Reply #11: Health insurance [View All]

[ikojo]

Your post illustrates why we need UNIVERSAL (for ALL Americans not only those under 18) Health care. I mean truly universal available to all regardless of income. Yes, that means even the rich would get government funded health insurance.

I have some questions: Are you paying your premiums because you are self employed? Are you a consultant? Why are you not provided health insurance through an employer? Do you not have to work?

How low or high is the deductible and out of pocket on the policy you have with Blue Cross? If you go for a policy with a higher deductible and out of pocket then perhaps you can lower your premium.

If you are self employed perhaps you could ask the Chamber of Commerce about insurance for small groups. Is there a group or organization you can join who has catastrophic policies? Is there a professional organization that you belong to and if so do they have some sort of health insurance plan? Some small businesses have banded together to get better rates on their premiums.

What about checking with the people you insure your car with and seeing if they have some sort of rider you can attach to your auto insurance. Check with AAA. I think they are selling some sort of health insurance policies now. It sounds like you need some sort of catastrophic policy to use just in case you get really sick.

I had a friend who owned a comic book store at one time and he had his health insurance through a small insurer in Indiana. He and his wife rarely went to the doctor and wanted it just in case something happened. I think he found the policy on the Internet.

Most national insurance companies are licensed in all states. You just need to make sure that the doctors you currently use are in the network of which ever insurance company you decide to use.

That $12k you are currently spending in premiums could probably be put in some sort of investment account.

Just some suggestions. Good luck. I would not be able to afford $12k in insurance premiums. I would have to hope for the best and go without insurance. If I became sick I'd have to get what care I could and declare bankruptcy if necessary.