Seeking Advise on Health Insurance Options

HI T., My husband recently lost his job and when he got a new one, it was with a small company that didn't offer insurance. So we've had to purchase our own. Fortunately, our 'baby' is 17, so we don't have the small child medical expenses that you do. But, there are many ways to minimize your need for Dr's visits. I am a Wellness Educator and I can share tips to keep your family healthier so that you won't need to go to the Dr. as often.

We are insured for catasrophic events only, meaning we have a fairly large deductible, paying lower monthly premiums and setting up a Health Savings account with the difference. This is a pre-tax account and you pay all of your deductibles and other things insurance doesn't pay out of that account. I can give you the name of a great insurance agent to help explain these options. Feel free to call me at any time. It is my passion to help people become healthier individuals and I look forward to helping you. In health, D. ###-###-####

Blue Cross Blue Shield has several options or you could just do an online search of personal health insurnace. As you are 6 months pregnant, I wouldn't suggest you change insurance companies until after you have given birth. There are several cheaper options out there that either don't cover pre-natal care or giving birth.

The only way to learn is to research. You definitely do need the insurance but you may be able to get by with a 'high deductible plan' - you pay a much lower premium and you save a set amount (pre-tax) - you pretty much end up paying for everything (at the lower rate approved by the insurance - not what the Dr's generally bill) up to you deductible amount which can be $5000 - anything after that is generally covered. The idea is that if you have anything catastrophic (more than 2 days in hospital) you don't go bankrupt.

Oakland County has coverage for uninsured children - you may want to check out their website.

Until the healthcare crisis gets sorted out, we are all pretty much in the same boat, so hang in there and research, research, research.

Hi T.,

I quite my job about 5 years ago to help my husband with our company, and took the cobra for the first 18 months (which was outragous, but great coverage). Since then we have used BC/BS through Farm Bureau Insurance. I hate deductibles and BC/BS is really the only one that I found that has a decent payment with no deductible. They have several options through Farm Bureau and we have changed a few times. Right now we are on the My Blue which has no deductible, but is 30/70 on pretty much everything. (It also has prescribtion) We pay $400.00/month for that for a family (I have a family of 4) rate. I think they also offer a flexible plan. I would definately check it out and see if it works for you.

You can also check out mychild from the state. That is also mostly BC/BS and is only $10.00/month or year, I can't remember. You can apply right online and it depends on your income. We did not quality, but I tried.
I think it is very important to have your health insurance. You would never want anything terrible to happen to your family and not be able to pay for it because you didn't have insurance. It has been very hard keeping our insurance over the years, but I have always tried to make it priority and every once in a while take a look at things and change plans if need be. I hope this helps.
A.

I am really interested in reading all of the advice that you get. My parents have been in business for themselves for several years now and eventually let go of all ins, since it was costing about 12 a month for a high deductible plan. I guess this is what all of the hoopla is about in politics. This is a really important issue, and maybe we all need to vote what we need and write our rep's and congresspersons. Personally, I think the insurance companies need to be regulated. I have seen it go up 25% in a year without any major reasons.

Sorry for the rant, it's a pet peeve of mine. Good Luck and let us know if you find a good rate, with decent coverage.

When my Father passed away my mom was no longer covered by his retirement insurance plan (not that it was great they paid through the nose for it). I went to one of those websites that lett insurance brokers call you, well email you in my case. I acted as the gate keeper and ended up finding the most amazing and caring broker.

Her name is Heather McConnell and she can be reached at ____@____.com

She takes the time to discover your needs, and finds gives you a couple of options that would best fit your families needs. Her toll free number (she is out of the lansing area but covers anywhere is 800-675-1741.

I really hopes this helps your dilemna.

Take Care,
R.