Private Health Insurance and Work
When you went to the doctor as a child, you most likely had no idea what was going on behind the scenes: -copays-, -deductibles-, -premiums- – in short, the machinery of health insurance! As a young adult beginning your career, you might end up working for a company that offers health insurance, or you might be eligible for health insurance from the government. Choosing health insurance that makes sense for you can be a bit overwhelming, especially since there are many things to consider such as:
- If I qualify for or already have public health insurance, are the plans being offered by my employer better? Or would a combination of these different plans be best?
- How much will I have to pay in premiums, deductibles, and copays to get the right care I need? How much can I afford?
- What will I need for healthcare within the next year? If I need mental health services or a wellness program, what will that include?
- If I’m seeing a doctor now, will they take the insurance my employer offers?
- Is there a limit on the number of times I can see a doctor without having to pay?
Watch this short video that sums up the things you should be mindful of when thinking about your ideal health insurance plan. Since everyone has different needs, it actually can be good to have a lot of options so people can find the plan or plans that fit them best.
How Health Insurance Generally Works
- Typically, when you’ve been hired by a company, you’ll go through an orientation where company benefits are explained including health insurance.
- The number of health insurance plan options you have will depend on how many your employer offers.
- Your health insurance premium is shared between you and your employer. Your share is usually deducted from your -gross earnings-.
- Each year there’s an enrollment period where you can change your health insurance plan or choose to leave your current plan without being penalized.
How to Prepare For Decision-Making
Choosing health insurance is a big decision. Research your different health insurance options so you can choose the best plan for you keeping your medical needs and what you can afford in mind. Below are some different places where you can begin your research:
- Your employer’s Human Resources department.
- Contact each plan that’s available to you and speak with a representative.
- Each plan’s website.
