I know I'm not alone in my dilemma and I know this will be a very hot topic of debate for upcoming elections. I also know that small business operators and the self-employed are not the only groups that have to face this issue head on.
I previously discussed health insurance availability and affordability for the self employed and told you what my health insurance situation was like. Now I'd like to know, what's your health insurance situation?
Take the Health Insurance Poll
To gauge how my visitors are facing health insurance issues, I've set up a poll and I hope you'll participate in it. In an effort for uniform and accurate results, I'm providing some explanations of what I mean by each poll selection. If you are still employed and have health insurance through your employer, none of the selections really apply and you should not participate in this poll. You should also not take the poll if you are not a resident of the US or if your primary health insurance coverage is Medicare.
The Question: Do You Have Health Insurance?
The Answers Explained
I have an individual health policy
Some large health insurer's offer individual health policies, but availability and affordability depends on your state of residence and your health. Select this answer if you currently have a health insurance policy through a private insurer.
Cast your vote for: I have an individual health policy
I have health insurance through a professional group
If you belong to a professional organization and you have been able to secure group health insurance coverage through the organization's affiliated health insurer, select this answer.
Cast your vote for: I'm insured through a professional group
I have health insurance through my partner's plan
If you are able to take advantage of this type of relatively inexpensive coverage you will probably want to do so for as long as you possibly can. If you are living at home and are on a parent's plan, you should also select this answer.
Cast your vote for: I'm insured through my partner's plan
I have a temporary health insurance policy
Health insurance providers in some states allow you to secure temporary coverage - maybe 6 months or so while you're between jobs. Additionally, if you're recently divorced or laid off, you may qualify under a COBRA agreement, which typically lasts for 18 months, although certain people with a disability may qualify for 29 months (the original 18 months plus an 11-month extension) of COBRA continuation coverage if they meet the necessary requirements.
Cast your vote for: I'm insured under a temporary policy
I don't have health insurance because I can't get it
You may have medical problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer or have had them in the past. As you get older it will become more and more difficult to be able to pass medical underwriting standards, especially if you smoke. Many states offer an "insurer of last resort" program where you may be able to get coverage despite your medical shortcomings. Make this selection if you can't get health insurance at all - regardless if you could afford it or not.
Cast your vote for: I don't have it because I can't get it
I don't have health insurance because I can't afford it
If you can't get in a group program or on a partner's group coverage, you may be able to get health insurance but simply not be able to afford it. When faced with balancing the ability to pay your other bills or continue your health insurance, the decision to keep your health coverage can be difficult. Make this selection if you could probably get health insurance, but you simply don't have it because you feel that other expenses take priority.
Cast your vote for: I don't have it because I can't afford it
Discuss Health Insurance in the Forum
I welcome you to visit the About Home Business Forum for discussions, frustrations, suggestions, etc. on this topic.
