Comments on: Affordable independent health insurance?

Question: Affordable independent health insurance?

blueplasticfish — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:03:36 -0800

How do I get affordable personal health insurance?

I work at a small business that doesn't offer any health insurance. I can probably afford $60-$80 a month for payments. Is it possible to get decent health insurance for this? Something with roughly a $25 copay and a reasonable deductible.

I am young, 26, and don't have any health problems, but would like to keep it that way. I am not married, and just need coverage for me.

I have looked through old Mefi posts and none of them seem to answer this specific questions.

Any ideas?

By: schoolgirl report

schoolgirl report — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:27:32 -0800

If you don't plan to go to the doc every time you get the sniffles, it's cheaper to carry major medical coverage and not bother with a full blown regular checkups/drugs/low deductible plan. So if you get in a car wreck or develop some dread disease you're covered. Otherwise, you're on your own.

I currently have temporary major medical insurance through Assurant, and it's about $45 a month for six months of coverage. They do yearly plans, and I believe you can renew a few times.

By: -harlequin-

-harlequin- — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:42:52 -0800

For $80 a month, I don't think you'll get "decent", perhaps look into something stripped down to the minimum (ie saves you from bankruptcy in event of emergencies, but not much else). Where I am, modest insurance is $200 a month IF you're a big company with the clout to deal, and $500 a month if you're a small company or individual. However it sounds like Costco offers small business an insurance that is better than the $500 insurance, but costs closer to the $200, however you need a business license and costco membership ($100/year). I'm under the impression they don't, but perhaps they offer other plans? An organisation like Costco is probably the only way for an individual to leverage the kind of prices that the big players get. Other than emigrating from the USA.

By: farmersckn

farmersckn — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:59:52 -0800

Tonik Health Insurance - I haven't used it myself but I have been trying to come up with a good plan for this myself and this is the only item that I found thats close.

http://www.tonik.com/ca/

By: COD

COD — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 13:15:44 -0800

Blue Cross in your state might have something in the neighborhood of what you want. However, it will likely have a $1000 or more deductible. I don't think you'll find "corporate" style health insurance in the price range you mentioned.

By: blueplasticfish

blueplasticfish — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:03:00 -0800

Well, after more research I think I have answered my question, at least for my area (Utah).

http://selecthealth.org/

By: bigmusic

bigmusic — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:27:26 -0800

For Bexar County (San Antonio) Care Link

By: neckro23

neckro23 — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 20:25:21 -0800

Depending on your location and income, you might qualify for state-subsidized healthcare. I know Minnesota has such a program; not sure about Utah.