by Wendy Dessler (Guest post)

Note from Crystal-Marie, founder of Successiory

I work with entrepreneurs on pricing so that you can eventually become self-insured. Until then, you have to ensure you're covered. Here are some insights from guest author, Wendy Dessler, on how to get your health covered.

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Healthcare is a hot topic these days, and the cost of coverage doesn’t seem to be getting any cheaper. You might think that this doesn’t affect you, especially when you are still covered by your parent’s plan. However, the cutoff age of 26 approaches a lot faster than you might think.

With a mound of student debt sucking up the majority of your finances, it’s important to find affordable care that can still meet your medical needs. You can find plenty of articles on the subject, like Turning 26: health Insurance Guide for Those Aging Off Their Parents’ Plan on HealthCare.com, but this article is here to give you a brief overview along with some options to keep costs affordable.

Always Think Ahead

The first, and most important, part of finding quality healthcare is to plan in advance. A trip to the emergency room can cost up to 40% of your monthly rent, making it crucial for you to have funds available to cover out of pocket costs.

Your healthcare plan will certainly help cover the majority of your costs, but it never hurts to start saving up now for when emergencies strike. Open a savings account and make a rainy day fund. Start small, depositing whatever you can each month as long as it fits inside of your budget. It might seem like a burden, but you’ll be glad the money is there when the unexpected happens.

Know Your Options

The first place that most individuals should look to is their employer. Most companies provide multiple healthcare options for their employees. Ask your employer what plans they offer, and who is in charge of paying the premium.

You may have to pay a portion of the cost out of your paycheck, with your employer covering the rest. In some cases, the company you work might cover the costs altogether. Ask for any paperwork that explains the ins and outs of company coverage.

For those who do not have the benefit of employer health insurance, there are still multiple options to choose from. If you are self-employed or qualify for low income, Medicaid is almost always an option along with hybrid insurance plans. Meet with a licensed agent to discuss your options in full, or head to the Medicaid site to see if you qualify.

Look for Discounts

Bargain shopping, believe it or not, is 100% “a thing” in the healthcare world. You might find that providers offer discounts for paying in cash, which might be an easier option if you are self-employed on a contractual basis. Sometimes, you can even work out payment plans with both your provider and facility for emergency visits that make life easier on your budget.

Always ask where and when you can save. While you are a full-fledged adult at 26, it can still be difficult to budget the multitude of financial responsibilities placed on those fresh out of college. In terms of bargain shopping, you may also wish to seek out nonprofit programs for your medical needs.

Getting the Healthcare You Deserve

There are several ways to help save on the high costs of medical care without sacrificing the quality of your coverage. With a quick google search, you can find thousands of programs available to you based on your unique financial situation.

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About the Author

Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.