Florida's Family Health Insurance Rates Usually Unaffordable, Says Health Insurance Consultant

(PRWEB) May 13, 2007 -- Anyone who has shopped for family health insurance knows that consumers are paying more than ever before for their policies. But the numbers are staggering. According to the Wall Street Journal, health insurance costs rose 36 percent between 2000 and 2004 while the average workers increase in earnings rose just 12.4 percent. There is worse news. The number of Americans spending more than one quarter of their income on medical costs climbed from 11.6 million in 2000 to 14.3 million in 2004, according to the journal.

50 percent of Floridians surveyed recently said "they are very worried about having to pay more for their health care or family health insurance policy", while 42 percent report they are very worried about not being able to afford health care services.

Florida politicians can debate the reasons for the high cost of health insurance in Florida, but the bottom line for most Floridians is simply whether they can afford basic health insurance that they "need to protect their families in case of injury or illness," says Morgan Moran, Florida Health Insurance Consultant of FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com, an online company that helps consumers find affordable health insurance.

Moran said, even individuals who have access to health insurance through their employer often times can't afford their share of the premium cost. According to the National Coalition on Health Care, the "annual premium for an employer health plan covering a family of four averaged nearly $13,000" in 2006 while the annual premium and deductible for single person in good health averaged over $8,000.

Employers passed much of that cost increase on to employees. It is a good idea to speak to an insurance consultant before buying a policy. These consultants are a great source of information as well, and they work free; being paid by the carrier, not by the consumer.

The good news is that with the help of a consultant like Moran, it is possible to find affordable family health insurance policies.

When asked what Florida residents can do about cheaper insurance rates, Moran said, One product that is helping to make family health insurance more affordable is the health savings accounts (HSA). "Employers and individuals can make contributions to health savings accounts tax-free." The money may then be used tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses. If you don't use all the money in your HSA in any given year, it can be rolled over to the next year.

Another way to "save money on a family health insurance policy is to get a health risk assessment." It is just a matter of tweaking ones lifestyle choices and preventing health issues from arising or keeping the immune system up so you just don't get as sick as much. For those people who are seriously sick of high medical premiums and paying out the nose year round for doctor's visits and medications, this should be a great thing. Small things make a world of difference when it comes to your health.

Here are recommendations from professional health risk managers:

1) Stop smoking. Not only do you get sicker than the average person, it is worse. Many smokers are treated for several bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia each year. Smoking also makes you susceptible to colds and other infection. You will also pay a higher premium on your insurance and in some cases won't get covered in full for cigarette related illnesses or diseases.

2) Avoid excessive alcohol use, it lowers the immune system. People who consume more than 3-4 alcoholic beverages in a week are at far greatest risk of catching a viral or bacterial infection. Drinking excess alcohol can also lead to other very expensive health issues, such as liver disease or alcoholism.

3) Eat a healthy and nutritious diet to maintain your body's strength and vitality. The type of foods one puts in their mouth can be the difference between life and death in some cases. Eating right and getting all the nutrients and vitamins can severely reduce the risk of many diseases. Cutting out fatty, fried foods can keep your heart and circulatory system strong and healthy, and lower the risk of a heart attack and/or stroke.

4) Get plenty of exercise. The better tone and condition your body is in the less likely you are to get sick or have weight related health issues. It is very important to get exercise to keep your body happy and healthy, and prevent your money from going to undesired medical treatments. Regular and consistent exercise can help prevent heart related health problems later on in life. It promotes a better circulatory system and stronger heart muscle. Exercise also promotes better oxygen intake, which helps the lungs become more efficient.

5) Make sure you have time or make time for rest and relaxation. Keeping healthy also includes staying happy. Reduce your stress, get plenty of sleep each night, and have leisure time. It is important to enjoy life and do things that ease tension and promote happiness. Proper rest and fun can cut down the risk of developing mental issues such as depression or anxiety that can cost much money in treatment and control of the disorder.

Find out more from a professional health insurance agent such as Morgan Moran at www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com

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