It is hard to choose the best among the many health plans being offered in the US. One health plan may be the best for certain individuals, but may not be the best for some people. There is no health plan that fits the healthcare needs of everyone. The rankings on the best health plans in the US may be a good starting point if you are still looking for a health insurance of your own. The rankings are based on the surveys of consumers' opinions regarding a specific health plan in a particular State. The health plan benefits are not the same across States. Hence, aside from rankings, you still have to consider other factors in finding out the health plan that best suits your needs. One factor to consider is the availability of the health plan. It is possible that the best health plan for you is available today but it might not be available several weeks or months later. The benefits of the health plan also change. The benefits of a particular health plan may be different from the benefits of the same health plan months later. The names of the health plans must also be considered. Some insurance companies offer health plans with similar names which might be confusing for you. You might assume that they all have the same benefits because their names are the same. Before deciding which health plan is best for you, consider the healthcare benefits that you need. Usually, health plans with low monthly premiums are preferred by people who are generally healthy. Those who require more healthcare benefits, including coverage for prescription drugs, might prefer a more comprehensive health plan with lower deductibles. Cost is also important. Make sure that you can afford to pay for the out-of-pocket amount, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles, aside from the monthly premiums. It might be best if you consult with an insurance agent. They can help find the best health plan for you, considering the healthcare benefits you need. — May 23, 2009 @ 12:02 am