Choosing a health insurance plan can be a confusing and frustrating process. Much like walking a corn maze blindfolded. Out of network, in the network, total out of pocket, 20% coverage, what does this all mean? Below is a step by step guide for choosing a health insurance plan that meets your needs.

How to Find a Health Insurance Plans For Individuals and Families

Health Insurance Offered by Work or School: For those who have health insurance plans offered to them by work skip down to the “types of health insurance plans.” Most students will choose their schools’ health insurance as it is often reasonably priced and located on the campus, which provides easy access to care for students. In the case that your health insurance is offered to you through work or school you will be given information on the companies and plans to compare.

Private Health Insurance: If you are a contractor, part-time worker, dislike the plans offered by your work, or for other reasons need private insurance the first step is to find a website that offers private health insurance. Health.gov is a government run site that takes into account your age, family size, and income to determine the cost of various health plans and if you are eligible for government assistance. If you do qualify for assistance you will need to fill out a separate application with proof of income. After the application is approved you will be able to choose any of the plans at a lower rate. Other sites like ehealth.com will compare the plans based on your age and income, but will not take into account the possibility of government assistance.