According to the Dallas Morning News:

The 1 percent trim to provider fees that starts Sept. 1 sounds modest. But doctors, insurance industry officials and health care experts widely see it as the first of many hits coming to doctors’ wallets as Texas’ fiscal woes deepen.  State leaders’ instructions for agencies to identify additional 10 percent budget cuts in the next two-year budget cycle mean more fee cuts may come next summer.

Industry experts believe that further budget reductions could drive doctors from the state and result in more patients seeking emergency room care.  This would be an inauspicious beginning to federal health care reform, which, starting in 2014 will create huge new demands for care by putting more poor adults and children on Medicaid.  This bit of legislation is conservatively estimated to add 1.5 million Texans to Medicaid by 2015.  The number currently stands at about three million.

Expanding the rolls of Medicaid while reducing doctor reimbursements simply won’t work, as fewer doctors will accept these patients.  At the same time, health care reform will expand Texas health insurance rosters in general without expanding the amount of medical professionals to service the newly insured.

Medicaid is a great resource for people who can’t afford traditional Texas health insurance plans, but without the necessary medical network to support these patients, expansion may overburden our already weakened state.

Don’t pay for it

There are so many options for obtaining free Texas health insurance quotes that there’s no reason to pay for one.  If a company wants your money before giving you a quote, then move onto the next company.

Shop around

These days it’s very easy to obtain a Texas health insurance quote.  Simply go online and companies are eager to provide you with what you need, but make sure your quote is coming from a health insurance provider licensed to operate in your state, or from a reputable, certified broker.

The Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Best

While a low cost quote is very attractive on the surface, it’s important to consider value, rather than just price.  If the plan doesn’t cover the services you require, like prescriptions or maternity care, or if it doesn’t cover your preexisting condition, then you’ll end up paying much more money in the long run.  Anyone can give you an inexpensive quote, but unless it’s for a Texas health insurance plan than offers the benefits and services you need, keep on looking.

And a High Price Doesn’t Mean it’s Good

Similar to how a low cost quote isn’t always a good bargain, a high priced quote doesn’t mean you’re getting the best coverage. An expensive health insurance plan can offer comprehensive services and benefits, but unless you’re going to use those benefits, you’re wasting your money.  Make sure the Texas health insurance plan you select isn’t stuffed with services you’ll never use, or you’re just throwing money away.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, said in a letter to state insurance commissioners:

“Unfortunately, scam artists and criminals may be using the passage of these historic reforms as an opportunity to confuse and defraud the public…Media accounts indicate that fraudsters have gone door to door selling phony insurance policies,” she wrote. “Some have attempted to make dishonest profits by urging consumers to obtain coverage in a nonexistent ‘limited enrollment’ period that they falsely claim was made possible by the new legislation.”

Since these fake Texas health insurance plans are not backed by financial reserves, the insurers in question likely have no ability or desire to pay claims.  Consumers swindled by these scams may be left without insurance in a time of need.  To protect yourself from fraudulent insurance schemes, regulators have warned people to be wary of anyone claiming to be with the federal government and trying to sell you insurance.  Texas health insurance policies are sold and issued by companies, not government officials.  And be alert to sophisticated sales pitches. The Morning News notes that in some states, fraudulent sales representatives are attempting to sell a bogus product called an “ObamaCare Insurance Policy.”

Unfortunately, scam artists will always attempt to make a buck at the expense of confused consumers, so do what you can to protect your health and keep your finances secure.  If you have questions about health care reform, or need to obtain insurance, work with a licensed Texas health insurance broker, or contact a reputable, well-known health insurance carrier in your state.

Employer-sponsored health insurance plans operate under group rates and maintain a one-size-fits-all dynamic.  This blanket coverage results in certain individuals paying for coverage they don’t need in order to subsidize those employees who require more extensive health care.  Since these extra costs are absorbed by all employees, group plans are unnecessarily expensive for certain workers.  Such workers may benefit from an individual health insurance plan, which can be tailored to fit one’s particular needs and budget.

Another benefit of an individual Texas health insurance plan is that it’s portable.  When an employee loses his job, changes his job or branches out on his own, his benefits will lapse, leaving him and his family defenseless against a major medical emergency.  An individual health insurance plan, however, stays in place regardless of a change in employment status, ensuring coverage during tumultuous times.

Since money is tight, the job market jobs remains uncertain and increases in health care costs continue to outpace wages, there’s no better time to consider an individual Texas health insurance plan for personalized, affordable and portable health coverage.

1. Individual Texas health insurance – Purchasing individual Texas health insurance allows you to customize a plan that fits your health needs and budget, without paying for unnecessary items that were bundled into your group plan.  You can choose between a variety of plans, including PPOs, HMOs, fee-for-service plans and even a Texas health savings account.

2. COBRA – Those who leave their job for self-employment may be eligible to continue their coverage through COBRA.  The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 allows workers to extend their employer benefits for up to 18 months after leaving a job, but since the employer is no longer subsidizing the plan, this can be a very pricey option.

3. Join your spouse’s plan – If you’re married and your spouse’s employer offers solid health insurance, consider joining his or her plan.  It may be cheaper than purchasing insurance on your own, and group health plans will usually accept you regardless of health history.

4. Put a broker to work for you – A certified Texas health insurance broker can sift through all the clutter to help you find the best plan for you.  Brokers are eventually paid by the health insurance company you choose, so their services are free to use.

5. Short-term health insurance – If self-employment is only a temporary stop in your career, then a short-term Texas health insurance plan may be a good option.  It will keep you covered at a reasonable price until you move onto a job with employer-subsidized benefits.

Our Definitive Guide to Texas Health Insurance includes the following informational items:

-5 things to consider when buying Texas health insurance
-How to rate Texas health insurance companies
-How to find the best Texas health insurance plans
-5 reasons to use a Texas health insurance broker
-Texas health insurance for small businesses
-Texas health insurance tips for growing families
-5 ways to be your own health care advocate

The guide details how you can specifically find and buy the Texas health insurance plan that will be best for you, whether you’re interested in an individual Texas health insurance plan, a family plan, or something to cover your small business. Simply input your name and email address into the form below, and we’ll send you the Definitive Guide to Texas Health Insurance for FREE.

Prioritize

Simply identifying the items most important to you is an easy way to trim your Texas health insurance costs.  Do you have a favorite doctor? If so, choose a plan that covers his services so you’re not paying extra to see him. Do you require frequent doctor visits and prescriptions? If yes, then choose a plan with a low deductible and copay, so your out-of-pocket costs are manageable. If you don’t require regular prescriptions or doctor visits, then a plan limited to major medical coverage can be a very affordable Texas health insurance option.

Consider a high deductible health plan and Texas HSA

A deductible is the amount you are expected to pay toward doctor visits, hospital stays, and other medical expenses before your insurance kicks in.  If you’re generally healthy and don’t incur many health care costs, then selecting a high deductible health plan (HDHP) is a great way to save some money.  All you pay each month is a small premium to keep your plan in place, and if something major occurs, your HDHP has you covered.

A Texas HSA is a health savings account that allows you to save money on a tax-free basis, similar to an IRA.  You can use this money toward health care costs and preventative care, and any money left over is rolled over year after year and can accrue interest.  A health savings account puts you in control of your health care spending, and simply being aware of how your money is spent is a great way to cut costs.

Put a health insurance broker to work for you

A qualified health insurance broker can work with you to find an affordable Texas health insurance plan that fits your health care needs and budget.  And best of all, because a broker’s fees are paid by the health insurance carrier, you incur no extra costs by utilizing a broker’s expertise.

A Texas HSA provides individuals and families with a method for saving money tax-free to use for qualified medical expenses.  Similar to an IRA or other investment, there are contribution caps to Texas HSAs.  As of 2010, the contribution limit is $3,050 for individuals and $6,150 for families, but this combination of insurance and investment accumulates year over year into a powerful asset that consumers can put toward doctor visits, prescriptions and preventative care.

To qualify for a Texas health savings account, you simply need to enroll in an approved high-deductible health insurance plan.  As of 2009, the IRS defines a high-deductible health insurance plan as any plan that has a minimum deductible of $1,150 for individuals and $2,300 for families, as well as a maximum out-of-pocket of $5,800 for individuals and $11,600 for families.  So rather than paying a  Texas health insurance company a large premium each month for coverage that may go unused, the consumer keeps more of his money and only dips into his Texas HSA when it’s necessary.  Plus, you, rather than an insurance company, get to choose where your money goes, whether that’s toward a doctor visit, dental or vision care, prescriptions or even alternative therapies, like chiropractic care.

A Texas health savings account has many other advantages besides reducing monthly premiums and expanding consumer choice.  All contributions and earned interest are tax deductible, and money put toward qualified medical expenses is also tax exempt.  Plus, as your Texas HSA grows, unused funds will roll over year after year, so if you stay relatively healthy, an HSA can be a great supplement to other savings accounts.  And once you reach age 65, you can withdraw your funds to be used however you wish, all without a penalty.

Another benefit of a Texas health savings account is its portability.  It goes where you go, regardless of employment status.  You can keep your funds even if you change jobs, lose your job or retire early.  This is true even if your employer was contributing to your HSA, which is in contrast to traditional employer-sponsored plans which end when your job ends.

Whichever Texas health insurance plan you choose, the most important thing is to get coverage and keep coverage.  But to save money and increase personal decision making about your health care, a Texas health savings account is an attractive option.

When selecting an individual Texas health insurance plan, you can choose between indemnity, or fee-for-service plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), point-of-service (POS) plans, preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and even Texas health savings accounts (HSAs).  Run through the benefits, services and price structures for each type of health insurance plan to decide which plan best conforms to your health needs and budget.

One of the biggest advantages of purchasing individual Texas health insurance is that you have the freedom to pick and choose the benefits and services you want.  Whether it’s low monthly premiums paired with a high deductible, or higher monthly premiums matched with no deductibles or copays, you can customize individual plans to meet your needs and budget.  This is in contrast to group plans that offer broad coverage for a broad range of people, which can result in you paying for services you don’t want or need.

Another advantage to obtaining individual Texas health insurance is that it’s portable. Employer sponsored coverage ends when your job ends, but an individual plan goes with you, so regardless of job status, consumers can rest assured that they’re covered.

For personalized support in choosing the best individual Texas health insurance plan for you, try working with a Texas health insurance broker.  A broker can guide you through various plans and options as well as make suggestions that align with your medical background and health care needs.  And since health insurance rates are regulated, the rates obtained through a broker are the exact same as rates received directly from the insurance company.  Plus, because a broker’s fee is paid by the health insurance carrier, there’s no extra cost to you; and if you need some help along the way, you’ve got a local advocate to navigate the health insurance maze on your behalf.

Under the new laws, many employers can save money by dropping the Texas health insurance plans they provide to their employees.  Rather than subsidize comprehensive group plans, employers can encourage their workers to find their own health insurance through the government-run exchanges.  This will result in fines for companies with more than 50 employees, but the fines are expected to be significantly smaller than the cost of keeping a workforce insured.

The Dallas Morning News reports that, “in the case of Dallas-based AT&T Inc., the move could mean saving billions of dollars per year.”  AT&T paid about $2.4 billion last year in health insurance costs for its 283,000 workers.  If the company were to push all those workers onto government subsidized exchanges, it would only have to pay an annual penalty of $600 million. Those are some serious savings for the company, which employs more than 14,000 workers in the Dallas area alone.

And the ramifications of the new health care law may become a big issue for taxpayers as well.  According to calculations by Fortune magazine, “if half of all people covered by company plans get bumped to the exchanges, it would raise the price tag of the new law by $160 billion a year.”  So adding insult to injury, it’s likely that we’ll have to pay a premium for losing our preferred Texas health insurance plan.