subject: Exploring Your Health Care Options [print this page] Health care benefits can be provided through many channels. The most common way in the United States is employer provided. Those fortunate to have healthcare insurance via their employer should consider themselves privileged. The plans usually provide the employee with a discount because they are considered part of a larger group of people. Large groups allow the insurance companies to spread the risk of sick individuals with those that are healthy. Usually employers pay a portion of the health care premium as an employee benefit. If the average person had to bear the entire cost of their health care premium they would find premiums too expensive.
If you don't receive health insurance benefits through your employment, then you probably are struggling to make these payments on your own. While there are government programs to cover the disabled, the elderly, and even minors, very little is done to help insure healthy, middle age Americans and for those who are working minimum wage jobs there is very little money left for paying health insurance premiums.
There may be other alternatives for those who have no insurance coverage or find themselves on a limited budget. There are dental and medical schools who offer services at a discounted price because they are a learning facility. While it isn't the most ideal situation, it can be an immediate solution if you have a medical issue.
There are also many sliding scale clinics around and many times you can find out about one in your area very simply by asking someone at your local hospital. These clinics often provide people with the basic care they need when they are living without health insurance. There are also medical discount cards that make doctor and hospital visits more affordable at certain locations for a low monthly fee.
Ideally, everyone would wish to have a 100% employer paid insurance plan. But, that is the exception and not the norm. It is important to explore all you options so you can receive some type of health care when you need it. You need to do some research and find out the types of alternative healthcare that will work best for you and your family.
