A high cost of healthcare makes it almost impossible to pay for all medical expenses out of pocket, especially for young children who do need to see their pediatrician on a regular basis. Therefore, it is very important that single moms weigh their options carefully and secure the best health insurance they can afford for their families.
For single moms, finding affordable health insurance can be a challenge. So they need to do their homework very carefully. The first option available to them is family health insurance, offered by employers. Problem is only employed single mothers can avail this option.
When weighing different options, take into account the ability to choose your healthcare provider, caps on medical coverage and your deductible amount. These are all important considerations, especially when there are children involved.
Selecting an insurance provider
For single moms looking for private insurance, it pays to shop around. There are many websites that offer comparisons of what various health insurance companies offer in terms of coverage and premium costs. Cheaper is definitely not always better. You need to make sure you have adequate coverage in case of medical emergencies. You need to carefully weight your options and compare all the health insurance plans based on several important factors, including premium cost, what medial costs are covered, caps on coverage, choice in healthcare providers, deductible amount, copay amount and any other factor that is important to your family’s health.
One way to keep the premium cost low is to have a higher deductible. You will need to pay all medical costs out of pocket until you meet your deductible amount. If your deductible amount is $1,000, you would have to pay all medical costs up to that $1,000 before your health insurance coverage starts to kick in.
Other ways to keep the cost low
There are other options available for single moms to save on healthcare costs. There are companies that offer health insurance discount cards which can be used to help pay medical expenses. The card holder pays a monthly fee and in return gets discounts on healthcare services and prescription drugs. Single moms on a budget can also make use of community health centers, which offer healthcare services to low income families and individuals at a reduced rate.
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are two government programs that help pay for healthcare costs for children from low income families. State governments, in partnership with the federal government, administer the programs. Each state has its own set of benefits coverage and income eligibility rules for these two programs. Although the medical services provided can vary from state to state, all states must cover immunizations, routine check-ups, dental care, x-ray and laboratory services as well as outpatient and inpatient hospital care.
Expensive yet necessary
Supporting a family these days isn’t easy, especially for single moms. Health insurance can be a big expense. However, it is a necessary one. Without adequate health insurance a mom and her children’s health are at risk. Fortunately, there are a number of different options to explore. For moms looking for a health insurance plan through either their employer or private means, it is definitely important to carefully consider all options before opting for a plan. For low income moms, it is important to contact your local state agency to get the assistance that you are entitled to so your children receive the healthcare they need.