How does an individual get health insurance?

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Like if someone worked at a place that didn't provide it, how do they go about getting it? I've been fortunate enough to have always been covered, and my current job has coverage. Just curious how people go about getting it themselves. Do they just call up State Farm and ask about it?

Curious if there is a way to find out how much policies cost.

 

[bleeb]

Where do you live? How much do you make? How old are you?

Insurance coverage depends on a few factors... area and age. Then you need to determine how much you can afford.

 

[tcsenter]

How does an individual get health insurance?

I suspect the same way an individual gets [insert insurance coverage type here]:

You call up a provider of [insert insurance coverage type here] and say "I'd like to purchase [insert insurance coverage type here]."

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: tcsenter

How does an individual get health insurance?

I suspect the same way an individual gets [insert insurance coverage type here]:

You call up a provider of [insert insurance coverage type here] and say "I'd like to purchase [insert insurance coverage type here]."

Exactly, then they give you the 'disney world' meal rates, instead of the watered down cost of coverage through work.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Originally posted by: tcsenter

How does an individual get health insurance?

I suspect the same way an individual gets [insert insurance coverage type here]:

You call up a provider of [insert insurance coverage type here] and say "I'd like to purchase [insert insurance coverage type here]."

So I call up and ask specifically what type of policy I want? That's rather absurd. I don't know who carries health insurance, hence the question.

If you know of any Healthsmart, Fortis, Beech Street insurance buildings that I call for a quote, then let me know. My question is who is the middleman to go through. I know who provides the coverage, but who sets it all up.

 

[PlatinumGold]

for family coverage i'm paying $700 per month for PPO.

it's not cheap, and even getting the insurance agent to return your call is a biatch. they just don't make enough money of me as an individual to really spend any time on my problems.

it pretty much sux.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: BrunoPuntzJones

Originally posted by: tcsenter

How does an individual get health insurance?

I suspect the same way an individual gets [insert insurance coverage type here]:

You call up a provider of [insert insurance coverage type here] and say "I'd like to purchase [insert insurance coverage type here]."

So I call up and ask specifically what type of policy I want? That's rather absurd. I don't know who carries health insurance, hence the question.

If you know of any Healthsmart, Fortis, Beech Street insurance buildings that I call for a quote, then let me know. My question is who is the middleman to go through. I know who provides the coverage, but who sets it all up.

there are brokers that do just that. they carry 5 or 6 different major providers.

 

[amnesiac]

You find insurance brokers in the phone book like me and call them up.

Many will support multiple companies and will be able to give you a comparison. We do Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Pacificare, HealthNet, and Aetna. Most health insurance companies are Regional but I think HealthNet and BC/BS are available in Texas.

Things to consider:

- You will likely have very little contact with your health insurance broker, but since your premiums pay them you should at least be able to trust them to answer questions and help you should you have any problems or plan changes. Claims and other business will be handled directly with the company.

- Contact the doctors that you usually go to and see what plans they support. Some doctors will participate in nearly all of them, others only a couple major ones. It sucks having new health insurance but not being able to go to a doctor that you've been going to for years.

- Decide if you want an HMO or PPO. Typically if you are a single guy an HMO is a better option as it's usually cheaper. However you have less choices and flexibility in choosing your care. If you don't get sick often and just want major illness coverage, go for a high deductible PPO. You pay the first $2500-5000 out of pocket but you'll still be better off that way than if you had a trip to the ER without insurance.

- Dental insurance can be added on for a very small amount of money. It's usually worth it.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
for family coverage i'm paying $700 per month for PPO.

it's not cheap, and even getting the insurance agent to return your call is a biatch. they just don't make enough money of me as an individual to really spend any time on my problems.

it pretty much sux.

:Q
$700/month!!!

Holy shiats!

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
for family coverage i'm paying $700 per month for PPO.

it's not cheap, and even getting the insurance agent to return your call is a biatch. they just don't make enough money of me as an individual to really spend any time on my problems.

it pretty much sux.

Yep health insurance costs in the NE states are absurdly high.

Also you might consider switching insurance agents. The whole point of an agent is to keep tabs on your policy and make sure payments are made on time and to effect any changes you request. It's a trust thing, in addition to being customer service. I always return my clients' calls immediately.

P.S. your insurance agent makes a lot more than you'd think off your premium payments. You deserve better service than that.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
for family coverage i'm paying $700 per month for PPO.

it's not cheap, and even getting the insurance agent to return your call is a biatch. they just don't make enough money of me as an individual to really spend any time on my problems.

it pretty much sux.

:Q
$700/month!!!

Holy shiats!

That's for a family, plus it's in the section of the US with the highest healthcare costs in the nation.
A twentysomething year old in LA can get health insurance for <$50 a month. (not guaranteed, rough estimate, etc)

 

[bleeb]

For your reference:

PPO - "Preferred Provider Organizations" You basically go to doctors which are in the organization to get the best discounts, but you aren't restricted to them. You can visit any doctor you wish but the benefits might not be as great as if you chose a doctor in the org. It's also a fee-for-service plan. Either comprehensive or more limited.

HMO - "Health Maintanence Organization" You basically are restricted to doctor within their organization. They are a "preventative care" type organization and premiums are on a scheduled prepayment basis. They are usually comprehensive.

POS - "Point Of Service" type plans are basically pay for the rendered services type. This is a fee-for-service plan when outside providers utilized. Either comprehensive or more limited.

 

[amnesiac]

^^^ good job remembering your test material, bleeb!

 

[bleeb]

Originally posted by: amnesiac
^^^ good job remembering your test material, bleeb!

heheh that's the easy stuff!! The TAX ramifications were a BIATCH!