Ten Helpful Tips to Follow When You Lose Your Health Insurance Benefits

With the downward spiraling of the American economy, more American residents are facing the threat of losing their jobs to layoffs. In efforts to help businesses stay afloat, employers are forced to cut hours, slash health insurance benefits, and have eventually resorted to laying off loyal employees and workers. U.S. legislators are structuring a proposal that would help carry continuation of health insurance benefits for these unemployed citizens. It is important to recognize that the American government should be at least partially responsible for the health and welfare for its American citizens. If for any reason, you or someone you know is laid off from their jobs, here are ten helpful tips for keeping your health insurance benefits.

• If you lose your job due to lay-offs, you are entitled to COBRA benefit coverage through that employer, as long as insurance coverage is still being provided to current employees.

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation) coverage is available for up to 18 months after termination of employment and insurance benefits. What COBRA does for you is it allows you to maintain your same insurance coverage and benefits, as long as you continue to pay for your premiums. Sometimes your premiums may cost more than the usual paycheck deduction, but is considerably more affordable than purchasing a newer private or individual health insurance plan.

• Speak to your regular medical doctor or physician about lower cost treatment and fees for services. Most experienced providers should be able to recommend alternative insurance plans or programs that they accept, so that you can remain a patient under their care. It’s best to try to stay with the same doctor who is familiar with your medical records and history.

• If for any reason, you are unable to qualify or obtain health insurance benefits, now would be the best time to start taking good care of yourself. True to the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, we need to be more attentive to our overall health and well-being. Taking better care of ourselves by following preventative measures would reduce our risk of health complications significantly. Good preventative measures to start following would be:
  

- Routine fitness and exercise

- Eating a healthier diet

- Maintaining a normal weight level

- Monitoring our cholesterol levels

- Scheduling regular health check up appointments

- Getting screened for cancer and diabetes

• Explore stress reduction therapies and exercises. Regulate and balance out your levels of stress to keep it to a minimum, so that you can focus more clearly on life. Try experimenting with yoga and breathing exercises, include more natural and healthier foods in your diet, and getting plenty of rest to allow your body to repair itself.

• Eliminate smoking from your lifestyle. Not only is smoking not “cool” anymore, but it affects your health insurance coverage benefits and premiums. This is because studies and research show that smoking does indeed cause cancer, and this puts you at a high risk for health and medical complications in the future.

• Check with your local Medicaid provider to see if you qualify for low to no-cost insurance benefits. Coverage requirements vary from state to state, so there may be a chance that you can qualify for this government aid. If you’re unsure of where to start try this website:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

• Senior aged people who are 65 years and older are eligible for Medicare, provided they meet certain requirements. You can submit an application for benefits as early as 3 months prior to turning 65 years of age. Those who aren’t sure if they qualify are encouraged to do so anyway by calling this number: 1-800-772-1213.

• Seek Alternative Medicine or Holistic Healing Treatment alternatives. Statistics show that thirty eight percent of Americans are turning towards Eastern traditional medicine for their ailments. Popular forms of treatment are Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Herbal remedies.

• If you have a spouse or partner who is currently employed and is receiving health insurance benefits, ask if you can be added to the insurance policy. In most cases, you should be able to be added on as a dependent. Be sure to check with the employer about specifics, i.e.- open enrollment dates, premium increases, etc.

• Compensate a high paying job for a lower paying job that offers health insurance benefits. Even though employers are hiring for lesser pay these days, consider taking the pay cut. If you value your health, look at your cost of paying medical fees and costs without insurance, versus your visit and prescription co pays with insurance coverage. I’m sure you’ll agree that it proves to be a bigger advantage in the long run.