Skyrocketing premiums have made health insurance one of the most valuable benefits a company can offer its employees.

As part of a year-long series called "Perks & Pay," Senior Editor Patricia Smith takes an in-depth look at health insurance in the February issue of RoadStar.
The article focuses on questions you need to ask, such as how much you will pay out-of-pocket each year, can you choose your own doctor, what about emergency care on the road, how are claims handled, and the need for additional insurance.
For instance, Smith notes that plans designed for over-the-road truckers should offer urgent care services across the country. Get a list of those facilities, the article advises, and check to see if you need a pre-authorization from your insurance company or primary care physician. Find out if the care facility bills the insurance company directly, or whether you'll need to pay them and then file a claim for reimbursement. If prescription drugs are included, make sure you'll be able to find an authorized pharmacy when you're on the road.
Terms such as premium, co-payments, out-of-pocket maximums, pre-existing conditions, health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations are defined and discussed.
A separate article gives owner-operators tips on how to find health insurance as a self-employed independent contractor, including options such as your spouse's insurance and trucking groups. Again, there are questions you need to ask, and suggestions for keeping premiums low.