By Royce Vangoff

While a COBRA plan may help those who have separated from an employer who provided health insurance, SOLO health plans may provide you with a better, more affordable alternative for you and your family. As with most health plans, medical underwriting is required and, as with all plans, SOLO coverage includes several pros and cons.

Deductibles: A major pro is a SOLO insurance plans’ flexibility with deductibles. SOLO offers three different deductible levels and cover 100-percent of your health benefits once your deductible is met.

Preventative care: SOLO plans get an A-plus for screenings and preventative examinations, as both are covered in full even if you have not met the plan’s deductible.

Coverage for Accidents: Since accident coverage isn’t usually a part of a SOLO plan, this can be seen as a major con since accidents do happen and we don’t know when these types of injuries or maladies will unexpectedly arise. Although you can get accident coverage with an additional rider plan, this rider generally costs more and doesn’t cover a major catastrophes and may provide only minimal coverage, for instance up to $1,000 for each accident per person covered in the rider.

Prescription coverage: A positive aspect of the plan is your ability to choose the prescription plan that best suits your needs, with two options: only generic medications or generic and brand name drugs. If your prescription drug is not yet available in generic form, this could work against you if you are forced into the higher-priced option to obtain the drugs you need.

In-Network Coverage: SOLO insurance plans require you to use health care professionals that are in their specific network, which may be a con if you are already using a doctor or specialist outside of the network. On the plus side, the SOLO network is vast and extends throughout the nation.

Referrals, mental health and savings plans: Three more pros for SOLO include not needing a referral to visit a doctor, mental health coverage and the Health Savings Account, or HSA. Health Savings Accounts allow you to deposit money for health-related expenses in a tax-sheltered savings account.

As with any health care program, you have to decide whether the plan is going to suit your needs. Take a look at your yearly health care needs and see whether SOLO health care plans will cover your costs adequately and if the plan will fit your budget. Having the ability to choose different options these plans offer is a major plus, so long as your needs are met.

Doing your research is key if you are looking for Colorado health insurance coverage or SOLO health plans. Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP) has the individual, family health insurance plan and more so you are covered when you need it.