Affordable Health Insurance for your Business
Some can’t get group insurance, because they are self-employed, work for a small company or have run out of benefits

Our health insurance system isn’t working.
 
An MSN-Zogby survey has reported that Americans are paying more for health insurance than they did a year ago, and many are avoiding important doctor visits simply because of the cost. The survey said over a quarter of Americans have missed or delayed a critical appointment with a doctor because it was too costly. 37% say they pay more out of pocket for medical services or prescriptions, while nearly 50% say they pay more in health-insurance premiums than a year ago.


The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that nearly 10% of US children remain uninsured, although the amount of American children with health insurance has increased. Childhood vaccinations are the most important means of preventing children from contracting devastating illnesses and diseases. In addition to vaccinations, it is vital for children to have health insurance to cover ordinary check-ups, in addition to illnesses and injuries that are sure to come up when you least anticipate them.
 
Meanwhile state legislators keep on looking for ways to make health insurance more available and affordable, with the latest US Census numbers indicating a rise in the number of uninsured and the most recent reports showing health insurance premiums are increasing steadily. Quite a few states have established legislation in recent years setting up a single-payer or an employer-based healthcare system increasing coverage for individuals without health insurance.


Group health insurance is a better option than individual coverage for most people. Some people can’t get group insurance, however, because they are self-employed, work for a small company; have run out of benefits, or for some other reason. Many health insurance companies offer individual plans to such people. Before you buy, it’s vital to shop around and compare health insurance policies and plans.
 
So You Run Your Own Business…
 
If you’re an entrepreneur, nailing-down a healthcare policy for your startup business can be very difficult. Though they typically cost more, health insurance policies are available to most small businesses. Entering the world of health-insurance plans can be confusing, but here are the basics: Indemnity or fee-for-service plans are the traditional policies your parents grew up with, while managed care is the standard in health insurance nowadays.
 
There are also health savings accounts, an insurance policy that was actually designed with the self-employed and the small business owner in mind. The difference between buying individual healthcare and investing in an HSA is similar to the difference between renting a home and buying one:
  • You start with a high deductible
  • Your high deductible results in considerably lower premiums
  • You can keep the money you save tax-free in your HSA
 
Experts are cautioning that the troubles of the US healthcare system are growing. Karen Davis, President of the Commonwealth Fund, writes that the United States is the only key developed country without universal health insurance. Disparities in access to medical services, poor quality care, lost economic productivity and avoidable deaths are the result of the gaps in coverage.
 
Still, there are ways to find affordable HMO health insurance:


  • Start by contacting your State Insurance Commissioner’s office.
  • Look for it on the Internet.
  • Check out AARP’s Report Card if you want to compare affordable HMO health insurance options available by state.
  • Consider joining a credit Union or small business consortium that offers small business health care options.
  • Look into Costco Executive Membership small business insurance options.