Idiot's Guide to Albany Health Insurance

Health insurance is complicated, but we've boiled the most important concepts down into a few key concepts that are straightforward and easy to understand.

Maximize Your Employer Plan

If your employer offers a subsidized Albany health insurance plan, you would be well-advised to take advantage of it. Companies usually have open enrollment once each year, so review your existing coverage or sign up for new coverage when that date rolls around. For those whose health needs have changed since the last open enrollment date, think about selecting a plan with higher premiums and lower co-pays if you have health problems. Finally, if your employer offers a flexible savings account that allows you to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, sign up for it. Just don't go overboard; you will lose what you don't use at the end of the calendar year.

For the Self-Insured

For those who are self-employed or whose employers do not provide Albany health insurance coverage, consider the following:

• The availability and premiums of individual insurance plans vary by state. Consult New York's state department of insurance site for details or visit the site of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
• HIPAA forbids private insurers from denying coverage due to preexisting conditions if you have had insurance coverage for 18 months without a 63-day break, are ineligible for COBRA, and are not eligible for a group or government-subsidized plan. HIPAA regulations also vary by state.
• Some states have high-risk pools for those who meet HIPAA guidelines and for people who cannot qualify for affordable coverage due to preexisting conditions. Many states impose a cap on high-risk pool premiums, typically between 125%-200% of the going market rate.

Living without Insurance

If you are among the 46 million uninsured Americans and cannot afford individual Albany health insurance, you do have other options:

• Medicaid provides health insurance for the poor, and states will provide insurance for children from low-income families.
• Reproductive planning is usually available at little to no cost at community health centers, which may also offer affordable Pap smears and mammograms.
• For vision screening and used eyeglasses, try the Lions Club International
• If you happen to live near a medical school, you may be able to find low- or no-cost dental and vision care supervised by credentialed professionals.