Health insurance PPO companies will charge you a "fool's premium" for a very low deductible. "Fool's premium" meaning they lower your deductible from say $2,000 to $500, they will charge you an additional $2,000 or more a year in your monthly rates. So unless you manage to have a catastrophic event in the first 6 months of your plan, you will always be the loser. 99% of insureds will never reach their deductible.

Let's assume that the premium associated with a $20 co-pay is an additional $150 per month in premium for a family of 3 when compared to a $40 co-pay. In this example, you would be paying an additional $1800 more per year to save an additional $20 per each doctor's visit.

To come out even with the $20 co-pay, you'd have to visit the doctor at least 90 times a year! Don't pay a "fools premium" for benefits that are offset by increased premiums. Do some math when looking at cost versus benefits when buying health insurance.

Long-term care is rarely covered by health insurance plans.

Many States offer government subsidized health insurance for low or middle income families between $20 and $40 per month.

If you were denied private health insurance, find out if your State's government sponsored health insurance is available for you. You can also get a job with group health benefits, or if leaving a job, inquire about COBRA eligibility.

If you are an immigrant who is awaiting legal status, you qualify for full or restricted State benefits, which covers care for emergencies and certain serious illnesses. Children may qualify for other State programs offering comprehensive care.