Buying Health Insurance?

Everyone needs medical care sometime, and the most common way to pay for it is through private health insurance coverage. While most Americans have some type of private coverage, the different types of insurance and how they work can be confusing and difficult to understand.

When you need to purchase health insurance, turning to a local insurance agent or broker is always a smart first step. Whether you're looking at health, dental, disability or long-term care, your agent or broker will help you identify the benefits that will satisfy your individual needs or the needs of your company. They not only look out for your bottom line, but they also work to make sure you get the products that are right for you.

Expertise matters

Professional health insurance agents and brokers provide the expertise you need to make the right choices. They are experts who:

know the market�by distinguishing the best products from the merely adequate
know the law�by reviewing state and federal legislation and regulations that impact the sale of health insurance products
know the industry�by completing stringent licensing requirements and continuing education courses

Your health insurance agent will help you:

review your unique needs
learn about different insurance companies and types of coverage that can satisfy your specific concerns
ease the burden on your time by doing the "legwork" for you
get the most from your coverage after you've bought it

Independent agents and brokers work for you--not any one insurance company. This ensures that your ongoing needs are their priority.

Check out your options

The NAHU Education Foundation's Health Care Coverage Options Database for New York State Residents - Click Here

Consumer Guide to Individual Health Insurance
Approximately five percent of Americans do not get their health insurance coverage through an employer or through a government program, but instead purchase private individual coverage. Individual coverage is regulated differently by each state which can have a tremendous impact on the individual health insurance products available to consumers in each state. This guide helps explain some of the nuances involved with purchasing private individual health insurance coverage.

Consumer Guide to Group Health Insurance
The majority of Americans have group health insurance through their employer or the employer of a family member. Many people don't realize that health insurance is issued differently for different types of employers, and that since insurance is regulated at the state level, health insurance requirements for different types of employers can vary significantly from state to state. This guide provides basic information about purchasing a group health insurance plan.

Consumer Guide to Continuation of Coverage
Millions of people who lose their group coverage due to a job change, divorce, job loss or other reason are able to keep their group coverage temporarily. There are several types of continuation coverage that individuals might be eligible for depending on the past employment situation and state of residence. This guide provides information about continuation of coverage options as well as the federal group-to-individual health insurance portability rights many people have.

Consumer Guide to Long-Term Care
Long-term care is the health industry term for care and related expenses associated with an extended illness or injury. Ninety-five percent of long-term care in the United States is custodial in nature and is not reimbursed by private insurance, disability income coverage or Medicare. However, consumers can purchase private long-term care insurance. This guide provides consumers with important information about this product.

Consumer Guide to Medicare
More than 40 million Americans receive health benefits through Medicare. Recent legislative and regulatory changes to the program, particularly concerning the coverage of prescription drugs, have many beneficiaries asking questions. NAHU's new Medicare guide attempts to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about changes to the program.

Consumer Guide To Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
HSAs are an innovative way of paying for medical care in this country. HSAs are sold in conjunction with a qualified high-deductible health insurance plan and are available for both individuals and employers. HSAs can help you save money on your medical care as well as provide a good way to save for future medical expenses. This guide provides much information about this new and innovative health insurance product.

Consumer Guide To High-Risk Pools
For many people with serious pre-existing medical conditions, the prospect of finding individual insurance coverage outside of an employer group can be very daunting. However, most states have high-risk health insurance pools available, which can provide such individuals with access to affordable private coverage. These state high-risk pool programs are detailed in the NAHU Guide to High-Risk Pools.

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