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Health Care Today
It's almost impossible to live in America today without being aware of the many issues and concerns regarding our health care. Health insurance costs seem to be going up every year, while the range of treatments we can get with that coverage goes down.
However, with some smart shopping and an understanding of the health care market it is indeed possible to get good health insurance that will protect you when you need it.
In the US, preventable illness makes up 80% of the economic burden of illness, and 90% of health care costs. That's right, 90% of our spending on health and health insurance is related to preventable disease!
Key to minimizing this problem is, ironically, having and using good health insurance. Sure, it's important to make healthy lifestyle decisions, including eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure low, and avoiding things that cause disease like smoking or excessive sun exposure.
But in many, many cases, doctors and other medical professionals are the key to helping people make these decisions. How could you know that your cholesterol was getting high if you didn't get tests? How do you know what your healthy weight range is if there isn't a professional health care expert around to tell you?
Statistically those who have health insurance, and who attend yearly checkups, are more likely to cost less in terms of overall health care costs than those who don't.
So, how do you get health insurance that is affordable? The best means is to shop around, and make sure every insurance agent you talk to knows it. Many insurance companies offer the same services, and will lower their premiums if they know your next stop is the competition.
Also, be aware of all costs associated with your insurance. What are your monthly premiums, deductibles, co pays, and out-of-pocket costs for medications? Make sure you know what's covered in terms of emergency appointments and yearly checkups.
It could be that a slightly more expensive insurance plan covers much more than a less expensive plan, making it worthwhile to pay a bit more now, and potentially save thousands down the road.
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