If you are self-employed, your employer does not provide adequate health insurance, or you are uninsured and do not qualify for a government health insurance program, you can buy health insurance on your own.

You can buy health insurance directly from a health insurance company, such as Blue Cross, through an insurance agent who represents an insurance company, or online from reliable companies. Consult with your insurance agent who may be able to help you find health insurance that fits your needs.

Since cost is often the most important factor when choosing a health plan, your answers to the following questions can help you decide which plan to purchase.

• How much is the monthly premium?
• How much will I have to pay before the health plan kicks in?
• How much is the co-pay for doctor’s visits and prescription medications?
• If I choose a PPO, how much will I have to pay if I use doctors or hospitals outside of the PPO’s network?
• Is there any limit on how much the health plan will pay for my care in a year – am I protected from large medical costs?