Health Insurance: How to Get It, Keep It, or Improve What You've Got

As Enteen reports, 37 million Americans do not have health insurance. For some, it's because they don't know any better, but under most circumstances the fault is exorbitant cost, exorbitant cost, or an inability to obtain insurance due to unfortunate health histories. Although Enteen, an insurance specialist on the staff of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a member of three national and state health insurance advisory committees, cannot promise adequate, fairly priced insurance for all, he does explain how to shop for for the best deal. The author compares costs, assesses private health insurance, group and individual plans, and tells how to get the most out of one's policy. He also covers government health insurance, including programs for federal employees, as well as veterans' benefits, Medicaid, Medicare and Medigap. Most chapters are presented in a checklist format, making the book extremely user-friendly--even for those prepared for some boredom in reading. Also included: an extensive glossary of terms and a list of state health, insurance and workers' compensation offices. (Oct.)