The Health Shopper

In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will be making choices on their health plans. And, according to one survey, many consumers are finding their benefits difficult to understand.

According to the survey, 55 percent feel that providers should make information on health care benefits easier to understand, while 51 percent feel employers should do the same. In one particularly surprising number, 44 percent aren’t totally sure how their health plans are impacted by reform.

A health insurance agent or broker can help provide insight and information on your health plan, as well as answer any questions on health care reform. Stay tuned for more on how reform affects your health plan!

Almost a decade ago, Michael Rosenberg paid $570 per month to insure himself, his wife and his daughters. When he turned 55 in September, his premium soared to unexpected heights: Rosenberg was suddenly faced with a $2,391 premium on his PacifiCare plan.

He was denied a high deductible health plan, which would have had lower premiums. Rosenberg did not qualify for a PCIP, a high-risk pool, but he may qualify for the state’s Major Risk Medical Insurance Program (MRMIP). He then turned to a health insurance broker to understand his options.

Many faced with similar daunting premium hikes – particularly baby boomers – may find it in their best interest to consult with a health insurance agent in order to make a fully informed decision. As in the case of Rosenberg, a health insurance broker can provide insight and help consumers gain a comprehensive understanding of the options and make a well-informed affordable health insurance selection.

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As of June, the 15-month, 65% COBRA health insurance premium subsidy was gone. For all those who’d recently lost jobs, there was no cushion. Congress opted not to extend the legislation as keeping it until the end of the year would cost almost $8 billion.

Unfortunately, this leaves the thousands of recently unemployed to bear the monthly premium on their own. However, hope is not lost. Here are some alternatives to COBRA for the unemployed that you might be interested in checking out:

1. An insurance broker may be able to help you find an affordable health insurance plan. Consider a high-deductible plan, which tends to be cheaper. See getinsured.com for more options.

2. You may be eligible for a government-sponsored plan. Some examples include Medicaid and CHIP. It might pay to research such programs to see if you’re eligible.

3. If you’re under 26, you can get coverage under your parents’ plan!

4. It may help to distribute one family plan into multiple individual plans. This is a better option than having a whole family with no coverage.

5. Consider a high-risk pool – these carriers typically cannot deny you due to a health problem.