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The Smaller Business Owners Guide To Affordable Health Insurance

Maria Marsala by Maria Marsala

Summary: The resources below may assist you as your consider which health insurance company to choose. This is not a recommendation of one program over another. Use the information below under your own discretion.

 

Finding health insurance, as a business owner, can be difficult and is usually expensive. But it doesn't have to "break the bank". When I became a business owner, I did a LOT of research before finding insurance. The list below is a comprehensive list of insurance resources I found and a great place to start your research. If you find an additional resource, contact me and I'll add them to the list.

DISCLAIMER: It is the reader's sole responsibility to abide by all pertinent jurisdictional laws and regulations pertaining to their business and health. Each person is responsible and liable for the outcome of acting on any of the suggestions included in this article. You're on your own to research and/or purchase the program that is the most appropriate for you. Maria Marsala is not a licensed health insurance agent or broker and is providing this information as a resource list to get you started.

  • What Did You Have?
    Check what you might already have available from your previous job via Cobra
  • Memberships
    Many business and professional organizations include group health insurance as a member benefit. And individuals and business owners join organizations specifically for this membership benefit. So review the benefits of the organizations you belong to or that are located in your community. The list below may help you get started.
  • State Programs
    Some states, Washington for example, provide basic health to lower income residents and many business owners fit this category, after expenses, for a few years. For additional information on what is available in your state, contact your State Insurance Department or visit their website.
  • States Department of Insurance (DOI)
    Talking about your state DOI, you can request a list of insurance companies that are registered in your state. You can also ask about complaints that have been filed against those companies. Note: When you purchase insurance of a company that is not registered in your state, if anything goes wrong, you have NO recourse.
  • Insurance Brokers
    Check your phone book for Insurance Brokers to help you determine the best deal for you. I would check with 3 brokers in your area since they may deal with different companies. The broker is paid a commission by the insurance carrier you choose.
  • Department Stores, etc.
    Check your department store and wholesale store memberships. In some states Costco, , www.costco.com offers health insurance to executive members who pay $100 a year for membership. So I recommend that you check every membership you possess to see if you already have a company who will insure you.
  • Ask Your Doctors
    This may sound like a strange way to find insurance, however, it's the way I found insurance when I lived in NY. I really liked two of the doctors I went to. So I asked both doctors for a list of insurance companies they take. Then I checked to make sure that the companies were on the NY DOI list of registered companies (they all were). Next I got a list, from NY DOI, of the companies that have individual polices and crossed off, from my Doctors list the companies who would not insure me. I was left with 4 companies, researched them all and found one company that fit my needs.

    Do you have a doctor(s) you really respect? If so, ask them which insurance policies they accept and start your research there.
  • Spouses and Domestic Partnerships
    In some states you may qualify as a "domestic partner" and therefore share in health coverage. In some companies, even in states where you might not qualify as a domestic partner, you may be eligible for insurance coverage. Your spouse may have coverage for you, too. Check it all out.
  • Friends
    Ask your friends and colleagues what companies they use. This is a great way to find out which companies to stay away from and which to explore.
  • Recommendations
    Personally, I've met many insurance brokers and I'm sure you have, too!

© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners to double their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at www.CoachMaria.com

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, Blog OR WEB SITE?

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© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners double to their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at www.CoachMaria.com

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE DURING A PAID ENGAGEMENT?

You cannot use our articles in your ebook, to teach a class, or during a speaking event, or if you are paid in any way without our written permission, period. Contact Maria





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© 1998-2010 Maria Marsala & Elevating Your Business.com

Legal Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to accurately represent our products and services and their potential. Any claims made of actual earnings or examples of actual results may not apply to the average purchaser and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Results will depend on the unique skills and business of the individual and as with any business endeavor, there is an inherent risk of loss of capital and there is no guarantee that you will earn any money. Any or all guarantees that Maria provides clients is submitted first in an email, and then in writing.