Health Insurance Alternatives for the Uninsured
Recently, I read an article in this publication, "The Middle-Class Struggling with Health Insurance." Health insurance costs are certainly an issue for everyone today, especially the self-employed and those working for small companies. Many companies are trying to cut costs and those cost-cutting measures may eliminate employee health coverage, forcing employees to find coverage on their own. Consequently, many employed individuals and families are now facing the same challenge small business owners have been facing for years-finding affordable insurance.
The nation's uninsured population of approximately 45 million has risen dramatically in recent years. According to Todd Stottlemyer, president of the National Federation of Independent Business in recent testimony before Congress, nearly 63 of the costs, further reducing the real costs of the health insurance. To determine how much, if any, tax savings one would be eligible for, a tax professional should be consulted.
Although a serious issue, health insurance can be a manageable expense for most Americans. Certainly, it may require a new mindset regarding the use of insurance, but if approached rationally and by seeking out group alternatives to the individual health policy, health insurance need not be the financial monster it is perceived to be.
Bobby Kirby, Field Representative for The National Association for the Self-Employed and licensed agent for The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company. Administrative Office: N. Richland Hills, TX. He may be reached at 623-537-5886 or via e-mail at kirbybobby@yahoo.com. Or visit his website at www.bobbykirby-nase.com.
