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Sammy the Kid Veteran user Southern Illinois 314 Posts |
I've reached a point in my magic where I can go full time as a performer... BUT... I need health insurance covering major medical and prescription coverage. Currently I work in a job I don't like that'll probably give me lung cancer but the insurance coverage is incredible. Without it my wife's medications cost about $60 a day. With it they cost about $50 a month. I can pay the office visit stuff out of pocket but the idea of ANOTHER motorcycle wreck or something similar costing several thousands of dollars needs to be covered. What do you guys do for health care costs?
Thanks in advance for your advice, Sammy the Kid |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Sammy
That would be the rub, my friend. Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
BradBrown Regular user Florence, KY, USA 183 Posts |
I have individual health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. I have a high deductible, but I get prescription drug coverage and office visits with a co-pay.
I had a hospital visit last year. Even though the insurance didn't actually pay, because it was under my deductible, it still saved me money. I was charged the "negotiated insurance company rate" which was about half the normal rate. I'm sure your wife's pre-existing condition will complicate things, but you still should check into getting health insurance. You may have better options than you realize. There are web sites where you can get free quotes on health insurance from multiple providers. That may be a good option for you to get an idea of what's available that might meet your needs. -Brad |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
I suspect your wife's pre-existing condition will be a big problem. Unless it's different in each state, BlueCross BlueShield told me that they can't rider medications. That means that any insuror that you switch to will be required to pay their portion of your wife's medication. Since it is so costly, it's unlikely you'll be able to find an individual health carrier to accept her.
A very good friend of mine has arthritis. Even though he's only 44, he couldn't get health insurance through anybody. Fortunately, he was able to continue with the insurance he had with K-Mart after he left. First, he did it through Cobra and now through the Hipaa act. Health insurance can be a killer. (My individual health insurance for my wife, two kids and me cost more monthly than my mortgage!) Michael |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Shortly after I enlisted in the Air Force, one of my magic mentors asked me if I thought I might want to perform full time some day. I, naturally said, YES! He told me that the biggest mistake he made in life was serving 4 years in the Navy and getting out. He told me to stick it out for 20 years...and I'd never have to worry about medical coverage. I listened. Thank you, Bobby...wherever you are.
In your case, Sammy, I'm an avid Clark Howard fan ( http://www.clarkhoward.com ). He talks often about new medical savings plans that are popping up around the country. As I understand it, they're pre-tax savings programs. The funds can be used tax-free for any medical expenses. Doctors, clinics and pharmacies that subscribe to the programs agree to heavy discounts on their fees in order to avoid dealing with the bureaucratic and assinine insurance companies. They save money by not having to hire insurance specialists and fight tooth and nail for every payment. It sounds like a sweet deal that is slowly catching on around the country. Check Clark's website for further details. For the rest of us, Clark's website has hundreds of ways to sensibly save money and still live the good life. I highly recommend it. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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