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Change Primary Insurance

When you've become unhappy with your current primary health insurance coverage, it's time to choose one that better suits your needs. However, you need the right information to make an educated choice, as you weigh your rights against which company would be the best primary insurance carrier for you. Look into several primary insurance carriers before making a final decision. It may not seem like a big deal right now, but when you need it, your health insurance will be first and foremost in your mind.

  1. Know Your Rights

    • When switching primary insurance companies, understand your rights when it comes to preexisting conditions. This is one of the tactics your old insurance carrier uses to keep you on. It may tell you you're uninsurable by another company because of preexisting conditions and treatments. However, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 states that insurance companies are only allowed to look back six months to your medical history to make a decision on your coverage options. If you have not had any major health problems or procedures in the last six months, you should be able to find a primary insurance provider easily.

    Research Providers

    • Once you've checked into your own medical history and cleared yourself as insurable, you'll need to do some important research as to which primary insurance company will work best with you. Either online, or over the phone, contact insurance companies and ask about deductibles, co-pays and coverage amounts. Some websites, like EHealthInsurance.com, allow you to pick multiple plans at once, so that you're able to compare them side by side and assess pricing and coverage. Keep a folder on companies, so that you have stats for each one and can make a better decision.

    Make a Choice

    • When you've done the careful research necessary, sit down and make a list. Write the top five things you want out of your company. They could be things like low co-pays, manageable deductible, low out-of-pocket maximum, large physician network, and so on. Compare your list against your research folder, and you'll find a company that closely matches your ideals. Call the company and speak with an individual case manager to make the switch.

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