For many people, finding an answer to the question how can I get health insurance is like buying a winning lottery ticket. It seems like the odds are against them and no program seems to fit their situation. With a little research, however, you should be able to find something that will work for you.

Look for Programs You Qualify For

Many people who ask “how can I get health insurance?” don’t know that they qualify for Medicaid. The Medicaid program is run by the states and each one has different rules regarding who is eligible. If you are low income, it’s worth checking to see if you qualify. A large number of people without health insurance could get their insurance through Medicaid but they just haven’t signed up.

Even if your family doesn’t qualify, many states have programs that cover children in families that don’t meet the Medicaid income guidelines but don’t have health insurance. So check this out as well. At least your kids will be covered, and then you’ll just have to find another alternative for yourself.

Be a Smart Shopper

Get several quotes for health insurance and compare them carefully. Watch the deductibles: if one quote is much lower than the others, it’s either providing less coverage or the deductibles are higher. You don’t want to answer the question “how can I get health insurance?” by getting a policy that requires you to pay ridiculously high deductibles. And while you are at it, check out the company at AM Best and the Better Business Bureau. Make sure you buy from a stable company with a good reputation.

Don’t Assume it’s Impossible

Often times the reason people ask “how can I get health insurance?” is that they have some kind of pre-existing condition. They assume that they will be automatically turned down. This is simply not true. While some companies might say no to you, others won’t. Now, you may need to be a little flexible. If you have a pre-existing condition, then you probably know getting your own insurance could be pricey, maybe more than you can afford. But some companies might offer you a policy which doesn’t cover your pre-existing condition for the first year you have the policy. This might be something you can afford. If you take this kind of a deal, and can pay for your condition for a year, then you’ll end up with the health insurance that you need.

The new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan has created other options through your state. However, these government programs don’t always come cheap. Make sure you understand what you have to pay and compare that cost to what a private insurance company would charge you. You might find a better deal with a private company.

So now you know the answer to the question "how can I get health insurance."