so i need to get health insurance?

Question

i have no idea what to get, or what hmo or ppo means. i'm 19, not married, no kids. i just want something cheap, but that will keep my covered in case i break a bone or something. and i HAVE to have dental insurance. i dont know what to do. whats the best company? what is an hmo? what is the best type of coverage for a 19 year old full time worker and part time student??

Answer 1

If you work full time, start with your employer, ask if they have a health insurance package. All employers with more than 100 employees are required by law to provide this opportunity to their employees.
An HMO is a not for profit health maintenance organization, where your monthy payments are actually considered dues paid into the organization to keep it running. A PPO, is a Preferred Provider Organization, basically health insurance that is set up using doctors and facilities that have agreed to be paid according to the insurance company's allowable fees, when they bill the insurance, of course they then turn around and demand the remainder of the actual costs from the patient out of pocket.
As you are young and healthy, you might want to opt for inexpensive catastrophic insurance, which would cover something really serious, like cancer or development of a chronic illness. As you get older of course, you will want to look for full coverage, that of course costs more. As for dental care, all I can suggest is that you shop around, use your phone book, or call 1-800-DENTIST to get a referral.
Good luck.

Answer 2

If your employer doesn't offer anything, contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I've been with them for 10+ years and they are the most widely accepted insurance around. Doctors offices will file your claim for you if you have BCBS. I've been extremely happy with my coverage.

Do an internet search for blue cross and blue shield of _____(your state) and then contact them for a quote. They can recommend the right coverage for you and they do have dental insurance as well. Good luck!