How to Buy Affordable Health Insurance Without an Agent
- 1). Check with your human resources department to inquire about group health insurance. Your employer may offer health insurance to employees. Ask about open enrollment periods as you can enroll annually only during this time, unless you have a qualifying event such as divorce or newborn. Employers that offer group insurance often contribute a percentage toward the premium, making this an affordable option.
- 2). Visit websites, such as eHealthInsurance and GoHealthInsurance.com, that allow you to obtain information about health insurance options. Answer a few basic questions about yourself including ZIP code, gender and birth date. The site will display a list of insurance plans that may be available to you. You can further narrow your search down to specific plan types such as HMO or PPO or deductible amounts, among other criteria.
- 3). Make a list of national and local health insurance companies and visit each insurer's website. On the insurer's website, you will find information about individual health insurance plan features. These sites allow you to compare each plan, obtain a preliminary quote and apply for coverage. Start your search with insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and your regional Blue Cross plan.
- 4). Check to determine whether you may qualify for government-sponsored health insurance. Medicaid is a state-sponsored plan primary for those with no or low incomes. Medicare, federally managed insurance, is for those over age 65. Federal mandates requires state and federal insurance programs for those with pre-existing health conditions. Go to the GovBenefits,Healthcare.gov and BenefitsCheckUp websites to access tools to help find out whether you may qualify for government-sponsored health insurance.
- 5). Contact your state's department of insurance for help in finding, applying and buying affordable health insurance. Every state maintains consumer information on health insurance and may have representatives, available in person or by phone, to assist you with your insurance inquiries. Go to your state's department of insurance website or call the consumer phone number to speak to a representative. Your state will provide additional resources and can help you apply for Medicaid or other state-sponsored insurance programs as needed.
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