insurnce providers

[openendstraight]

Since my lay off is efective as of 1/22/09, I need to find an insurance provider for my wife and myself. I looked into Cobra, and to keep our insurance like it is will cost us nearly $1500 a month. The lowest tier Cobra for us would be almost $1100 a month.

My question to all brothers is, do any of you pay for your own insruance, and if so what company do you use?

 

[Saully]

Probably the best thing you could do is to contact some agents there. (I get mine through our company's plan; lots of companies big and small offer health insurance and an independent agent could help figure out which would be best for you, especially if you have any "pre-existing conditions" that would limit your insurability or increase the cost.

 

[Craig Mac]

I have my own policy through Anthem. Was originally around $200 a month for just me has risen to $300 over the last year and I have only been to a doctor about 4 times in the 6-7 years for a common cold. Biggest racket ever!!! Would have saved several thousands of dollars if I just paid without insurance for each visit. Best of luck finding good coverage for a good price.




(This is the point where someone usually says, "but you need to have it, just in case...")

 

[petroleumengineer]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have 60 days to sign up for Cobra? If so, I wouldn't go out and get anything right away. You are "essentially covered" for two months.

This gives you the time to find another job without having to pay any premiums. If you are healthy for the next two months you aren't out anything. In the unlikely event something major happens you pay retroactive and get the same benefits you've always enjoyed.

BTW, isn't it ridiculous how much health care costs are? And isn't it a great benefit that most receive from their employers? I'll bet you weren't paying anywhere close to $1500 personally.

 

[openendstraight]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have 60 days to sign up for Cobra? If so, I wouldn't go out and get anything right away. You are "essentially covered" for two months.

This gives you the time to find another job without having to pay any premiums. If you are healthy for the next two months you aren't out anything. In the unlikely event something major happens you pay retroactive and get the same benefits you've always enjoyed.

BTW, isn't it ridiculous how much health care costs are? And isn't it a great benefit that most receive from their employers? I'll bet you weren't paying anywhere close to $1500 personally.

I go in tomorrow to talk with HR about my seperation agrement, but I think it states I am covered under my current insurance untill the end of the month.

And yes I paid less than $400 a month when employed.

They are going to give me a 4 week check and a pat on the back.

 

[njstone]

I go in tomorrow to talk with HR about my seperation agrement, but I think it states I am covered under my current insurance untill the end of the month.

And yes I paid less than $400 a month when employed.

They are going to give me a 4 week check and a pat on the back.

That really sucks, bro. I'm sorry about that.

 

[Craig Mac]

I believe the time you can go without insurance is just for covering pre-existing conditions.

 

[sascha]

$1500< jeezuzzzz, how old are you

I have a Blue Cross PPo $1500 deductible and I pay $385 a month including dental

I am 39



let me know if you need any help

 

[openendstraight]

$1500< jeezuzzzz, how old are you

I have a Blue Cross PPo $1500 deductible and I pay $385 a month including dental

I am 39



let me know if you need any help

That is if we pay thru Cobra. I am checking on Blue Cross PPO. I am 33 and she is 43. no kids. No existing conditions except the heart attack that no one can tell me why I had one at 33. The cardiologist said he is stumped.

I would have no problem with $500 tp $600

 

[Saully]

A guy with an older wife . . . interesting!

 

[CWS]

Try:
Chamber of Commerce
AAA
Any associations you belong to ie GOLF
Any clubs you belong to
Join AARP..they cannot refuse you for age

All of these have plans based on groups.

 

[Cigary43]

I go in tomorrow to talk with HR about my seperation agrement, but I think it states I am covered under my current insurance untill the end of the month.

And yes I paid less than $400 a month when employed.

They are going to give me a 4 week check and a pat on the back.

Big of em for that pat on the back. I am floored that they want you to pay that much for COBRA benefits at your age? I'd be all over the place googling and making phone calls for coverage,,,,,and I thought $300 a month for the wife and I being retired was high!

A guy with an older wife . . . interesting!

This could be another thread all together!!

 

[BagfullofPings]

How much of the premium did your employer contribute?

 

[openendstraight]

all but $400 a month or so

 

[BagfullofPings]

What was/is the raw premium of your plan?

 

[Saully]

Just realized on the way home --

I assume that your wife works and is covered by insurance through work. You should get onto her plan. Federal law requires that her company allow her to add you mid-term because of your change in circumstances.

This should work out a lot better for you than having to get a private policy, both as to rates and as to coverage.

 

[openendstraight]

Just realized on the way home --

I assume that your wife works and is covered by insurance through work. You should get onto her plan. Federal law requires that her company allow her to add you mid-term because of your change in circumstances.

This should work out a lot better for you than having to get a private policy, both as to rates and as to coverage.

My wife does not work. But I have a friend that owns his own small business, and he and I are working something out to where I can get insurance through his company. Looks like it will be about 1/3 what they want for Cobra.

 

[Saully]

Since my lay off is efective as of 1/22/09, I need to find an insurance provider for my wife and myself.

Sorry, just saw this. If your wife has an insurance plan at work, she should be able to get into it now even though it's midterm because of your "change in circumstances."

I hope all goes well with your job search, too.

 

[Saully]

Sorry, just saw this. If your wife has an insurance plan at work, she should be able to get into it now even though it's midterm because of your "change in circumstances."

I hope all goes well with your job search, too.

Just saw your post. Hope it works out.

 

[openendstraight]

Sorry, just saw this. If your wife has an insurance plan at work, she should be able to get into it now even though it's midterm because of your "change in circumstances."

I hope all goes well with your job search, too.

I think I am gong to take a few months off. We have a trip to Asia scheduled in April, and any job I get will more than likely not let me have the time off. My family reunion is in May, and my Mom always complains that I never go, so this year we may go to that as well.