33 replies to this topic

[stoli]

The biggest obstacle to deciding to work for myself was health insurance. Getting a policy as a small business owner is incredibly expensive.

Does anyone have any good resources for researching self-employed health insurance?

[Jill]

Good question. Don't know the answer, however. Luckily, my hubby has good insurance. I know that many organizations can provide health insurance, such as the American Marketing Association, and those types of places. Not sure how much, if anything, you save with them though.

Jill

[stoli]

We are also looking into a Medical Savings account. This seems to have some benefits over a standard insurance policy. It also has some drawbacks as well.

It is a gamble either way.

Can anyone shed any experience on a Medical Savings Account?

[dragonlady7]

This is a question that is troubling me as well. I cannot offer any insight, as I have given the matter thought but not research. I wish you luck. Being without health insurance is terrible; I was, last year, and came down with tonsilitis that progressed until I had to fight to breathe and could no longer talk. I finally sought medical care and they were like... here, have a Tylenol and some cheap antibiotics.
Argh! I suffered all that terror and it was (almost) nothing. Oh well... I'd rather it went that way than the alternative.

[copywriter]

Supposedly, Blue Cross Blue Shield has insurance for those who are self-employeed. I've never checked into it, though. Like Jill, my hubby has insurance through his work.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

[stoli]

OK, thanks for the info.

Insurance sure is a hot topic these days.

Rates are going up, coverage down, and the doctors seem busier than ever.

Who has a clue?

[dragonlady7]

So, it looks to me like the best plan is to find yourself a sugar daddy. I don't need mink or diamonds, I just need health insurance.
(Just kidding.)

[stoli]

That is actually a good point!

I'll have to find a sugar momma out there.

I'll post an ad.

Seeking Sugar Momma for long term relationship.
Need not be pleasant to be around or have a good personality.
MUST have the most JAM up health insurance policy available.
Please send fax of policy.

[deborah2002]

LOL!


deb

[Jill]

Rates are going up, coverage down, and the doctors seem busier than ever.

Off topic, but I spent over 3 freakin hours at the doctors yesterday so 2 of my kids could have physicals. They were running about 2 hours behind and didn't have the common courtesy to simply phone us before hand and tell us not to come in for 2 hours or reschedule.

I'm thinking about billing them my hourly rate, which in some cases may be more than the docs actually make!



Jill

[copywriter]

Jill... I have said that SAME thing for years! It annoys me to no end to have to wait for hours at the doctor. Are they the only one's whose schedules/time are important? If you could see my "to do" list, you'd say, 'NOT'!

[deborah2002]

My personal favorite--when my oldest son was 3 months old and all we needed was a "well child" check up--I sad in that darned doctors office for over 2 hours with a bunch of sick kids. I finally got up and left after hearing "the doctor will see you in about 10 minutes" for the 27 time!

deb

[dragonlady7]

I was lucky with my doctor's appointment. I was the first one that day, and so I sat outside for half an hour until the place opened. My appointment started ten minutes early! I was outta there in no time flat. Very nice.

But you can't always do things that way. On the one hand you feel bad for them because emergencies do arise, and the like, but on the other hand, they should be able to let you know if they're so severely behind schedule!

Having a little insight into the healthcare industry I don't think I want any more insight. It is so complicated and insane behind the scenes that it's a wonder we don't all die waiting for the paperwork.

[copywriter]

I agree... emergencies DO arrise. Problems come up that require much longer than expected on their schedule.

But I've never seen a doctor's office yet that didn't have a telephone. They could call and tell you to come later than schedule. It wouldn't take but a minute to make a call. Even if they had 15 patients schedule for the rest of the afternoon, that's only 15-20 minutes of the receptionist's time.

True, though... the earlier in the day you schedule, the more likely you are to have an appointment happen on time.

[stoli]

We spent a lot of time at the doctors when our kids were in day care.

Now that they are not anymore, our visits are not as frequent.

You are right, it is not fun being stranded in the waiting room. The worst is being finally called back only to find that you are stranded in the examining room which doesnt have the TOYS to keep your kids entertained that the waiting room had!

All in all, I think they try to do as best as they can.

The whole Health Care profession has some serious issues to deal with. It just seems like prices are just getting way out of control and nothing is able to put them in check. As a result insurance goes up. It just seems like it is a viscious cycle without a remedy.

All I can do is complain because I dont have the answers either.