Private health insurance available, survey shows
31 03 08 - 15:05
By Jackie Johnson
Survey says: Help is available if you lose your health insurance in this spiraling economy.
Considering the looming recession, many people worry most about health insurance. That's according to a new eHealthInsurance.com survey. Nearly half of those polled say, after a job loss, they would pay credit cards bills late, but only 7% say they'd let their health insurance payments slide.
"You know the good news is today that even if you do lose your job there's a very, very vibrant private health insurance market and certainly there are ways to save money and continue your health insurance even if you have to pay for it yourself."
Sam Gibbs, consumer advocate, says COBRA -- the continuation of your health insurance from your company -- is expensive. However, he says the private health insurance market offers alternatives, allowing you to pick and choose which benefits you want and how high a deductible -- just like your car insurance.
"Go to the Internet, or go to the state of Wisconsin's website, the Department of Insurance, and find alternatives, do the research. People will be very pleasantly surprised about the affordability of some of these plans."
Gibbs says most people believe you have to either work for the government to have good health insurance or get it through your employer. He says, however, there are actually some good private insurance companies and short term insurance plans available to us.