Individual Health Insurance

[abluelady]

Does anyone own their own health insurance policy? I need to purchase one and wondered which company was the most palatable! Thanks.

[Captain Hilts]

1. It will cost you your hat and ass. Consider yourself warned. nt

[abluelady]

5. Job Loss

With the loss of insurance through the loss of a job, I don't have much choice. It can't be more expensive than COBRA! And COBRA is only for 18 months. Job loss is probably forever.

[Captain Hilts]

8. Few insurance companies will sell insurance to the unemployed other than...

a six month policy. I'm unemployed, and can afford insurance, but can't get anything but six month policies because I am unemployed. I've even had a physical demonstrating how healthy I am. No go.

It will cost you so much of your hat and ass, you will go without.

[peace13]

2. Allied...but I wouldn't call them palatable.

They put the three of us as a 'group' meaning that if one of us gets sick or hurt we will face huge increases or be dumped on the policy anniversary. $2200 a month for three people. When will we get a better option. Good luck in your search. Peace, Kim

[Cassandra]

3. I have an individual Empire Blue Cross HMO.

It cost me $997 a month. Any other questions?

[ellenfl]

4. if you are young and healthy, you can probably get

a decently priced individual policy. otherwise, if i were you (and i considered this), i would buy catastrophic/major medical and pay for any doctor visits out of pocket. for what you may pay for an individual policy, you could go to the doctor every month and still over-pay. if my bf's company had not allowed him to add me as a 'spouse', that is what i would have done. until then, i was paying $678/mo.

be aware that not all companies write individual policies in all states. go to your state insurance commissioner's website to find out which companies write individual policies in your state.

good luck

ellen fl

[abluelady]

6. Old and Healthy

Thanks for the advice re my State insuance office. A catastrophic/major medical is what I want. Is that the policy that cost you $678/month? Wow!

[Alleycat]

7. Aetna

I just applied and got a policy with Aetna in Pennsylvania. I am paying $186.00 per month for myself. The plan is really only for coverage for major medical I think the deductible is $5000. After that they pay 80% and I am responsible for 20%. I needed to get something to hold me over until I find a job. I have been laid off since Nov of 2007.

[abluelady]

14. Thanks

I just asked them for an application. The thought of paying 20percent, though, is scary, if you have a big hospital bill and little income.

[Captain Hilts]

9. This is one of those times living in the 'small govt.' Sunbelt will bite you in the butt. nt

[ellenfl]

15. no, that was not the policy that cost $678/mo. sorry if i was

unclear. the individual policy that i converted from cobra went from $268/mo to $678/mo within 5-6 years. united healthcare did not ordinarily write individual policies in florida, only converted cobra policies, which i suspect was why the premiums skyrocketed. they did not want any individual policies. otherwise, i liked united.

if you belong to aarp, you could also start there. that's what i was going to do for major medical. it's easier than trying to find your own. they use united healthcare. their major medical premiums are very reasonable.

btw, i tried getting a cheaper individual policy from bcbs but they turned me down. i was too old, with pre-existings. it's a b*tch to be considered too old at 55. :eyes:

ellen fl

[cap]

10. watch out for the economic stimulus bill

there are new provisions for the Feds to pick up on the employer contribution to COBRA (about 65%). Also if you are over 55, the Feds will continue your COBRA until you are eligible for Medicare. If you are unemployed, you will be able to enroll in Medicaid (no asset or income verification. That means you can get on it if your spouse is working and has no health insurance). The bill is set to pass by Feb 16.

I wonder if anyone will get smart and offer Medicaid-Gap insurance patterned after the Medicare supplemental insurance.

[abluelady]

12. I Am Hopeful

Thanks for that information. I think I'm okay for the next couple of months but wanted to be on top of it.

[cap]

17. The stimulus bill is set to pass around Feb 16.

hang in there.

[prolesunited]

18. I hope that makes it through

and is implemented quickly. Our monthly COBRA will be more than our mortgage starting in March. Do we keep the health insurance and lose the house or cancel the insurance and likely lose the house.

And since we both have multiple pre-existing conditions, we're screwed if we let it lapse.

We need reform immediately.

[DUFan]

11. Golden Rule

part of United Health Care. I pay $320.00 a month, $2,500.00 deductible. They pay 100% over the deductible including prescriptions. I'm 55 and in good health.

[abluelady]

13. Thanks

I'm going to get in touch with them and Aetna.

[Dorian Gray]

16. I DO

It's extraordinarily expensive. They all have their pros and cons. Currently I am using Aetna, and I have had no problems. Thus far.