The Maze . . .

. . . we call health insurance. SIGH!

So this week I finally realized that I need to get my tush in gear to get independent health insurance. A few months ago I lost my insurance with my job - gotta love the recession - I was waiting in case I'd be eligible for the stimulus towards health insurance, but as Mr. Rooster is still employed (woo-hoo!), I think it's time to look into other independent options.

In the past, I've had insurance through work thus never having to shop around. Not only that, I never really had to learn about insurance plans, HMOs, PPOs, etc.

A friend who had sold insurance in the past gave me my first place to look and I also looked at the company I was with through my employer. And while I needed to start somewhere, I luckily came across another idea- to look at the costs involved with pregnancy, labor + delivery as well as where I might want to deliver our baby. This really gave me a better sense of direction. Once you have a given provider, your options as to where you can deliver are often limited - in my case, at the moment, I have my pick! So through reading various reviews of clinics and hospitals, I think I'm almost there.

And if you're looking for insurance, too - here's a few things to consider:

-where would you like to have your baby?
-do you have a preferred doctor and if so- what plans do they accept?
-look for a plan with a low deductible and low 'max-out-of-pocket' - this is handy because it is likely (as in pretty certain) you will exceed this amount with labor + delivery alone - even with no complications/anesthesia . . .
-start shopping when you start planning to have a child! (most providers consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition if it happens anytime before your coverage begins and therefore they will not cover the expenses during the pregnancy - even if you've completed the application before it happens - so be careful! :)

Oh- and beyond talking with providers about the options, it is helpful to call prospective clinics and gather information about plans they accept, how the billing will occur, and which hospitals they work with. There a lot to know and be learned - good luck!