NY Times on buying one's own health insurance (medical, plan, coverage)

[brightdoglover]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/op...nsky.html?_r=1

So far, I wouldn't face this, as RomneyCare is king in Massachusetts (and pegged to income). I think Romney is trying to backpedal as fast as possible from this, as it will sink him in 2012. It is a great relief to know that I could buy insurance if need be. But I realize that RomneyCare is not cost-efficient and that has to be addressed. Somehow.

[PNW-type-gal]

The original article is much like our own experience: private health care insurance was just not available, not at any cost. We applied to 7 companies jointly and another 5 singly and were turned down by all for ridiculous reasons.

[cdelena]

Most States have assigned risk programs for those that have been refused coverage. We have been buying our own coverage for many years and have experience in more than one State and have not been refused. I find the ever increasing rates pretty discouraging but IMO the real problem with the system is third-party payers... people simply do not take responsibility for budgeting for care or shopping for best rates, so medical costs escalate forcing insurance up. The proposed government plans will make it worse.

[modhatter]

Yes, the article mirrors my own sentiments. I have often said that things would change very quickly if you thrust Congress members out of their secure environment with health care, and let them go on the open market to buy a policy. Even better, decrease their salary from $180,000 a year down to $40,000 a year, and then have them go out and have to buy insurance. Talk about some quick legislation.

[modhatter]

[quote=cdelena; IMO the real problem with the system is third-party payers... people simply do not take responsibility for budgeting for care or shopping for best rates, so medical costs escalate forcing insurance up. The proposed government plans will make it worse.[/QUOTE]

I'm not understanding what your saying here. Can you clarify a little. Also, are you referring to States High Risk insurance pools for people who can not obtain insurance on their own?

[texdav]

Bascially he is saying that people doi not make wise choice when shopping for healthcare. A example is they choose to go to emergency room for minor care often. We had a company policy that paid 100% for emergency room. hat went out the door because people went to the emergency room so much that cost skyrocketed.Now unless admitted you actually pay a higher cost for the emergency room care.Its like anyhting people see they are not paying for ;they abuse it to a large extent.

[modhatter]

I understand. I once had a housekeeper who bragged to me how she has never had health insurance and she didn't need it.
When I asked her why. She told me "Why should I when it's free". "I raised three boys without it" She then proceeded to tell me where she goes to some office here in town and gets a pink slip and takes it to the emergency room and they give her whatever treatment they need. It left a sickening feeling in my stomach, and had a difficult time restraining myself from saying what I felt.

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by modhatter

I understand. I once had a housekeeper who bragged to me how she has never had health insurance and she didn't need it.
When I asked her why. She told me "Why should I when it's free". "I raised three boys without it" She then proceeded to tell me where she goes to some office here in town and gets a pink slip and takes it to the emergency room and they give her whatever treatment they need. It left a sickening feeling in my stomach, and had a difficult time restraining myself from saying what I felt.

What could she have afforded herself on a housekeeper's income?

[modhatter]

Well, granted she didn't have a large income, but she did make about $40,000 a year. (and paid very little in taxes on that according to her) She had two helpers too and charged $20 hr. for each. Insurance for kids is generally not that expensive. For her yes, as she gets older. Besides, what I didn't like was the remark "Why should I when it's free". She also told me "If the government is dumb enough to pay for my insurance, why should I" Those were pretty much her exact words if I recall - with a big smile on her face. It bothered me enough that I posted a thread on the subject on another forum.

That's a mentality I don't like (as opposed to - I can't afford it) The later I understand. Gloating about beating the system, at other people expense, I don't like. It's very much in the attitude I think. I am a big proponent of health care reform and hopefully one day universal care for all. I am very sympathetic and disturbed by the plight of low income wage earners. However, my conversation with her was very different. Remember, I'm a compassionate liberal socialist.

[mountainrose]

This is worrisome as we are considering retiring to another state, and I am concerned about getting health insurance there.
What if you just don't tell them "everything" --I had a couple of abnormal EKGs a while back because of some arrhythmia, but cardiologist said it was okay. I am tempted to just not list that even when they ask if you've had any. Would I be risking that they wouldn't cover any heart issues down the road if they found out I left it out?
And how could they find out? My primary doc does not have that cardio info. And if I move to another state they wouldn't have my info. My insurance company says they do not give out info to other insurance companies. And primary docs only give out info that is specifically requested.

I really hate that we have to be so paranoid about getting health coverage. I was told it is because I am 60, and they don't like to cover this age right before medicare because it is where a lot of their health expenses are.