Withhealth care costs increasing every year, many families are finding it more andmore difficult to find affordablehealth insurance fortheir family. Health care costs in the United States are among the highest inthe world and families spend anywhere from 5-20% of their income on insuranceand health care related costs. This number depends on the size of the familyincome, on the insurance plan that the family has as well as the number offamily members and their overall health. Many families report spending at least$250 a month for a high deductible insurance plan. However, it’s not uncommonfor families to spend $500-700 on lower deductible or no co-pay plans.
Roughlyone-fifth of American’s do not have insurance coverage, usually because theiremployer doesn’t offer health insurance and they can’t afford a private plan.In 2010 the government passed a health care reform bill that will require allcitizens to have some form of health insurance by 2014. It will offeraffordable group plan options to low-income families so that they can enjoycoverage for their medical costs.
One ofthe best ways to keep your health insurance premiums down, and your out ofpocket expenses low, is to stay healthy. While this is certainly easier saidthan done, parents can play a huge role in making sure their children eat anutritious diet rich in vegetables and fruits, get plenty of sleep and practicegood hygiene. These are especially important during the winter time when coldsforce many children to head to the doctor to get some medicines.
Foradults, staying fit and at a healthy weight, being a non-smoker and non-drinkerwill help keep costs down. Not only will you avoid, or reduce, illnesses anddiseases related to being overweight, smoking or drinking, you’ll have theenergy to keep your kids fit and provide them with excellent meals.
In orderto help prevent a major financial fiasco for your family, it’s important thatyou have family health insurance coverage. The best way, andusually the cheapest option, is to get it through your employer since you arepart of a group plan. If you are self-employed or unemployed, you might qualifyfor insurance through an organization that you are a member of like aprofessional organization or your religious affiliation. Even if you have tosacrifice a few extra hours a week, working at a part time job, to pay for yourhealth insurance, when an emergency arises you’ll be so glad to have insurance.
