Anyone have suggestions on dropping out of employer health plan and getting your own insurance?
918096
I would never suggest to not elect group coverage.  Group coverage is cheaper because you are paying the group rate.  An individual policy is usually a lot more expensive and your rates can increase every year.  \n\nYou can not afford to not have insurance.  What would happen if you had a major medical claim.  You can not work your way out of a claim for hundreds of thousands of dollars to some claims that are one million dollars.  \n\nI decided to quit my "big boy" job 3 years a go.  I did purchase a individual policy and my premiums have increased every year by at least 15%.  I am now paying $174 a month for health and rx coverage (no dental and vision).  \n\nIf you are still thinking about making such a bold move, speak to an insurance advisor.
78423
Well, health plans vary widely in costs.  An employer should engage a licensed health insurance agent and explore a number of options, ranging from high-deductible or catastrophic plans, to richer plans that cover and cost more.\n\nSome tools that can help offset expenses in various ways include Health Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Reimbursement Arrangements, and Health Savings Accounts.  A knowledgeable agent should be able to discuss these options with you, and help you locate tools to evaluate the options.
1047456
I think the best way is to do some research on your own and then get in touch with local health insurance agents or brokers. I say more than one because talking with more agents will give you more ideas, see more health plan products, and – most importantly – get several different insurance agents competing two earn your business. Many people don’t realize it, but insurance plans aren’t any cheaper online than they are through an agent.\n\nWhen I’ve looked at small business matters, The National Associated for the Self-Employed (see link below) had some good information. They have a health care Web site with some good information as well (also below). Also, some states have group-purchasing pools for small business and the self-employed. Depending on the kind of business you’re in, there may be a trade association you can join and get group health insurance through them.\n\nAfter you’ve done some researching, try visiting MostChoice.com. I’m a writer for them, and they have a simple approach to shopping for health insurance. You fill out a short form, they send you information on health plans available in your state, and local state-licensed insurance agents contact you within 48 hours to talk about what you’re company needs in a group health plan. It’s free and you’re not required to buy anything from the agents who contact you. Just wait until one of them delivers an insurance solution that makes sense for you and your company.\n\nYou can visit MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insurance.cfm\n\nHope this helps,\n\nBarnes @ MostChoice.
641264
Have the doctor write a letter.  This has greatly helped me in the past.  If this fails, you can always contact the Insurance Commissioner...they REALLY hate to hear from them and it usually gets resolved.
917904
Have you checked with any house painter organizations (if any exist)? Sometimes they can provide group health insurance. One word of caution, though. There is debate about the value of association health plans (those you might see with a professional organization). On one hand these plans are less expensive than individual coverage and people with pre-existing conditions are more likely to be accepted than if they tried to apply for insurance on their own. On the other hand, some critics say that association health plan benefits are so watered down that you are better off paying more for a private plan (if you can afford it).\n\nYou might also contact your state insurance department to see if you might be eligible for group health insurance as a “group of one.” Some states expand access to group health insurance to self-employed individuals with no employees. I’ve included links below to state insurance departments and to a listing of state health guides that should explain whether “groups of one” coverage exists in your state.\n\nIf you’d like to talk to local insurance agents and compare health plans online, try MostChoice.com. It’s a fast, no-obligation way to explore the local health insurance market; you might find that health insurance is more affordable than you think. If not, that will make you more confident in your pursuit of alternative options.\n\nYou can find MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insurance.cfm\n\nHope this helps,\nBarnes@MostChoice
846425
Just call around... Just ask if they use the sliding scale for uninsured people.  I went to one that normally charges $120 an hour but I wasn't working at the time and could only afford $40 and he agreed to see me. So just call around and state your situation and I'm sure people would help you out.
40730
Generally, no.  Your benefits are defined and controlled by your employer.  They are under no obligation to compensate you if you opt out or don't participate in the benefits they provide, UNLESS, they have a policy or program to do so.  \n\nSome companies have developed programs to pay employees some amount to not use health care coverage - for example if they are covered by a spouse's health care plan.  Most plans like this require you to prove that you have coverage somewhere else.
193765
It will be very hard to find individual coverage that will include the pre-existing condition, impossible to find it at a cheap price. I hate to say it but COBRA is probably your best bet at this point. To bear more bad news, COBRA is limited to 18 months. Will you be disabled longer than 18 months? if so I am afraid you'll be forced to take what you can get.
167950
You will have to self insure, which is quite expensive.  I would call around and get some quotes.
369892
I would check with the state you live in. For example my state (NY) has a plan called healthy NY for working people that have no insurance at reasonable rates. Go to your state's website to check.
1147499
The best place to start is by doing what you’re doing now – asking for personal recommendations. I’d also check out Consumer Reports (link below), America’s Health Plans (link below), US News & World Reports Best Health Plans, and whatever other informational resources you can find. I’d also talk with locally licensed health insurance agents. I’ve also included a couple of articles about choosing a health plan that might be useful. They are government-authored, but they’re actually pretty good (all links below).\n\nAfter you’ve done some research, you should visit MostChoice.com. It’s a Web site that helps you shop for health insurance. They have free instant price quotes and policy information on health plans near you, but their specialty is getting you in touch with state-licensed agents. There’s no cost or obligation to buy insurance. You just fill out a short form and wait for the agents to contact you (within 48 hours). Have your questions ready and let them work until one of them delivers the plan that’s right for you. You might want to have a set amount you want to spend each month on insurance and tell the agents to work within those parameters.\n\nYou can find MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insurance.cfm\n\nHope this helps,\nBarnes@MostChoice
1045869
I'm sorry to hear your situation but you do have options. You can compare quotes from InsureMe. They offer you several quotes and accept many medical conditions.\n\nYou can also look into life insurance with no medical exam required. This may cost a little more, but you get quick approval, if qualified. There's no exam, no agent to deal with, and no delays. Try out quotes from both options. And good luck with getting your coverage placed at a reasonable rate. Take care.\n\nhttp://www.term-life-online.com
77163
You will never find a private plan that covers maternity. And if it did, it would be so expensive that you're better off paying cash. Insurance companies know that if you try to get maternity insurance that you are going to...duh...get pregnant.\n\nGroup health is your only option I'm sorry to say. But do tell your doctor that you don't have insurance, and he/she will probably reduce your office visit payment. And you should also start putting some money toward the delivery. Good luck!
949786
try:\nhttp://www.healthinsurancesavings.com/newppc/self.asp?app=over&tc=insurance+self+employed\nor:\n\nhttp://www.mccarthy-ins.com/\nThe National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation's leading resource for the Self-Employed and micro-businesses owners.\nFrom our nation's Capitol to "Main Street USA" the National Association for the Self-Employed helps its members through the power of large numbers. Let me show you how the power of over 200,000 NASE members can work for you, too.\n\n\nProfessional Liability Insurance for Today's Business Environment go to:\nhttp://www.spiris.com/professional-liability-insurance.htm\nBecause today's technologically-advanced and increasingly-global business environment creates many new risks, we analyze your business and its potential professional liabilities from many angles, including risks through patent violations, third-party vendor outsourcing, and intellectual property infringement.
306443
I've been an insurance agent since 1985 and I'm not aware of any way that you can bypass your company and get information directly.  You are in a tough position.  Asserting your rights may create an uncomfortable position for you at your job.\n\nIt sounds like you will have to go over your boss' head to get an answer.  If they are taking money out of your check and you have the option of stopping those deductions, you may want to look into purchasing health insurance on your own.  \n\nYou can visit the website I listed below for more information.  \n\nGood Luck.
506816
you were hired as a floater. that's still your job. if you quit, you will not likely receive unemployment because the conditions of the job haven't really changed. you serve an important function. you are the back up plan. if someone is out sick - you are there to help. if no one needs coverage, you still have a job and paycheck. stick with it.
726976
Communicate with the medical office and ask for a reduction and a payment plan.\n\nGood Luck.