Re: I need frugal high deductible health insurance

 


  I'd suggest checking both out. A few things to consider--at least I did or
should have back when I got my policy in '96--is:

- make sure the policy is one that your current MDs accept. Otherwise,
you'll be looking for new docs or paying more to go to the old ones.

- Some policies (the various states' Blue Crosses, for example) work as long
as you continue to reside in that state. If you plan to move to another
state before age 65 Medicare kicks in, you may want a policy that allows you
to live in any state. With a state-residency-required policy, you could risk
the thought of applying for a new policy in the event you move to another
state, but keep in mind that between your current age and reaching 65, a
health issue may crop up that'd prevent (or at least put a very undesirable
rider on a policy) getting a policy at a future date.

- Some/many/most/all? states allow health insurers to refuse to offer you a
policy or to at least not cover pre-existing conditions.

- finally, the application process can be longer than you expect so you
should start looking into and even applying for a new policy months before
you need it. It's also handy to apply for a policy while you're still living
near your current docs as you may need to have them reply to issues that the
insurer brings up.


  I've got no advice but will say that my $5k deductible (with a separate
$500 drug deductible) Blue Cross policy which lets me pretty much choose my
physicians runs me $243/mo (58 y.o., non-smoker) and the rates have a annual
cost of living increase and a every-five-year increase, so with a policy
like mine, you'd expect maybe a 5-10% increase every year plus an added
increased when you'd reach age 50, 55, and 60. Of course, a $5k deductible
policy won't pay out for the average person unless a serious medical issue
arises. However, a policy like mine, even though it doesn't pay out until
after reaching the deductible, still results in some savings for me due to
agreed-upon prices (lower than "retail") for MD visits, lab tests, drugs,
etc.

  Good luck.

  My policy is through Unicare and I've had no problems with them.  The
one time I needed $6-7 grand worth of surgery I paid the deductible,
($2500 at that time), they paid the rest, no muss or fuss.

I pay $115 a month for a $5000 deductible, HSA compatible plan that
includes prescription costs in the deductible. I'm 43, male, smoker in
Indiana.

I have no idea if Unicare has plans in Missouri.

 

me@privacy.net wrote:

 

OK thanks

 

There is the best advice right there.  Ask your Dr. or your DR's
assistant/business manager.  They will be able to tell you who
they accept and why.  And very likely, they will tell you who
they don't accept and why.

 

Do you need it long term, or just for a short while?  When my oldest son was
no longer covered under our health insurance, and before he went to college
and got a job with coverage, he got a type of Catastrophic health insurance
through State Farm.  He bought it 3 months at a time for under $300. It kept
him covered in case of a hospital stay or high bills due to getting hurt,
but it didn't cover doctor appointments etc.

Melissa