| A highly effective but little-known strategy for | | | | a result of this renewability provision, some adults |
| controlling medical insurance costs will become a | | | | are able to enjoy high quality insurance coverage |
| bit less attractive after September 1 when the | | | | for less than $1000 per year for the next several |
| nation's leading issuer of medical insurance raises | | | | decades. |
| rates for policyholders over age 29. This change | | | | Fortis Health, the largest issuer of student |
| primarily affects self-employed individuals who | | | | insurance policies, announced that it is raising rates |
| maintained their own health insurance plans after | | | | for policyholders over age 29. The new rates will |
| graduation from college. | | | | be about 15% higher. While the new rates are |
| Students who purchase private medical insurance | | | | probably still attractive compared to regular |
| enjoy more liberal coverage than the plans | | | | medical insurance policies, there are other |
| typically offered through their parent's plan or | | | | alternatives for older and non-traditional students. |
| their own college or university. These insurance | | | | Fortis' rates for short-term medical insurance or |
| plans cover treatment from any doctor or | | | | permanent individual insurance with a high |
| hospital throughout the U.S. without the need for | | | | deductible might be a better deal in many |
| a referral or pre-authorization. Premium rates are | | | | situations. An alternate health insurance plan from |
| typically about $500 per year for those under age | | | | Clarendon Insurance Company often offers 3 |
| 30. But the best part of this coverage is that it | | | | years of coverage to individuals over age 29 at a |
| can be continued year after year long after | | | | lower price than the Fortis plan. |
| graduation as long as you need the coverage. As | | | | |