Health Insurance (Belfast, Camden: home, calculated, taxes)

[Mooseketeer]

That is really terrible Lionking, I cannot believe that you basically can't get access to healthcare. Living in the UK ( and Europe generally) we just take free universal healthcare for granted. I just hope you are able to find a private healthcare provider. This system is just prehistoric, it is unbelievable that a Nation such as the USA does not look after its citizens needs. I am truly appalled. I knew a little bit about it but hadn't quite realised the extent of the problem. It is shocking and quite unacceptable. Maybe I wasn't completely wrong about a new revolution. It sounds as though a radical change is very much needed whatever for it takes.
I am really sorry for all of you who can't get or can't afford the health care they need .

[skytrekker]

The problem of health care LK has to be fixed with vigorous governmental intrusion. With politicians having the courage to stand up to Doctors and the health care industrial complex, which also includes Insurance companies and drug companies.

The health care crises is only going to get worse- IMHO is the Achilles heal of the US economy.

The solution is Universal single payer coverage- health care in the USA needs radical reform- we can hope that the people running for Prez next year- (mostly Democrats) IF elected- can live up to their promises they currently are making. Considering the crises we now have, and a growing number of people now screaming for change- they and the rest of the politicos may have no choice but to introduce a form of universal coverage, in cooperation with the states.

[lowelltoco]

LK sorry to hear about your troubles.
Our health insurance system uses adverse selection to sort individuals into risk pools that determine the cost of insurance. If you are young and healthy the cost is low. But if you have a pre existing condition the cost is extremely high or the insurance company may refuse to sell you insurance.
COBRA is expensive because you are paying your portion plus what your employer paid.
I think your best bet is to look for employment with any govt. organization or a larger company that offers health insurance. Some of the states(MA, CA, MN) have passed health reform bills but you would have to move.
if it keeps going like this we will start to see the " Will work for health insurance" signs.

I think it was Kerry that had a plan that would allow people to buy into the federal health care system or Medicare. This is a small change that could have a big effect.
I think change is coming but their are some strong groups(AMA, Insurance companies, most unions etc..) opposed to any universal system. An encouraging signs is that many large corporations(GM, Ford..) are speaking up for health care reform.

[lionking]

Originally Posted by Mooseketeer

That is really terrible Lionking, I cannot believe that you basically can't get access to healthcare. Living in the UK ( and Europe generally) we just take free universal healthcare for granted. I just hope you are able to find a private healthcare provider. This system is just prehistoric, it is unbelievable that a Nation such as the USA does not look after its citizens needs. I am truly appalled. I knew a little bit about it but hadn't quite realised the extent of the problem. It is shocking and quite unacceptable. Maybe I wasn't completely wrong about a new revolution. It sounds as though a radical change is very much needed whatever for it takes.
I am really sorry for all of you who can't get or can't afford the health care they need .

I put a thread on this in the controversies section since it effects the whole nation.I encourage you to be part of it.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/polit...ce-crisis.html

to me it seems,the challenge is to remain a free enterprise country of liberty yet with ethical consideration.Free enterprise has made this country great,yet when profiteering is at the expense of the nation regulation is in order just like the turn of the century labor laws.

[CityKitty]

Originally Posted by BacktoNE

There are companies that still offer very affordable group policies but they are getting harder and harder to find. Still, anything is better than nothing.

Maine is not a wealthy State, but the trade-offs are well worth the hard work it takes to live there.

Hi there,
Can you please tell me what the trade-offs really are? Why is it really worth all the hard work to live in Maine? I was really considering moving there and now hearing about the terribly high cost of health insurance, I'm thinking maybe it's not such a great idea - mainly because I want to try to start my own little business, and would have to pay my own insurance all the way. Thanks much!

[CityKitty]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

My HMO is nationwide. Where I live has no effect on my annual enrollment fees, nor on my co-pay.

It is exactly the same, regardless of what state I live in.

My annual enrollment fee is $950. I pay a $20 co-pay for each office visit and a co-pay of either $3 or $9 for each three-months of drug prescription.

Can you please share what health insurance you have and what monthly costs are? Does your job pay for it? thanks!

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by CityKitty

Can you please share what health insurance you have and what monthly costs are? Does your job pay for it? thanks!

Forest is Ex-military and therefore is entitled to healthcare/insurance options that are available to vets only.

My wife works as a RN and to add me and the boys it costs us just a hair under $500 a month with her place of employment picking up her part 100%. Right now my brother is self-employed and for him and his wife, the most affordable coverage is $1600 a month so they go without because that policy has such a high deductible and limited coverage. A good policy is well over $2000 a month for them.

[boonelsewhere]

we can not afford health insurance nor want to pay $2000 a mount for it, my wife is self employ the insurance premium last i check in 2004 after my company policy assist pay for 1 year after termination of my employment was $1200-1600 a month in Florida, i got a job worked in fish market for $10/hr her income is depening on if she got work. i just wonder how many small business or self employ out there can afford health insurance. this is not just Maine issue.
i willing to pay what forest pays double or tripple that amount, but not 20 time that amount, i can not think in term of percentile, may be some thing like 2000% more than forest paying. i know i will never be qualify for the low rate since i was not in military and all Ex-military do deserve this break , they the one risk thire life for this county.

Originally Posted by Bydand

Forest is Ex-military and therefore is entitled to healthcare/insurance options that are available to vets only.

My wife works as a RN and to add me and the boys it costs us just a hair under $500 a month with her place of employment picking up her part 100%. Right now my brother is self-employed and for him and his wife, the most affordable coverage is $1600 a month so they go without because that policy has such a high deductible and limited coverage. A good policy is well over $2000 a month for them.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by boonskyler

all Ex-military do deserve this break , they the one risk thire life for this county.

I agree 100%!! I would be all for free healthcare for all vets myself. Seems like the least we could do as a Country for them.

[ME-Evergreen]

We also live in the UK and I can assure everyone that health care is not exactly free here or anywhere else in Europe. The taxes here are extremely high by US standards. Medical care is not as good in many parts of the UK as it is in the US (generally speaking) and the wait for specialized services can take months. Gasoline is nearly $15.00 a gallon and a small flat in a nice area in Scotland in our town is equivalent to $400,000-$500,000. If they could bottle air here and sell it they would. Everything has a price here and nothing is free. Europe is a wonderful place but you pay for it.