As a skilled trades worker, taking care of your health is crucial to ensure that you can execute your job efficiently and maintain your quality of life. However, this can be a challenging task if you are not adequately insured. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about health insurance coverage as a skilled trades worker.
What is Health Insurance Coverage?
Health insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance company that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred as a result of illness, injury, or disability. It is a vital tool in ensuring that you can access medical care in times of need without having to worry about the expense.
Types of Health Insurance Coverage
There are several types of health insurance coverage that skilled trades workers can consider. Some of the most popular options include:
1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans: This type of plan requires you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who will be your first point of contact for all your healthcare needs. You will need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist or undergo any medical tests.
2. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans: This type of plan provides a broader network of doctors and healthcare providers. You don’t necessarily need to get a referral before seeing a specialist or undergoing any medical tests.
3. Point of Service (POS) plans: This type of plan is a blend of HMO and PPO plans. You will need to choose a PCP, but you can also see out-of-network providers if you are willing to pay a higher co-pay.
4. Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans: This type of plan provides coverage for in-network providers only.
5. High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs): This type of plan has lower monthly premiums, but you will have to pay high deductibles before your insurance kicks in.
What Does Health Insurance Cover?
The specific items that your health insurance covers depend on the type of plan you choose. Generally, most health insurance plans provide coverage for:
1. Doctor’s Visits: Your health insurance will cover the cost of visiting a doctor, regardless of whether it is a primary care physician or a specialist. You will need to pay a co-pay for each visit.
2. Hospitalization: Your health insurance will cover your hospitalization expenses, including surgeries, tests, and medications.
3. Prescription Drugs: Your health insurance will cover the cost of prescription drugs prescribed by your doctor.
4. Preventive Care: Most health insurance plans provide coverage for preventive care services, including annual check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings such as cholesterol and blood pressure.
5. Mental Health Services: Your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and medications.
6. Emergency Care: Your health insurance will cover the cost of emergency services, including ambulance rides and emergency room visits.
7. Rehabilitation Services: Your health insurance may cover the cost of rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and occupational therapy.
8. Maternity Care: Your health insurance may cover the costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth, including prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care.
Bottom Line:
As a skilled trades worker, having adequate health insurance coverage is vital to ensuring that you can take care of your health and maintain your quality of life. With the various types of health insurance plans available, it is essential to do your research and select a plan that best suits your needs. Remember to read the fine print carefully before signing up for any health insurance plan to ensure that you understand what is covered and what is not.
> For one on one or group assistance with personal finance, STR recommends that you check out the following resources:
> Inaccuracies with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data: Many of our blog posts will quote BLS data. SkilledTradeRescue.com has been able to identify that data quoted specifically for Skilled Trades can be as much as 50% LOW in many USA labor markets. For more information on these inaccuracies please visit the STR national labor survey page at the link below. On this page there is a video containing the latest information at the top of the page as well as other information. If you currently work in skilled trades, PLEASE consider participating in our national labor survey.
