[Jrny]

If I don't work, live off my savings, in my late 30's...

I get capital gains, dividends, distributions from stocks that equal over 16k, the Medicaid limit for a single person, whether I sell stocks or not. This is not on w2, but is reported to irs.

Where do I stand? What I'm looking at, if I purchase on my own, premiums run $300-$500 monthly, then I would have to put in the first $8,000 before I hit the maximum out of pocket costs...That equals, possibly, $1,000 monthly...I have always been covered from my job. I have no medical issues.

[WestieJeff]

It's not clear to me if medicaid has an asset limit for those under 65.

ACA is always an option. You could earn up to 133% of the federal poverty level and your premiums for a silver plan would be capped at ~2% of your AGI. You would need a qualifying event (job or health insurance loss) or wait until the enrollment period later this year to enter the plans. I know there is no asset limit for ACA.

Originally Posted by Jrny

If I don't work, live off my savings, in my late 30's...

I get capital gains, dividends, distributions from stocks that equal over 16k, the Medicaid limit for a single person, whether I sell stocks or not. This is not on w2, but is reported to irs.

Where do I stand? What I'm looking at, if I purchase on my own, premiums run $300-$500 monthly, then I would have to put in the first $8,000 before I hit the maximum out of pocket costs...That equals, possibly, $1,000 monthly...I have always been covered from my job. I have no medical issues.

[Jrny]

Not the asset issue, I think the stock distributions count as income, that would put me well over the income maximum.

[airics]

Originally Posted by Jrny

Not the asset issue, I think the stock distributions count as income, that would put me well over the income maximum.

yes they do count as income

[Jrny]

I dont know how much that will be until December of each year. If I earn zero from working but have that every year....How do I estimate? What if my estimate is wrong?
I guess the question is, do I qualify for any low cost medical with no job but good savings which produces income above 16k. Paying 300-500 monthly plus the first $8000 is a huge hardship.

[airics]

its on a scale... I believe if you make under 60k, you get the credit. I am sure that amount is MUCH lower if you are single, no family, etc... Either way, you will have to wait till open enrollment... The 8k is pretty typical...you need to look at the deductibles which are more important.. how much for a doc visit? emergency room etc...
you'd be better off having a job with paid medical benefits. also the money from stocks, etc can evaporate if the economy goes south.

[Jrny]

I checked, the discount is almost nothing at that level.
My concern is the combo of the premium plus paying the first $7k-$8k out of pocket. If my throat hurts once, that will be a $300 doctor visit. If I do get to that 8k out of pocket plus the 12 monthly premium payments I am up to $12k per year.

[Trash Can]

Originally Posted by Jrny

If my throat hurts once, that will be a $300 doctor visit.

FWIW, the CVS MinuteClinic is an option for minor illnesses, much cheaper than a regular doctor or urgent care visit.

[WestieJeff]

Welcome to America!

Originally Posted by Jrny

I checked, the discount is almost nothing at that level.
My concern is the combo of the premium plus paying the first $7k-$8k out of pocket. If my throat hurts once, that will be a $300 doctor visit. If I do get to that 8k out of pocket plus the 12 monthly premium payments I am up to $12k per year.

[Jrny]

I've been a teacher for almost 20 years, had enough, plan on moving to Vegas shortly, just looking at options. Doesnt seem like much. My assets lead to large stock income which disqualifies me from the free/low cost medical.