How to Compare Low Cost Health Insurance in Louisiana
For most people the words "low cost" and "health insurance" cannot possibly appear in the same sentence.
Indeed, health insurance is now so expensive that fully 16% of all the residents of Louisiana find themselves unable to afford even basic coverage.
The good news is that while it may not be possible to make traditional health care truly "low cost" there are several steps you can take that can help to lower the cost.
There is also good news when it comes to being able to actually compare the prices of health insurance from different companies.
Several websites now make this type of comparison simple - however, in order to get the best price possible from such comparisons, it is important that the forms on each website be filled in properly.
That's what this article will hopefully help you to do.
Let's start with the idea that group health is less expensive (and more likely to overlook pre-existing conditions, smoking and weight issues) than an individual medical policy.
If group health is not offered where you work don't give up.
Many clubs, organizations, associations and groups offer their members group medical coverage.
Ask around at any clubs or associations that you belong to.
If you can't find any group health coverage ask friends and relatives if they belong to any clubs or groups that offer members low-cost group health.
If so, see if you can join.
Regardless of where you get your coverage you will save money in the long run if you start eating healthier and getting more exercise.
Eating healthier means very little fast food - and as little fried food as possible.
Cut back as much as you possibly can.
Eating healthier also means eating more fruits and vegetables.
Try it.
You'll like it.
Part of a healthier lifestyle also means getting some exercise every day.
Exercise can consist of brisk walking for half an hour, or biking around town to do some of your errands.
Maybe you could join a "walking club" that walks the local mall in the mornings.
Exercise can be fun as well as healthy.
Don't smoke.
Don't use chew.
You've been told a thousand times already, I'm sure, but if you smoke or use tobacco products of any kind you will pay more for your health coverage.
The same goes for being overweight.
Insurance companies use a Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine how "fat" you are.
The higher your BMI the higher your monthly premium will be.
Losing even a few pounds may drop you down a notch on the BMI chart and if that happens you could save some money every month.
Every pound counts.
Don't take part in dangerous sports or extreme activities or hobbies.
If you go out of your way to put yourself at risk you can't expect to get the best rates.
The same goes for the car you drive.
If you drive a fast and sporty car or a muscle car then you can count on paying more for your medical coverage.
If you can afford a 50% co-payment every time you visit your doctor you can save money every month.
Obviously this idea works best for people who do not see their doctor on a regular basis.
Can you afford to increase your deductible?If you can then you will pay less for your premium each month.
Be careful, however, that you don't promise to pay a greater deductible each year than you can truly afford.
You will also save money if you buy your health insurance online.
Using the online price comparison websites is also, obviously, the best way to compare low cost health insurance in Louisiana.
One of the tricks to comparing prices is not to rely on just one price comparison website.
If you really want to see all of the prices available to you - so that you can find the absolute cheapest price there is - then you will have to make your comparisons on a minimum of 3 of the price comparison sites.
You also need to enter the exact same information into the form on all 3 websites so that you are comparing the same policy on all the sites.
But once you have done this then your job is done.
Just pick the lowest price you have found and know that you are now an expert and know how to compare low cost health insurance in Louisiana and come out the winner.
Indeed, health insurance is now so expensive that fully 16% of all the residents of Louisiana find themselves unable to afford even basic coverage.
The good news is that while it may not be possible to make traditional health care truly "low cost" there are several steps you can take that can help to lower the cost.
There is also good news when it comes to being able to actually compare the prices of health insurance from different companies.
Several websites now make this type of comparison simple - however, in order to get the best price possible from such comparisons, it is important that the forms on each website be filled in properly.
That's what this article will hopefully help you to do.
Let's start with the idea that group health is less expensive (and more likely to overlook pre-existing conditions, smoking and weight issues) than an individual medical policy.
If group health is not offered where you work don't give up.
Many clubs, organizations, associations and groups offer their members group medical coverage.
Ask around at any clubs or associations that you belong to.
If you can't find any group health coverage ask friends and relatives if they belong to any clubs or groups that offer members low-cost group health.
If so, see if you can join.
Regardless of where you get your coverage you will save money in the long run if you start eating healthier and getting more exercise.
Eating healthier means very little fast food - and as little fried food as possible.
Cut back as much as you possibly can.
Eating healthier also means eating more fruits and vegetables.
Try it.
You'll like it.
Part of a healthier lifestyle also means getting some exercise every day.
Exercise can consist of brisk walking for half an hour, or biking around town to do some of your errands.
Maybe you could join a "walking club" that walks the local mall in the mornings.
Exercise can be fun as well as healthy.
Don't smoke.
Don't use chew.
You've been told a thousand times already, I'm sure, but if you smoke or use tobacco products of any kind you will pay more for your health coverage.
The same goes for being overweight.
Insurance companies use a Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine how "fat" you are.
The higher your BMI the higher your monthly premium will be.
Losing even a few pounds may drop you down a notch on the BMI chart and if that happens you could save some money every month.
Every pound counts.
Don't take part in dangerous sports or extreme activities or hobbies.
If you go out of your way to put yourself at risk you can't expect to get the best rates.
The same goes for the car you drive.
If you drive a fast and sporty car or a muscle car then you can count on paying more for your medical coverage.
If you can afford a 50% co-payment every time you visit your doctor you can save money every month.
Obviously this idea works best for people who do not see their doctor on a regular basis.
Can you afford to increase your deductible?If you can then you will pay less for your premium each month.
Be careful, however, that you don't promise to pay a greater deductible each year than you can truly afford.
You will also save money if you buy your health insurance online.
Using the online price comparison websites is also, obviously, the best way to compare low cost health insurance in Louisiana.
One of the tricks to comparing prices is not to rely on just one price comparison website.
If you really want to see all of the prices available to you - so that you can find the absolute cheapest price there is - then you will have to make your comparisons on a minimum of 3 of the price comparison sites.
You also need to enter the exact same information into the form on all 3 websites so that you are comparing the same policy on all the sites.
But once you have done this then your job is done.
Just pick the lowest price you have found and know that you are now an expert and know how to compare low cost health insurance in Louisiana and come out the winner.
