Update on Student Health Plans
A highly effective but little-known
strategy for controlling medical insurance costs will become a
bit less attractive after September 1 when the nation’s leading
issuer of medical insurance raises rates for policyholders over
age 29. This change primarily affects self-employed individuals
who maintained their own health insurance plans after
graduation from college.
Students who purchase private medical insurance enjoy more
liberal coverage than the plans typically offered through their
parent’s plan or their own college or university. These
insurance plans cover treatment from any doctor or hospital
throughout the U.S. without the need for a referral or
pre-authorization. Premium rates are typically about $500 per
year for those under age 30. But the best part of this coverage
is that it can be continued year after year long after
graduation as long as you need the coverage. As a result of
this renewability provision, some adults are able to enjoy high
quality insurance coverage for less than $1000 per year for the
next several decades.
Fortis Health, the largest issuer of student insurance
policies, announced that it is raising rates for policyholders
over age 29. The new rates will be about 15% higher. While the
new rates are probably still attractive compared to regular
medical insurance policies, there are other alternatives for
older and non-traditional students. Fortis’ rates for
short-term medical insurance or permanent individual insurance
with a high deductible might be a better deal in many
situations. An alternate health insurance plan from Clarendon
Insurance Company often offers 3 years of coverage to
individuals over age 29 at a lower price than the Fortis plan.
Rates and enrollment for all of these plans are available
online at www.MedSave.com.
About the Author: Tony Novak, MBA, MT, is a financial
adviser based in Narberth, Pennsylvania. He is
editor/publisher of “Tax and Benefit News” and moderator of
the tax forum for financial planners at “Financial Planning
Interactive”. He is available by telephone at
1-877-529-7435 to address public inquiries on tax and
benefit planning issues free of charge through
OnlineAdviser service sponsored by www.MedSave.com and www.FreedomBenefits.com
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