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With the increasing medical treatment costs, it is vital to have adequate health insurance. But some people are discouraged to obtain one because of the expensive monthly premium. To add insult to the injury, the health insurance premiums tend to be higher for obese people. Thankfully, they are ways to lower health insurance premiums if you are obese.
The number thing you must do, of course, is to try to lose weight. However, losing weight does not happen overnight. It requires weeks, months to even years to lose a significant amount of weight.
How to Lower Health Insurance Premiums if You are Overweight
1.) Shop Around
The market for health insurance can have different options. Apart from losing weight, you should shop around first to find the right policy that works for you.
Every insurer has a different definition of what is obesity. It is ideal that you thoroughly research your options. In that way, you can evaluate what every company can offer you.
2.) Know About Tax Credit Subsidy
If you are purchasing your own health policy, you can get help from the government to pay for its premiums. With the premium tax credit subsidy, you can easily lower your monthly premium.
As you shop around for the best health policy, find out if you qualify for a tax subsidy.
3.) Ask the Employer for a Group Health Insurance
If you are employed, you should ask your employer about group health insurance policies. They are not as comprehensive as an individual policy. However, they can still offer you affordable coverage.
4.) Opt for an HMO
There are two primary options for health insurance. One of them is HMO. It is a more expensive option than PPO. HMO requires that you coordinate your healthcare with one primary care physician.
If you need to see a specialist, you must seek a referral from your primary care doctor first. You also need to visit an in-network hospital if you require hospitalization. If you visit an out-of-network coverage, though, your bill will not be covered by your HMO policy, except in an emergency.
Indeed, the HMO option can be restricting. However, it is cheaper and it lowers your health insurance premiums.
5.) Choose a Health Insurance with a High Deductible
It is the amount you pay if you receive health care services. You need to settle this amount before your insurer will start paying for your healthcare. Plans with a high deductible have a low monthly premium.
However, it is only ideal if you do not go to your doctor frequently. Still, it is your better option if you wish to lower your health insurance premium.
6.) Compare Plans
Indeed, you can lower your health insurance premiums with high deductible policy. However, before you pick such a plan, make sure that you compare it from one plan to another.
By thoroughly comparing plans available on the market, you can find a plan that fits your medical condition or health status.
If you go to the doctor frequently, then having a high deductible plan may not be ideal. You can indeed save on monthly premiums but if you get injured or need medical care, you will pay more. Thus, make sure that you understand how it will affect you when that time comes.
8.) Pick Plan with Health Savings Account
Health Savings Accounts are used to pay for your medical expenditures. They are essentially savings accounts. The money that you put in the account is tax-free or tax-deductible.
With this type of health plan, you can save a lot on your monthly payment. Plans with a health savings account have higher deductibles, though, that’s why their premiums are quite lower.
Hence, they are ideal if you are looking for ways to lower your health insurance premiums.
9.) Talk to your Doctor
Losing just a few pounds could help to lower health insurance premiums. However, before you lose some pounds, make sure that you talk to your doctor about the best strategy to lose weight.
Talking to your physician is advisable because one weight loss weight method is not appropriate for everyone. Your physician will look into your medical history before recommending the best option.
10.) Cut Down Portion Sizes
Your doctor may recommend slowly cutting down your portion sizes.
Drastically lowering your portion sizes may not help in the long run as you are likely to go back to your unhealthy eating habits.
It is best to lower your calorie intake slowly by swapping out unhealthy snacks and opt for healthier substitutes instead. Doing so can help you see a huge difference in your weight.
11.) Try Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is not a diet but it is an eating plan. Muslims practice intermittent fasting during Ramadan.
At first, it can be difficult. That’s why it is ideal that you try intermittent fasting for say, 8 hours. Then, once your body has adjusted, you can extend your fasting hours to 12 then to 16 hours.
During your fasting period, make sure that you rehydrate yourself well. Some people follow intermittent fasting without water. But this is not advisable for beginners as you will surely faint.
On your eating window, you should only be eating whole food options and not those unhealthy snacks.
And opt to eat more fruits and vegetables. Try to consume less sugar as sugar can trigger hunger pangs.
Eating lean meat is ideal. However, if you wish to reduce your meat intake, you may opt for healthy fish options, like salmon, mackerel and other types of fish rich in healthy fats.
12.) Pair it With Exercise
If you want to boost your ability to lose weight to lower health insurance premiums, then make sure that you pair your fasting or dieting with exercise. There is no need for you to hit the gym.
Brisk walking for 30 minutes can do the trick. Your doctor will help you find the best exercise that is ideal for your case. And his number one recommendation would surely be brisk walking.
You can also do resistance training with an elastic band. This, too, can help you lose weight, as long as you do it regularly. The elastic band is inexpensive and you can purchase it in less than $10.
Conclusion
Finding ways to lower health insurance premiums does not mean that you are getting poor quality care. There are plenty of plans out there with excellent coverage but with reduced monthly payments. And of course, if you have a problem with your weight, make sure that you do your best to lose weight. It will not only help you in getting lower monthly premiums plans but it can also assist you in your overall health. That is you will not be sickly.
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