Health Insurance In Florida

In this turbulent economy, you are not alone wondering what to do if you do not have health insurance in Florida. Running out of health insurance can be very upsetting. Procedures, doctor visits and emergencies can cost thousands of dollars without coverage. Fortunately, there are many options available. Not having insurance can have significant financial and material consequences down the road. Take a look at the following options and see what works for you.

 1. Medicaid or Medicare

Medicaid is a government-funded health care program that uses taxpayer money to pay for Medicare for those who cannot afford coverage. Medicaid in Florida is available to those who meet certain eligibility requirements determined by the Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration, depending on the applicant's age.

Eligibility requirements include income levels, assets counted, age, family size, and living expenses. Medicaid helps many individuals and families who are temporarily without health insurance for a variety of reasons. You can apply for Medicaid online and there are many different companies that have contracted with the state of Florida to provide Medicaid coverage.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, the only requirement is that you are 65 and then you will be eligible for a certain level of coverage. Medicare is not a full coverage option and often balances coverage gaps; But it can provide those in retirement with basic coverage for medical needs.

2. Florida Cover

Cover Florida is a unique health insurance program that has its pros and cons. It is developed through legislation through the state government, but it does not use tax dollars. It is intended for people who are not eligible for Medicaid, but cannot yet afford health insurance. It is also intended for those who do not have insurance offered through their employer. Because it is not funded by the state, covered individuals have access to a variety of providers.

Cover Florida is a contract health insurance program. This means that Florida companies have contracted with the state to offer quality, affordable health insurance. Different counties have different options available. Premiums start at $ 83 per month and cover many typical medical conditions. For those who believe they cannot afford coverage, Cover Florida is a good option. You must have been without insurance for six months or have lost a job that provided insurance to qualify. While this coverage is certainly helpful, it is not guaranteed to meet all of your needs.

3. Shop Around

Maybe you don't have insurance just because you think it's too expensive. Maybe it's just a state of mind. There are many high-quality, affordable plans available today. Shopping is a great way to compare different companies. Premium rates vary based on age, medical history, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. Viewing the different options side by side can help you see what options are available.

You can use the comparison tool on this page now. The tool will show you prices and quotes from the best companies so you can compare. If you have additional questions after using the comparison tool, you can contact one of our independent agents who can help you. By comparing prices, you can be sure that you have found the right coverage at the right price.

4. Choose a Licensed Company

The Florida Department of Insurance has licensed several companies to sell insurance in the state. These companies were investigated by the department and met certain eligibility requirements. When a business is state licensed, it means that you, as the insured, have the right to file a complaint if your needs are not met. This provides a layer of protection between you and the insurance company.

Any of the state-licensed companies can provide high-quality coverage. If you don't have insurance, you can find out what these companies have to offer and let them know how much money you have in your insurance budget. Each company offers different coverage at different rates.

5. Reduce Your Risk for High Premiums

If you are uninsured due to the high cost of premiums, there are some things you can do to lower your risk and therefore lower your premium. Most of these options are related to lifestyle. For example, those who are at a healthy weight will have a lower premium than those who are overweight. Some companies even offer cash incentives and rebates for healthier options, like joining a gym.

Another lifestyle option that increases insurance premiums is smoking. Insurance companies know that smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. So in return, they charge higher premium rates to those who smoke. Not only does quitting smoke bring many health benefits, it will also lower your premium by $ 1,000 or more per year.

6. Get Term Insurance

Temporary health insurance in florida is a good option for those in a temporary situation that leaves them uninsured. This type of coverage is ideal for those who have a temporary job, lost a job, between jobs, retired but are not yet eligible for Medicare, or those whose spouses have been laid off. Term insurance also works for students who are not covered by their parents' insurance or who have just graduated and are looking for work.

When you get temporary coverage, you can decide to pay monthly or go for a 6 or 12 month plan. A monthly plan is usually more expensive than paying for several months at a time. A provisional plan works a little differently in terms of what is covered, what providers can see, or when coverage can be revoked. If you find yourself in any of these situations, term insurance may be the answer.

Another nice feature of term insurance is that you can usually be approved within 24 hours. Applications can be submitted online in half an hour and are approved shortly thereafter. Once your first month's payment has been approved and paid, you will have the coverage you need. If you lose your Florida health insurance without warning, this may be a good option for you.

Get the Florida Health Insurance You Need Today!

No matter how tough economic times are, there is no reason not to have health insurance. There are many options available for people in different situations, of different income levels, for children and for the elderly. The Florida government, along with many insurance companies, has worked hard to make sure Florida residents have coverage. Now that you know some of your options, you can find coverage.