Idaho Health Insurance

Find the right health insurance policy for you.

Written by Steve Dahl
Written by Steve Dahl

Steve is a financial services expert who has dedicated himself to the insurance industry for the last 5+ years. Steve is a key contributor to TrustedChoice.com.

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Health insurance is a hot-button topic presently. With the new law regarding affordable healthcare, along with government website failures and lengthy delays, many residents are feeling frustrated with their attempts at getting health insurance. The Affordable Healthcare Act mandates health insurance for everyone, so if you don't carry heath insurance through your employer or privately, you could be facing hefty fines. It's more important than ever to make sure you and your family have an adequate health insurance plan. The following information can help you get reasonable medical insurance quotes and get coverage in Idaho.

Idaho Health Facts

  • Only 82 percent of ID residents carry health insurance.
  • In 2006, 85 percent of ID residents were overweight and 57.9 percent were obese.
  • From 2003 to 2005, more than 30,000 Idahoans died from diabetes.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for ID residents.
  • Medical expenses account for 60 percent of bankruptcies.

It's extremely important to be responsible and proactive about your health. This includes not only a good diet and exercise but also a health insurance plan. In case of a medical emergency, accident or disaster, costs shouldn't saddle you and your family with financial responsibilities.

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What Types of Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Idaho?

There are many health insurance plans available for Idaho residents. The most common plans available include the following:

  • Health maintenance organization: This plan assigns you a primary care provider. Access to specialists and other care providers is limited. You may have to have a referral before seeing a specialist. If you visit a doctor or specialist outside of the HMO's network, you pay all costs out of pocket.
  • Preferred provider organization: This plan lets you choose from a larger network of providers and allows you to have direct access to specialists. An HMO plan is typically more expensive than a PPO plan.
  • Point of service plan: With a POS plan, you still have a primary physician who provides referrals within the insurance network, but you may see a specialist on your own. You may be responsible for the charges or a percentage thereof.
  • High deductible health plan: This plan is very affordable. However, there is a high deductible, which you must pay.
  • Indemnity: This type of plan works for those who can afford their healthcare costs out of pocket. You pay for services rendered and then submit the cost to the health insurance company, which will reimburse you up to 80 percent.

It is important to decide which plan type is best for your Idaho family before purchasing a health insurance policy.

Which Health Insurance Plan Is Right for You?

Medical insurance can be confusing. Not only do you have to navigate coverages, co-pays and deductibles, but you also have to consider your monthly premium. In order to find the best plan for your family, consider the following:

  • Evaluate your family’s needs. Take an outsider's look at your family. Try to figure out what type of care they will need. Be sure to factor in any current or future children. Think of preventive care, maternity care, and prescriptions or procedures any of you may need.
  • Prioritize those needs. While having a dental plan is nice, having a prescription plan may be better if you and your family take monthly supplements. Write down a list of the services/plan features that are most important to you.
  • Review plan options. While you are comparing plans, go over your desired coverages and make sure that each of the plans you're considering has these benefits included.
  • Determine your costs. Unfortunately, your health care cost won't end at your premium. Consider how much in co-pays, deductibles and prescriptions you'll be spending, and make sure that your budget has enough room for them.

These steps will help you decide which plans are best for your family.

Are There Additional Plans Available in Idaho?

For some, standard insurance policies may not cover everything they're concerned about. There are specific insurance policies available for individuals in order to close the gap that some traditional insurance policies contain. These are some of the available supplemental insurance policies available:

  • Medigap: This insurance is available to consumers enrolled in Medicare. While Medicare is a great option, many elderly individuals still struggle to cover their medical bills. Medigap insurance can step in to cover items like hospital benefits, nursing home services and preventive care.
  • Supplemental hospital insurance: This insurance policy kicks in when you find yourself in the hospital unexpectedly. A serious illness or an accident can cost you an incredible amount of money. Supplemental hospital insurance can help you cover those costs, along with costs like transportation and childcare.
  • Supplemental cancer insurance: You or someone you know may have battled cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 67 percent of total cancer costs are non-medical costs, often not covered by regular medical insurance. A supplemental cancer insurance policy can help cover radiation, chemotherapy, prescription drugs and air travel.
  • Accidental death: Employers often offer this insurance to employees in high-risk positions. If you suffer death or dismemberment, the plan will benefit your family.
  • Umbrella coverage: This plan extends your medical coverage limits.
  • International policies: If you frequently travel out of the country, this insurance will cover you in foreign countries.
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What Are Health Insurance Quotes Like in Idaho?

While prices vary greatly due to certain factors, individual policies typically cost anywhere from $150 to $200 per month and family policies can cost $350 to $425 per month. There is information that your agent needs to know, however, before giving you accurate quotes for medical insurance in Idaho. Be sure to have the following information ready:

  • Your age, along with spouse's age
  • Children or previous pregnancies
  • Any previous surgeries
  • Any previous hospital visits
  • Any previous prescriptions
  • Whether you drink alcohol
  • Whether you use tobacco
  • Current and prior drug use
  • What type of policy you'd like
  • Preferred deductible
    Insurers consider all these factors when giving you quotes in order to make sure the coverage is sufficient for your family.

Are There Discounts Available on Health Insurance in Idaho?

There are typically discounts available on most insurance policies, medical insurance included. Here's a list of just a few of the discounts for which you may qualify:

  • Involvement in a community health program
  • Involvement in a smoking cessation program
  • Involvement in a weight loss program

Some insurance companies also offer their customers incentives to get healthy, by offering these programs at no cost.

How To Get Started With Health Insurance in Idaho

When you begin to consider purchasing or updating your health plan, it's crucial to have a professional on your side who can guide you toward the best plan for your family. A Trusted Choice® agent is always available to answer questions, suggest coverages or even help you file a claim.

Contact your local Trusted Choice insurance agent for help getting quotes and new coverage.

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