The New Health Insurance Solution:
How to Get Cheaper, Better Coverage Without a
Traditional Employer Plan
by Paul Zane Pilzer
The New Health Insurance Solution: How to Get Cheaper, Better Coverage Without
a Traditional Employer Plan is a must-have for people who are planning
on or thinking about hitting the road full-time before you are eligible for
Medicare. Even if you think you will have medical benefits as part of
your retirement plan, read this book anyway. Your medical benefits may not be as
secure as you think.
Pilzer makes the case for switching to a health insurance policy with high
deductible no matter where you are in your work life. If you change jobs or
suddenly find yourself without one, you'll still have coverage and —
it is usually cheaper for you than a group policy. The big advantage of a
high deductible policy is that you can then have a Health Savings Account.
Unlike an IRA, contributions to a HSA are tax deductible no matter what your
earned income is.
The New Health Insurance Solution takes you through the search
for health insurance, including how to use COBRA and HIPAA (The Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act) to find insurance even if you are
uninsurable or have a prior condition. You may qualify for a loop-hole, saving
you from paying COBRA rates for months before you are HIPAA eligible.
In fact, this book is especially valuable to those who are having trouble
finding a reasonably-priced policy.
Appendix A compares each state's rates, explains the state-guaranteed coverage
for people with preexisting conditions and residency requirements, plus gives
contact information for the state's department regulating health insurance. States vary tremendously in rates for
health insurance as well as laws that protect consumers. For
RVers, who can choose a new domicile once they begin full-time travel, this
information can help make your decision.
Other chapters explain Medicare, saving money on prescription
drugs, and how to be a smart healthcare shopper. A final section is for
employers and why they should get rid of their regular group health insurance
and assist their employees in finding a high deductible plan, then use the money
they had spent on group insurance for Health Savings Account contributions and
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). If you are still working, this chapter
could help you convince your employer to switch and, in the long run, benefit
you.
This is one resource you do not want to be without.
