What would you do? ...in relation to health care...?

Me and my husband have 3 children... 6, 2, and 1 week. We both work for the same company. Our company does not provide health/dental/vision insurance. We make too much to receive any government help. How would I go about finding a good private health plan? Better yet, when I find out how, how do I figure out which one is best? Do you use one or know someone who does? Who do they use? Do they like them?





I am so lost on this one, any help would be GREATLY appreciated!





Thanks in advance!

What would you do? ...in relation to health care...?
Here is what I would recommend you look for:





-a low deductible


-a low maximum out of pocket


-a high life-time benefit maximum


-PPO coverage (instead of HMO)


-at least 80/20 coinsurance (if not a 90/10)


-reasonable office copays ($30 is the highest I would go)


-lab work and x-ray coverage that is NOT subject to the deductible





Aside from that, just make sure the plan covers well baby checks, vaccinations and annual exams :)





You can get some online quotes here and compare companies: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/
Reply:Get a reference from friends and family for a trusted, local insurance agent in town, and call him or her to discuss your options.
Reply:in michigan there is a program called mi child, which allows more income than the goverment programs and you pay 5 dollars a month. You may want to check into that .but it doesnt cover adults. I agree with the things the first poster post as far as things to ask. If you could get the mi child for the kids and just get insurance for you and your husband that might save you some money.
Reply:when my company raised our rates we looked into blue cross/blue shield. They seemed to have reasonable rates. the reason we didn't go with them was we found out we DID qualify for government help so we went with that.





when you make an appointment with a rep/ ask lots of questions and have him explain in detail. i would say,"look. treat me like a 5th grader...what do this mean?" that way the person knows to explain it all very carefully until you feel you understand. please don't read this as i think you have the intelligence of a 5th grader. i just think it helps let the other person know that you feel clueless and really want to understand.





also, if you are in Illinois check out www.allkidscovered.com it helps cover your kids' insurance and if you make more than government programs allow then they have a stagger step price program based on income and family size. this way at least your 3 kids would be covered...how often do the two of you go to a doctor a year - is it worth it to get insurance for just the 2 of you if they are covered?





good luck!