1. Learn about types of policies and coverage: Read about the different types of coverages. Determine if you might be able to convert your old insurance under COBRA or qualify for a group policy. WARNING: Be very leery of joining an association to get health insurance. In many states they are either unregulated or regulated in a different way. Be sure to thoroughly investigate using resources in Steps 3 and 4.

• AARP Website. See section on health insurance marketplace - www.aarp.org
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Find articles on choosing a health insurance plan, terms, and questions to ask - www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/ Look under Health Plans.
• Department of Labor, Pensions and Welfare Benefits: COBRA and HIPAA - www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm

2.Choose your state: If you haven’t chosen your domicile (your tax home), consider health insurance as one factor since rates and laws vary tremendously. For example, a Blue Cross/Blue Shield policy in California is not the same as one in Texas. Make sure you do have a valid address in this state and that it is one that you would be able and willing to return to if you had a major medical problem.

3. Evaluate policies: An independent agent or broker can help you compare several companies. Talk to several to find one you are comfortable with and who offers policies from several companies. Ask questions about each policy and make a comparison chart. An agent can answer many of these questions, but examine the policy itself as well.

• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) - www.healthchoices.org  Accredits and rates health insurance plans by state.
• Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) - www.nahu.org an association of independent health insurance sales agents. Search by state or zip code. Excellent articles also.

4. Investigate the companies: Find out the company’s financial stability. Ask the agent about its rating and check its A.M. Best rating. Call the state insurance department or commission about the company. Ask both your agent and the agency about this company’s history in this state. Make sure the company is regulated by your state. If not, the company may hike rates or drop coverage for those who file “excessive” claims. Check to see if there is a history in this state of companies filing for bankruptcy and passing the clients over to a “sister” company, at higher rates, thus eliminating high risk clients. In some states, companies will leave the state or stop issuing individual policies if costs get too high.

• A.M. Best Company, the Insurance Information Source - www.ambest.com
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) - www.naic.org Find your State Insurance Department at this website.

5. Select your policy: Read and study your policy. Remember, a lower premium may indicate poor coverage, not savings. You may be able to find a lower premium by increasing your deductible. This would ensure coverage if you had a major medical problem.

It takes research to find the best policy. Take the time to do so. While you want a lower premium if you choose unwisely and then have a medical problem you may have great difficulty finding coverage in the future. In a future article we’ll cover resources that can be used to provide free and lower-cost medical care if you don’t have coverage or you haven’t met your deductible.