Affordable Health Insurance Plans. Need Help!!

There are some "emergency" type plans that don't cover preventative type appointments...but do cover emergencies. We did that for a few months in between insurance..My big fear was somebody breaking a leg or in some way ending up in the hospital. I just remember thinking at the time, "I didn't work that hard to save money, to lose it all because somebody had to go to the hospital." They were reasonably priced...not the best plan...at all...but, like I said - It'll keep you from having to completely pay for some 20,000 dollar surgery...ER visits...stuff like that. If you can get on through work, that's the best. If your ex can cover the kids...I'd let him.

Apply with the Dept of Children and family for foodstamps and medicaid for you and the 2 children. If you make too much money (child support is INCLUDED with your wages) then you can get something called share of cost. Look into those!!

Have you checked with social services? You might qualify for a state card for yourself even if the kids are covered by him.

Our grandkids are sometimes on their dads insurance, if they stay employed, but the state medical card is what we use first, if there is supplemental insurance the state bills the other insurance company according to the state guidelines. If you got the kids state medical cards you would get one too. Then what ever the dad has as far as insurance goes will be billed by the state.

There are websites that let you compare plans and prices. I think there are laws that prevent plan prices from being higher on the websites (don't hold me to this but I think I have read that before). Just do a Google search for plan comparison websites. Does your work offer benefits? If so this is probably the cheapest way to go. The cheaper the monthly premium the more the deductible and co-insurance. A higher deductible may be the way to go if you don't have a chronic illness. If you frequent the doc you may need to pay a higher monthly premium for more coverage. If you take monthly meds make sure they have Rx coverage. If you are of child baring age and could possibly become pregnant make sure you have maternity coverage (not all do). HMO's will be less expensive than PPO's and I believe there is another type that is even cheaper but that is only for emergencies and have a big deductible. Have you had insurance in the past 60 days? If you go longer than 60 days of coverage most insurance plans will have a per-existing clause and little will be covered during the first 6-12 months. If you have had insurance in the past 60 days then it would be good for you to sign up for something soon so most per-existing clauses will be waived.

there are ins brookers that you can contact and they can do all the leg work to help you find a company that fits your needs. try asking around or looking up in the phone book for them.

you can call bcbs and get some advice on plans as well. They also have a great easy to follow website to help guide you through the plans.

If you were previously covered by your husbands insurance they have to offer it to you via cobra payments. Experience with X's and reimbursing you for child insurance - don't do it. Make him cover the children thru work (payroll deduction) and get your own. Might cost a little more that way, in the long run there will be less tension when he does not have the money to reimburse you.

Hi C.,

If you don't work out something with your ex's plan, don't have coverage through your job or don't qualify for state plans, there are "indvidual" plans to purchase for you and your kids.

Go through an insurance broker/agent. They are paid by the insurance companies so you don't pay them. They help you find a plan that suits your budget and situation. I had to shop for insurance when my husband lost his job. I got lucky since my agent had also just had a baby and had lots of good info on different plans and rates. Be prepared to have each person on a separate plan if necessary, kids, men and women all have different insurance needs. Also be prepared to look at HSA type plans (your broker can explain).

I used a local firm by me but just did a quick google search for TX and this national firm came up: http://www.customhealthplans.com/ , just to give you some info.

Whichever choice you make, make sure you seek help to make sure your ex-husband will be helping the the healthcare costs of your children.

Good luck mama.