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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Health Insurance -- Things That Bring Down Costs

By Chimezirim Odimba

There are a good number of ways open to everyone who wants cheap insurance. But at the same time, some options folks employ in order to reduce cost generally make them get less than adequate coverage. However, in this article, I'll take you through a few proven tips for paying less and at the same time maintain adequate coverage. Here they are...

Keep an excellent credit rating. A bad credit record will attract higher rates. This is because insurance companies see people who miss payments as reckless and a risk to them. This perception of high risk makes such individuals attract very high rates in health insurance and other insurance policies.

A number of states give home business owners an opportunity to reduce their cost. This is because home based businesses are offered the same cheap rates that insurers extend to their bigger counterparts.

Having just one employee qualifies a home business for such low rates in some states.

The cheery news is that the employee could be your wife or your older child who works for you. Moreover, you'll still qualify if that single employee works only part time.

Group rates are always cheaper so ensure that you take advantage of this if you're a home business owner.

You can check if home businesses that are qualified for group rates in your state by visiting your state's department of insurance or its equivalent.

Your premiums might be tax-deductible if you're self employed. If your employer offers a flexible spending account this may entitle you to a tax break. This suggests that it's wise to discuss this with your tax professional. This will help you confirm what will entitle you to a tax break and what won't.

You can lower your costs by registering with an HMO. HMOs give you coverage that is far less exxpensive than traditional health insurance. With a lower cost comes restrictions in the doctors, health care professionals and hospitals you can use.

For those who want total freedom of choice in who and where to get medical care, a traditional health insurance plan is recommended.

For such people, cost can be reduced by a great margin if they shop extensively for cheap rates in regular health insurance. That is how you would be able to get lower rates for traditional health insurance.

But if cutting cost is the most important consideration, then go with an HMO as it is normally less expensive than traditional health insurance.

Each year the government invests much in publishing guides and more. You'll understand more about what affects your health and health insurance policy if you can get such publications. These publications will teach you to make the right decisions with respect to your health insurance. Superior knowledge in health insurance is crucial to getting the best rate for your profile.

Your co-pay can be costlier than your drug cost in few cases. In some cases, it is better for you to get a prescription without using your health insurance. Know which is best in each situation and do what saves you more.

Do you best to know the difference before you use your insurance.

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