Health Insurance for Idahoans (Hope: low income, unemployment benefits, deductible)

[norcalmom101]

We discovered upon moving here that health insurance for low income working people is basically unavailable through the state. Hopefully my children will end up with health insurance through the state because my income was so low in the month we moved, but now I have two jobs and neither provide insurance. What do adults do for health insurance in Idaho? Even COBRA for just myself from my last job in California is almost $200 for myself, and would be over $400 for me and kids, per month!

[Greensleeves]

When I lost my job there, I checked into Cobra and discovered that it would cost me 1/3 of my unemployment benefits to keep my coverage. Obviously, I didn't apply...
As a result, I couldn't afford my medications or treatment for a pre-existing condition. After my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, I decided I needed something, even if it was just catastrophic coverage. I found a company in Illinois through which I was able to get a fairly decent policy for under $100 a month. It still didn't cover my medications or the pre-existing condition, but it did cover some diagnostics and hospitalization.
In my experience the only people I know there in the rural area where I lived that have insurance are retirees who have a good pension plan, or government employees.

[norcalmom101]

Well, that is very sad. I took a job with poor benefits and now am weighing it against one with a lower rate of pay but great benefits. It's a really tough call.

[Greensleeves]

It is a tough call, and one I don't believe that anyone should have to make, since we live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

[cleosmom]

My hsuband's employer carries our coverage to which we contribute. I can't recall off the top of my head what we pay into for it, however his previous employer of 15 years was $266 a month for both of us. That was with an extremely high deductible and no preventive benefits, meaning you paid for those exams was well, which hello! is stupid. You'd think the health insurance companies would encourage that type of behavior to keep you in good health and keep the costs down.

I'll look into it and let you know as soon as I find the info.

[breer23]

Preventive health care doesn't make money for the insurance companies, so they balk at the idea of reforming the U.S. health care system to a preventive-first one. I'm all for it, though - does more for the consumer..i.e. us.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by breer23

Preventive health care doesn't make money for the insurance companies, so they balk at the idea of reforming the U.S. health care system to a preventive-first one. I'm all for it, though - does more for the consumer..i.e. us.

But it sounds backwards. I mean wouldn't they prefer to have preventive healthcare and sit there and collect the monthly premiums as opposed to paying out on claims?

[breer23]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

But it sounds backwards. I mean wouldn't they prefer to have preventive healthcare and sit there and collect the monthly premiums as opposed to paying out on claims?

I know it sounds backwards...but preventive care would eventually drive down insurance premiums. This takes money from their pockets in two ways: in lesser premium monies, and (oddly enough) lesser procedures to pay for (in which they make more money than with a healthy patient).

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by breer23

I know it sounds backwards...but preventive care would eventually drive down insurance premiums. This takes money from their pockets in two ways: in lesser premium monies, and (oddly enough) lesser procedures to pay for (in which they make more money than with a healthy patient).

So their logic is nil? Only response I have to that is good grief! Thanks for explaining their side breer23.

[idfisherman]

I hear you!!! I hate to see people struggle with finding qualified affordable insurance in the State of Idaho. Insurance carriers should offer preventive services so I can at least get an annual physical done each year. I sell health insurance and I am frustrated with some plans that are available and the benefits. If anyone ever wants to talk about what really is available for individual and families here in Idaho, I am happy to help!! There are more options then you realize!!