healthexpertstips insurance is a hot topic for many today as it has wide ranging implications for your finances and your personal health. With the cost of health care insurance rising, many feel the days of affordable health insurance in Oklahoma are over. This is not quite the case, as you still have some means to find a quality plan that doesn’t blow up your budget.
Statistics Regarding Health Insurance in Oklahoma
There is some bad news and some good news when it comes to the overall health of Oklahoma residents. This news affects health care costs in the state, and the availability of certain plans and government aid. The bad news first: Oklahoma ranks 49th out of the 50 states when it comes to overall health. The high prevalence of smoking, cardiovascular disease and obesity contribute greatly to this ranking. The good news is that Oklahoma is in the top 15 in the nation when it comes to public health funding, so steps are being taken to improve the health of its residents and offer you aid in getting the proper health care you need.
Companies Providing Health Insurance in Oklahoma
There are quite a few companies that offer Oklahoma health care insurance, giving you plenty of options when shopping around. To begin your search, spend some time researching the various insurance companies, such as:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
- Celtic Insurance Company
- Companion Insurance Company
- Coventry Health Care of Oklahoma
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
If you run across other insurance providers, don’t hesitate to check them out as well. The more information you can get your hands on, the better your ability to make the right decision.
High Risk Health Insurance in Oklahoma
For those who have a hard time qualifying for health insurance in Oklahoma there is an option. Oklahoma has a high risk pool program for individuals and families that cannot find health care protection in the private market. The pool was created in 1995 and is contributed to by Oklahoma health insurance companies. Premiums are higher than the average for the state because of the high risk of those in the pool. However, the premiums cannot exceed 50 percent above standard health care insurance rates. To qualify, you must have lived in Oklahoma at least one year, must have been twice rejected by 2 medical insurance companies and not be institutionalized in prison or drug/alcohol rehab.
Health Insurance in Oklahoma for Low Income Individuals and Families
There are a couple of programs offered through the state of Oklahoma for need individuals and families. There is the Insure Oklahoma program, a state-sponsored program that helps employers provide health care insurance for low to middle income families. It also works with individuals as well who do not have group coverage through an employer. SoonerCare is another state-sponsored program which focuses on finding affordable health insurance for children, low-income individuals and families, disabled individuals, and pregnant women. With SoonerCare, there is no cost for those who qualify, however co-pays may apply for medical care. As you can see, no matter your situation,
