Sunday, February 8, 2009

Cheap Medical Insurance In New York -- Steps to Low Rates

By Chimezirim Odimba

What can someone do to pay relatively little for sufficient New York medical insurance? If you must attract big discounts, then you must NOT forget certain things. I'll discuss a good number of them in this article...

1. There are drugs that are big brand names. Drugs that have such brand names are more expensive than equally-effective drugs with less brand recognition and so raise your cost. For those who don't know, the law demands that every drug must have the same active ingredients irrespective of if they are brand name or generic. Where the dissimilarities start and end are in their selection of inactive ingredients.

The truth then is that you only spend more when you buy a big brand name drug and do NOT get anything more in value. However, make sure you ask a doctor you can really trust about this before you settle for any drug.

2. You'll get lower rates if you make your payments by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). By doing this you authorize an insurer to automatically withdraw your premiums from your account at specified intervals. This saves costs by removing the need for payment notices or checks. The insurance company passes part of what they save to you by reducing your rates.

3. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) insurance is a good choice for affordable coverage if you have a pre-existing condition that makes standard individual New York medical insurance hard to get or too expensive.

4. Certain states give home business owners an opportunity to bring down their rate. States that offer this opportunity have laws that make it compulsory that insurance companies give home business owners the same price with large businesses.

In several states a home business is eligible for a group rate provided it has one employee.

The good part is that the employee could be your wife or your older child who works for you. The interesting thing is that such a worker mustn't be full time for you to meet eligibility requirements.

Group rates are always lower so ensure that you take advantage of this if you are a home business owner.

To know if you are eligible or even if your state has such offer, call your state's department of insurance, department of financial services or their equivalent.

5. Although you're warned against self-medication, there are times when you shouldn't see a doctor. Clear example are viral infections like flu for which your doctor can really do nothing. Applying some home remedies will really help in those situations. It's generally known that doctors cannot do you much good if you have a viral infection.

So is it wise to spend nearly $100 to see a doctor when you already know that your situation won't be helped much? Other instances are small bruises that just simple first aid will handle properly. Teach yourself simple first aid procedures. Knowing a few little things and having a well-equiped first aid box will help you save much on unnecessary visits to a doctor.

But that said, it's better to err on the side of caution and see a doctor if you're unsure. And a word of caution to individuals who may think they have learnt so much (while they are not trained medical personnels) know what you should not even attempt unless there's no way to get to a doctor on time. You're not permitted by law to attempt some things unless you're a certified medical doctor even if you know what to do. Do what you should and allow your doctor handle those he/she should. If you do this right you will pay less in health insurance and as well not put yourself at any risk.

6. Make out some time to visit at least five insurance quotes sites that return quotes on health insurance policies. It will take you around 25 minutes.

As you visit each quotes site, ensure you give the same details. Doing otherwise will produce misleading results. When you've obtained your health insurance quotes, compare them to see which serves your interest best both in price and value.

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