Depending on what you choose, you might end up with either EXPENSIVE or VERY EXPENSIVE plan. Here are some practical ways to reduce high (and constantly rising!) cost of health care if you are unemployed, self-employed or work for an employer that doesn't offer health benefits:

- If you feel comfortable buying online, you can often save on broker and agent fees. Sometimes, this will translate into premium savings for policies purchased over Internet.

- If you can afford to do so, pay your premiums annually rather than monthly or quarterly to avoid service fees and to take advantage of prepayment discounts where available.

- Take advantage of group buying power. Check out your local chamber of commerce, trade and professional groups and small and home business associations relevant to your particular profession. Many of them offer access to discounted health insurance. Here are some links: National Association for Self-Employed http://www.nase.org/nase_benefits/health_benefits.asp American Association of Home-Based Businesses http://www.aahbb.org/benefits.htm Home Office Association of America http://www.hoaa.com/allbenefitsnew.htm National Business Association http://www.nationalbusiness.org/NBAWEB/Directory/Internal_Pages/Member_Benefits/Health.htm - Increase your deductible. This obviously depends on you risk tolerance. The general rule of thumb is that by increasing your deductible from $100 to $2,000 you can cut your premium payment in half.

- Use new tax laws. The self-employed can write off 70% of their health insurance premiums in 2002. This increases to 100% in 2003.

- Use Medical Savings Accounts or MSA. Under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), self- employed individuals are eligible for a medical savings account. MSA works nicely in conjunction with higher deductible health insurance policy to reduce premiums and allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for your medical expenses. Basically, you reduce your premium by increasing deductible and use savings to make fully tax-deductible contributions to your MSA. You can contribute up to 65% of deductible each year into your MSA (75% for families). The money goes into a tax-deferred account or trust and you pay your medical expenses by drawing from account. Once you hit deductible, of course, insurance policy kicks in.

All above is helpful if you're able to get health insurance in first place. What if a pre-existing condition disqualifies you from getting insurance at any price? There are still some options to consider. HIPAA may offer some protections. For more information visit http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/hipaa/content/hipsteps.asp State-funded high-risk health insurance plans, also known as Risk Pools, are an important safety net for individuals denied health insurance because of a medical condition. They're available only in 29 states though. For more information on risk pools in your state, contact your state health insurance department, national association "Communicating for Agriculture and Self-Employed" (1-800-432-3276) or visit http://www.selfemployedcountry.org Last but not least, consider possible NON-INSURANCE solutions to minimize your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Through various Healthcare Savings Programs you can access same networks of healthcare providers (for same negotiated rates!) that large insurance companies use. No long-term commitment is required on your part and service is available for a modest monthly fee that is only a fraction of a health insurance premium. To make them even more attractive, these programs accept all pre-existing conditions. For example and details see http://www.careentree.com/310559 Finding adequate healthcare coverage might seem overwhelmingly elusive like hitting a moving target, but learning basics and knowing where to start can make process less painful and even save you money. No matter which (if any) of my suggestions you decide to follow, please eat at least one apple a day! Not for alleged ability of fruit to keep a doctor away - just because it tastes good!

Copyright (C) by Irina 2003.

=========================================================== About Author: Irina runs home-based business helping people save on healthcare and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/ mailto:imakemoney@freeautobot.com ===========================================================

Everyone knows that INSURANCE works best when fewest number of participants actually use it (i.e. make claims). Then system generates profit, which lowers premium that, in turn, brings more paying participants. The participants are happy NOT TO USE insurance, especially if it does not cost them too much. On contrary, HEALTH CARE system works best when most people use it (i.e. get teeth cleaning, checkups and vaccinations).

Fortunately, back in 1980s, idea of so-called patient advocacy via health care savings programs was introduced to U.S. These programs negotiate prices with health care providers on behalf of their members. Since they represent large groups, resulting discounts are usually same that hospitals and physicians give to big insurance companies.

This innovative approach benefits medical providers because they get paid "on spot" without enormous paperwork and disputes with insurance companies. It also benefits you and me by providing an access to discounted "insurance rates" without high premiums.

Many of such programs also allow their members to contribute money to medical savings accounts that are tax deductible or not taxable. Monthly membership fee is affordable and no one can be turned down because of a pre- existing condition.

It does not look like current health care crisis is going to have a Hollywood-style "happy ending". It's up to us to analyze situation and find solution... otherwise, next blockbuster about healthcare may well be a horror movie.

(C) by Irina 2003.

========================================================== About Author: Irina helps people save money on healthcare and create steady stream of residual income working from home http://www.megaone.com/hbb/savemoney/ ==========================================================