7 tips to find affordable health insurance in Los Angeles, California

Feb. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Health care insurance may seem more complicated an unaffordable than ever. Accordingly to the 2010 Employer Health Benefit Report of the Kaiser Family Foundation, Health Insurance Premium have more than doubled. A family of 4 spent in the year 2000 and average annual health premium of $ 6,438 but in 2010 a family had to pay an average of $ 13,770. One of many reason why the health premiums are going up is due to the ever rising health care cost. Our nation spends 17.6 % of the U.S. gross domestic product on health care. ( This is $ 8160 per US resident- source CMS 2009) . Although planned measures in the health care reform might this trend, in the meantime here are some helpful tips to find affordable health insurance in California.


TIP # 1 - Shop the insurance market : 


You should re-evaluate and shop around for better insurance every year.  This is because insurance carriers are always coming out with new plans,   See whether it makes sense to switch plans and/or providers,  Rates are based solely on health status, age and location. Since health insurance carriers do not give discounts for company loyalty,  you should re-evaluate your insurance policies each year.

TIP # 2 - Do not use out-of-network doctors

Double check with your insurance company to see whether your doctor is an “In-Network” provider. Using “Out-of-Network” doctors can be very costly, as the insurance companies will only pay their standard rate and you are responsible to pay the doctor any remainder.  


TIP # 3 - Pay for Brand Prescriptions

“Generic Only” plans are less costly than Brand and Generic Prescription Plans. But, you should be aware that for most critical illnesses, such as cancer, most  prescription medications are brand and non-formulary.  If you have a “generic only” plan your medications may not be covered.  Many cancer prescriptions can run from $ 2000 - $4000 per month.  



TIP # 4 - Go into Higher Deductible Plans - or Limited Doctor Visits 

In order to offset the steep increases in health insurance premiums, many families increase the deductible on their plans. If you do this, each month you should deposit $100 into a savings account, so that you are able to pay your bills when the unexpected happens. If you do not visit doctors very often, I would recommend a plan with limited doctor visits, but maintains the same deductible. HSA Premium Plans ( Health Savings Account Plan ) have risen sharply, and are often almost as the level of regular insurance plans.

Remember, if you are on deductible plan of $ 3500 or $ 5000, you might have to pay this deductible each year if you should get a chronic illness. The insurance companies will not allow you to go on lower deductible plans once you have a critical illness. Are you comfortable with that? 




TIP # 5 Add Supplemental Insurance

To be prepared for the unexpected you should add supplemental insurance, such as coverage for a critical illness.  With this type of supplemental  insurance coverage, you will be paid a lump sum if you have a critical illness. Young families can add accident insurance for as little as $ 40,00 per month, or singles for $ 20.00 a month.




TIP # 6 Always Read the Details of the Out-Of Pocket Maximum

After the deductible is reached, you have to pay a coinsurance , which can be as little as 10%,  or as high as 50 %, until you reach the “Out-Of-Pocket Maximum”,  Be sure you know what this limit is! 




Tip #7 Contact Solid Health Insurance Service - Your Insurance Agent

In order to do our job properly we keep up-to-date with the newest insurance plans and newest health care reform changes. Your agent knows which plans have loop-holes and can guide you through the application process.  Filling out an insurance application can be very difficult. A meeting or telephone conversation with an agent, will successfully guide you through the process.

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Barbara Schmalz the owner of Solid Health Insurance Service and the "go-to" person to go to for all your insurance needs including health, life and home and insurance. Her consultative approach will help to tailor each client a solid insurance package