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If you're healthy and generally only need annual checkups, BCBS offers some pretty good high-deductible plans that come with the option for an HSA. HSA's are a great way to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
If you're healthy and generally only need annual checkups, BCBS offers some pretty good high-deductible plans that come with the option for an HSA. HSA's are a great way to pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
And I would extend this to say, even if you DO have health problems, at least get a high-deductible plan, if that's all you can afford. That way, you won't be financially wiped out by one horrific illness.
Really, health insurance should be purchased to prevent financial disaster--not to provide first-dollar coverage. At least, that's my take on it. I have a 5K deductible, so I pay the full negotiated price to go to the doctor. But, I do sleep well at night knowing that when I do get my first cancer or heart disease I won't lose everything I have worked and saved for my entire life!
You can buy a private policy with a $10,000 deductible that pays 100% after the deductible has been met for about $80 per month. Sure, this policy is worthless for everyday medical needs, but it will keep you from loosing all you have worked for if you become seriously ill. I have a savings account set aside with $10,000 in it just for this purpose. If I have to go to the doctor for minor stuff, I just pay out of pocket. Luckily I'm healthy and do not need much attention from the doc.
And I would extend this to say, even if you DO have health problems, at least get a high-deductible plan, if that's all you can afford. That way, you won't be financially wiped out by one horrific illness.
Really, health insurance should be purchased to prevent financial disaster--not to provide first-dollar coverage. At least, that's my take on it. I have a 5K deductible, so I pay the full negotiated price to go to the doctor. But, I do sleep well at night knowing that when I do get my first cancer or heart disease I won't lose everything I have worked and saved for my entire life!
Agree completely. Of course it's a complex issue, but I think so much of the problem with our healthcare system has to do with the fact that people have this mindset that insurance should pay everything, and when it doesn't, people balk at paying when the bill comes due. But alas, I'm getting off topic.
At any rate, those who are self-employed or poorly covered at work should seriously look into the BCBS HSA plans. If you can't get insurance through work (either yourself or your spouse), the premiums for the insurance are 100% tax deductible. Furthermore, contributions to an HSA are tax deductible and can be used pre-tax for qualified medical care.
You can buy a private policy with a $10,000 deductible that pays 100% after the deductible has been met for about $80 per month. Sure, this policy is worthless for everyday medical needs, but it will keep you from loosing all you have worked for if you become seriously ill. I have a savings account set aside with $10,000 in it just for this purpose. If I have to go to the doctor for minor stuff, I just pay out of pocket. Luckily I'm healthy and do not need much attention from the doc.
I wouldn't say it's worthless. There are some things that should be covered pre-deductible like basic checkups, vaccinations for kids, etc. Even having a policy with a high deductible like that should give you access to a negotiated rate on everyday care, even if most of that ends up being out of pocket.
As long as you use a doctor in the provider's network, and you have a policy with a reputable provider, you will always get the negotiated rate, even if you pay cash. This is true no matter what kind of deductible you have, etc.
The only thing I can say is that all of you must be young and never had any health problems. I am in my late 50's and had a heart bypass 15 years ago. I am in excellent health now, but it would be hard to pay for insurance if I didn't get it through my business. The last quote I got from BCBS for a private high deductible policy was over $36,000 per year for just my wife and myself.
The only thing I can say is that all of you must be young and never had any health problems. I am in my late 50's and had a heart bypass 15 years ago. I am in excellent health now, but it would be hard to pay for insurance if I didn't get it through my business. The last quote I got from BCBS for a private high deductible policy was over $36,000 per year for just my wife and myself.
Very very important point. If you have anything big on your records, like heart disease or cancer, it seems virtually impossible to sign up for new insurance. Oh sure, you'll be OFFERED insurance, but you won't be able to afford it!
This is why I am jonesing to make my move from NC to another state now, before I have a big black mark on my health records. I guess as long as you stay with your current insurer, your rates stay the same? (Lori1961 seems to be our resident expert on this)
Very very important point. If you have anything big on your records, like heart disease or cancer, it seems virtually impossible to sign up for new insurance. Oh sure, you'll be OFFERED insurance, but you won't be able to afford it!
This is why I am jonesing to make my move from NC to another state now, before I have a big black mark on my health records. I guess as long as you stay with your current insurer, your rates stay the same? (Lori1961 seems to be our resident expert on this)
I'm not sure moving to another state will solve the problems in this regard, although I'm by no means an expert in insurance laws and regulations. Sadly, moving to another country might be the only solution for some people looking for affordable treatment. Medical vacations are becoming increasingly popular these days...
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