What can I do if my employer does not provide health insurance?

Question

I work at a local family owned real estate office. I've been needing to get health insurance and my employer does not provide it. Someone mentioned to me to apply for ACCESS but I dont know what that is. If someone could please help me I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advanced.

I am not an agent...

I have been looking and calling, but I guess I need some insight because they just confuse me more.

Answer 1

Google "health Insurance"- there are a LOT of private companies that provide insurance for varying monthly fees-some more expensive than others.

Answer 2

You will need to purchase an individual insurance.

This works differently than group policies. You will have to go through underwriting (meaning that they will ask for a lot of medical information and that will be used to determine your rate.)

On a group policy, unless you're in a new group starting out, joining the group is as simple as filling out a couple of forms. Applying for an individual policy will take a few minutes (to complete the application) and the response may take 10-30 days (or even longer) depending on whether or not you have any pre-existing conditions (and what those conditions are.) Unlike a group policy, you CAN be turned down for coverage on an individual plan.

Here are a few tips:

Know your options. There are PPOs, HMOs, and POS plans (just to get started.) These are all related to service networks, meaning that the insurance company has negotiated payment amounts for services provided by these networks. And that can mean a HUGE difference in your out of pocket expenses. But joining a network without many local providers can be a disaster for this exact reason.

Be sure you understand how your options work. Sometimes you're better off to take the platinum-level coverage with a higher deductible than the silver-level coverage with a low deductible. I use those terms generically, of course. But the reason is because the higher level of coverage is likely to have fewer exclusions, offer better prescription coverage, and offer fixed copayments for things like office visits (to see a doctor or specialist) BEFORE you meet your deductible.

Find an agent who will translate all of this for you. There's a LOT to know. And you really will need to understand it in order to make a good choice.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me. It's difficult to suggest specific plans or even companies without knowing more about your situation (and/or location.)

Answer 3

Getting health insurance on your own is pretty expensive. Some states have special health insurance plans where you have to meet certian criterea to be eligible. For example, NY has a plan called "Healthy New York"- If your employer does not offer health insurance an you make less than $25k a year, you are elgible.
Check to see if your state offers something like that.
Otherwise, call your local agent and be ready to pay some serious $$.
Good luck

Answer 4

Typically the Real Estate Industry does not provide insurance to their agents, as technically you are self employed...I would contact any local insurance agency (Sate Farm, Allsate etc) and inquire into group ploicies you can sign up for

Answer 5

Research health insurance companies and buy your own policy. Access is probably an insurance company, although I've never heard of it.

Answer 6

Get affordable health insurance yourself if your employer doesn't provide it. You can comparison-shop at the website below

Answer 7

If you are in AZ, ACCESS is AHCCCS, and it's the state's Medicaid program. You have to be below poverty level to qualify, details can be found at their web site.

Answer 8

Get some real skills and find a different employer.

Answer 9

go get health insurance on your own it might cost you a lil more

Answer 10

It is actually AHCCCS