Friday, January 30, 2009

Tennessee Health Insurance Options

By Jeff Cline

Insuring the residents of Tennessee is very complex. There are many options that will fit most residents needs and budget. In the State of Tennessee you can find group or employer sponsored plans, individual and government funded options. There are 3 main sources for health insurance that we will discuss here.

Sometimes the most affordable option is group health insurance with your employer. Many times the employer pays a percentage of the premium cutting your cost. Everyone in the group is eligible, even if they have a medical condition. Making this plan the most popular for those with a pre existing condition.

So it makes this option perfect for someone that has a pre existing condition. As long as you are eligible as a group member (employed) you can not be declined for a pre existing condition. However, for this reason it can also drive up the cost of the premium. So often your dependants are very expensive to cover, since most employers do not share their cost.

The next option that many residents choose is individual health insurance. Many carriers, including the major ones, offer health insurance to individuals. You just shop around for the plan that best meets your needs, expectations and budget an enroll.

Individual health insurance is popular because it allows for freedom of choice. Unlike, the one plan fits all option of group insurance you can pick and choose your carrier and plan. The down side can be the underwriting process. The can base premium and coverage on your health history. They can rate you up, waiver a condition, exclude a condition or even decline you coverage completely.

The Access TN program is a risk pool option for Tennessee residents. This is health insurance for individuals that have been declined insurance due to a medical condition. There are a couple of more specialized options as well.

Tennessee CoverKids health insurance program is another excellent program offered to residents. This plan is for eligible pregnant mothers and children up to the age of 18. This is for residents that can not get government help, but can not afford health insurance on their own.

The residents of Tennessee have many options available to them. It is just a matter of deciding on your expectations and a budget. If you are need of low income government funded options go to your local Tennessee Department of Human Services.

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