One of the biggest drawbacks to proper medical car in the U.S. is lack of health insurance. With nearly 22 million uninsured people in America, that’s a lot of people who may not seek medical care when they need it because of the cost. Unfortunately, small families may suffer the most in these situations. Finding health insurance for a small family is not, however, impossible.
Employer Insurance Can Cover Your Small Family
Until 2010, children with pre-existing conditions could be excluded from their parent’s employer provided health insurance. However, since Healthcare Reform, or Obamacare, children can no longer be excluded from their parent’s health insurance. This has been a major boon for small families, as health insurance for a small family has traditionally excluded children born with birth defects or other conditions needing treatment.
Not All Employers Cover Your Whole Family
If you have employers insurance, you can also look into signing up for a different tier. Most companies have a tiered system with the least expensive level covered by the employer. Above that should be different levels of coverage that will allow you to tailor your insurance to meet your specific needs. This way, health insurance for a small family can provide you with better coverage for frequent doctor visits or maintenance medications.
Small Group/Family Insurance
If you don’t have insurance through your employer, it is possible to purchase a policy for yourself. This type of health insurance for a small family is usually HMO coverage. The HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, is strictly network medical care. This, however, does not mean that you have to settle for less than the best medical care. Unlike the limited networks of 40 and 50 years ago, today’s medical networks are vast and diverse. You’ll discover that almost every doctor is a member of at least one medical network, if not more.
An HMO Plan May Be Your Best Bet
With HMO insurance for a small family, you may not get to keep the pediatrician you have for the kids. On the other hand, he may be in the network of your new insurance company. With HMO coverage, you use doctors that are only in the network, and get referrals for services that aren’t done in your Primary Care Physician’s office. In exchange, you get the insurance company’s discounts. You’ll probably have a copay that is much more affordable than the upfront payments you’ve been making at the doctor’s office. If your insurance agent recommends an HMO policy, you can be assured that it’s a good choice for health insurance for a small family.
Dependent Coverage For Your Children
Recent changes in health insurance due to Obamacare now insure that your children can have health insurance coverage through your employer’s insurance until they are 26. If your child graduates from college and loses his student insurance, he can go back on your insurance. He can stay on your insurance until he has employer insurance of his own, or turns 26. Also, if you lose your job and your health insurance, and opt for COBRA, your dependents will be covered for up to 24 months.
