Health insurance (to buy) in the USA

Hi All - There is no health insurance thread on TW, and the topic is certainly 'OFF' so I thought I'd post here...

We may be looking to secure our own 'non-employer' program health insurance, or self employed (not through an employer program) . We relocated from Australia recently, so I am lacking insight into this altogether...

I want to be prepared in advance knowing available options, programs and, of course, costs...

I do not have much experience navigating this topic - and many of the websites that pop-up upon searching simply appear to have "SCAM" or "pay my mark-up here" written all over them... many have different website names, but look almost exacly the same... I am a bit lost.

What is the best way to navigate this health insurance topic? Is there a trusty site that people use?

Can anyone please provide me with a nudge in the right direction?

I am not even sure I am asking the correct question!
Thanks in advance!

 

In the US, health insurance is highly regulated by each state. Unfortunately, you will have to look at a plan that's based for which state you live in, as we are not able to purchase insurance "across state lines". Most states (if not all) have their own state run program with the options offered for their residents and qualifications. If you're a resident of Ca, then I would start by going to https://www.coveredca.com and see what your options are for individual or family coverage.

 

Thank you - I'll have a peek there!

 

Unfortunately I don’t have much advice other then previously posted. But you would have vegemite for your pfp. Gave me a good laugh.

 

I am counting on our supplies of Vegemite to keep us healthy!

Brought enough a year or so... I need to find a source here!

 

Haha good luck! I had no clue what it
Was until a co worker who’s wife was from Australia brought some into work. Never seen it in any stores around here. Maybe Amazon? Best of luck with the relocation and finding info on what you’re looking for. Seems like you chose the right area to settle down. Tahoe area is beautiful!

 

@Sdtrueblue Thanks for the reference. I am proceeding!
One question; how does one know which health insurance sites are 'reputable' or produce the best outcomes?
There are a ton out there and they can't be all doing the same thing... No?
(Sorry, it is all just a bit odd...)

 

Well, here is what I could recommend...

1) Go through the state's link that I sent you above (again, I'm assuming you live in Ca). If you don't have a group plan through your employer, I think any plan you get through them would likely be your best option.
2) Find an insurance broker who can help you navigate the various programs. You could start by contacting who you have your auto insurance with and see if they have a plan available to you, or maybe they could recommend a broker.
3) Another option would be to contact any trade or professional organization that you may be a member of and see if they work with any agencies or brokers. Many of them do have discount plans available to their members as a 'hook' to keep you paying their annual dues.
4) Contact your local chamber of commerce to see if they know of anyone in your area who is a broker.
5) Call your local hospital's patient services department. Tell them that you're new to the area and wondering what insurance companies they deal with the most, then you could contact those companies to see if they offer plans direct to consumers. I'm not sure if they will help you, but it's worth a try and something I would do, if I were in your shoes.

Personally, I would NOT find my health insurance from Google search. You have to decide what kind of coverage do you want for you and/or your family. There are a lot of options available with varying cost structures that are specific to the area you live in. A good broker/agent would help find you the best plan based on how much you're willing to spend.

Good luck

 

Welcome to the frustrating world of health insurance here in the US. After growing up in Canada and Singapore I still find our health insurance here in the US a mess.

You'll find a thousand different options and also find that cheap means you're going to pay through the nose in deductibles or anything else they can deny.

 

Here is what I did. I contacted an agent thru www.healthmarkets.com If interested I might be able to provide her direct contact info (would like to check with her first). I found this to be the least stressful way. Dealing with someone that understands the system and what is available.

 

I would appreciate the reference - This is most helpful as with @Sdtrueblue having something that has some validation from actual exerience gives much more comfort! - Thanks!

 

I had the help from Charise Karjala at Charise Karjala | Health and Life Insurance Agent | Palm Desert, CA 92260 (healthmarkets.com) You can do a search on www.healthmarkets.com web site for an agent in your area but all help/assistance can be done via e-mail and phone. Charise is originally from Canada and was there when she took great care of me.