Community Chat

[noodleann]

If DH's firm employs fewer than 20 people, then they may not be required to offer him COBRA benefits.

[NickNack]

As others have suggested you need to look into the Affordable Care Act.  It isn't just for lower income people, although  depending on your income, you may or may not have to pay the full price.  It's for anyone who doesn't have insurance through their employer.  Go to www.healthcare.gov

[Drythe]

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@DMM05 wrote:

In response to hckynuy  Husband is 65. Human resources at his work told me that once he's done that's it. Didn't explain anymore. He is diabetic. Didn't know about any state or federal programs. By the way I live in Pa.

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@DMM05

All companies with 20 or more employees MUST offer COBRA ~ Federal Law.  If his company has 20 or more employees you should inform HR.  They may be trying to keep him off due to health.  Lots of insurance utilization costs them higher premiums ultimately, NOT saying they are, just saying lots of them do.  (ask for that in writing if you have any quirky feelings).

The cost is the total of the cost the company negotiated.  So you pay what you were paying + what they were paying on your behalf. ~ Federal Law.  The time limit for coverage is 18 months.

A company may choose to add a 10% 'administrative fee' to the cost, an all or nothing thing; either everyone pays the + 10% for Cobra, or no one pays it. ~ Federal Law

I would also ask for their Cobra policy in writing.  By law they have to have a written administrative plan.  ~ also Federal Law.

Used to help administer a service plan for Cobra as one of my many part-time jobs while in school.  TMI

[151949]

The OP said they have a HR dept. so that would imply > 20 employees don't you think?

[Marienkaefer2]

I have been in the individual insurance market for several years.  I decided to leave my full time job for family reasons, and have been working part time.

I am lucky that I live in a state where I had access to a very affordable, quality plan.  And, even though the premiums have gone up over the years (due to my age group primarily), I still feel that I am fortunate with this plan.

It is a very bad problem that I think a lot of folks have no idea of, because the majority of people have been getting insurance through employers.  You don't really realize the cost until you have to go out on your own.

My  suggestion would be to contact your state insurance commisioner, and see if they can direct you towards something.  There might be a company that offers something more reasonable for you.

[Mom2Dogs]

@DMM05...I am in the same boat, self employed.  My premium is roughy $850.00.  I am thinking of going with MediShare, a Christian health network. You do have to profess to be a Christian, no smoking or drug use and attend church.  I know some people do not like the idea of this coverage (not insurance) but I meet the qualifications and the rates are much less expensive.

If you like the idea of this coverage google them and it will help you make an informed decision, and you can always call and speak with someone, which I have done several times.

One thing to keep in mind is they do not cover any pre exisitng conditions until you have been in their plan for 3 years. 

If you don't mind, once you make a decision I would be interested in what you purchase.  I have not signed up yet for MediShare but will in the next 30-45 days unless something else pops up.  Good luck.

[Mistreatedbycs]

Not retired, paying my own, no govt care plan,

$5000 deductible   $10,000 a year for basic health.

Govt plan   $6,000 deductible    $13,500 a year for basic health

can't give you any advice, just pay and it's not getting any cheaper.

[Kachina624]

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@Mistreatedbycs wrote:

Not retired, paying my own, no govt care plan,

$5000 deductible   $10,000 a year for basic health.

Govt plan   $6,000 deductible    $13,500 a year for basic health

can't give you any advice, just pay and it's not getting any cheaper.

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@Mistreatedbycs  That's terrible and it may get worse.  A national disgrace! 

[151949]

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@Mistreatedbycs wrote:

Not retired, paying my own, no govt care plan,

$5000 deductible   $10,000 a year for basic health.

Govt plan   $6,000 deductible    $13,500 a year for basic health

can't give you any advice, just pay and it's not getting any cheaper.

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I believe this varies by your income & where you live.

[reiki604]

Wow, I cant imagine some of the costs people are giving. I was on COBRA for 18 months after I retired and have started purchasing my own policy. I have a platinum plan with $0 deductable. I pay 11,000 a year for single coverage with no subsidies. I guess it depends on where you live. It's something you need to figure into your budget before you make any decisions on what to do. These costs are not coming down for those of us who are older, but may be going up quite a bit.Keep informed.