individual health insurance plans in ME (2009, deductible, tax)

[tcrackly]

Well, it's 2009, we're in a major recession , and DH and I find ourselves in between (read without) jobs. I have a seasonal gig which doesn't start until April. My hubby will probably sub-contract where he can if an opening in a custom woodworking shop doesn't materialize.
I was wondering what experience folks have had with individual health insurance. Mega, Aetna, what have you?

[juststoppinby]

I had Mega Health once a few years ago. First husband was self employed and we got our insurance through them. It was ok. They give you a choice on the deductible amount to help offset the monthly cost of the insurance. You can sort of customize the plan by picking the options you want while keeping in your budget. I prefer a company insurance with better coverage but would use Mega again if necessary.

[forest beekeeper]

We use Martin's Point.

My previous employer pays the bulk of it.

[dmyankee]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Just hop over the border and you can expect to pay 1/3 whatever it will cost you to insure yourself!

If you want super premium coverage, expect to pay $1,700-$2,000/month.

If one of you can take a job at say, a local convenience store, they might offer you coverage for around $250/week with a $2500 annual deductible. I know a few couples who do this just to have health insurance. One spouse works works for them self and the other for the coverage.

[retiredtinbender]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

We use Martin's Point.

My previous employer pays the bulk of it.

I have the same except I have a rich uncle foots the bill. Uncle Sugar.

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

We use Martin's Point.

My previous employer pays the bulk of it.

While Martins Point does accept other various insurance plans. Their insurance is ONLY available to military and retirees.

[retiredtinbender]

It seems strange to me that congress gets free medical and dental, the military earned a cut rate on medical, why is it so hard to get that for straight civilians? I know it's socialist to think everyone should get free health care but they finagle it for some and it makes me curious is all. And if congressmen had to draw social security I know they could fix it right away. Priorities. Maybe we should make them pay for medical?

[flycessna]

if you had health ins. and are now with out ...FYI.... you have 3 months to find coverage or you will be subject to a health examination and charge you more....LOTS more if there are any chronic issues. Prior to 3 months they have to accept you at a stadard rate......

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by flycessna

if you had health ins. and are now with out ...FYI.... you have 3 months to find coverage or you will be subject to a health examination and charge you more....LOTS more if there are any chronic issues. Prior to 3 months they have to accept you at a stadard rate......

I thought that several years ago Maine did away with the pre-existing condition clause?

[tcrackly]

Originally Posted by retiredtinbender

It seems strange to me that congress gets free medical and dental, the military earned a cut rate on medical, why is it so hard to get that for straight civilians? I know it's socialist to think everyone should get free health care but they finagle it for some and it makes me curious is all. And if congressmen had to draw social security I know they could fix it right away. Priorities. Maybe we should make them pay for medical?

My DH is always saying that if government paid health care were eliminated for all our elected official,legislators and their ilk, they would brainstorm up affordable alternatives pronto. I agree.
If I'm a citizen paying for a senator's health plan with my tax revenue, why can't I have access as part of that group plan?
I hope I don't get sick. I'm ##$%%^%^