Insurance Options

Health insurance is available to individuals and families on an individual basis, through group plans and government programs.  Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical care, hospital care and sometimes prescription medications.  Coverage can range from limited to very broad.

Insurance Plans

• If you are unemployed, self-employed, retire before you are eligible for Medicare or your employer does not offer health coverage, you may purchase health insurance from a commercial insurer as well as association plans and service organizations.  All companies have standard policies for the coverage they offer and most allow an individual to select various options or benefit levels that will meet the purchaser's needs.
• Group health insurance, issued by commercial insurers and service organizations, provides coverage under a master policy to members in a specific group.  Group health plans are available to employers, trade and professional associations, labor unions, credit unions, and other organizations.  The employer or association is responsible for premium payments.  The employer may pay the entire premium or require some contribution from each member.
• State and federal governments provide health insurance to eligible individuals and families.  Medicaid pays for medical care for certain low-income children and adults.  Medicare is a federal health insurance program for the aged and certain disabled people of any age.  KidCare is a health insurance program for children.