Most people don't plan on skipping out on health insurance - it just happens. Whether you've recently graduated from college or are in between jobs or self employed or a part of a start-up, health coverage may be one of those things that just slips through the cracks.
When your life is in transition it's not convenient to stop and think about health insurance. Instead of pushing it off to the side and hoping nothing bad happens to you, take a few minutes and read this essential information. Without health insurance you leave yourself open to catastrophically high medical bills and to problems getting coverage in the future because of present lapses or conditions you may become aware of in this transition time.
Because health insurance is so important for every stage of your life, during transition times it is first important to figure out what insurance is best for you and your personal situation. If you are in between jobs you should consider buying back your COBRA from your former employer. A COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) health-insurance option is one where you get to continue the health insurance coverage and benefits you had with your former employer for up to six month, provided you pay for the monthly fees out of pocket.
When buying your COBRA is not an option, either because you are not able to afford it or because you're starting out brand new, look instead into a short-term health insurance policy. This type of policy is a great easy option for the in between because it is specifically designed to carry you over from one thing to the next.
These plans give you the freedom to go to any doctor or specialist you like without restrictions so long as you pay the co-pays and deductibles. Most plans require that you obtain pre-certification from your insurer before you are hospitalized (except for emergency treatment). Without pre-certification, the plan may not reimburse you for hospital bills. Surgery, hospital care, emergency services, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, follow-up office visits and even limited mental health care could be included under a short-term health policy.
These health insurance policies are usually renewable for 36 months (or three years) and will take you easily over the gap. Keep in mind the temporary nature of these policies though - if you file a major claim during this short-term coverage your insurer will likely opt not to renew at the next period. They could, as an alternative, offer you a permanent policy but they will consider any illness during the short-term coverage period as a pre-existing condition and this may affect your rates and coverage options.
The final option for health coverage in a transition time is catastrophic health insurance. This type of policy is generally has an affordable monthly premium and a high deductible for any medical incident. It is useful to young, healthy individuals who don't require medical care on a regular basis but it does cover medical catastrophes (as the name suggests) and provides an emergency safety net so you are not left with thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical bills if the worst happens.
No matter what plan is right for you, don't make the mistake of thinking just because you're healthy now you will be healthy forever. Getting caught without proper health insurance can spell financial ruin for you and your family. Do your research and find a plan that fits your lifestyle and your transition time.
When your life is in transition it's not convenient to stop and think about health insurance. Instead of pushing it off to the side and hoping nothing bad happens to you, take a few minutes and read this essential information. Without health insurance you leave yourself open to catastrophically high medical bills and to problems getting coverage in the future because of present lapses or conditions you may become aware of in this transition time.
Because health insurance is so important for every stage of your life, during transition times it is first important to figure out what insurance is best for you and your personal situation. If you are in between jobs you should consider buying back your COBRA from your former employer. A COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) health-insurance option is one where you get to continue the health insurance coverage and benefits you had with your former employer for up to six month, provided you pay for the monthly fees out of pocket.
When buying your COBRA is not an option, either because you are not able to afford it or because you're starting out brand new, look instead into a short-term health insurance policy. This type of policy is a great easy option for the in between because it is specifically designed to carry you over from one thing to the next.
These plans give you the freedom to go to any doctor or specialist you like without restrictions so long as you pay the co-pays and deductibles. Most plans require that you obtain pre-certification from your insurer before you are hospitalized (except for emergency treatment). Without pre-certification, the plan may not reimburse you for hospital bills. Surgery, hospital care, emergency services, diagnostic tests, prescription drugs, follow-up office visits and even limited mental health care could be included under a short-term health policy.
These health insurance policies are usually renewable for 36 months (or three years) and will take you easily over the gap. Keep in mind the temporary nature of these policies though - if you file a major claim during this short-term coverage your insurer will likely opt not to renew at the next period. They could, as an alternative, offer you a permanent policy but they will consider any illness during the short-term coverage period as a pre-existing condition and this may affect your rates and coverage options.
The final option for health coverage in a transition time is catastrophic health insurance. This type of policy is generally has an affordable monthly premium and a high deductible for any medical incident. It is useful to young, healthy individuals who don't require medical care on a regular basis but it does cover medical catastrophes (as the name suggests) and provides an emergency safety net so you are not left with thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical bills if the worst happens.
No matter what plan is right for you, don't make the mistake of thinking just because you're healthy now you will be healthy forever. Getting caught without proper health insurance can spell financial ruin for you and your family. Do your research and find a plan that fits your lifestyle and your transition time.
About the Author:
If you are searching for more information on temporary health insurance and transitional health insurance in Texas, Al Boenker Insurance is here to assist you. Al Boenker Insurance has a wide variety of temporary health insurance options with more than 40 years of experience in serving DFW as a leading provider of, Texas car insurance and Texas health insurance.
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