3 Keys to Finding Health Insurance In Austin, Texas
Finding health insurance in Austin, is not as simple as it may seem. Unless you can land coverage through you employer, you likely have some research to do, and a bit of an health insurance plan learning curve that you will need
to negotiate
If you're wondering how to begin, we are here to help. Below are three key steps for finding a great health insurance plan in Austin, Texas.
Facts About Austin
Austin is the 4th largest city in Texas. Austin originated as the riverside village of Waterloo, in a buffalo-hunting region occupied by Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. In 1839 it was selected by scouts as the site for the permanent capital of the Republic of Texas and renamed to honour Stephen F. Austin, father of the republic. By 1840 Austin was incorporated, with 856 residents. When Mexican invasion threatened Texas in 1842, the government moved to Houston, but the town's citizens, determined to keep Austin the capital, staged the so-called Archive War, forcibly retaining government records. The government returned to Austin in 1845, the year in which Texas was admitted to the United States.
1. Familiarize yourself with the different types of health care coveragesAustin is the 4th largest city in Texas. Austin originated as the riverside village of Waterloo, in a buffalo-hunting region occupied by Tonkawa and Comanche peoples. In 1839 it was selected by scouts as the site for the permanent capital of the Republic of Texas and renamed to honour Stephen F. Austin, father of the republic. By 1840 Austin was incorporated, with 856 residents. When Mexican invasion threatened Texas in 1842, the government moved to Houston, but the town's citizens, determined to keep Austin the capital, staged the so-called Archive War, forcibly retaining government records. The government returned to Austin in 1845, the year in which Texas was admitted to the United States.
There are several types of health care plan options that you may choose from in Austin, TX. Maybe even a couple that you may not be aware of - like health care sharing plans. Health care sharing plans, or faith-based health plans, as they are sometimes referred to, function very much like traditional health insurance plans. However, technically they are not actually insurance. There are also the new short-term plans. The benefits of some of the short term plans offered currently are so much better than what was available previously, they really should be considered a brand new option.
Let's take a closer look at options available in the Austin Texas region.
Health plan options In Austin Texas Include:
- Traditional health insurance options.
Traditional health insurance refers to health insurance plans offered through the health insurance exchange created by the Affordable Care Act legislation (ACA). Companies offering these plans include: BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna. - Short term health insurance plans.
Short-term health insurance plans are not so "short" any more. Do to recent changes in health insurance guidelines, you can now, in some cases, within some states, keep the same low-cost short-term health insurance plan for as long as 3 years. Companies offering these plans include: United Healthcare, National General. - Faith-based healthcare coverage (Healthcare sharing plans).
The number of subscribers in faith-based, or healthcare sharing plans is possibly growing faster than any other segment of the health care plan industry. In most cases, you are not required to be affiliated with any religion entity in order to join. Health care sharing plan benefits vary depending on the company. Plans are usually quite affordable. Companies offering these plans include: OneShare Health.
When reviewing your health plan options, be sure to take a close look at the summary of benefits of each plan you are considering. Most health plans summaries can be found online somewhere within the description of benefits on most any major health insurance plan website. If you don't see it, request it before applying for any plan. A provider directory, which displays the facilities and physicians that are part of the plan's physician network, should also be readily available.
Also, when comparing various plans, make certain to pay serious attention to your family's current medical needs. Consider the cost and manner of treatment you have gotten in the past. Though it is not possible to foretell every future medical circumstance, being aware of your family's medical history can assist you in making the right decision.
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| Cornerstone Hospital of Austin 4207 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78756 Telephone: (512) 706-1900 Plus Code: 8764+QM Austin, Texas |
Good to know: It's never too late to negotiate a bill. Many patients think once a bill has gone to collections it's game over, but that's not true. Call the healthcare provider first, not the collection agency, to see if you can negotiate directly with them. They have much more of an interest to negotiate the debt down than the collection agency.
2. Review physician / hospital Networks
Be sure to check the hospital/physician network of any plan that you are considering. Make certain the specific hospitals or doctors you desire, are participating in the network. The expense of utilizing a physician or hospital that is out-of-network, can be staggering. Insurance firms negotiate with physicians and hospitals to obtain more reasonable rates. When you opt out of the network, those negotiated rates are not available to you. If you have personal doctors and you want to keep visiting them, make certain they are part of the provider network associated with your plan.
3. Compare out-of-pocket costs
Perhaps the most important part of any health plan is the amount you will be responsible to pay should a medical need arise. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what your plan will pay toward a medical bill, and what you will be required to pay. You need to be clear on this issue for most every possible medical circumstance. This includes office visits, x-rays and laboratory tests, emergency room visits, hospital procedures and stays, etc. Also, make sure you know the maximum amount your plan will pay toward every medical circumstance. Many plans have lifetime limits. Some plans have procedure limits. These are things you do not want to learn of after you gone through a medical circumstance. You need to have pertinent knowlege concerning these issues before you purchase your health insurance plan. When it comes to finding a good health insurance plan in Austin, there is a lot you need to know. Talk to the experts. We are happy to help. Give us a call today.
Good to know: Do the math. When shopping for health insurance, most people focus on the monthly premiums, but you also need to take a close look at deductibles. For example, if you have a choice between a lower silver plan premium of $345 a month for a plan with a $5,500 deductible, and a higher gold plan premium at $465 a month with a $1,750 deductible, you may be better off with the second plan if you anticipate needing more than $1,500 in medical care. With the second plan, your total annual cost for the premium and deductible comes to $7,330, a $2,310 savings over the lower premium plan.
Other articles:
Explaining The Growth of Healthcare Sharing Healthplans
Is Short-Term Health Insurance Right For You?
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