Health Care Costs

In the state of South Dakota in 2001 it was found by the US Department of commerce that 8.1 of South Dakotans had no insurance. This is due to the large number of farm and ranch which have many reasons for going without insurance families.

1. They are self employed and have no access to group health insurance, and the premiums are quite extreme.

2. It is usually 6 months to a year before a new health plan may become entirely effective.

3. Employees from ranch and farm families many times are only offered insurance if they are full time.

With skyrocketing health care costs it is easy to understand the need for health care coverage. But the question is- How do you find the right insurance plan that covers the entire family and is also affordable?

The South Dakota State Board for Insurance is a good starter because all insurance companies in the state of South Dakota must be registered before they can sell insurance. You will fins a list of these companies at: www.state.sd.us/insurance.htm

This website will also allow you to find a Insurance sales Agent in your area. The South Dakota Board for Insurance is your protection against fraud and its purpose is to regulate Insurance companies for your protection.

Avoid the "unregistered companies" who may offer coverage for those with pre-existing conditions that other companies may not cover. You may be left with no support for your bills and be out the premiums at the same time.

And don't forget to compare shop also don't let the pressure of a sales agent persuade you into purchasing a program you cannot afford or do not need. So stay within your budget. Remember life happens when you least expect it and you never know when times may get financially tough and in those times of reduced incomes an unused policy may be eliminated in order to pay bills, but should something happen and you require your insurance your protection is gone. And the financial devastation may be even worse than had you kept your insurance in the first place. Many companies have a grace period of between 10 and 30 days should you miss a payment. Should you not make the payment and your policy should lapse you may not be able to renew it it. Always stay in contact with your insurer or other arrangements if needed.