Here’s What You Need to Know About Individual Health Insurance

Questions to ask yourself before you buy individual health insurance

Under what circumstances will I need to use my insurance? Do I want a high deductible health plan, or would I prefer lower premiums and higher co-pays? Do I want an HMO or PPO plan? If so, which doctors will be in network for me if/when it comes time to make a claim? Are there any genetic tests that should be administered before I purchase individual health insurance? How do lifestyle factors impact my chances of getting sick in today’s society?

What are qualified health benefits under the ACA?

There are 10 benefits that all health insurance plans on and off of the marketplace will have to cover starting in 2014. These essential health benefits include things like doctor visits, emergency care, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescription drugs and rehabilitative services. Plans will also be required to cover things like lab tests with no cost-sharing for individuals making up to 133 percent of poverty (about $15,000 for an individual).