AboutMichael Higgins Expertise All questions pertaining to health insurance, whether group, individual/family, student, child-only, COBRA, HIPAA, Portability, dental. No expert knowledge in areas such as life insurance, disability, workman's compensation, auto, etc.
Experience 27 years as owner of health insurance agency, primarily dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Education/Credentials College, Business Administration.
Question I have been offered a job with a small company as a sales representative. The company offers a cafeteria style health insurance plan. The monthly premium is very high. Can I get a personal health insurance plan if my employer offers a health plan? I know I can get a better plan for less money on my own. I live in North Carolina.
Answer David:
The benefit of being on a group plan is that pre-existing conditions will likely be covered once enrolled in the group plan, you can't be denied coverage, and maternity is covered. Not so on an individual plan.
But if you are reasonably healthy, purchasing an individual/private plan will almost always be a better deal. There is nothing stopping you from buying your own plan and signing a form with the group plan that you are refusing coverage for the contract year.
If coverage is for you and family members, consider insuring just the family members on a private plan, assuming your employer pays most or all of your portion on the group plan.
Also, ask if your employer will pay you cash instead of the insurance benefit, (if they are paying a portion of your coverage.)
