Health Insurance Premiums in MASS (deductible, income, taxes)

[GreenMachine]

Just reading in the Wall Street Journal this morning that health insurance premiums in MA are among the highest in the nation. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Right now in California, I'm paying $121 a month for a high deductible plan ($4,000 deductible) with Health Net. I put the money I save in an Health Savings Account. I'm a 44-year-old single woman.

What sort of premiums are you paying in Ma?

Thanks,

Greenie

[CaseyB]

We pay around $1200 a month for a family policy.

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

Just reading in the Wall Street Journal this morning that health insurance premiums in MA are among the highest in the nation. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Right now in California, I'm paying $121 a month for a high deductible plan ($4,000 deductible) with Health Net. I put the money I save in an Health Savings Account. I'm a 44-year-old single woman.

What sort of premiums are you paying in Ma?

Thanks,

Greenie

Hey someone actually has a HSA! I have never met anyone who actually has one. Figures you are in CA. Premiums are CRAZY! One of the reason why MA premiums are so high is because no one can be refused and yes that's a good thing but it comes with a high price! So for someone like me that is healthy with no illnesses ... I am paying more for the person who has a preexisting illness but won't be refused. That's what I read when researching insurance state to state. To think that one would actually move to a state because of the insurance ... but as you can see, it's one of our major expenses.

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

Just reading in the Wall Street Journal this morning that health insurance premiums in MA are among the highest in the nation. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Right now in California, I'm paying $121 a month for a high deductible plan ($4,000 deductible) with Health Net. I put the money I save in an Health Savings Account. I'm a 44-year-old single woman.

What sort of premiums are you paying in Ma?

Thanks,

Greenie

But, also new in MA is a program by income. Called ComCare. My sister is on it and pays nothing although she does have an income and she is not on welfare. Are you planning on moving to MA?

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by FrozenAngel

Hey someone actually has a HSA! I have never met anyone who actually has one. Figures you are in CA. Premiums are CRAZY! One of the reason why MA premiums are so high is because no one can be refused and yes that's a good thing but it comes with a high price! So for someone like me that is healthy with no illnesses ... I am paying more for the person who has a preexisting illness but won't be refused. That's what I read when researching insurance state to state. To think that one would actually move to a state because of the insurance ... but as you can see, it's one of our major expenses.

A lot of people still don't take advantage of the HSA. I rarely go to the doctor, so why should I pay $300 a month for health insurance? I can put money in my HSA, which is sort of like a SEP-IRA. I earn interest on it and I get to write it off my taxes.

Greenie

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

A lot of people still don't take advantage of the HSA. I rarely go to the doctor, so why should I pay $300 a month for health insurance? I can put money in my HSA, which is sort of like a SEP-IRA. I earn interest on it and I get to write it off my taxes.

Greenie

I have tried to get my healthy friend to start a HSA but they see it as too big of a risk.

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by FrozenAngel

I have tried to get my healthy friend to start a HSA but they see it as too big of a risk.

I'm not aware of any risk. If you don't go to the doctor much, you're better keeping your money than paying all those big premiums each month.

Greenie

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

I'm not aware of any risk. If you don't go to the doctor much, you're better keeping your money than paying all those big premiums each month.

Greenie

I agree but they don't understand there is no risk. I can't get them to understand it's the same insurance.... It's insane to spend $300. a month if you are healthy. People don't like change even if it's for their own good.

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

I'm not aware of any risk. If you don't go to the doctor much, you're better keeping your money than paying all those big premiums each month.

Greenie

DO you know if it is possible to have a HSA for dental insurance? Do you have dental on your policy?

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by FrozenAngel

I agree but they don't understand there is no risk. I can't get them to understand it's the same insurance.... It's insane to spend $300. a month if you are healthy. People don't like change even if it's for their own good.

Nope, they don't.