| Depending upon who you ask, it is estimated that there | | | | into law. This law created a new program called the |
| are more than 30 million Americans walking about | | | | Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. This plan |
| without health insurance. We know there are at least | | | | provides health coverage to those individuals who |
| 15 million people unemployed so it is safe to say that | | | | have been unable to get, or have been denied |
| most of them probably lack health insurance. So 30 | | | | coverage, as a result of a pre-existing medical |
| million is probably close. | | | | condition. This law alone will drastically reduce the |
| Why are there so many people without health | | | | number of people that are unable to obtain health |
| insurance? Firstly, when an employee is laid off Federal | | | | insurance. |
| law requires the company to continue to provide | | | | I have found that the best way to find a low-cost |
| access to its health plan at the laid-off employee's | | | | health plan is to stick with those web sites that |
| expense. COBRA, as it is called, is often two to three | | | | compare plans across hundreds of health care |
| times more expensive than what you can buy on the | | | | providers. This allows you to view the monthly cost, |
| open market. As a result, the majority of laid off | | | | deductible, plan features, limitations and exclusions. |
| workers elect not to continue their health coverage. | | | | Take the time to read the entire insurance policy |
| Secondly, while health coverage on the open market is | | | | BEFORE applying online. Some web sites make this |
| considerably less expensive than COBRA, the | | | | easy by giving you the option of downloading the plan |
| pre-existing limitation clause of health policies has | | | | as PDF file. You want to know what your benefits are |
| excluded most workers from obtaining affordable | | | | so there are no surprises later on when you need to |
| health coverage. Therefore, the majority of | | | | use it. Consider downloading several options to make it |
| unemployed, self-employed and small business | | | | easy for you to pick out the best plan that meets your |
| workers and their families are left without any health | | | | needs. If you're looking to obtain medical coverage or |
| coverage. | | | | just want a cheaper plan, health plans are now more |
| In March, 2010, as part of President Obama's health | | | | affordable then before. |
| care overhaul, the Affordable Care Act was signed | | | | |