My son's girlfriend is trying to get some basic health insurance (in Texas). She has no diseases, conditions, disorders, etc., but just wants some basic insurance for the occasional minor injury or illness. She is on her own as far as family goes.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a young 23 year old woman with very little money to spend?
Thanks.
It is much cheaper to buy catastrophic coverage. What that is is a high deductible, some well visits covered but most is out of pocket until the deductible is met. That is why it is called catastrophic coverage, it kicks in it you do something major.
I don't think a lot of people realize how cheap routine care is. Because I have a funded high deductible though work I see how cheap it is. My well visits with tests run about 130 a year.
I don't know how it is there, but here, you can't really get an affordable plan for office visits and such. You can get a catastrophic plan where you pay a small monthly premium and have a high deductible (like 5,000.00). Chances are she would never meet her deductible so her insurance would never become available to cover any doctor visits. Yet if she got into a car accident she would only end up paying her deductible for the hospital fees. She would be better off just paying out of pocket for an office visit and hope she does not get into a car accident.
Now we do have state funded aid here for people who qualify. People have to meet the low income standards to get coverage. If there is a state funded aid there she could try and apply for that.
Eeek to the person paying $3-4 grand a year. I remember those days and realized we wasted alot of money doing that.
For a healthy family (or person), sometimes it's best to not carry insurance, sock the money away in an interest account and use the money when you do go to the doctors. If insurance is affordable then go for it but don't carry insurance just to say you do. Wasting money is never a great idea. Find catastrophic insurance. It's cheap and although you pay for most basic services and a high deductible, it's there for emergencies. Otherwise, set aside what you can afford into a savings of some sort and use it for medical stuff. It's just as good as getting insurance and better since that money grows over the years. With insurance, each year, your deductible and co-pays reset.
Realize I'm saying this only for people who can't afford health insurance. I'm lucky enough to work at a place that only charges my family $25 a month for Kaiser full coverage. Don't pass that up. But my husband's work charges $500 for the family and then we still need to pony up a $5000 copay. I regret those early years of our lives when we could've just saved the money each year (that would be $6000 a year in just paying for the luxury of saying we were insured). We visited the doctor once a year... $200. Think of that as $200 for a year of health insurance. I know that the unexpected could always happen but that's what catastrophic insurance comes in (that, and your savings if you did save). Don't forget that there are also free clinics for immunizations and routine care. Feel free to use them... I pay taxes and I don't get to use them but I'm all for people who need it to use it while it's there for you.
For info on a cheaper option:
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/catastrophic-insuranc...
esurance.com helped me figure out what kind of health issurance would be best for our family. They let you compare plans and services and prices. It has been a great tool for us.
We don't go to the doctor too often, but wanted something in case of catastrophic illness or injury. We got a high deductible plan from BCBSTX. Our monthly payments are very low. IF we go to the doctor, it comes out of our pocket, but the prices are a negotiated amount, so it's cheaper. There are several services that are "free"...immunizations, well woman, etc. For us, this is has been great. If something terrible happens, we do have the money set aside until we meat the deductible.
I would find a website that compares insurance options in your state. Each state is different and has different options.
Here's one I found: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/individual-health-insurance
Some companies offer policies specifically geared toward young people.
Yep , we have what Jo and Melissa mentioned. We pay cash at the dr office (or go to the local grocery store that has a RediClinic - $90 to be seen). No copay or anything b/c we have a $5000 deductible. We pay I think like 3 or 4 grand a year for me, husband, and son. If I get pregnant though, nothing is covered.
btw I am in Texas too if that makes a difference, which I don't think it does.
She'll probably need to be uninsured until she makes more money. She should focus on staying healthy and not doing anything risky (crappy, I know, I've been uninsured and working for 20 years and can FINALLY afford some soon). Hopefully if Obamacare sticks, there will be a system in place by 2014 for those who cannot afford insurance rates to maintain insurance within the law. Just in case, and for the long haul, she needs to get a job with insurance or marry a man with insurance. As for immediate affordable plans, not unless she's poor enough to qualify for state aid. For as long as it's legal not to carry, paying out of pocket for minor appointments for healthy people is WAY cheaper than buying insurance. It's just a matter of risk for serious accident or illness.
What about her employer perks with insurance options? Talk to HR.
If not, she should at least speak with a broker to figure out some options.
Next, she can pay cash price at the Doc in a box locations for the times she is sick and needs meds.
She can look into a government program to see if she qualifies, at least temporarily.
Bottom line. Take responsibility for herself and man up even needed, even tho it us hard. Many Dr offices will accept a payment plan if someone at least shows initiative and responsibility. TOO many people expect something to be donated, etc due to their " circumstances". Take personal responsibility and feel better about yourself for having done so.
As far as catastrophic care... If you are without coverage, at least try not to do stupid things to cause stupid accidents which can be prevented.
Best wishes. It is hard starting out but it can be accomplished without relying on others. Do research and find the best plan for yourself .
If she works then she should visit with the person over their insurance to find out what their cost is. Even 1 trip to a doc's office can be more than a single person's monthly co-pay for company insurance.
If she isn't working she might qualify for a state medical card.
