I need to buy insurance

[petero]

first time getting insurance on my own

and just because I've been posting on this site for many years *cough* researchinging for an ...art work ... yeah an art work... definitely means I do not have a pre-existing neurological seizure condition that could make any premiums immediately exorbitant

but anyway, is there any advice for someone who would need a good insurance policy for a seizure condition?
any recommendations on companies?

or even for that matter an employer who offers insurance for part-time employees, some place I might consider getting a second job

I can't hold my breath for Obamacare to kick in

also what are your opinions of Obamacare?
I think a national healthcare system is a great idea (what do you think Lau..Screamy?)

 

[momof3boys]

First off, Im all for Obama!

My only experience with not having insurance and needing to get insurance at the time, was when I graduated high school, and instead of going right into college, I worked full time as a receptionist, which didnt offer very good insurance. The downfall was that my parents have to get COBRA insurance for me, which was a crap load of money! Here in Nebraska, I dont think there are alot of good jobs here that offer good insurance for part time jobs. Compared to what others have told me, its best to get a full time job for the insurance reasons. Now for me, Im on my husband;s insurance plan. he has a family plan for the family that we use. Now in the meantime, Im looking for a part time job, mostly to get some extra income coming in.

 

[Nakamova]

Past CWE discussions of the Universal Health Care Act and/or Nationalized Health Care Systems have provoked strong opinions on either side, so I'm going ask that folks sidestep that debate.

I'm in Massachusetts, where health insurance has been required for a number of years now. First thing to know: My epilepsy has not been a factor at all -- I can't be denied coverage because of it, and I'm not charged any more for my health plan than a person without epilepsy would be.

I'm self-employed, so I pay out-of-pocket for mine. As a result I've done a lot of comparison shopping. It's very tricky to compare the different plans -- there are many variables to consider -- co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, drug coverage, etc. My plan is an HMO, which means that my PCP (Personal Care Physician) has to refer me to any specialists that I see. This sounds like a pain, but in practice I can actually pick the specialist first and then call my PCP to ask for the referral (sort of like backdating a check). My plan limits me to a "select network" -- which means I can only choose from certain physicians. I'm okay with this because it makes my plan less expensive than other ones.

You have to make an educated guess about which services you may need to use, and then pick the plan to match. As with auto insurance, you can hedge your bets and pick one with high deductibles but lower monthly fees. A key thing to look at is how medications are covered, especially costs for brand vs. generic. Other things to look at are ER deductibles and things like EEGs or MRIs, if you think those are in your future.

 

[tinathesingergirl]

I work for Nike...yes Nike as a part time over 20 employee I am eligble for insurance that I pay for it is quite expensive but it has a choice of 2 health plans at that level I currently have the PPO option and it is quite good I can go to ANY hosptial, ANY doctor I want w/o a referral in the US. It is with United Healthcare in my area. The Drug Plan is quite good I have an option to have either the drugs sent to me by mail or can use a local pharmacy. I use the local pharmacy option for my drugs. If I was a full time employee they would pay 100% of my deductable which for me would save me about $350 a month but still better than a stick in the eye compared to no insurance trying to pay for my drugs w/o insurance and a hospital stay w/o. Since I am married and working with no kids and my husband works I dont quailfy for any kind of state care or any kind of financial assistance from the state that I am aware of. Since Nike is such a big company they have a lot of employees so they can offer a good health plan. When I worked for Macy's the health plan was very similar to the one at Nike. They did not have the option of having the company pick up the tab though for full time employees though I must say that is a nice perk.... most full time employees are either managers, leads, or district employees though some are Shipping and Reciving employees although I would say not many. I have worked for them for 9 years and I am one of the few that am part time over 20 most employees are part time under 20.

 

[jyearta]

This is a GOOD question.

My insur. is with my husband ---through his work. He is looking to retire in 2 years and we have been trying to figure out what type of insurance would the best for me. Something we can afford.

 

[reidflys]

Hello,
I just wanted to tell you that starbucks and home depot both offer really good insurance for part time employees. I didn't know if that is an option.
COBRA is very expensive, I looked into it awhile back and it was $450 a month.
I hope this all works out for you, please keep us posted

 

[valeriedl]

The company that my husband provides insurance for both of us and it's great insurance. However the place is closing down in about a year and we're worried about what we are going to do. I believe he said that they will keep providing the insurance for about 2 years after (we'll have to pay for it) then after that we're on our own.

I'm on medicade and it's pretty expensive for all the copays that I have. When his company shuts down he's going to look for a job that provides insurance. Hopefully he'll beable to find one.

 

[tinathesingergirl]

My sister did work for starbucks for a while as a part time barista for a while and she did like working there she said the insurance options there were good although she did not get them but were glad to know they were there if she did need them. She was covered with her other employer at the time. but it was good coverage. At the moment I am purely working for my insurance not becasue I love my job at Nike. It is simply to expensive to go without and to be on my husbands it is way more expensive to be on his plan becasue he works at a smaller exclusive private school. Not as many employees=not as lower healthcare prices... so I stay its not perfect but they have been accomadating to my needs and I have plenty of vacation banked at this point and am only 1 year away from my 10 year 6 week paid sabbatical so it would be stupid to quit at this point.