With the jobless rate reaching 12.5 million and climbing, millions of Americans are left without employee-sponsored health insurance. Rather than go unprotected, many are seeking individual health insurance policies.
But shopping for health insurance can be tricky. Many policies may lack adequate coverage or be too broad, making discerning a good policy from a bad difficult, health experts say.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance, in conjuction with U.S. News & World Report, publish ratings of health care plans. Consumers can also look at insurance guidance from America's Health Insurance Plans, Families USA and the Patient Advocate Foundation.
Here are five questions to consider when shopping for health insurance:
- How much are my premiums and will they change?
- What are my deductibles and co-pays?
- Is the insurance company licensed in my state?
- Am I buying a short-term or a long-term plan?
- Should I consider going with COBRA?
Source: CNNHealth.com, How to Shop for Health Insurance
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