that can help you to make a smart health insurance choice.  Take a moment to review the meaning of health insurance terms like: Deductible, Coinsurance, and Maximum-out-of-pocket.  Having a good grasp of the meaning of such terms will simplify your decision making process.


Step 3.  Determine how much you can afford to spend on health insurance and other medical expenses.

Health insurance is an absolute essential.  However purchasing the "Cadillac" plan does not always make good financial sense.  Know how much of your budget you can reasonably put toward health insurance and health care related costs - without breaking your budget.  To calculate these amounts, your medical spending history is key.  The best place to start in determining how much to budget for these costs is to look at how much you have actually spent on healthcare in the past.  Determine costs by reviewing your receipts from your insurance company and healthcare providers over the previous year. Your bank and credit card statements should be a help in this regard.)  The final number you come up with is a good start for determining annual health insurance and health care costs.


Step 4.  Contact a local health insurance broker.

The expertise of an experienced insurance broker can be crucial when it comes to choosing the best health-care plan for you and your family.  A health insurance broker can assist you with every element of the process.  They can help you weigh the pros and cons of various plan deductibles.  They can concisely explain health plan co-insurances.  They can assist you in determining whether you qualify for a subsidy under the Affordable Care Act.

Best of all, a health insurance broker's assistance is usually provided at no cost.

Choosing a health insurance plan is not something to take "lightly".

When looking for a quality Georgia health insurance plan, there are multiple issues to consider.  Also, there are plenty of important health plan particulars that are easy to overlook.  Many Americans end up not liking their health insurance plan once they actually have to utilize it.  More often than not, this dissatisfaction is caused by the customer selecting a plan without fully comprehending its benefits.  To avoid being trapped in a health plan that does not adequately serve your needs, it is critical to fully understand how the plan works - before you purchase it.



Why it is so hard to find an affordable health plan.

Finding an affordable health insurance plan is difficult for good reason.  The problem is the fact that health insurance in America is changing.  The Affordable Care Act is having a greater impact within the health insurance market than ever before.  More Americans are eligible.  More Americans are qualifying for subsidies.

All the changes to the Affordable Care Act eligibility, rules and guidelines are just beginning to filter down to the average consumer.  Most consumers are only getting bits and pieces.  Confusion is the result. 

Finally, many consumers may not have access to a skilled health insurance broker who can help them wade through the avalanche of new health plan information.  Confusion and frustration are common outcomes when competent assistance is not available.


ACA is more affordable.

In Georgia, Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plan options are more affordable than they were in previous years.  This is because the subsidies provided by the federal government are larger.  In addition, more Americans now qualify for a subsidy.



We can help.

We understand how choosing the right plan for the needs of you and your family can be confusing.  Plan benefits, physician networks, deductibles, Rx coverage, price, and more, are all aspects of a health insurance plan that should be well considered.

Our licensed insurance professionals are happy to help you sort through all of the particulars in order to find a high-quality health insurance plan that fits your needs and budget.  Our services are free.  Call now.    (941) 716-2597