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Question

I'm really getting upset not being able to find a health insurance. I just don't understand any of this. All I want is something that will cover me for as many visits I want with a co-pay less than 30 bucks, something that will allow me to choose my own doctor, and something that won't charge me up the butt! I just don't know how to do this on my own. I know that I have terrible teeth problems and I'll be in the dentist often, I wear glasses, and have to be tested for a variety of diseases that have killed multiple family members recently. I'm at my wits end, someone please help me.

Answer 1

You have to be realistic about the healthcare environment you're in - it's expensive, thanks to medical malpractice lawyers and third party payers.

If you want all the things you've outlined - like coverage for family conditions, preexisting dental issues, etc., you're going to have to pay for it.  You're better off negotiating with cash.

I don't know where you live, but I highly recommend an HSA if you're in the US.   The deductibles are usually high, but the premiums are very low.  You can typically negotiate cash prices with your doctor of choice.  Between the savings on premiums that low co-pays usually carry, and the savings on the actual visits, you will likely come out ahead.  Beyond your deductible, you're often covered 100%, and having the insurance in place will allow you entrance to something other than a publically funded hospital (not always the worst choice, but frequently not the best).  

Also with an HSA, most if not all of your out of pocket medical expenses, including your prescriptions, dr. visits, over the counter meds, vitamins, and dental care, are tax deductible. Double check w/your tax person, but that's our experience.  

I know it's expensive, but that's part of taking care of yourself.  Don't expect insurance, or "univeral health care" to do it for you.  You're better off being in charge of your own care.

I can only speak from personal experience, but for my family of five, we pay less than $300 a month premium, carry a $10,000 deductible, and have not met it in the 4 years we've had the policy.  Our health care expenses beyond our policy average $200 a month including dental.  However, if I went with conventional, low copay coverage, I would pay approximately $670 a month in premiums (at least), with copays and prescriptions on top of that, more expensive, and none of it tax deductible.   My husband had a hospital stay last year that we negotiated because we were paying cash, put on an interest free payment plan, and paid for out of pocket over six months and we still came out paying less than we would have if we had low copay insurance.

Good luck - I know it's frustrating and even scary.  Do be aware of the math, and negotiate with your doctors from a non-insurance position.  

Answer 2

First off, there is no such thing a  good dental policy. For a major medical policy call a local agent. The policies available depend on where you live. An experienced agent can narrow down your options to one that best fits your needs, and that you can afford in just a few minutes.  Avoid the online shopping, there is just simply too much information, and too many scams to watch out for. Also, be open minded about an HSA type of policy. For more info about HSA's see link below.

Don

http://mtnhealthinsurance.com