Need Help Finding a Health Insurance Plan in Massachusetts (Boston: low income, how much)

[GreenMachine]

Can someone help me?

I just relocated here, and I understand that state law requires everyone to have health insurance. I am self employed and need a high-deductible plan. I found a website called MA Health Connector (www.mahealthconnector.org) that looks like it directs me to the correct plan. But I'm shocked to see the lowest cost plan is $277 a month! I currently only pay $121 a month for a high-deductible plan in Los Angeles. $277 is a lot of money. And I guess I get fined if I'm not insured?

Any thoughts or suggestions? Am I better off moving to Vermont?

Thanks,

Greenie

P.S. Life is just getting too expensive. I honestly don't know how people do it.

[skytrekker]

Greenie-

health care is a pain for all of us- I pay allot also here in Connecticut. They are in the process of trying to reform here also-- The GOP Guv and Demo house and Senate will have to make a decision soon. July 1st will be sort of a deadline.

As for Massachusetts- the health connector might have other options for you; based on a sliding scale of what your income is. You might be able to get more coverage for less money if you fall below certain income limits- good luck!
You will be 'subsidized' or given assistance.

Commonwealth Care

The Commonwealth Care Health Insurance Program (Commonwealth Care) is run by the Health Connector. It connects eligible Massachusetts residents with approved health plans and helps them pay for them.

Commonwealth Care is an insurance program for uninsured individuals with incomes that fall within certain guidelines and who meet other qualifications. With Commonwealth Care, you choose a health plan and you choose your own doctor. The benefits of Commonwealth Care include regular check-ups, treatment when you are sick or injured, prescriptions at your local pharmacy, vision care, mental health or substance abuse treatment, and, for some members, dental care. Commonwealth Care plans are offered by Boston Medical Center (BMC) Health Net Plan, Fallon Community Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan and Network Health.

To apply for Commonwealth Care, begin by filling out a Medical Benefits Request Form (MBR). Many community based organizations, hospitals, and community health centers can also help you with the MBR or help you apply by computer with assistance from staff.

The high deductibles are basically like having no health care at all really-

[smarty]

Greenie-

Unless you're in proverty, you will be paying... It is the middle class squeeze again.

$121 a month is really low. How high were your deductable?

Can't help you much... but I suggest finding a health care insurance agent to see if there are out of state plans you can join. For example, ask if you can still get the $121/month from your old insurance company in CA?

As to if you are better off in Vermont, I think only you can answer. (extra $2K a year.) I know many moved to the Western part of Vermont (Burlington)

[GreenMachine]

That's what happens when a state makes everyone sign up for health care. The high deductibles that some would otherwise have to pay get passed on to you and me.

In California, I was paying $121 for a $4,000 deductible plan. I put the money I saving on a higher premium into a health savings account, so I could at least earn interest on it.

I'm feeling frustrated. Housing costs have gotten so crazy over the last few years and now this. How does a single person who makes just so-so money survive? And if it's this difficult now, how will I ever manage retirement?

Anyhow, please excuse my rant, and thank you smarty and skytrekker for your thoughtful advice on health care.

greenie

[smarty]

As I said before... MA don't discriminate... it takes money from everyone.

Due to what you mentioned... high cost of housing, tax, insurance, gas, heat, ... many move out of the state to FL, AZ, ME.... and now to Pacific Northwest to retire.

Earlier, I was thinking about Mexico or Thailand to retire... but with the low US$$, I may have to move to Missouri or Kansas.

[scarletfire]

I believe that if you're a member of a local chamber of commerce you can get a discount on health insurance. I'm not sure how much of a difference it would really make in price though. Insurance costs are very high here. I did hear on the radio that people can be granted a temporary extension for signing up with a new insurance provider.

[amyalta]

My God!!!! $277? Do you have any idea how cheap that is? In Texas, we have been quoted $1600 for 2 adults, 2 kids - and that is the best rate we can get! Feel lucky, and pay up, is my advice - in MA, you cannot be refused health insurance for minor conditions, but you can in Texas - 75% refused me because of high BP and husband because of overweight!

Feels like we ought to move to MA!!!!

[skytrekker]

Greenie I am single also- and its like water torture to Me regarding the worry I have over health care.
Blue Cross here in CT is the worst- C R O O K S.

You do not have to be in Poverty by the way to get a lower cost premium- a family of 4 I believe has to make under 30K a year- so for a Single person it would be about 18K- which is substantially above the poverty rate. In any event, Massachusetts does use a sliding scale- which is fair IMHO.

[LeavingMA]

I am self-employed and have Midwest Life Insurance of Tennessee. They are based out of Texas though and I pay just around $200 a month. This is the cheapest I have found. The overall coverage isn't the best, but you get what you pay for. If you only need something for emergencies and such it is a reasonable plan.

[findingmesomeday]

Greenie:

I have two suggestions. Hopefully either of them might help you.

If you are self-employed, get in touch with a company called The Insurance Partnership. They work with small businesses to help them provide health insurance to their employees (yes, even if you only have "one" employee!). They typically will pay 50% of the premium if you qualify and their threshold for income is generous. Google "insurance partnership" and you should be able to find the information.

The second piece of advice is to call MassHealth. Yes, it's Medicaid (or Medicare--I forget which is for low income folks and which is for the elderly) but once again, they have a few programs available. One is just free/low cost health insurance to those severely low income or in need but I think they also have a program for people making a bit more money that helps offset premiums paid to another insurance company.