Health Coverage Checklist (Individual)

Here are the essential tasks associated with shopping for and purchasing health insurance. Use this checklist to keep track of where you are in the process.

Step 1: Get Organized
Organize information about your healthcare records

  • Basic information
  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Health status
  • Use standard forms from agent/broker/insurer
  • Choose a date at least 30 to 60 days from when you start the process for coverage to begin
  • Draft a budget
  • Calculate the total amount you can spend
  • Consider cash flow issues

Step 2: Understand coverage, choice of providers, and cost-sharing options
Decide what type of coverage you want, such as HMO, PPO, or HSA
Decide how important choice of providers is to you
Decide how costs will be distributed

  • How much will you contribute toward the premium?
  • How much will you have to pay for co-payments or co-insurance?
Understand coverage rules and options

Step 3: Find a broker or agent
Learn about how brokers and agents work
Ask for referrals from sources you trust
Research any fees you may be charged in addition to the health insurance premium

Step 4: Understand other insurance arrangements
Purchasing alliances
Trade and professional associations

Step 5: Evaluate plans with your broker or agent
Weigh the benefits against the plan cost
Research the insurers

  • Financial stability
  • Ease of administration
  • Overall quality of service
Consider cost-saving strategies
Review at least two or three health insurance carriers
Review at least two or three different health insurance plan options

Step 6: Accessing online options
Use the internet to as a tool to research or purchase health insurance

Step 7: Close the deal and implement the plan
Sign the contract before the quote expires, usually 30 days
Copy and return all original materials for enrollment before the requested effective date

Source: This checklist is from HealthCoverageGuide.org.