Mandatory Health Insurance (credit, home, to buy)

[julz]

I've been hearing a lot about the new bill that was passed making health ins. mandatory.I was curious if anybody that does not have ins. has begun shopping around and how are the rates.

[skytrekker]

Since no one has attempted to answer your question, I will give it a shot.

It is state law effective July 1- that one must have health insurance in Massachusetts. This means I believe one must 'purchase' insurance from several companies in the state. The price I believe will be based on the plan selected, and on the person or households income (sliding scale).

[LeavingMA]

It will be an experience come july 1st. Supposedly if you don't have enough insurance, the state will make you buy more. And i thought it was supposed to be affordable.

[brightdoglover]

I've read the newspaper a lot about the health insurance thing, and I find it very confusing (and I work in the health field!)

I believe any subsidized health insurance is dependent on income, and the levels are very low- something like $31k for a family of four, and much lower for a single person. I just got a postcard from the state about how to view the available companies, and it only listed a website, and no phone number. I think this shows that no one has considered that many people do not have computers at home or do not know how to use the Internet, especially poorer people. It wasn't a good sign.

A friend of mine who would like to quit her job and buy her own insurance (makes about $25K a year) said the payments for herself at 59 were too high,and the coverages varied wildly.

[FrozenAngel]

Originally Posted by brightdoglover

I've read the newspaper a lot about the health insurance thing, and I find it very confusing (and I work in the health field!)

I believe any subsidized health insurance is dependent on income, and the levels are very low- something like $31k for a family of four, and much lower for a single person. I just got a postcard from the state about how to view the available companies, and it only listed a website, and no phone number. I think this shows that no one has considered that many people do not have computers at home or do not know how to use the Internet, especially poorer people. It wasn't a good sign.

A friend of mine who would like to quit her job and buy her own insurance (makes about $25K a year) said the payments for herself at 59 were too high,and the coverages varied wildly.

I believe they can't make you have insurance, they are giving that impression but really if you don't have insurance by Jan 1 2008 you will lose a $200+ tax credit. For some people that don't qualify for low cost insurance but who have just barely enough money at the end of the month to cover their expenses, then it will be more cost effective to lose the tax credit than to buy insurance that cost $600.00 + a month.

I do not go to a medical doctor but a holistic practictioner which isn't covered by insurance anyway. Why would I want to pay out of my pocket twice? I think the best thing is what is called a HSA ... Health Savings Account. Google it and read up about it. If you are a holistic minded person or young or in good health, this is the way to go.