Affordable Health Insurance?

MawMaw · #1 08-26-2008, 07:32 PM

My husband may soon have to leave his current job because of severe pay cutbacks. He has another job lined up, but because it is construction type work, it will not offer health insurance. I'm sure we can probably keep the insurance we have now for a few months through something called "Cobra."

Does anyone know of an affordable health insurance out there that we can look into? It's just me and my husband....I'm 51 and he's 53...both non smokers and non drinkers in relatively good health. I will appreciate any info that I can look into.

MrsMcD · #2 08-26-2008, 07:57 PM

The least expensive insurance is probably going to be Cobra. You all can stay on Cobra for 18 months. It's tough to get individual insurance. The underwriting is strict. You have to be in almost perfect health. Your age would make individual insurance high also. I would advise you to take Cobra.

Sherri · #3 08-26-2008, 08:19 PM

I am totally uninsurable at 51 because of a heart flareup five years ago that doesn't even bother me now at all. If I'm not on a group plan, I cannot get insurance. Our church group plan is good, but my premium just went up to over $1700/month for just me, Eddie & Zac. It's unbelievable. We are in the process this week of looking for a new group plan, because everyone's went up 50+%.

MrsMcD · #4 08-26-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

I am totally uninsurable at 51 because of a heart flareup five years ago that doesn't even bother me now at all. If I'm not on a group plan, I cannot get insurance. Our church group plan is good, but my premium just went up to over $1700/month for just me, Eddie & Zac. It's unbelievable. We are in the process this week of looking for a new group plan, because everyone's went up 50+%.

Do you use an insurance broker? If so, he/she should try to get your rates down. We (my boss and I) just had a group with a 40% increase and we talked the insurance company down to 14.2%.

OneAccord · #5 08-26-2008, 09:02 PM

Has anyone heard about "icanbenefit.com ? I heard about it on TV, checked their website out (but... ain't too smart in the insurance depart.) Website: http://icanbenefit.com/

MawMaw · #6 08-26-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsMcD

The least expensive insurance is probably going to be Cobra. You all can stay on Cobra for 18 months. It's tough to get individual insurance. The underwriting is strict. You have to be in almost perfect health. Your age would make individual insurance high also. I would advise you to take Cobra.

Yes, I guess Cobra will be our choice if he does decide to take the other job. Thanks.

MawMaw · #7 08-26-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

I am totally uninsurable at 51 because of a heart flareup five years ago that doesn't even bother me now at all. If I'm not on a group plan, I cannot get insurance. Our church group plan is good, but my premium just went up to over $1700/month for just me, Eddie & Zac. It's unbelievable. We are in the process this week of looking for a new group plan, because everyone's went up 50+%.

Wow! That is extremely expensive! I don't blame you for trying to look for a new group plan.

MawMaw · #8 08-26-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Has anyone heard about "icanbenefit.com ? I heard about it on TV, checked their website out (but... ain't too smart in the insurance depart.) Website: http://icanbenefit.com/

I'm not too smart in the insurance dept. either! lol....

I'll check that website out though, thanks!

CC1 · #9 08-26-2008, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacey

My husband may soon have to leave his current job because of severe pay cutbacks. He has another job lined up, but because it is construction type work, it will not offer health insurance. I'm sure we can probably keep the insurance we have now for a few months through something called "Cobra."

Does anyone know of an affordable health insurance out there that we can look into? It's just me and my husband....I'm 51 and he's 53...both non smokers and non drinkers in relatively good health. I will appreciate any info that I can look into.

I am afraid this does not exist. Part of the reason is that employers subsidize part of the insurance premiums in the vast majority of cases and the rates are lower due to spreading the risk over a large pool of employees.

When you set out to get it on your own it is very expensive if it is good insurance and not a scam. Beware of a lot of scams out there offering low cost insurance.

I have a self employed relatiive who pays around $700 per month for health insurance for himself and his wife (kids are all grown and married).

The best bet might be if your husband or you are a member of some kind of associatoin or group that might offer a group plan.

MawMaw · #10 08-26-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC1

I am afraid this does not exist. Part of the reason is that employers subsidize part of the insurance premiums in the vast majority of cases and the rates are lower due to spreading the risk over a large pool of employees.

When you set out to get it on your own it is very expensive if it is good insurance and not a scam. Beware of a lot of scams out there offering low cost insurance.

I have a self employed relatiive who pays around $700 per month for health insurance for himself and his wife (kids are all grown and married).

The best bet might be if your husband or you are a member of some kind of associatoin or group that might offer a group plan.

I guess that's why there are so many uninsured folks huh? Seems like our government could do a "group plan" for all folks like a regular employer would? Where we all would pay a percentage and them the rest.