Choosing health insurance options... (self-employed)

[Entity]

I'm trying to figure out which plan to apply for and am thoroughly confused. I spend about $200/mo on diabetic supplies (out of pocket expenses) and see a speciality doc every six months. Beyond that, I don't have many medical expenses, but am thinking that health insurance would be a good idea -- my student insurance coverage just ended.

Anyway, I'm looking at all the different plans, and don't understand what the deductible is. I'm assuming that a $500 deductible would mean that, in the case of some sort of accident, I would have to pay the first $500. Does anyone know if this just applies in general? As in...I'd be paying the first $500/yr in expenses out of pocket, and then they would pick up my costs?

I'm looking at the plans here: http://www.wa.regence.com/needCoverage/individual/medicalPlan.html

Anyone have advice on what would be best for me? My insurance for the past four years has been school insurance, which cost around $150/mo and covered approximately 70-80% of my costs.

thanks
Rob

 

[Yzzim]

I just got health insurance through American Family Insurance. My plan was $1000 deductible plus I got a prescription drug plan just in case. I pay $105/month.

I'm 22.

Other options they had was $2000 deductible for $70/month and a $3000 for $60/month. Both of those options did not have a drug plan.

 

[Jugernot]

Originally posted by: Entity
I'm trying to figure out which plan to apply for and am thoroughly confused. I spend about $200/mo on diabetic supplies (out of pocket expenses) and see a speciality doc every six months. Beyond that, I don't have many medical expenses, but am thinking that health insurance would be a good idea -- my student insurance coverage just ended.

Anyway, I'm looking at all the different plans, and don't understand what the deductible is. I'm assuming that a $500 deductible would mean that, in the case of some sort of accident, I would have to pay the first $500. Does anyone know if this just applies in general? As in...I'd be paying the first $500/yr in expenses out of pocket, and then they would pick up my costs?

I'm looking at the plans here: http://www.wa.regence.com/needCoverage/individual/medicalPlan.html

Anyone have advice on what would be best for me? My insurance for the past four years has been school insurance, which cost around $150/mo and covered approximately 70-80% of my costs.

thanks
Rob

Yes, they pay everything after $500.... BUT you need to look for exceptions, such as prexisting conditions. Sometimes insurance companies only pay 80% of a cost for certain things, like certain xrays, etc. Also, some plans don't cover "regular doctor visits" meaning if you get sick, they won't cover it. They will only cover scheduled expenses. There are different types of insurance also, Preferred provider plans (PPO) which gives you special discounts if you goto a "in network" provider. There are also endemnity plans, which are more strengent (most times) on what is covered, such as the unscheduled visits.

To be honest, I'd start calling around town and talking with some providers. Insurance is something that you don't want to have bite you in the ass when you need it most.