WELLBEING

Tuesday, August 23

4 Health Insurance tips for young working people

It is no secret that young working adults can find it tough to manage their finances, especially with the rising cost of living. These factors can expose young adults to adequate health insurance coverage. Health insurance is a necessary part of anyone's life—especially those who are just starting their careers. Whether you are an employee or self-employed, it is important to have health coverage to protect you from major medical expenses. 

1. Understand Your Healthcare Requirements

If you are a young adult, it's important to know what kind of health insurance is best for your situation. Here are some questions that may help:

  • What kind of coverage do I need?
  • Do I have a family? If so, how big is it and who else lives in the household? Is anyone on my plan’s list of "excluded individuals" (like members of your spouse's family)?
    2. Research Availability and Cost of Group Health Insurance

After you have narrowed down your options, it's time to do some research. First, check if your employer offers health insurance. If the answer is yes, then that's good news! You will be able to purchase group coverage through work and not have to worry about finding one on your own or paying out-of-pocket for medical care.  

3. Consider All Options, Including Relatives’ Plans

If you are considering buying insurance, it is important to make sure that you understand the plan's coverage and benefits. You should also consider the cost of this coverage, as well as how much it will cost in premiums each month.

 You should also be aware of what kind of network your current employer provides when they offer health care benefits through an HMO or PPO (preferred provider organization) network. This can help ensure that if something goes wrong with your medical treatment, there is someone close by who can provide assistance in getting care quickly and efficiently.  

4. Understand What Your Plan Covers & Does Not Cover

You may be surprised to learn that your health insurance plan does not cover everything. While some people may think their plan covers all medical expenses, this is not the case. Your health insurance plan may only cover a portion of your total costs if you have an accident or illness.

There are several different types of coverage:

  • Doctor visits and hospital stays.
  • Prescription drugs (this includes over-the-counter medications).
  • Pre-existing conditions (if you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease such as diabetes, it could affect your ability to get coverage).
  • Preventive care includes diabetes screenings, cancer screenings for women over 40 with certain risk factors or a family history of colon cancer, cholesterol checks, blood pressure checks, body mass index measurements, vision exams, and, if necessary, refractive surgery procedures—and more!

Conclusion

The earlier you start learning about your health insurance options, the better off you will be. This is especially true for young adults, who may find themselves in an unfamiliar and complicated world of insurance coverage. However, with a little bit of research and some questions answered, you can feel confident about what type of coverage is right for your needs.