Hi, I am working for X-employer and my wife works for Y-Employer. What is the pros/cons of Health Insurance/Benifit? Is it good idea to go with respective employer? Or If I add my wife health benifit in my Employer and she can get more money in her pay check? Could any one explain it?
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If you add your wife to your plan you'll have to pay extra for that, and vice versa. What you want to do is compare the costs and benefits of the two plans. What are the deductibles and out of pocket expenses? How much will you pay in premiums? Figure out how much it will cost all ways - to both go on yours, both go on hers or stay separate. Then, taking into consideration the different plan options, go the way that uses your money best. Good luck!
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Health Insurance?
Does anyone know where i can get health insurance for me and my baby? I signed up for maternity advantage and it will cover everything and when the baby is born the insurance will cover the baby for 30 days but what about after that? i work at macys and they are not allowing part time people become full time (trying to save money and not have to spend any on insurance lol). its hard to find full time jobs these days. any advice?
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Contact an insurance broker. A broker works with several companies, and can find the best policy and terms for you. To find a broker, log on to a website like http://www.healthinsurancewiz.com and fill out a form requesting a free quote.
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Contact an insurance broker. A broker works with several companies, and can find the best policy and terms for you. To find a broker, log on to a website like http://www.healthinsurancewiz.com and fill out a form requesting a free quote.
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health insurance?
im a 19 year old college student and I want to know where I can apply for free health insurance. I have no parents and I live on my own. I tried to apply for medicaid but I don't qualify because you have to be pregnant or have a child. does anyone know of anything I can do. I want health insurance manily because I need new glasses (if that matters)
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There is no such thing as free health insurance. Health insurance provided by an employer is not free; it is paid for by the employer and, ultimately, by the customers who keep the employer in business. Government health care is not free; it is paid for by the tax payers. Why should health insurance be free, anyway? Do you think groceries should be free? iPods? Gasoline? At your age, assuming you are in good health, you might consider getting a qualified High Deductible Health Plan. The deductible—the amount you pay for medicine, office visits, and the like—is high, so the premiums are low. In addition, you can pay your deductibles with pre-tax dollars out of a Health Savings Account (HSA). This will almost double your buying power, since half your check is taken by the government before you even see it: 9.3% in state income tax (California), 28% in federal income tax, and 7.65% in Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax—a combined rate of 44.9%. You can shelter up to $2,850 for per year from state and federal taxes in your HSA. The money in the HSA account is yours to keep. The funds are not taxed, as long as you use them to pay medical expenses or withdraw them after age 65. The funds earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. Think of it as an IRA that you can use to pay medical expenses. To find a qualified plan, speak with a health insurance broker. A broker works with several insurers and can find the best plan, rates and coverage. To find a broker, log on to a website like http://www.healthinsurancewiz.com and fill out a form requesting a free quote. Your information will be sent to a broker in your area who will contact you. Good luck!
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There is no such thing as free health insurance. Health insurance provided by an employer is not free; it is paid for by the employer and, ultimately, by the customers who keep the employer in business. Government health care is not free; it is paid for by the tax payers. Why should health insurance be free, anyway? Do you think groceries should be free? iPods? Gasoline? At your age, assuming you are in good health, you might consider getting a qualified High Deductible Health Plan. The deductible—the amount you pay for medicine, office visits, and the like—is high, so the premiums are low. In addition, you can pay your deductibles with pre-tax dollars out of a Health Savings Account (HSA). This will almost double your buying power, since half your check is taken by the government before you even see it: 9.3% in state income tax (California), 28% in federal income tax, and 7.65% in Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax—a combined rate of 44.9%. You can shelter up to $2,850 for per year from state and federal taxes in your HSA. The money in the HSA account is yours to keep. The funds are not taxed, as long as you use them to pay medical expenses or withdraw them after age 65. The funds earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. Think of it as an IRA that you can use to pay medical expenses. To find a qualified plan, speak with a health insurance broker. A broker works with several insurers and can find the best plan, rates and coverage. To find a broker, log on to a website like http://www.healthinsurancewiz.com and fill out a form requesting a free quote. Your information will be sent to a broker in your area who will contact you. Good luck!
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Health insurance?
I need to get health insurance through the state where do i start?
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I had to do the same thing. You need to go to your local DHS (Department of Human Services) or FIA(Family Independence Agency) office. It goes by what county you live in usually. You fill out a lot of paperwork and wait for hours before you talk to someone! It takes up to 45 days to be accepted( and usually it takes ALL 45) for insurance, don't worry though you shouldn't be denied. They usually give you a piece of paper when you leave the office that's a "garauntee of payment" which you can use to see the doctor before you are accepted. No where I tried would accept that paper. But don't get upset or worry about it (I did) it will be fine! With the state you can back-date up to 3 months. So, you can see the doctor without worrying because even if you get a bill the state will cover it once your insurance goes through. It's a lot of paperwork and can be very confussing but it's worth it.
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I had to do the same thing. You need to go to your local DHS (Department of Human Services) or FIA(Family Independence Agency) office. It goes by what county you live in usually. You fill out a lot of paperwork and wait for hours before you talk to someone! It takes up to 45 days to be accepted( and usually it takes ALL 45) for insurance, don't worry though you shouldn't be denied. They usually give you a piece of paper when you leave the office that's a "garauntee of payment" which you can use to see the doctor before you are accepted. No where I tried would accept that paper. But don't get upset or worry about it (I did) it will be fine! With the state you can back-date up to 3 months. So, you can see the doctor without worrying because even if you get a bill the state will cover it once your insurance goes through. It's a lot of paperwork and can be very confussing but it's worth it.
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Health Insurance?
Will my health insurance cover going to a psychiatrist regarding anxiety issues?
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You need to check your benefits. If you don't have them in writing, call your insurance. See if you have mental health benefits and what you need to do as far as authorization (HMO). You also need to see if you will have a co-payment to pay and if there is a visit maximum.
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You need to check your benefits. If you don't have them in writing, call your insurance. See if you have mental health benefits and what you need to do as far as authorization (HMO). You also need to see if you will have a co-payment to pay and if there is a visit maximum.
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health insurance?
I am currently under healthnet insurance from work.On 9-11-06 i was termainated how long will i recieve my health benefits for?
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When you self terminate or "quit" a job, your coverage will usually terminate upon your termination effective date. Meaning, if you give two weeks notice and your employer accepts, then your coverage will terminate on the last date of employement. However, when you are terminated by your employer you receive 30 days of additional coverage. It is in your best interest to take care of any necessary medical visits before that 30 days is up. Once it is expired you can purchase Cobra for up to 18 months (you have 60 days from the termination date to confirm your Cobra election). The problem is that Cobra is typically far more expensive than your old employer plan would have been if you were paying for that out of your own pocket. If you do not become re-employed you can find much less expensive plans that will afford you similar coverages and save yourself the ludicrous costs of Cobra.
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When you self terminate or "quit" a job, your coverage will usually terminate upon your termination effective date. Meaning, if you give two weeks notice and your employer accepts, then your coverage will terminate on the last date of employement. However, when you are terminated by your employer you receive 30 days of additional coverage. It is in your best interest to take care of any necessary medical visits before that 30 days is up. Once it is expired you can purchase Cobra for up to 18 months (you have 60 days from the termination date to confirm your Cobra election). The problem is that Cobra is typically far more expensive than your old employer plan would have been if you were paying for that out of your own pocket. If you do not become re-employed you can find much less expensive plans that will afford you similar coverages and save yourself the ludicrous costs of Cobra.
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Health Insurance?
I am wanting to buy health insurance and don't know were to start, Anyone have any recommendations? My Age is 24
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Your best bet is to find a local agent to work with. They'll get to know your situation and be able to help you later if you have problems with your health plan. You'll want to work with an independent agent, meaning they can place you with any carrier in your state. To find an agent, ask friends who they've used. Or ask your friend's parents. Or you can find a local agent through the National Association of Health Underwriters, which is the national trade association for agents. Their site is www.NAHU.org. In the left column navigation hover your mouse over "Consumer Information" and then click on "Find an Agent." It's a free service. Good luck.
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Your best bet is to find a local agent to work with. They'll get to know your situation and be able to help you later if you have problems with your health plan. You'll want to work with an independent agent, meaning they can place you with any carrier in your state. To find an agent, ask friends who they've used. Or ask your friend's parents. Or you can find a local agent through the National Association of Health Underwriters, which is the national trade association for agents. Their site is www.NAHU.org. In the left column navigation hover your mouse over "Consumer Information" and then click on "Find an Agent." It's a free service. Good luck.
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Health insurance?
My job shut down and I lost my health insurance! I have a pre-existing condition called histoplasmosis. I got health insurance that covered me for 5 doctor visits a year but it won't cover for the tests I have to take on my lungs! Please help me if you know of any insurance that I can get to help me!
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Did you have a lapse in coverage for more than 60 days? If the answer is no...then you need to send into your new insurance company a HIPAA certificate of crediable coverage..........as long as you had coverage for more than 1 year on the previous policy you won't have pre-existing on your new policy. If your answer was yes....then you will have coverage for your pre-existing medical issues after you've had coverage for 1 year. It's a FEDERAL Mandate that prohibits a company from completely freezing out your medical condition for more than one year. I hope this helps!
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Did you have a lapse in coverage for more than 60 days? If the answer is no...then you need to send into your new insurance company a HIPAA certificate of crediable coverage..........as long as you had coverage for more than 1 year on the previous policy you won't have pre-existing on your new policy. If your answer was yes....then you will have coverage for your pre-existing medical issues after you've had coverage for 1 year. It's a FEDERAL Mandate that prohibits a company from completely freezing out your medical condition for more than one year. I hope this helps!
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health insurance?
I have only a part-time job and I am looking for a health insurnace for myself, my wife, and my kid. What is the best health insurance out there with best plans and no need for me to wait at least a year to go to the denstist, for example. Any suggestions? Thanks
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internet is full of information on anything, i guess you need to check this site.
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internet is full of information on anything, i guess you need to check this site.
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Health insurance?
Is there anyway someone who has been rejected by private health insurance companies can find affordable health coverage? What are some companies/resources?
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Not all health insurance companies use the same underwriting standards. As an agent, my experience has been that some companies are easier to insure with than others. So it might be just a matter of shopping around a little more. Of course, it does depend on your health history - some health issues will be hard to underwrite with any company. If you are looking for a health insurance quote in Ohio, Missouri or Georgia - then visit us at: http://www.ohioinsureplan.com/
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Not all health insurance companies use the same underwriting standards. As an agent, my experience has been that some companies are easier to insure with than others. So it might be just a matter of shopping around a little more. Of course, it does depend on your health history - some health issues will be hard to underwrite with any company. If you are looking for a health insurance quote in Ohio, Missouri or Georgia - then visit us at: http://www.ohioinsureplan.com/
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Health insurance?
I have a question about Health insurance. Now i am applying for Anthem blue cross blue shield insurance and i have three options : Basic PPO, Network Copay Plan and Enhanced PPO . I think to choose Enhanced PPO but I don't understand what is service inside Network and out of Network.
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In Network means you have to use specific doctors in the plan. Out of Network means The doctor is not in the network,to me it also means out of pocket money for them since your insurance will not pay for out of network doctors until you have met your deductible, and even then they pay a percentage say like 70 % for out of network, It's more costly to you. Stick with in Network to keep cots down. Go on their site to se if your doctors are listed in network or out of newtowrk. Good luck, I hope this helped. If not ask your benefit manager at work. It's their job to explain it to you. ENHANCED would be better by far if you can foot the extra cost of it. Usually about $20. to 40.00 more a moth for the betterone. Ok, Best luck!
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In Network means you have to use specific doctors in the plan. Out of Network means The doctor is not in the network,to me it also means out of pocket money for them since your insurance will not pay for out of network doctors until you have met your deductible, and even then they pay a percentage say like 70 % for out of network, It's more costly to you. Stick with in Network to keep cots down. Go on their site to se if your doctors are listed in network or out of newtowrk. Good luck, I hope this helped. If not ask your benefit manager at work. It's their job to explain it to you. ENHANCED would be better by far if you can foot the extra cost of it. Usually about $20. to 40.00 more a moth for the betterone. Ok, Best luck!
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health insurance....?
I am not available for health insurance at my job because i am only part time. everytime i apply for health insurance online, i get turned down because of my credit or my health. i don't think it's right. i need some kind of insurance because i have to go to the doctor. what should i do?
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Check out this comprehensive health insurance website: http://www.bargainmedicalcoverage.com
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Check out this comprehensive health insurance website: http://www.bargainmedicalcoverage.com
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health insurance?
sometimes insurance doesnt cover some medical things. my mom said that she knew a man who had cancer in his eye and his insurance wouldnt cover it because they said it was comestic. does it depend on the company? and usually what other things does health insurance not cover?
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Health insurance covers procedures that are "medically necessary" if the man had cancer in his eyes that would hardly be considered cosmetic. Cancer of the eye would definitely be covered.
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Health insurance covers procedures that are "medically necessary" if the man had cancer in his eyes that would hardly be considered cosmetic. Cancer of the eye would definitely be covered.
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Health insurance?
I've just turned eighteen and I have no health insurance, but I don't have a ton of money to pay for it. I've been having heart problems recently and I'm very afraid that my parents will get stuck with the bill if anything happens, and I don't want to put them in that kind of a situation. I still live at home and the rest of my family is covered, but their insurance declined me because I have a long history of an eating disorder. What is an insurance company that will cover me for maybe something like a student rate?
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~Move out and go on welfare. I can think of nothing I want to do more than to add your medical bills to my already taxed budget. Or, get the treatment then discharge the bills in bankruptcy so my insurance rates will go up yet again. Yes, your parents could be held accountable. Why not. They raised you. Better they pay than the rest of us. Go on a diet, start taking care of your health, get a job and pay your own way. Society does NOT owe you a living.
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~Move out and go on welfare. I can think of nothing I want to do more than to add your medical bills to my already taxed budget. Or, get the treatment then discharge the bills in bankruptcy so my insurance rates will go up yet again. Yes, your parents could be held accountable. Why not. They raised you. Better they pay than the rest of us. Go on a diet, start taking care of your health, get a job and pay your own way. Society does NOT owe you a living.
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Health Insurance?
I am looking for health insurance without breaking the bank. What are good but inexpensive health insurance companies? I need good prescription coverage.
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Hi Mary. Please don't buy a discount plan. They are not worth the paper they are printed on. In fact, some have had class actions against them. They are a pyramid-scheme type of program, with people getting paid by signing people up under them to market the plan. Anything that requires a license, and those people don't HAVE a license, is trouble. Here is what to do: Find a good BROKER. Someone who only does health insurance and does not work for a specific company to research for you. They shouldn't charge you for that service. Find someone that's been in business for awhile (one that doesn't need to sell you a high commission plan to pay their mortgage that month). So many people want to shop online themselves. I've said it before in my answers, I'll say it again...A car repair manual doesn't make you a mechanic. Same thing with health insurance. Having said that, I always try to answer the question that is posed by the asker. As far as plans go, it will depend on your state, your age, your health, etc. But one plan here in Nevada that balances premium and has decent rx coverage is Aetna. Good chance they are in your state too as they are a national company. What makes them cheaper is they allow prescriptions while having a very high deductible (which you don't have to meet for prescriptions). Higher deductible = lower premium (monthly cost). Most companies won't allow copays on a very high deductible plan...they know people do that for a reason...to save money but to still get their small things covered. Don't be afraid of high deductibles...all PPO plans (you want to avoid HMO's) give 'negotiated' rates. some of which can exceed 90 % ! So, unless you have a pretty major incident, chances are you won't have to come up with that whole deductible. As an example, my $25,000 outpatient knee surgery's negotiated rate was $2,000 ! I saved $23 grand without the insurance company paying a dime ! Again, a good broker can direct you. THe number for Aetna is 1-800-54AETNA. There are so many other things that come into play, though. Good Luck
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Hi Mary. Please don't buy a discount plan. They are not worth the paper they are printed on. In fact, some have had class actions against them. They are a pyramid-scheme type of program, with people getting paid by signing people up under them to market the plan. Anything that requires a license, and those people don't HAVE a license, is trouble. Here is what to do: Find a good BROKER. Someone who only does health insurance and does not work for a specific company to research for you. They shouldn't charge you for that service. Find someone that's been in business for awhile (one that doesn't need to sell you a high commission plan to pay their mortgage that month). So many people want to shop online themselves. I've said it before in my answers, I'll say it again...A car repair manual doesn't make you a mechanic. Same thing with health insurance. Having said that, I always try to answer the question that is posed by the asker. As far as plans go, it will depend on your state, your age, your health, etc. But one plan here in Nevada that balances premium and has decent rx coverage is Aetna. Good chance they are in your state too as they are a national company. What makes them cheaper is they allow prescriptions while having a very high deductible (which you don't have to meet for prescriptions). Higher deductible = lower premium (monthly cost). Most companies won't allow copays on a very high deductible plan...they know people do that for a reason...to save money but to still get their small things covered. Don't be afraid of high deductibles...all PPO plans (you want to avoid HMO's) give 'negotiated' rates. some of which can exceed 90 % ! So, unless you have a pretty major incident, chances are you won't have to come up with that whole deductible. As an example, my $25,000 outpatient knee surgery's negotiated rate was $2,000 ! I saved $23 grand without the insurance company paying a dime ! Again, a good broker can direct you. THe number for Aetna is 1-800-54AETNA. There are so many other things that come into play, though. Good Luck
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health insurance?
i do not have any health insurance and rarely do i feel the pain of that.I have a yearly visit and usually pay cash and it is okay. Lately i have had a specified problem and need to see a specialist. Is it okay or normal to get health insurance temporaily until the problem is resolved and then cancel? Also can you get into trouble for doing that? i don't want to do the wrong thing but these tests and things and meds really add up.
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Actually...depending on the state in which you reside, you may be able to get coverage. In some states, "Open Enrollments" cover pre-existing conditions. Please check with your Dept. of Insurance in your state. Ed Harris Broker 28 years
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Actually...depending on the state in which you reside, you may be able to get coverage. In some states, "Open Enrollments" cover pre-existing conditions. Please check with your Dept. of Insurance in your state. Ed Harris Broker 28 years
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health insurance?
I need to find some good places that sell health insurance at a cheap price, know of Blue Cross, any others?
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eHealth insurance offers a good search of the best prices for different health insurance carriers in your area. If you're a college student, you are usually covered by the school plan without any additional payment. https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/All…
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eHealth insurance offers a good search of the best prices for different health insurance carriers in your area. If you're a college student, you are usually covered by the school plan without any additional payment. https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/All…
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Health Insurance?
I'm 19 years old and currently a full time student. I want to get health insurance. What are my options?
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If you are a full time student, the best option would first be to verify whether you can be carried on your parents' plan. If that's not an option, you should verify with your school whether they have a medical plan available to students. If that's not an option, you should either contact a local agent or use a website such as esurance.com to obtain a quote from health insurance carriers in your area.
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If you are a full time student, the best option would first be to verify whether you can be carried on your parents' plan. If that's not an option, you should verify with your school whether they have a medical plan available to students. If that's not an option, you should either contact a local agent or use a website such as esurance.com to obtain a quote from health insurance carriers in your area.
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Health insurance?
I am thinking of getting health insurance on my own, without it being tied to any company I work for. Can someone briefly give me the pros and cons of doing this.
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it will cost you an arm and a leg to save that arm or leg. just don't get any. its way cheaper.
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it will cost you an arm and a leg to save that arm or leg. just don't get any. its way cheaper.
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Health insurance?
I am about to turn 18. I have blue cross blue shield though my parents. Someone told me I had to register in school to keep my insurance. But someone else told me I am covered until I am 21 as long as I am not married and am my parents dependant. Which one is true? Need to know. I am turning 18 in a week and its to late to register until Winter. I have health problems. Not good! Jesus saves! YAY!
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You need to have your parents look up what an eligible dependent is under their coverage in their benefit booklet. If they no longer have this, they can speak to someone in their HR department or contact BCBS customer service. Most BCBS group policies cover a dependent to age 19 end of year. If your parent's coverage is through a COBRA eligible employer, losing coverage due to loss of dependent status is a COBRA qualifying event.
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You need to have your parents look up what an eligible dependent is under their coverage in their benefit booklet. If they no longer have this, they can speak to someone in their HR department or contact BCBS customer service. Most BCBS group policies cover a dependent to age 19 end of year. If your parent's coverage is through a COBRA eligible employer, losing coverage due to loss of dependent status is a COBRA qualifying event.
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Health Insurance?
We are planning to start a family in the next 6 months or so. I'm not pregnant yet...but we are going to start to try. I am self employed and my finance doesn't have health insurance with his job. I am looking into health plans. We are both very healthy. I am looking for a good plan that will basically cover me throughout my pregnancy. What is best? An EPO, HMO...etc? What's the difference between them? If anyone has any knowledge on this subject please give me your opinions. Thank you in advance.
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I just changed my health insurance...and I found one from Blue Sheild that covers maturnity (you pay 30% I think?). The price for me was $94 a month. blueshield.com I'd suggest calling the insurance company and asking....they'll be able to help you make a choice (or at least explain the terms to you).
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I just changed my health insurance...and I found one from Blue Sheild that covers maturnity (you pay 30% I think?). The price for me was $94 a month. blueshield.com I'd suggest calling the insurance company and asking....they'll be able to help you make a choice (or at least explain the terms to you).
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health insurance?
My wife and my self and our 7 month old need health insurance help. We want to get good isnurance. We plan on trying to have our second child around August. We need to get on some good insurance pretty quickly. Can you recommend someone or what to look for? State is Oklahoma. thanks
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If your wife is currently pregnant you will not be able to get individual insurance coverage unless you qualify for your states low income plan. Individual carriers will not even issue coverage to you or your children since you wife is pregnant. Group insurance through an employer is an option. If you own your own business you could also start a group plan. If you pre-pay the hospital they will usually give you the price they charge an insurance company. This could save you thousands. Another option it the Maternity card, this is a discount plan that guarantees if you don't more money than the card costs they will refund you the price and give you $100. http://client.ahcoagent.com/22328/matern… You confused me August is only 8 months away, in that case you can get coverage but.... health carriers usually have a 6 to 9 month waiting period that you have to go through before conception can occur. Try using yellowpages.com to search for health insurance brokers in your area. Don't call your auto and home agent they specialize in property and causality insurance. You need someone that specializes in health insurance. A Broker represents multiple carriers and can help you sort through all the different insurance companies and plan options in your state. Not all carriers offer maternity make sure you tell your broker why you're getting insurance and they will take care of you. Maternity coverage can be expensive I suggest you also explore Health Savings Accounts with Blue Cross. The premiums are lower but you will have higher out of pocket expenses.
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If your wife is currently pregnant you will not be able to get individual insurance coverage unless you qualify for your states low income plan. Individual carriers will not even issue coverage to you or your children since you wife is pregnant. Group insurance through an employer is an option. If you own your own business you could also start a group plan. If you pre-pay the hospital they will usually give you the price they charge an insurance company. This could save you thousands. Another option it the Maternity card, this is a discount plan that guarantees if you don't more money than the card costs they will refund you the price and give you $100. http://client.ahcoagent.com/22328/matern… You confused me August is only 8 months away, in that case you can get coverage but.... health carriers usually have a 6 to 9 month waiting period that you have to go through before conception can occur. Try using yellowpages.com to search for health insurance brokers in your area. Don't call your auto and home agent they specialize in property and causality insurance. You need someone that specializes in health insurance. A Broker represents multiple carriers and can help you sort through all the different insurance companies and plan options in your state. Not all carriers offer maternity make sure you tell your broker why you're getting insurance and they will take care of you. Maternity coverage can be expensive I suggest you also explore Health Savings Accounts with Blue Cross. The premiums are lower but you will have higher out of pocket expenses.
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Health Insurance?
I may be accepting a job that does not have health insurance. What are the disadvantages of having an individual health plan? What is an HSA and how do I get one?
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Ok. Throw out all the answers except this one and StephenW's. This is what I do. The biggest disadvantage to an individual health plan is that you must qualify for it. If you've got ANYTHING in your background, ESPECIALLY prescriptions, you could be declined. Secondly is possible cost. You didn't put your age down or sex, but if you're a healthy 18-34 year old male, it will be relatively cheap. If you're a female in the same range it will be more. Why ? Because women take better care of themselves ! (you guys go for regular checkups and have more 'inside' parts that need checking, which cost money). Also, depending on your state (insurance is STATE-run) most individual health plans don't have maternity but must cover complications of pregnancy...which could be millions ! An HSA is good if you are in a high tax-bracket. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother. The reason is, the attraction for the HSA is that you can put money away into an account (see StephenW's answer) for your medical expenses (as well as dental, vision, etc whether or not they are covered by insurance) that gets interest and you can write off the contribution. Kinda like a medical IRA. But if you don't have the money to pay a high premium, you probably won't have the money to contribute to the side account. The reason an HSA is cheaper is because your deductible is higher. But, the government put limits on how high that can be which limits how much you can save. SO, Here is what you should do: Find a high-deductible PPO plan with copays for services like doctor visits and prescription coverage. Also, check to see if wellness is covered and up to what amount ($150-$500 a year is typical). Going this route, you will have coverages for things you're probably going to need on a regular basis (like doctor visits and prescriptions) while still having catastrophic coverage. But here's the neat part....by having a PPO, you will get mega-discounts on services that aren't covered by copays. What's that you say ? My real-life example is as follows: My outpatient knee surgery cost $25,000. The discounted rate was $2000 ! So, if I had a $5000 deductible, I would have paid only $2000. So, even though the insurance company didn't pay a dime, I saved $23,000 ! Of course, there are innumerable variables. I would be happy to answer questions on a "friendly" basis as opposed to an insurance broker basis (laws and stuff like that). Feel free to email me.
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Ok. Throw out all the answers except this one and StephenW's. This is what I do. The biggest disadvantage to an individual health plan is that you must qualify for it. If you've got ANYTHING in your background, ESPECIALLY prescriptions, you could be declined. Secondly is possible cost. You didn't put your age down or sex, but if you're a healthy 18-34 year old male, it will be relatively cheap. If you're a female in the same range it will be more. Why ? Because women take better care of themselves ! (you guys go for regular checkups and have more 'inside' parts that need checking, which cost money). Also, depending on your state (insurance is STATE-run) most individual health plans don't have maternity but must cover complications of pregnancy...which could be millions ! An HSA is good if you are in a high tax-bracket. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother. The reason is, the attraction for the HSA is that you can put money away into an account (see StephenW's answer) for your medical expenses (as well as dental, vision, etc whether or not they are covered by insurance) that gets interest and you can write off the contribution. Kinda like a medical IRA. But if you don't have the money to pay a high premium, you probably won't have the money to contribute to the side account. The reason an HSA is cheaper is because your deductible is higher. But, the government put limits on how high that can be which limits how much you can save. SO, Here is what you should do: Find a high-deductible PPO plan with copays for services like doctor visits and prescription coverage. Also, check to see if wellness is covered and up to what amount ($150-$500 a year is typical). Going this route, you will have coverages for things you're probably going to need on a regular basis (like doctor visits and prescriptions) while still having catastrophic coverage. But here's the neat part....by having a PPO, you will get mega-discounts on services that aren't covered by copays. What's that you say ? My real-life example is as follows: My outpatient knee surgery cost $25,000. The discounted rate was $2000 ! So, if I had a $5000 deductible, I would have paid only $2000. So, even though the insurance company didn't pay a dime, I saved $23,000 ! Of course, there are innumerable variables. I would be happy to answer questions on a "friendly" basis as opposed to an insurance broker basis (laws and stuff like that). Feel free to email me.
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Health insurance?
My current health insurance will be ending at the end of Feburary. I've been trying to find health insurance that will start coverage on the 1st of March. I have a pre-existing condition, and I'm currently on medication. Plus, I've had an operation within the last 12 months. Every quote I get is more than 200 dollars per month and I just can't afford that. I am struggling and don't know what to do. Does anybody have any suggestions for me?
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How about insurance thru your state. We have Mass Health here and it goes by your income. At one point I paid nothing then when I got my job I had to pay very little. Maybe Medicare? Plus with all the laws that passed regarding health insurance they have plenty of plans that go by your income. Keyword search Connector plan for (your state) Thats what they call them in MA, Connector plans. Also in order for you to start new coverage outside of open enrollment (the first of the year) then you need the termination letter that your benefits from the first carrier have been terminated and that you are no longer covered to present to the new carrier. Your health has nothing to do with whether a carrier will insure your or not as that is discrimination. I work for a carrier and I was taught when I first started about what discrimination is in the health insurance industry and I think... Dont quote me but I believe they cannot charge you a lump sum for insurance because you have medical issues. You should do some research regarding that. I dont even think you need to state anything regarding your health to them. Theres alot to know but I learned it sooo long ago that I forget. Check it out online.
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How about insurance thru your state. We have Mass Health here and it goes by your income. At one point I paid nothing then when I got my job I had to pay very little. Maybe Medicare? Plus with all the laws that passed regarding health insurance they have plenty of plans that go by your income. Keyword search Connector plan for (your state) Thats what they call them in MA, Connector plans. Also in order for you to start new coverage outside of open enrollment (the first of the year) then you need the termination letter that your benefits from the first carrier have been terminated and that you are no longer covered to present to the new carrier. Your health has nothing to do with whether a carrier will insure your or not as that is discrimination. I work for a carrier and I was taught when I first started about what discrimination is in the health insurance industry and I think... Dont quote me but I believe they cannot charge you a lump sum for insurance because you have medical issues. You should do some research regarding that. I dont even think you need to state anything regarding your health to them. Theres alot to know but I learned it sooo long ago that I forget. Check it out online.
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