What Would You Do For Free Health Insurance?

By Erinn Springer

Record numbers of Americans dropped their health insurance coverage in 2009 and there is little indication that it will be any different for 2010.

Many consumers are now realizing that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may be providing extra health care benefits and protections. But, it is not making health insurance premiums more affordable, nor is it providing free health insurance.

As Americans across the country are dropping their health insurance coverage because they can’t afford it, GoHealthInsurance.com is launching a free health insurance sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes is the first of its kind and will provide the grand prize winner up to $5,000 for their insurance premiums for a whole year. The winner won’t be given free coverage, but GoHealthInsurance.com will pay their monthly premiums for that year.

To be eligible for the sweepstakes, participants can apply through the GoHealthInsurance Facebook page and hit the “like” button. Then all they need to do is complete the sweepstakes entry form.

Once a grand prize winner is selected, they just need to show the proof of credible coverage and send a health insurance bill. For this reason, the winner will either need existing coverage or go through the underwriting process and be accepted into a plan.

While health insurance may be out of reach for some people, this contest will help one lucky winner or family get the coverage they need and deserve.

Whether you are a contractor, freelancer or an adult with children, this is the opportunity to finally have health insurance. Adults with children that have pre-existing conditions can also apply because children are guaranteed coverage due to health care reform.

Even if you have employer coverage or COBRA, you can apply and compare your plans. Premiums with group health insurance plans are expected to rise for 2011, so this is the perfect time to explore your options and compare individual plans versus your current coverage.

Think about how you could have access to health care without paying health insurance premiums for a year and decide whether you can benefit from this sweepstakes.

Author Information

Erinn Springer works for GoHealthInsurance.com. If you are interested in the Facebook Sweepstakes please visit http://on.fb.me/9csAf3.

How Can Freelancers Find Affordable Health Insurance Coverage?

By Erinn Springer

Everyone is well aware of how much health care costs can affect a family. Everyone also knows how much health insurance costs when you have an employer to help offset those costs. However, for an individual who does not have employer-sponsored health insurance, health insurance may not seem like an option at first.

The Low Income Government Option

A freelancer may, in some cases, apply for state Medicaid coverage; however even just for medical, the average freelancer may make more in one day than the income limits instilled for a month. Sometimes freelancers may not have the ability to support themselves and their family, but may make too much for government help.

The easiest way to obtain individual or family health insurance is to apply online or talk to a health insurance agent. Still individuals who have pre-existing conditions are not guaranteed coverage and will be turned down.

If a freelancer can not obtain individual health insurance there are a few other options. These options include COBRA insurance in some cases, the local Chamber of Commerce, any number of freelancer unions as well as a few national organizations who offer various group rate plans for freelancers.

COBRA is an option if a freelancer has just stopped working for a traditional employer. If an individual qualifies when leaving the employer, the freelancer can invoke his or her COBRA right, which will last up to 18 months-as long as the premium is paid on time every month. The premium can become quite expensive though. The freelancer needs to pay the entire group premium including the dues which were previously taken from the paycheck and all of the costs the employer was subsidizing, if there were any. This could become quite expensive in the long run.

The local Chamber of Commerce where you live has a reputation for helping local businesses, including many freelancers. While a Chamber of commerce will usually only offer group insurance packages to small business employers, those with 2 to 50 employees, most do have individual plans available at a discounted rate. These are the plans for freelancers and the other self-employed people in the area.

Freelancer unions are numerous and chapters are located all throughout the United States. Each union will have their qualifications and other rules to abide by, but because they are a union, they have access to and offer various group plans to all freelancers.

Other various business organizations and associations sometimes accept freelancers into their chapters. These associations typically also have access to and offer group plans to their members.

A combination of a Preferred Provider Organization plan with a high-deductible and a Health Savings Account is another option for freelancers. Freelancers with this type of plan will pay lower monthly premiums because of the high-deductible.

Freelancers do have options when it comes to health insurance. It is too risky to go without coverage-both physically and financially. Freelancers should talk to an insurance agent online and compare health insurance quotes to find affordable options and get the right coverage.