Searching for an individual health insurance plan can feel overwhelming.

Previously, Nicole Creamer, director of consumer sales at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), provided answers to five common individual health plan questions to help consumers.

Creamer covered the basics of individual plans and shared details on BCBSNE’s option, Armor Health. To further assist insurance shoppers, she’s sharing five questions to ask yourself before buying an individual plan.

1. What does your health history look like?

Consider your health history. Some policies, like Armor Health, are medically underwritten. This means when someone applies for the plan, their health history will factor in to whether they’re accepted and what their premium will cost.

Since it is medically underwritten, Armor Health typically has a lower premium when compared to Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans offered through Healthcare.gov.

2. What are your immediate health needs?

Think through your immediate health needs. What kind of care do you need? Do you take any prescriptions on a regular basis? You’ll want to look for a plan that best fits your specific situation.

Armor Health offers 100% preventive coverage, $0 preferred generic drugs and has a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions. ACA plans, on the other hand, do not have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

3. How long will you need coverage?

Reflect on how long you’ll need coverage. Armor Health provides short-term coverage, which you can renew year after year.

4. What can you afford?

Compare the price points of the options available to you. What can you afford? Do you qualify for an assistance program, such as cost-share reductions or advanced premium tax credit, through Healthcare.gov?

5. Do you have all the answers you need to make a decision?

Examine the information you’ve gathered. Do you have answers for all your questions?  If you need assistance thinking through your options, a licensed sales agent can help you. Contact a BCBSNE agent.

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