Insurance Buyer's Guides

Consumer Guide to Individual Health Insurance
Approximately five percent of Americans do not get their health insurance coverage through an employer or through a government program, but instead purchase private individual coverage. Individual coverage is regulated differently by each state which can have a tremendous impact on the individual health insurance products available to consumers in each state. This guide helps explain some of the nuances involved with purchasing private individual health insurance coverage.

Consumer Guide to Group Health Insurance
The majority of Americans have group health insurance through their employer or the employer of a family member. Many people don't realize that health insurance is issued differently for different types of employers, and that since insurance is regulated at the state level, health insurance requirements for different types of employers can vary significantly from state to state. This guide provides basic information about purchasing a group health insurance plan.

Consumer Guide to Continuation of Coverage
Millions of people who lose their group coverage due to a job change, divorce, job loss or other reason are able to keep their group coverage temporarily. There are several types of continuation coverage that individuals might be eligible for depending on the past employment situation and state of residence. This guide provides information about continuation of coverage options as well as the federal group-to-individual health insurance portability rights many people have.

Consumer Guide to Disability Income Insurance
Disability Insurance is the industry name for a plan that provides for periodic payments of benefits when a disabled insured is unable to work. The insurance product is designed to replace anywhere from 45 to 65 percent of your gross income on a tax-free basis, should illness keep you from earning an income in your occupation.

Consumer Guide to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
HSAs are an innovative way of paying for medical care in this country. HSAs are sold in conjunction with a qualified high-dedutible health insurance plan and are available for both individuals and employers. HSAs can help you save money on your medical care as well as provide a good way to save for future medical expenses. This guide provides much information about this new and innovative health insurance product.

Consumer Guide to Long-Term Care
Long-term care is the health industry term for care and related expenses associated with an extended illness or injury. Ninety-five percent of long-term care in the United States is custodial in nature and is not reimbursed by private insurance, disability income coverage or Medicare. However, consumers can purchase private long-term care insurance. This guide provides consumers with important information about this product.

Consumer Guide to Medicare
More than 50 million Americans receive health benefits through Medicare. Recent legislative and regulatory changes to the program, particularly concerning the coverage of prescription drugs, have many beneficiaries asking questions. NAHU's new Medicare guide attempts to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about changes to the program.

Consumer Guide to Voluntary Products
Voluntary benefits, often referred to as Worksite Marketing products can be any type of additional benefit that is added to an employer's menu of benefit options. These benefits may be provided through insurance products that can be classified as either core products or ancillary products.