Thursday, January 22, 2009

Self Employed options for Health Insurance

By Jeff Cline

Small business owners and the self employed sometimes have a hard time finding health insurance. If they do find it they find it is too expensive and just are not able to afford. So they either opt out of offering their employees insurance or they go uninsured themselves.

Are you a independent contractor? Maybe a mom working from a the basement of your home. Could you be a self starter running a small man operation that is growing fast?

Either way the need for health insurance is the same. And all of you would be taking a huge financial risk to go without. If you become ill can you afford to pay the bills in full. Probably not expecially since you may have to take time off work.

Do your research. Finding health insurance to meet your needs is not all that hard. Take to the internet. Get some quotes. Look at some of the plan offerings. You should also research the pros and cons of health insurance coverage.

There are many carriers each having a variety of choices in plans. You can find the no frills plans that are easy on the budget. Or you can find a plan that is rich with benefits. The carriers all work to compete for business so be sure and look for the pluses of each plan.

Small group insurance can be affordable if the group os primarily healthy. But for a group with some health risk those rates can go through the roof. Making them very unaffordable. So talk to your group and decide if this is a good option.

Another option is a list bill. You can choose one carrier. The employee can choose the plan they like and can afford. You as the employer can agree to contribute a set amount. The carrier sends a total bill for all and you deduct from payroll for each employee.

Once you start the search if you get confused by all the insurance mambo jumbo seek a broker to help you answer questions and sort through the options. A broker can shop carriers for you and gather rates. They can talk you through the difficult stuff and assist you even after you purchase. - 15224

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