[MODE ROGUE]

Friends,

I've started the dreadful task of looking for health insurance for my fam (me, wife, 4 yr old). My wife's job always paid for insurance but she was downsized and our coverage is up this month. I can't believe how expensive it is. Do you guys know of a good resource for affordable health insurance? All we really need is basic coverage and hope not to have a deductable over $5k.

Anyone else going through this nightmare?

[Lord of Lies]

Have you looked for a health insurance broker in your area? They should be able to find you a good plan.

[gasguzzler]

When I was self-employed several years ago, I went through this with my family. At the time it was me, my wife and our son. We were looking to have another child and none of the insurance companies would cover the pregnancy until we had been with them for 2 years. Man, what a pain in the ass insurance shopping is. We ended up paying for the pregnancy out of pocket.

Good luck with your search and make sure you go with a reputable insurer.

[MODE ROGUE]

Originally Posted by Lord of Lies

Have you looked for a health insurance broker in your area? They should be able to find you a good plan.

Yes, thanks. So far, they have been the best option. One broker quoted me $340/mth with a $2500 deductable and $35 doc office co-pays. I assume that's reasonable but I don't have a point of reference since I've never had to pay for insurance.

[MODE ROGUE]

Originally Posted by gasguzzler

When I was self-employed several years ago, I went through this with my family. At the time it was me, my wife and our son. We were looking to have another child and none of the insurance companies would cover the pregnancy until we had been with them for 2 years. Man, what a pain in the ass insurance shopping is. We ended up paying for the pregnancy out of pocket.

Good luck with your search and make sure you go with a reputable insurer.

I appreciate the input and yes.... this is a huge pain in the ass. My wife and I have to make some cutbacks to accomodate this new expense. Sucks.

[chrisod]

move to canada or vote for john edwards

[Lubaolong]

I think mine is like $67/month. The wife and kid is what sucks the money. I think my wife's is up to over $400/month now.

[Soulbane]

I guess I never truly realized the vivid nature of health insurance.

My mother is a RN for Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Southern California, so as a direct family member, (doesn't even have to be a dependent) gets the same extended insurance covered by the hospital.

[sirmixachap]

I'm actually looking for advice on health insurance myself. I am looking to begin my own company, but unfortunately the health insurance costs are going to cost me about $12k p/ year vs. the $1,200 p/ year I am paying now as an employee. It is a huge cost. The theory is that you make more running your own business than you do as an employee, thus offsetting the health insurance cost, but in the beginning it is going to be real difficult.

[Jester Molester]

Can't you get it bundled with your other forms of insurance (home, vehicle, etc) to get a cheaper rate?


As a student I buy mine through the uni, I'm dreading having to go through what you are after graduation.