It’s the little things we often overlook which can ultimately result in the greatest savings on health insurance in Chicago. With over 40 years of combined insurance industry experience, we’ve learned how to save the most money on healthcare coverage. Here are few things you can do to help keep your rates low while getting the most from your IL healthcare plan.
Learn How to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums
Heath insurance is a complex system, and even those of us in the industry still learn new things every day. One of the best ways to lower your health insurance premiums, is to learn as much as you possibly can about how health insurance works. This may sound vague, but you would be amazed at how unfamiliar some people are with the basics. Once you have an in-depth understanding on how premiums, deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, out-of-pocket expenses, PPO vs. HMO, and others, you will be in a much better position to make a more informed decision.
Think of the Big Picture...
Far too many people purchase health insurance plans, for the sole purpose of saving a few dollars on their doctor's visits. This is the wrong way to be looking at things. Healthcare coverage was never meant to be a discount plan, but rather, to prevent someone from being financially ruined following a serious illness, injury, or disease. AS a result, they end up paying for coverage they don't need, while going without the coverage they do need. Look at the big picture, and never lose sight of why you're buying it in the first place.
Be Realistic...
Some people seem to think that, by purchasing the most expensive policy, they're automatically getting the best IL health insurance available. This is not true. In essence, all they're getting is a bigger bill each month. This is one of the best reasons why people should work with health insurance brokers. They can help you weed through the policies that are not right for you, allowing you to focus on those that are; ultimately helping you save money each month.
Never Buy Less (or More) Than You Need...
Just as overpaying for your medical benefits can be costly, not purchasing enough coverage can be just as costly. It is not uncommon to hear complaints from people who purchased the absolute cheapest policy available, in many cases simply to have some form of health insurance. For example, if you have a family with a history of back problems, and purchase the least expensive plan, you should not be shocked to learn that it does not cover your chiropractic costs. Of course, this is hypothetical, but you see the point.
Know Your Family Medical History
You may be in tip-top shape now, but alot can change in just a few years. If your family has a history of disease or chronic illness, this is something you want to know before you settle on a specific health plan. Doing so will allow you to tailor a coverage plan that is uniquely suited to your realistic health needs. If there is cancer, stroke, diabetes or heart disease in your family's history, your agent can help you choose a plan that focuses primarily on these issues.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is more than just the number one killer of American adults, it is also one of the most influential factors when determining what a person's monthly premium will be. Studies have also shown that smokers go to the doctor more often than non-smokers, which over time, can result in having to pay more for the same coverage as a non-smoker. Quitting smoking is a great way to lower your health insurance costs, while extending your potential lifespan.
Exercise More Often...
Obesity is nothing short of an epidemic in the US, and one of the fundamental reasons why insurance premiums have risen over the past two decades. The combination of over-eating and lack of exercise is a gateway to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, back problems, poor circulation, fatigue, as well as all of the residual effects that accompany each of these. Exercising three to four times per week, in combination with a healthy diet and sound lifestyle choices, is a great way to keep your monthly premiums under control.
Get an Annual Physical...
Medical technology allows doctors to see warning signs of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, aneurism, blood clots, and others well in advance, or in the very early stages of manifestation. Getting regular physicals, wellness screenings and blood tests can help your physician detect problems at their earliest stages, making treatment easier and potentially far longer-lasting.