Self Employment Health Ins

[BA93]

My short term policy just ended and I need to buy some long term ins.

I'm single, good health, rarely go to the doctor, but going without insurance is asking for trouble.

Looking online, I've found a PPO policy through BlueCross BlueShield. $1000 deductible, 75% coverage for $120/mo.

I don't mind paying that, but if anyone knows of a way that I could cheaply get into a group plan, I would appreciate it.

Or does anyone have any horror stories about BCBS?

 

[CO Horn]

If you're going to select a high-deductible plan, make sure it qualifies for a Health Savings Account (HSA).

 

[gecko]

Check the life time maximum on the BCBS policies. The total may be inadequate should the unthinkable be discovered (i.e. the big "C").

Being in good shpae, you should go for as high a deductible as you are prepared to cover in the event of a major illness. Don't insure doctor visits, insure the big things. Do everything else out of pocket.

 

[BurntOrangeOrder]

How about these guys:

Working Today: Freelancers Union

 

[Craigcito]

I have UniCare. $2000 deductible for about $70/month. PM if you want more info.

 

[Smurfette]

Longhornfan68 has the BCBS policy you're talking about I think. I don't think he's ever used it though.

I would avoid any insurance policy that has a deductable, when you do the math, it doesn't save you any money. I added up my healthcare last year, and for two doctor's visits and my monthly perscription, I paid quite a bit more including the monthly insurance than I would have paid had I paid cash and not had insurance.

 

[BigWill]

In reply to:

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[dfw75201]

I would definitely go with a high deductible plan (much cheaper and covers you if anything seriously goes wrong). Self-insure for the first few thousand and couple it with a reputable self-pay discount plan to make the best use of your money and get prescription, dental, vision, etc.
savings.

This is the consumer driven healthcare model that the country is headed to. The low deductible, cheap co-pay system which encourages overuse and lack of accountability on the part of the consumer is going to be history.

 

[Bernard]

Also, when you go to the doctor, MAKE SURE you ask for a discount since you a paying for yourself. You WILL get one.

Bernard

 

[BA93]

aren't deductibles based on a calendar year? if so, would it be better for me to pick a plan with a low deductible and then switch in January to a lower premium/high deductible?

Odds are extremely unlikely anything would happen in the next 9 days but if something did, it would probably be expensive.

I was going to go ahead and pick something today just to get it over with. 1-2K deductible PPO plans seem to run about $120/mo.

thanks for the advice