What to do when offered bad health insurance from work.

‘My job offered me a plan for $60 a month but it has a huge deductible, do I have to take it? Last year it was $400 when I visited my doctor.’ We get these questions on a regular basis. I don't expect people to spend money on things that don't work or pay a penality when they don't have to. The employer offers a health plan that covers the employer for the Affordable Health Care Penalty but does very little to help the employee or their family.

In Washington State, we have our own state exchange with a lot of plans. So many plans that brokers spend months learning plans so that we can help our clients get the most out of their money. There are Health Insurance companies that will only offer their plans using the state exchange. There are also some that are priced down to the point where a 28 year old was able to get health insurance for $209 a month with a $20 co pay to see his doctor without tax credits!

There are times when it is best if a job does not offer health insurance. If the employer did not offer a health plan then the employee can shop on the exchange and possibly use tax credits. If the employee is a part timer and offered a plan that was too expensive. If employer offers a plan that is not very functional for the employee’s medical needs. Yes, we have many clients that have rejected a bad employer plan to enjoy a functional plan using the Washington Health Exchange.

My response is the same, work with a licensed professional that can answer your questions and offer guidance to what plans are out in the market. The great thing is that it costs nothing to work with a broker. I tell everyone the best way to purchase insurance is shop the broker, if you pick a good broker then they will find you a good insurance product.

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