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Down But Not Out

Recently lost employer health coverage? Or perhaps the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance is too expensive.

You’re not alone. Over the past five years, 40% of employed adults in the United States have seen their employee benefits packages decreased—or eliminated entirely.¹ If you’re part of the 40%, the loss of benefits can be frustrating.

You may be tempted to forgo coverage, especially if the cost of your employer-sponsored health plan goes up dramatically. However, going without health insurance is a gamble. Accidents can happen at any time. Even a broken bone can lead to thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Are you prepared to pay for major medical bills?

Your employer may cut back on sponsoring health coverage, but you don’t have to go without health insurance. Discover UnitedHealthOne^SM private health insurance plans.

Picking the Best Health Plan

Choose from three different types of private health insurance plans: Health Savings Account (HSA), high deductible health insurance, or copay health insurance. Each has a unique set of advantages. Pick the one that best fits your needs and budget—not necessarily the plan you’re most familiar.

For example, employer-sponsored health insurance is commonly considered a copay health plan. This means you pay a set fee each time you see the doctor. The advantage to having a copay plan is that if you or your family visit the doctor frequently, you can more easily manage your health care expenses.

This advantage comes at a price. It’s only beneficial if you actually need it. If you and your family don’t visit the doctor often, a copay health plan may not be your best option.

An HSA puts you in control of your medical expenses. It combines lower-cost, high deductible health insurance with a tax-advantaged health savings account. This means you pay out-of-pocket health care expenses with tax-advantaged savings. An HSA can also increase your health insurance buying power. It lowers your health insurance premium and still provides quality coverage.

HSA qualifying expenses include a variety of health care services and products, from crutches and contact lenses to chiropractor visits and pregnancy. View a more complete list, which the Internal Revenue Service determines.

A high deductible health insurance plan could fit you and your family best. It’s for people looking for “just-in-case” coverage, including catastrophic health insurance.

Need Help?

Still not sure which plan to choose? We’re here to help. Call (800) 444-8990 to speak with a licensed Product Advisor. Our Product Advisors are available to answer your toughest insurance questions. You can also get a free quote online in minutes.

¹ National Endowment for Financial Education, The Benefits Blues: A Growing Epidemic Among U.S. Workers, August 29, 2012. For costs, benefits, exclusions, limitations, eligibility, and renewal terms, call a licensed Product Advisor to discuss your health insurance options at (800) 444-8990.
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