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Health Plan Options is a program created by the Minnesota Department of Health in cooperation with the Minnesota Health Information Clearinghouse. It will provide you with an overview of health care options that are available in the state.

As far as health insurance is concerned, there are a number of choices to choose from, each with its pros and cons. What is best for you may not be good for another individual. At the same time, choosing the right health insurance is very important. It is a major purchase, but this cost should not be the only factor to consider. You also have to check the benefits covered, and get the best deal.

Health insurance can be obtained either through group insurance or through individual insurance. Whichever the case, they can be purchased from a wide number of insurance companies including health maintenance organizations and traditional insurers. Group health insurance is obtained through associations and employers, while non-group (individual) insurance are purchased on your own and can cover the entire family. Various insurance reforms in the country and in the state have made things easier for us to obtain and maintain insurance coverage. For example, if you are self-employed, you can deduct up to 100% of your your health insurance premiums on your income tax return.

Once accepted, health insurance companies can not refuse to renew your policy unless you stop paying your premiums. Minnesota law does not cover most self-insured plans, but the Department of Health of Minnesota Department of Commerce do authorize insurance companies and agents to legally operate in the state. If you are going for individual insurance, you can choose between Minnesota Health Maintenance Organizations or a Fee-for-Service Coverage. HMOs are basically managed care associations that provide health benefits such as preventive health services, clinic visits or consultations with health care professionals, hospital care, and prescription drugs. The benefits may vary from one policy to another, and will be explained in your coverage certificate. For HMOs, reasonable copayments may be charged for some services. Fee-for-Service plans basically provide the same benefits. However, you only submit your claim for reimbursement.

For specific insurance needs, various programs offered by the state of Minnesota are available:

• If you recently changed jobs or lost one, the COBRA allows you to continue your health coverage for up to 18 months after your previous job.
• The Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association provides health insurance to those who have pre-existing conditions and have been declined insurance privileges by insurance companies.
• MAs you probably know, Medicare is a health insurance program that provides coverage for people aged 65 or older, and those younger who have contracted illness or disability.

When looking for a good health insurance plan, make sure that you shop carefully. Costs and coverage vary immensely, so try to inquire with several companies before comparing. It is important that you carefully read and understand the policy and make sure that it is exactly what is right for you. Also, make sure you check when your health coverage beforehand and whether your pre-existing conditions are covered. Try to be wary of single disease insurance policies which offer protection for only one kind of disease. They may come cheap but your regular plan may actually provide you with this coverage. Lastly, check to be sure that the insurance company you are dealing with is legal in Minnesota, and have a good track record in terms of providing good services.