Basic health care is something virtually everyone needs at some point in their lives. Even people who are incredibly healthy take ill or are involved in an accident from time to time. For people living in Jacksonville, Florida there are a few options when it comes to finding affordable health insurance.

One of the basic rules that everyone seems to follow when they are looking for a health care insurance plan is to find the lowest price. Although saving money is a big concern for just about everyone, there is another consideration that needs to be addressed. Many companies spring up out of nowhere and offer unbelievable deals on health insurance. For anyone living in Jacksonville who is tempted by such a deal they need to contact the Office of Insurance Regulation in Florida to find out how long the company in question has been in existence and what their history, if any, is.

Beyond that it takes some patience and perseverance to find a good and affordable health care solution. The best place to start is by taking stock of your present financial and health situation. There are several health care plans for low-income individuals and their families in Jacksonville, Florida. Inquiring about the qualifications can really help someone who is finding it hard to afford the premiums that are typical with an individual health care plan.

If they don’t happen to fit into the income bracket for the government sponsored plan they may want to consider joining and employer’s group plan. Many employers do offer group health insurance to the people that work for them, but in almost every case there is a mandatory probationary period. If this is the case ensure that you join the day you do become eligible, because this is really one of the best solutions when it comes to finding cheap health insurance in Jacksonville, Florida.

By: Deborah Mills

While health insurance is important to everyone, it is especially important to someone with diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that must be carefully controlled. Plus, even with tight controls, there may be complications as time goes on.

Unfortunately, with the exception of only 5 states, health insurance is medically underwritten. This means that you must answer certain medical history questions and qualify for the health insurance plan. Diabetes, in most instances, will make you ineligible for a private health insurance plan.

There are still alternative plans and methods for a diabetic to secure health insurance. This article will give you an overview of how to obtain a health insurance plan with diabetes.

Group Health Insurance

If you work for an employer who offers group health insurance your problem is over. Group health insurance is guaranteed issue and you cannot be declined for any pre-existing condition. Furthermore, even if you never had health insurance before or let it lapse, pre-existing conditions will be covered in full after 12 months. If you have had continuous coverage, there is no waiting period.

But, what if you want a full major medical plan and do not have group health insurance available to you?

If you work in certain industries, you can purchase a guaranteed issue major medical plan with no medical questions.

Major Medical

Currently, those industries eligible for major medical include:

- Real Estate – agents, brokers, mortgage brokers, appraisers, clerical and administrative staff. Anyone in the real estate or mortgage industry can qualify.

- Construction – This is a fairly broad category. It encompasses anyone in any aspect of the construction industry.

- Information Technology (05/08) – another broad category that includes programmers, network engineers and technicians, web developers and designers, repair technicians. Again, anyone in the information technology industry or administrative personnel working for an information technology company.

Limited Benefit Health Insurance

A limited benefit plan is also guaranteed issue and available to any diabetic under the age of 65.

Limited benefit plans, sometimes referred to as “mini medical”, vary widely in terms of the benefits they offer.

We suggest that whenever possible the plan include the following:

Pay at least $1,000 a day for hospitalization (more would be better).
Have a surgical schedule that is not limited by any caps.
Pay for a limited number of office visits and diagnostic tests.
Be HIPAA-qualified (this means that it is credible coverage or real health insurance and not a discount plan with some extra benefits thrown on top). Use a national PPO network.
Critical Illness Coverage

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 can obtain a guaranteed issue critical illness plan.

This plan will pay you a lump sum of $25,000 upon diagnosis of certain life threatening illness. They include cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, etc.

In addition, this plan will pay $500 for each 24 hour stay in a hospital. It is an ideal plan to add to a limited benefit plan to increase the coverage or just use as a standalone plan. For an individual, the cost is $88 a month.

Where Can I Get More Information?

We recommend that you talk with an insurance agent who specializes in guaranteed issue plans. The best site we know of is www.guaranteed-health-insurance.com. You can reach them at 800-986-4786 9 AM to 9 PM EST.

A Word of Caution

Quite often, individuals who are having difficulty obtaining health insurance are taken advantage of. They are sold worthless discount plans or overpriced coverage that offers very little protection. Please use common sense when shopping for a plan and read everything carefully.

By: Martin Unger

Many people do not fully understand that even though they are perfectly healthy, they still need health coverage. Accidents happen and they cannot be planned for. If you are involved in an accident and have to go to the emergency room you are going to run up quite a tab before you are done. Having health insurance will give you the peace of mind to and leave you stress free in this situation. There are options for low income health insurance as well and here are just a few.

With health insurance you will be protected from diseases, infections, sickness, and from accidents. You will be able to see your doctor before certain health concerns arise and be treated early enough to make sure that you stay healthy. The cost of all of this would make just about any normal family go broke if they did not have health coverage.

The cost of prescriptions have risen, but there are some pharmacies that offer programs for those that do not make a lot of money, to get prescriptions for very cheap. Check with your pharmacy to see if the offer such a program and if so, ask for an application. If you fall into the low income bracket, then you also need to check with your local and state organizations because they often have programs to help low income families with prescriptions and health coverage.

You will have to submit an application to most of the state aid organizations so that they will be aware of your financial situation. There are a lot of people that would never think they would qualify for such programs, but there are many individuals that will qualify. This can give you what you need to live a stress free life, at least when it comes to your health and the health of your family.

There are also many sites on the internet that offer low income health insurance policies. You can search around and compare the rates to see what is out there and what you might qualify for. The last option would be to check with your local Catholic church because they often offer some type of help when it comes to medical expenses and health coverage.

By: Benjamin Robert Ehinger