Getting Health Insurance

FoxwoodsFiend · #1 08-02-2006, 02:14 AM

So my mom's been on my case for a while now about getting health insurance because if something goes wrong a brief hospital stay could apparently run me 5 figures. I just graduated from college and am going to be playing poker for a living, so I can't get insurance through an employer.

Basically, I don't have the first clue about insurance: I don't know what the different types of plans are nor what reasonable price ranges are nor where to go to get a plan if I did know what I wanted.

Anybody been in this spot? What do I need to know and what do I need to do? Thanks.

#2 08-02-2006, 02:23 AM

Mat Sklansky · #3 08-02-2006, 02:24 AM

assurant/ fortis. i researched lots on the subject

and unfortunately used it to the tune of 30 grand last year (back surgery). On the other hand for the 130/mo, i was quite happy i had it

mkflsam · #4 08-02-2006, 04:06 AM

[ QUOTE ]
assurant/ fortis. i researched lots on the subject

and unfortunately used it to the tune of 30 grand last year (back surgery). On the other hand for the 130/mo, i was quite happy i had it

[/ QUOTE ]

i just had to change health insurance providers and i went with assurant. they used to be affiliated with USAA.

anyways, for a healthy 22 year old it costs $94/month. that includes a dental/optical discount plan as well. 8 mil lifetime benefit, 2700 deductable with 80% copay up to $4,700.

x2ski · #5 08-02-2006, 04:33 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
assurant/ fortis. i researched lots on the subject

and unfortunately used it to the tune of 30 grand last year (back surgery). On the other hand for the 130/mo, i was quite happy i had it

[/ QUOTE ]

i just had to change health insurance providers and i went with assurant. they used to be affiliated with USAA.

anyways, for a healthy 22 year old it costs $94/month. that includes a dental/optical discount plan as well. 8 mil lifetime benefit, 2700 deductable with 80% copay up to $4,700.

[/ QUOTE ]

great topic... I just got denied by Assurant due to a pre-existing condition. The condition is Ankylosing Spondylitis, a stupid-ass back arthritis that I haven't had treated in years. In fact, the last time I had it treated was when I was diagnosed like 5+ years ago, given a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication, milked it 'cause I didn't need it all the time, and forgot about it.

then I went into working for myself and didn't pay COBRA because I was young and it was ridiculously expensive. Eventually got short-term medical through, you guessed it, Assurant (Fortis at the time).

things are all good and then I get married and my wife has a corporate job so I get covered under her. After a few years she gets the job she really wants but it doesn't offer insurance. Oh well, we'll tough it out... she was pregnant at the time but our son was covered under a state program, and he was all we really cared about at the time.

Well, our son turned 1 year old yesterday, and that was the official day of his state coverage running out. So, about a month ago we began looking at family plans. I've been denied due to my arthritis... wtf? i was covered for it as a pre-ex 5 years ago, haven't had treatment or anything in as many years, and they're still being all gay about it.

I have a rider now for the time being exluding the arthritis, but does anyone have suggestions for getting it covered eventually? I thought there was a 12 month waiting period for pre-ex's... I didn't know they could deny them entirely.

Thanks.

WLVRYN · #6 08-02-2006, 03:36 PM

In most states, Blue Cross is a state mandated plan that is required to take you (I'm not sure about the preexisting conditions though). The coverage isnt great, but it would be fine for a young, healthy person protecting from catastropic injury.

etizzle · #7 08-02-2006, 02:35 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Insurance is always -EV. If you are in immediate danger, they have to take you anyway. Then just dont give them your name or fake amnesia or a coma or something. Then when you feel alright, get up and run for it. THAT's how you STICK IT TO THE MAN. But seriously, it's -EV, you'd have to be an idiot to buy health insurance.

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ah, people that think they are smart. you know everything is not about immediate EV right?

FoxwoodsFiend · #8 08-02-2006, 02:40 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Insurance is always -EV. If you are in immediate danger, they have to take you anyway. Then just dont give them your name or fake amnesia or a coma or something. Then when you feel alright, get up and run for it. THAT's how you STICK IT TO THE MAN. But seriously, it's -EV, you'd have to be an idiot to buy health insurance.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm??? Is this because the insurance industry takes a cut and then of the remaining pool it distributes the money more towards people with frequent health problems than young relatively healthy people like me? Say it ain't so! I'm risk-averse here.

WLVRYN · #9 08-02-2006, 02:44 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Insurance is always -EV. If you are in immediate danger, they have to take you anyway. Then just dont give them your name or fake amnesia or a coma or something. Then when you feel alright, get up and run for it. THAT's how you STICK IT TO THE MAN. But seriously, it's -EV, you'd have to be an idiot to buy health insurance.

[/ QUOTE ]

Whatever you do, dont listen to this guy. At a minimum get a high deductible policy. Not only will it protect you if you get busto'ed bad, it will also give you access to the insurance provider's negotiated rates for services, which can be a huge savings. If you dont know, most doctors mark up the cost of their services, and if you have a provider, the rates for those services are much lower.

eHealthinsurance is a good site and has a variety of good plans to choose from. You can also find an insurance broker that should be happy to help you with your options as well. If you dont have a broker, go to your state's Blue Cross website and search for brokers. They will give you a big list of them, pick one and call them. I would suggest doing both and seeing what types of plans and costs you can choose from, but its still nice to talk to a real person when determining your options.

surfinillini · #10 08-02-2006, 02:50 AM

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https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

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this is where I got my insurance

I live in Las Vegas like you FF and I picked up a plan from Sierra Health and Life for just under $100 a month