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You live in Ohio, have just graduated and are job hunting. Finding the right job with all the right benefits could take time. Besides getting employment to suit your qualifications, you need to ensure that your health risks are covered. Though the provisions of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care were aimed at helping young adults find affordable coverage, there is a lot of uncertainty. The law has come under scrutiny and no one is sure about its fate. But there this is no reason for you to wait – as a new college graduate it is in your best interests to find affordable health insurance in Ohio without delay. This article offers you guidance on how to purchase coverage. Health Insurance in Ohio for Graduates – Choose the Right Option As a recent graduate, there are three ways you could get coverage: 1) enroll in your new employer’s health plan
2) purchase an Ohio individual health insurance policy on your own, or
3) stay on your parents’ health insurance plan. It’s important that you understand the coverage available under these options insure you to choose the right one. - Employer-based health insurance is safe as you cannot be turned down even if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Such coverage is also affordable since your employer pays a part of the monthly premium. It’s important to know how much of your wage will go towards paying your share of the premium. - If you are a healthy young grad, you can buy Ohio individual health insurance on your own. Ohio-based health insurance providers offer many types of affordable plans. Options have improved with health care reform eliminating lifetime limits on essential benefits such as hospital stays, and allowing free access to many preventive medical services. Remember: You could be denied coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. - The new law makes it possible for you to stay on your parents’ plan till you reach age 26, provided you are not enrolled in an employer-based plan. You get the maximum benefit if you live in Ohio. Guidelines to Find Comprehensive Ohio Health Insurance Coverage The golden rule is to get health insurance – no matter how young and healthy you are. Here are some things to look out for: - High deductible plan: A health insurance plan with a high deductible is affordable and can cover your out-of-pocket costs if you are faced with unexpected medical expenses. If you are relatively healthy, a high deductible plan with a low monthly premium could be right for you. Just ensure that you can afford to pay the high annual deductible. - Short-term health insurance: In many cases, employer-based coverage can take time to come into effect. Consider buying an Ohio short-term health insurance plan to cover you during the waiting period. You can get significant coverage for a sudden hospitalization, through preventive care, prescription drugs, or pre-existing medical conditions would not be included. - Supplemental health insurance: Your main health insurance policy may not cover everything. You can fill the gaps by purchasing supplemental health insurance for accident and/or critical illness insurance. - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Consider an HSA. If you are enrolled in a high deductible health insurance (HDHP), you can pair it with an HSA which allows you to save money for qualified health costs on a tax-free basis. If you are working, your employer can set up an FSA (Flexible Spending Account). Contributions to the FSA are made from your wages, are tax-free and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, including copayments, deductibles, and more. Benefits of Professional Assistance Professional guidance from an experienced, licensed insurance broker can go a long way in helping you find affordable individual health insurance in Ohio. Your agent can help you get free quotes, compare plans and apply for a policy. A knowledgeable broker can also help you understand the happenings on the health insurance scene and how they will affect you.
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