Wisconsin health insurance is one of the best when it comes to covering its residents. Compared to a national average of 15.4 percent, only 9 percent of Wisconsin residents were uninsured, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Throw in federal health care reform and a resurgent economy and it's easy to ignore the fact that they are still many thousands of state residents who remain uninsured or unable to afford reasonable health insurance in Wisconsin. And with an 8.8 percent unemployment rate (March, 2010), many residents face losing their health insurance at the precise time in which they can least afford it.
Finding an Individual Wisconsin Health Insurance Quote
What about COBRA? Many people believe if they lose their job, they can simply join this program and retain their current coverage. Indeed, this might be the best plan of action, especially if you enjoy a high level of coverage and a high likelihood of needing expensive medical treatments. But, although many people know that COBRA is expensive, few realize the cost of paying full premiums and administrative fees for this insurance solution. Plus, COBRA plans are usually only available for 18 months, and with a rising incidence of long-term unemployment, more and more people are in risk of losing even this emergency coverage. If you're struggling to make ends meet as it is and nobody in your household has a need for ongoing medical care, you might consider seeking out an individual health plan with a low-premium, high-deductible structure. These plans will leave you vulnerable to higher out-of-pocket costs, but many people can find a manageable threshold of risk, while relieving financial burdens in other areas of the household budget.
If, on the other hand, you have a medical condition that's making it hard to find affordable coverage, Wisconsin health insurance is a mixed bag of good and bad news. Although the state doesn't mandate that private insurers guarantee coverage, federal health care reform is putting an end to preexisting conditions. (To read more about what health care reform means for Wisconsin health insurance, use this link.) Moreover, the state has already established high-risk pool—Health Insurance Risk Sharing Plan—for people who are unable to find adequate health insurance on the private market.
Find a Wisconsin Health Insurance Quote Online
Too many people have the misconception that shopping online for a Wisconsin health insurance quote is cutting corners for one of the most important purchases you may ever make. In fact, the importance of finding affordable health insurance in Wisconsin is precisely why you should look online with a trusted referral service, like NetQuote. Not only does shopping online often lead to cheaper premiums through lower overhead costs, but you'll still be able to consider multiple insurers that are licensed with the state. Simply take a minute to submit an online request, and health insurers will take the initiative to contact you.
You'll still have access to a health insurance agent who can walk you through the pros and cons of PPO vs. HMO plans, premium costs vs. deductible thresholds, and the difference between co-pays and co-insurance. Meanwhile, a speedy process for finding these Wisconsin health insurance quotes will leave you with more time to carefully consider the details of different health plans, coverage requirements, and costs—both premiums and potential out-of-pocket expenses. It's also worth noting that, by state law, you have ten days to change your mind and return the policy with a full refund of any premiums already paid, an extra protection that helps sooth the apprehension many people still feel when soliciting quotes online.
