Change in health insurance is required..

Question

Hi ,

I am in Chicago and I want to change my insurance company for health.. Currently I am paying above $90 per month which is high for me. I feel unnecessary to pay so much..so I would like suggestions for any cheap alternative..

this health insurance is for myself only and my current provider is BCBSIL...

Also I am a non citizen (immigrant) on some 3 year visa..

Thanks...

Answer 1

I doubt you'll be able to do much better.

If you can, get coverage with a high deductible. Take money saved on the cost of the premium and apply it to a private sector health savings account to use for the small things. Do not get into a government HSA. Shop for prices when visiting a doctor.

$90 for an individual is actually pretty decent. And, yes it's expensive, not only for you.

That's very close to what I pay for the miserable United Health Care group plan I'm in.

Answer 2

$90 isn't as expensive as not having coverage and needing it.  You need to be very careful because if you keep looking someone is going to show you a discount plan.  These companies prey on immigrants because not being familiar with the system they don't realize (as many non-immigrants don't either) that it's not health insurance.

And, even if you get a free can of Orange Glo with it and it's sold on television it's still terrible coverage.

For a 20-30 something that's about the going rate and you're unlikely to do much better without getting a much worse plan.  Read this warning so you know what to look out for.....

http://insurancepickle.com/health-insura...

Answer 3

Oh, honey, you need a reality check.

If you're 30 and healthy, and NOT an immigrant, a good low deductible plan costs $300 a month.  If you're not healthy, it's going to cost more, and you're not likely to find many companies willing to insure someone who's been here less than five years.

our employer right now, is probably ALSO chipping in about $200 a month towards your insurance.

Go talk to some local agents.  Look at what the "going rate" is for what you're asking for.  That plan you have now, is the best, cheapest coverage you can get.  

If you buy something someone online offers you, you're probably being scammed.

Answer 4

That is an extremely low rate for self insured.  Most people are paying closer to two hundred a month.

Answer 5

Without getting a job where you are on a group plan, that rate isn't that bad.  

If you had a job where your employer picked up some of the tab, that would be ideal.

Health rates are based on your age, health history and your chance that you might have a big claim.  If you are overweight, loose weight.  If you smoke, stop.  These things will help to lower your rate.  But are more long term than anything.