Another Rant...

[llPa1nll]

Well I just got my new Health Insurance quotes for the new year. Well as I suspected, I'm going to be shopping for a new plan. My new plans monthly premiums are going up $95 a month, topping out at a hefty $515 a month. That isn't for a family plan either.

I work for a real small company of 2 employees. It wont be to long until I cant afford Health Insurance if this is the type of increases that are going to become the norm.

[done]

You and me both. I get a lot of help from my employer but family coverage breaks the bank. I just cannot imagine what it would be like without any coverage.

[NateFollmer]

Haven't had insurance for almost 4 years now because of the outrageous costs. My work offers insurance, but it's one of those pay so much a month then your liable for the first $2k. I don't get a discount on any office visits or anything like that. The only time something like that would be helpful is if I need more than $2k worth of medical work done... I think I'll take my chances!

I'm moving to Canada!

[llPa1nll]

Haven't had insurance for almost 4 years now because of the outrageous costs. My work offers insurance, but it's one of those pay so much a month then your liable for the first $2k. I don't get a discount on any office visits or anything like that. The only time something like that would be helpful is if I need more than $2k worth of medical work done... I think I'll take my chances!

I'm moving to Canada!

NateFollmer, I hear you there. I have the same kinda plans except my work just offers it, they don't help with the cost. I didn't have Health Ins for 2-3 yrs. However I picked it up about 5-6 yrs ago. Last yr I had to have emergency surgery, yes I'm still paying off the deductibles. My bills for hospital stay and surgery without ins would have topped $23k. That would have easily financially crippled me. Even though I hate paying the premiums for such crappy coverage in those instances you still need it. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

>

[RobbyZ5001]

Haven't had insurance for almost 4 years now because of the outrageous costs. My work offers insurance, but it's one of those pay so much a month then your liable for the first $2k. I don't get a discount on any office visits or anything like that. The only time something like that would be helpful is if I need more than $2k worth of medical work done... I think I'll take my chances!

I'm moving to Canada!

Accidents happen, all it takes it one icy spot on our Pennsylvania roads. One bad accident and you be owing 100,000 plus. Shop around for insurance.

[SDoolittle]

I know a way that you can get great insurance for you and your family with absolutely no premiums. All you have to do is raise your right hand and repeat after me...

[SirSnookalot]

Prior to 1996 I employed 40-50 people giving them and their families full healthcare at no cost to them, the same top of the line plan I had for me and my wife.  In 96 I shut my operation down and became a broker, I then got my healthcare thru the chamber of commerce ( for self employed ) so I could be in a group.  That plan started out at $338 per month and within 7 years it had catapulted to $ 1164 per month, 277% increase if my memory serves.  I then retire in 2003 and now have to get an individual plan, to stay in my group one has to show business income so I had to leave.  My new plan wasn't cheap and the coverage did not compare.  We move to Florida and the rates double for less than I had back in my home state.  Now just my wife on that plan as I just went on Medicare and don't think for second that it's a free ride, it isn't.  Paid into the fund my entire working career and their is a monthly charge plus supplemental is needed and not everything is covered.  That said, medicare is a great plan and not to get political I will not point out some of shortfalls in the system.

I've been on both sides of this game and there is nothing more important than healthcare insurance, without it is a huge gamble. 

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Man, what I wouldn't give to still have Tricare.

[gobig]

I can't not be political about this topic.  :-X

[SirSnookalot]

I personally have not checked this out but I'm going to on my next trip to Costco, my wife's glaucoma eye drops cost me about $150. a month.

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Costco--Unbelievable-by-the-web-100119-253.html

[Sam]

llPa, yes, health insurance is expensive and there are reasons for it.

When we get sick or injured we expect to be put back together 100%. Therefore, to protect themselves providers practice defensive medicine.

Defensive medicine means you have lots of tests, X-Rays, lab work, etc. so the providers can fend off medical malpractice legal actions.

Hospitals have to serve those without insurance. Individuals with insurance have to foot the bill. This means we have higher hospital costs to cover the free services mandated by the government.

Americans are overweight and don't practice good wellness practices via diet and exercise. See McDonalds, Burger King, smokers, etc. But if you eat healthy and don't smoke or drink you are paying for those Americans who do not practice healthy wellness activities but expect to be repaired 100% when they finally get cancer or other sicknesses.

Insurance companies rate individuals of small groups or individual policies based on their medical history. There are usually five to seven rate levels by age (and sometimes sex) that increase premiums and two levels that reduce the base cost. Depending on your health and the overall health of everyone collectively in your community geographical area you are charged the premium to cove the expected medical costs and administrative fees plus a small profit.

Always remember the basic risk management rule: Don't Risk a Lot for a Little.

So if you stop paying your premiums (little) you may have to pay a lot (medical costs) if you get sick or injured in an accident.

If you want to cut health insurance costs ask your carrier abut deductible plans. You may want to assume more of the exposure by accepting a high deductible program ($1,000. $1,500, $2,500, $5,000) and pay 20% coinsurance after you meet the deductible.

Remember, insurance is a mirror image of our society. So think of reasons why the current premiums are high (overweight, smokers, diabetics, heart disease, premature babies, transplants, cancer, sports injuries, etc.) and you will understand the reasons behind your specific costs and how to mitigate them based on your lifestyle and wellness level.

Now go out and run a mile but don't get hit by a car or have a heart attack!!!!!

[fishfordollars]

I sell the stuff. Keep on paying those premiums, momma needs a new dress. LOL