Summary
The best place to start to learn about the insurance situation in your state is with the reputable, objective, web sites that provide a free overview. The other sections of this document contain the names of five such sites starting with a site provided by the federal government. The rest of the sites are in alphabetical order. A brief summary of the contents of each site is contained in other sections of this article.
- www.HealthCare.gov - includes all of the health insurance plans available in your area including from private insurers and state high-risk pools. In addition to details about benefits, the site includes what percentage of applicants were denied or had to pay a surcharge because of health status.
- www.ahirc.org -includes insurance through associations and some unions
- www.coverageforall.org - includes a live operator
NOTE: If you need more information, and/or to confirm that information which is important to you is up-to-date, speak with your local disease specific non-profit organization, an experienced insurance broker, your state insurance department, or study the laws yourself. You can locate your state insurance department at naic.org/state web map.htm
ahirc.org
Access to Health Insurance/Resources For Care -- AHIRC -- is a project of The Actors Fund Of America. The site is geared to actors and others in the entertainment industry, but the information found there applies to everyone. The site lists health insurance resources by state, including:
- Insurance for high risk people in a state.
- Financial assistance for medical expenses.
- Groups that artists and entertainment professionals can possibly join to get health insurance.
- Health insurance and medical discount plans for individuals.
- Insurance and services for low-income individuals and families.
- Insurance for self-employed people and small groups.
- Children.
- Seniors.
- Women with special needs.
- Veterans.
- Employees and union members.
- People with conditions and diseases, including specifically people with HIV and people with disabilities.
- Information includes organizations that help, financial assistance, a guide to national and state rights and protections; as well as complaints and appeals.
coverageforall.org
www.CoverageForAll.org is a website of Foundation For Health Coverage Education. The site provides four different ways to find out about coverage in your area.
- By answering a quiz
- By speaking with a live person
- Through your state's quick reference guide
- Through your state's application and enrollment data base
Healthcare.gov
www.HealthCare.gov - includes all of the health insurance plans available in your area including from private insurers and state high-risk pools.
In addition to details about benefits, the site includes what percentage of applicants were denied or had to pay a surcharge because of health status.