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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
  
Location: Texas! | So my work is offering heath insurance now but is not paying any of it. I qualify for a $204 subsidy so can get a similar plan through the market place for $100 less than what I would be paying for work which is already double what I paid for this plan in 2017. Only problem is the plan through my work is considered affordable going by the 9.69% of my income. I'm considering going uninsured and just putting money aside for the penalty and for any office visits I need. Only reason I signed up last year was in case I had a bad accident and figured $6500 wasn't going to bankrupt us but for $80 / mo it was worth that piece of mind. Now I'm going to be required to take my works plan which the lowest plan is $224 for the same high deductible HSA. I'm just frustrated and wondering what y'all would do in this situation? | |
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 BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Is your work plan a combined high deductible with an HSA?
What is your monthly premium? Are you putting the maximum allowable into your HSA every month?
What is the deductible amount? | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | They are both 100% HSA with deductible of $6550 before anything is paid. Both cover a yearly visit all the minimum etc. had my IUD replaced this year so I'm good on BC for 5 more years. I have not put anything into it. I pay $80/mo for my 2017 plan which the plan on the marketplace goes up to $159 for 2018 my work plan is $224 for same plan but with BCBS. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | You haven’t put anything into your HSA? I would do that, for one thing. Your deductible is high, like most people. Ours is the same, except we are paying $1500 a month. Consider yourself lucky.
A lot of people would love to have your dilemma. Take maximum advantage of your HSA. It’s all deductible, plus it’s your money. You own it. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Can't afford to add to the hsa that is already doubling plus now the difference from my works plan plus now having to pay studen loan payments. Not getting a second job to pay for my works insurance. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | WYOracer - 2017-11-05 12:03 PM
Can't afford to add to the hsa that is already doubling plus now the difference from my works plan plus now having to pay studen loan payments. Not getting a second job to pay for my works insurance.
I don’t understand your last sentence.
Given the current climate, what do you think is a reasonable amount that you should be expected to pay for health insurance that covers all your health care expenses, in the event you suffer an extreme injury that could run up into the hundreds of thousands?
Honest question.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | im wondering if there is any alternatives to being required to take my work plan since it's more than doubling my current situation. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Well, whatever you decide, you are getting off easy, compared to a lot of people. In fact, most.
I'd strongly recommend you take advantage of your HSA and make contributions to it. That is not money "spent".....it's a savings account that you own.
Do you own horses? | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | I do yes. We've sold all but my one. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Has anyone had any luck on the open market with reasonable plans? | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | WYOracer - 2017-11-05 2:23 PM
I do yes. We've sold all but my one.
Is that the one you had insured? | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Yes. He's the one that had KS surgery. | |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
 
Location: OH. IO | Personally I would stay with work insurance. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Well, those high deductible policies are crappy, but you really aren't paying very much at all. You are lucky compared to most.
I don't mean to pick on you, but I happened to remember that your horse had KS surgery and you were able to have that done because you were able to afford equine major medical surgery.
I'd suggest dropping the equine insurance, and put that money into an HSA. That makes more sense to me.
Priorities. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | I'm just frustrated he originally wasn't going to offer the lowest plan bc I'm the only person it would've affected but now wants it for himself and daughter and since the marketplace allowed me to sign up and said I was eligible we thought well ok it's fine but then I see that it states if I'm found eligible for "affordable" work insurance I will have to pay the subsidy back. I am going to more than double my premium for the same plan and deductible. I'm assuming no one has had any luck with plans off the marketplace or outside of work? | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | WYOracer - 2017-11-05 4:16 PM
I'm just frustrated he originally wasn't going to offer the lowest plan bc I'm the only person it would've affected but now wants it for himself and daughter and since the marketplace allowed me to sign up and said I was eligible we thought well ok it's fine but then I see that it states if I'm found eligible for "affordable" work insurance I will have to pay the subsidy back. I am going to more than double my premium for the same plan and deductible. I'm assuming no one has had any luck with plans off the marketplace or outside of work?
I see why you are frustrated, but you have to take a step back and survey the landscape. I'll say it again......you are paying very little for health insurance, compared to the vast majority, whether it's your employer's plan or through the marketplace.
I just think you are sidestepping a point I'm trying to make, for your benefit. Even if you set aside $100 a month to put into your HSA, that is a wise move. You aren't PAYING for anything. You are simply putting YOUR money aside for an unexpected illness or injury. Scrap your horse's health insurance and put it away into your HSA. If you stay healthy, you'll build up a nice little savings account that YOU own. Most people don't have major medical for their horses, unless they own horses that are worth a considerable amount, and even then a lot of people don't spend the money on it. In my opinion, you need to re-think your priorities.
In the meantime, keep looking around for the best high deductible plan. Be careful, because there are some "plans" out there that are shady. If you run into one from an oddball company out there, make sure you read it carefully. | |
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| I had a plan through the marketplace before I started my new career, which offers great insurance. I started about halfway through the calendar year, and because I had new insurance and received a huge pay increase, I had to pay back my subsidy amount for the months I had the marketplace plan. It was not fun trying to pay off that penalty, but luckily my tax return was able to help.
My husband had an HSA and it worked very well for him, because all of that money he contributed wasn't taxed, and he ended up writing it off (which I think everyone can do).
Personally, I would do the plan with the lower premium if possible, but add the difference from the two plans ($224-$159) to the HSA each month, and try to add as much to the HSA as possible for the year. I think you can add up to $3,450 if you're single, and double that if you're married, per year. Plus, that money contributed can grow and continues to stay in that account until you end your insurance plan (unless you go to a new HSA, then you can transfer the amount to that, I believe). So after a few years, that money accrued will be more than your deductible, and can be used at any time to pay for prescriptions, emergency room fees, any out of pocket medical costs, even your deductible. You can also invest the money from your HSA like you would an IRA. You can withdraw the funds at any time for any reason (not even medical related), but any non-medical reason will incur a tax penalty on the withdrawal amount.
ETA: If you love your job, but do not make enough to cover your health insurance costs, then maybe it's a good time to sit and talk with your boss(es) about what can be done to make it more affordable for you, whether it be the possibility of a raise, them paying a portion of your monthly premium, or just sitting back and taking a look at your own finances and where you can cut back to make it affordable.
Edited by madredepeanut 2017-11-05 6:10 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | madredepeanut - 2017-11-05 5:02 PM
I had a plan through the marketplace before I started my new career, which offers great insurance. I started about halfway through the calendar year, and because I had new insurance and received a huge pay increase, I had to pay back my subsidy amount for the months I had the marketplace plan. It was not fun trying to pay off that penalty, but luckily my tax return was able to help.
My husband had an HSA and it worked very well for him, because all of that money he contributed wasn't taxed, and he ended up writing it off (which I think everyone can do).
Personally, I would do the plan with the lower premium if possible, but add the difference from the two plans ($224-$159) to the HSA each month, and try to add as much to the HSA as possible for the year. I think you can add up to $3,450 if you're single, and double that if you're married, per year. Plus, that money contributed can grow and continues to stay in that account until you end your insurance plan (unless you go to a new HSA, then you can transfer the amount to that, I believe). So after a few years, that money accrued will be more than your deductible, and can be used at any time to pay for prescriptions, emergency room fees, any out of pocket medical costs, even your deductible. You can also invest the money from your HSA like you would an IRA. You can withdraw the funds at any time for any reason (not even medical related), but any non-medical reason will incur a tax penalty on the withdrawal amount.
ETA: If you love your job, but do not make enough to cover your health insurance costs, then maybe it's a good time to sit and talk with your boss(es) about what can be done to make it more affordable for you, whether it be the possibility of a raise, them paying a portion of your monthly premium, or just sitting back and taking a look at your own finances and where you can cut back to make it affordable.
I love my job and we just bought a house here because we are happy here. Which has been great bc our costs have actually gone down versus us renting and we'll we own our place. I'm happy with my pay and am paid well considering the national avg. where I work besides doctors of course bc I have a bachelor degree and take on other administrative duties as well. This is the first time they've offered a group plan but didn't want to hurt anyone well Im the only one it affects bc of my pay so I'm basically taking a pay cut to pay for the insurance through work. The $159 plan was with a subsidy which I will not get if the $224 plan is offered at my work so I either have to take the $224 plan find something through the open market or go uninsured. The HSA would be great if I wasn't looking at an additional $134 mo going towards student loan payments plus the $144 work health insurance is going to increase. Oh well I guess I just have to pick my sucker up out of the dirt and hope they can start paying towards our insurance maybe next year. Joys of adultinf I guess, the minute you feel like you're finally going to start getting ahead life smacks you with a new bill. | |
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| WYOracer - 2017-11-05 4:38 PM
madredepeanut - 2017-11-05 5:02 PM
I had a plan through the marketplace before I started my new career, which offers great insurance. I started about halfway through the calendar year, and because I had new insurance and received a huge pay increase, I had to pay back my subsidy amount for the months I had the marketplace plan. It was not fun trying to pay off that penalty, but luckily my tax return was able to help.
My husband had an HSA and it worked very well for him, because all of that money he contributed wasn't taxed, and he ended up writing it off (which I think everyone can do).
Personally, I would do the plan with the lower premium if possible, but add the difference from the two plans ($224-$159) to the HSA each month, and try to add as much to the HSA as possible for the year. I think you can add up to $3,450 if you're single, and double that if you're married, per year. Plus, that money contributed can grow and continues to stay in that account until you end your insurance plan (unless you go to a new HSA, then you can transfer the amount to that, I believe). So after a few years, that money accrued will be more than your deductible, and can be used at any time to pay for prescriptions, emergency room fees, any out of pocket medical costs, even your deductible. You can also invest the money from your HSA like you would an IRA. You can withdraw the funds at any time for any reason (not even medical related), but any non-medical reason will incur a tax penalty on the withdrawal amount.
ETA: If you love your job, but do not make enough to cover your health insurance costs, then maybe it's a good time to sit and talk with your boss(es) about what can be done to make it more affordable for you, whether it be the possibility of a raise, them paying a portion of your monthly premium, or just sitting back and taking a look at your own finances and where you can cut back to make it affordable.
I love my job and we just bought a house here because we are happy here. Which has been great bc our costs have actually gone down versus us renting and we'll we own our place. I'm happy with my pay and am paid well considering the national avg. where I work besides doctors of course bc I have a bachelor degree and take on other administrative duties as well. This is the first time they've offered a group plan but didn't want to hurt anyone well Im the only one it affects bc of my pay so I'm basically taking a pay cut to pay for the insurance through work. The $159 plan was with a subsidy which I will not get if the $224 plan is offered at my work so I either have to take the $224 plan find something through the open market or go uninsured. The HSA would be great if I wasn't looking at an additional $134 mo going towards student loan payments plus the $144 work health insurance is going to increase. Oh well I guess I just have to pick my sucker up out of the dirt and hope they can start paying towards our insurance maybe next year. Joys of adultinf I guess, the minute you feel like you're finally going to start getting ahead life smacks you with a new bill.
I hear you. If it's not one thing, it's another  | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| No suggestions just a hug.
I feel your frustration. I just switched jobs and previously we had VERY affordable insurance for myself and my husband. I’m currently wading through enrolling in insurance for the balance of this year and next year with the new company. Different types of plans, different company contributions, it’s a lot to figure out. The plans do cost more, enough to pretty well offset the raise I got. Luckily I only drive 8 miles now vs 60 one way... so that helps. My husband has reoccurring health expenses which adds to the complexity of the decision.
Hugs | |
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Veteran
Posts: 276
| I would ask your employer to cover the difference between your work plan cost and the cost of your plan on the marketplace. That seems kinda messed up for him to offer insurance only to save himself money, but not offer to contribute any to the employee's plans. | |
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  That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| I have an HSA & high deductible plan. I put about $700 / month into my HSA because we started a little late in the year. My net paycheck is about the same because of the tax reduction from the HSA contribution. You will be surprised how much you can put in without feeling any pinch to your check.
ETA: I believe that if you plan offers an affordable plan you are ineligible to participate in the marketplace. I could be wrong on that, but I seem to remember reading something along those lines.
Edited by Whiteboy 2017-11-06 10:30 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Whiteboy - 2017-11-06 9:28 AM
I have an HSA & high deductible plan. I put about $700 / month into my HSA because we started a little late in the year. My net paycheck is about the same because of the tax reduction from the HSA contribution. You will be surprised how much you can put in without feeling any pinch to your check.
ETA: I believe that if you plan offers an affordable plan you are ineligible to participate in the marketplace. I could be wrong on that, but I seem to remember reading something along those lines.
Correct is was my dilemma do I go with the higher plan or go uninsured. I'm going to go ahead with my work plan and see how much I can contribute without feeling stuck. We're already working hard on cutting things back and building savings. | |
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Member
Posts: 36
| Those of you who can afford health insurance, and HSA, and have doctors and hospitals that will accept it, consider yourselves beyond lucky. When Obamacare rolled around, I went ahead and got it. Unfortunately, none of my doctors or the hospitals within 120 miles would accept it. Our deductible was $12,500. I was paying premiums and medical expenses, and when the next year rolled around and my premiums were more than my house payment and my car payment, I dropped it. I could afford the penalty more that I could the "insurance" that was basically useless. The story gets worse, but you get the picture.
If your premium is only $224 a month, and you can afford it, I would definitely take it. Last time I checked, for my husband and myself it was $994 a month. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | TxRanchWoman - 2017-11-07 1:28 PM
Those of you who can afford health insurance, and HSA, and have doctors and hospitals that will accept it, consider yourselves beyond lucky. When Obamacare rolled around, I went ahead and got it. Unfortunately, none of my doctors or the hospitals within 120 miles would accept it. Our deductible was $12,500. I was paying premiums and medical expenses, and when the next year rolled around and my premiums were more than my house payment and my car payment, I dropped it. I could afford the penalty more that I could the "insurance" that was basically useless. The story gets worse, but you get the picture.
If your premium is only $224 a month, and you can afford it, I would definitely take it. Last time I checked, for my husband and myself it was $994 a month.
Sadly, this is a very common scenario today | |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | WYOracer - 2017-11-05 10:41 AM So my work is offering heath insurance now but is not paying any of it. I qualify for a $204 subsidy so can get a similar plan through the market place for $100 less than what I would be paying for work which is already double what I paid for this plan in 2017. Only problem is the plan through my work is considered affordable going by the 9.69% of my income. I'm considering going uninsured and just putting money aside for the penalty and for any office visits I need. Only reason I signed up last year was in case I had a bad accident and figured $6500 wasn't going to bankrupt us but for $80 / mo it was worth that piece of mind. Now I'm going to be required to take my works plan which the lowest plan is $224 for the same high deductible HSA. I'm just frustrated and wondering what y'all would do in this situation?
Boy, I wish my monthly payment was only $224. And my deductible is much, much higher than yours.
I agree with Bear. Your rate sounds pretty reasonable compared to what other folks have to pay.
I would absolutely NOT pick the uninsured route. If you get into a car accident tomorrow and you are in the hospital for weeks .... you will end up with a catastrophic hospital bill you absolutely cannot pay. Yes, you make yourself "insurance poor" by paying monthly premiums that don't give you much benefit, but you have to have some insurance in the event something horrific happens.
Figure out a way to pay the premium, whether you do it through work or on your own through the marketplace.
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 Unknown Drip
Posts: 5624
Location: Back in MT BABY!!! | WYOracer - 2017-11-05 9:41 AM So my work is offering heath insurance now but is not paying any of it. I qualify for a $204 subsidy so can get a similar plan through the market place for $100 less than what I would be paying for work which is already double what I paid for this plan in 2017. Only problem is the plan through my work is considered affordable going by the 9.69% of my income. I'm considering going uninsured and just putting money aside for the penalty and for any office visits I need. Only reason I signed up last year was in case I had a bad accident and figured $6500 wasn't going to bankrupt us but for $80 / mo it was worth that piece of mind. Now I'm going to be required to take my works plan which the lowest plan is $224 for the same high deductible HSA. I'm just frustrated and wondering what y'all would do in this situation?
This is the same plan I have and I pay $325.67 for it...2018 the deductible is going up as well as my premium :) | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more.
Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance.
Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. | |
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 I'm doing it!!
Posts: 2332
| My health insurance just for me is $988.00 per month and just got a letter from BCBS of TX that it will increase to $1,100.00 per month starting February 2018. It's great insurance, I was only out of pocket less than $7,000.00 for my cancer surgery, chemo and radiation.
The cost for all of that was almost $200,000.00 I'd love to find cheaper insurance but BCBS said if I change to a different insuance plan I can never get this one back. So I'm scared to try another plan. I'm sticking with this one as long as I can afford it. I'm 61 and waiting for medicare, it's alot cheaper. Hopefully it'll be around then. | |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | I finalized my and my co-worker's health insurance this morning. Our plan was going from $1,600 per month to $2,300 per month each. We changed plans, upped co-pays and out of pocket and managed to keep it at $1,700 each effective 1/1/18. Thank God we are in a Union and our contract doesn't have a limit on how much the plan costs. But, I think it is a good thing I am retiring before this contract is up because I am sure we will have to start paying about 1/2 of the premium after that.
I do not know how people who work so don't qualify for a supplement manage to pay for health care. | |
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That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM
I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more.
Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance.
Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up.
Exactly! | |
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 The One
Posts: 7998
Location: South Georgia | My HMO is $135/month. It is one of the benefits of being a teacher employed by the State. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 695
Location: Windoming | Bear - 2017-11-07 8:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up.
That is exactly what I often think, that I could be making pickup payments instead of paying for my health insurance. Instead, I have a 16 year old pickup so that I can pay for my health insurance. This is not something I planned for at this stage of my life! | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 972
Location: Texas! | Bear - 2017-11-07 8:15 PM
I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more.
Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance.
Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up.
I have to agree with this and I have no idea how some justify taking out that kind of debt on their hobby but if they can afford it more power to them that's for sure!! | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | WYOracer - 2017-11-08 7:31 PM
Bear - 2017-11-07 8:15 PM
I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more.
Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance.
Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up.
I have to agree with this and I have no idea how some justify taking out that kind of debt on their hobby but if they can afford it more power to them that's for sure!!
Well, in actuality, many, if not most just THINK they can afford it.
Qualifying for a ridiculous, predatory loan for things like new pickups or horse trailers, does NOT necessarily mean you can "afford" it.
Too many people are living their lives with an endless list of growing payments on things. That's why 70-80% of people don't have any savings for retirement and will depend on Social Security. That is becoming an increasingly risky assumption.
Take it from a balding fat old man who has made just about every dumb mistake possible. Use your head. Be smart and don't fall into the trap of rationalizing. Save money. Avoid debt. Time flies, and the next thing you know you are 50, and you have nothing but mounting debt.
Alas, I degress! My apology. | |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Bear - 2017-11-08 8:22 PM
WYOracer - 2017-11-08 7:31 PM
Bear - 2017-11-07 8:15 PM
I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more.
Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance.
Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up.
I have to agree with this and I have no idea how some justify taking out that kind of debt on their hobby but if they can afford it more power to them that's for sure!!
Well, in actuality, many, if not most just THINK they can afford it.
Qualifying for a ridiculous, predatory loan for things like new pickups or horse trailers, does NOT necessarily mean you can "afford" it.
Too many people are living their lives with an endless list of growing payments on things. That's why 70-80% of people don't have any savings for retirement and will depend on Social Security. That is becoming an increasingly risky assumption.
Take it from a balding fat old man who has made just about every dumb mistake possible. Use your head. Be smart and don't fall into the trap of rationalizing. Save money. Avoid debt. Time flies, and the next thing you know you are 50, and you have nothing but mounting debt.
Alas, I degress! My apology.
Some of these life lessons should be taught in a mandatory high school class. . . . | |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Bingo!! It is all about priorities. If you cannot afford health insurance and build a savings account, then you really can't afford horses.
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To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Wait, Whoa, why should people have to give up everything to afford health insurance? We should be able to afford insurance as well as a life. The bloodsucking insurance companies and corporations who own the hospitals and clinics and testing facilities should be regulated, not enabled with subsidiesi. We wouldn't need Obamacare if our legislators had the guts to face that the Regan eara deregulations have screwed us all. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | Vickie - 2017-11-09 5:41 PM
SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Good one! It's Ronald Regan's fault. Why stop there? I think it's Abe Lincoln's fault. | |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | Bear - 2017-11-09 6:05 PM Vickie - 2017-11-09 5:41 PM SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Good one! It's Ronald Regan's fault. Why stop there? I think it's Abe Lincoln's fault.
The blame game makes not one bit of difference to this situation. Wish for a different health care system all you want, but in the end you have to work with reality. And the fact is if you have one bad accident or serious illness without health insurance the rest of your life will turn to chit. It will be pretty darn hard to sustain a lifestyle with horses or any other expensive HOBBY if a health crisis bankrupts you and you have no assets and no savings. Sometimes in the adult world gratification has to be delayed. | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 6:28 PM
Bear - 2017-11-09 6:05 PM Vickie - 2017-11-09 5:41 PM SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Good one! It's Ronald Regan's fault. Why stop there? I think it's Abe Lincoln's fault.
Gratification and hobbies are one thing. I work in agriculture with farmers and I’m watching these ridiculously high premiums piled on top of ridiculously high deductibles ruin farms that have spanned generations and over 100 years of prosperity. I understand as well as anyone that prices are low and times are tough for growers in general but there is nothing “affordable” anymore about healthcare.
The truly ridiculous part is, a coworkers son has chosen to go uninsured and recently needed an MRI. He told them he was paying cash and his price was $250. When my husband needs an annual MRI to make sure he is still clear of cancer they bill our insurance thousands. THAT is where is system is screwed up IMO. Either the services don’t cost near what insurance get billed for, or those of us with insurance are having to support those without anyway. | |
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BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25352
Location: Bastrop, Texas | OhMax - 2017-11-09 6:56 PM
SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 6:28 PM
Bear - 2017-11-09 6:05 PM Vickie - 2017-11-09 5:41 PM SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Good one! It's Ronald Regan's fault. Why stop there? I think it's Abe Lincoln's fault.
Gratification and hobbies are one thing. I work in agriculture with farmers and I’m watching these ridiculously high premiums piled on top of ridiculously high deductibles ruin farms that have spanned generations and over 100 years of prosperity. I understand as well as anyone that prices are low and times are tough for growers in general but there is nothing “affordable” anymore about healthcare.
The truly ridiculous part is, a coworkers son has chosen to go uninsured and recently needed an MRI. He told them he was paying cash and his price was $250. When my husband needs an annual MRI to make sure he is still clear of cancer they bill our insurance thousands. THAT is where is system is screwed up IMO. Either the services don’t cost near what insurance get billed for, or those of us with insurance are having to support those without anyway.
This is one of the more instructive, illustrative posts I've seen in a long time on this board.
You are 100% right. Families are paying the equivalent of a mortgage for health insurance they can't afford to use. Think about it. I'll say it again: Families are paying the equivalent of a mortgage for a product they can't afford to use. It's insane, particularly when you add that experience of your coworker's son.....$250 versus over $1000 if he would have been insured.
In my opinion, that example provides the clue to the best solution to the problem: a REAL market-driven system. Congress hasn't even approached the problem. Both parties are too corrupt and lacking the courage to come up with a fix. | |
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Nut Case Expert
Posts: 9305
Location: Tulsa, Ok | Bear - 2017-11-09 7:48 PM OhMax - 2017-11-09 6:56 PM SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 6:28 PM Bear - 2017-11-09 6:05 PM Vickie - 2017-11-09 5:41 PM SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Good one! It's Ronald Regan's fault. Why stop there? I think it's Abe Lincoln's fault. Gratification and hobbies are one thing. I work in agriculture with farmers and I’m watching these ridiculously high premiums piled on top of ridiculously high deductibles ruin farms that have spanned generations and over 100 years of prosperity. I understand as well as anyone that prices are low and times are tough for growers in general but there is nothing “affordable” anymore about healthcare. The truly ridiculous part is, a coworkers son has chosen to go uninsured and recently needed an MRI. He told them he was paying cash and his price was $250. When my husband needs an annual MRI to make sure he is still clear of cancer they bill our insurance thousands. THAT is where is system is screwed up IMO. Either the services don’t cost near what insurance get billed for, or those of us with insurance are having to support those without anyway. This is one of the more instructive, illustrative posts I've seen in a long time on this board. You are 100% right. Families are paying the equivalent of a mortgage for health insurance they can't afford to use. Think about it. I'll say it again: Families are paying the equivalent of a mortgage for a product they can't afford to use. It's insane, particularly when you add that experience of your coworker's son.....$250 versus over $1000 if he would have been insured. In my opinion, that example provides the clue to the best solution to the problem: a REAL market-driven system. Congress hasn't even approached the problem. Both parties are too corrupt and lacking the courage to come up with a fix.
You hit the nail on the head Bear. Congress knows who butters their bread so the rest of us are totally screwed. Bucking the system sounds good in theory, until you are faced with astronomical, long term health care costs. Now Congress is thinking about kicking the infirm while they are down by eliminating the medical deduction on income taxes.
My MIL lived for 10.5 years 75% paralized and with aphasia after a massive stroke. During that time my FIL was diagnosed and died with lung cancer. The medical and nursing costs were astronomical even after insurance and eventually medicare and medigap insurance paid. We were forced to draw huge amounts from their retirement funds to cover those costs. That in turn triggered more withdrawals to pay the resulting income tax which would have been even more without the medical deductions. Without insurance and huge savings they would have been totally screwed. | |
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Location: in the ozone | OhMax - 2017-11-09 5:56 PM
SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 6:28 PM
Bear - 2017-11-09 6:05 PM Vickie - 2017-11-09 5:41 PM SC Wrangler - 2017-11-09 11:21 AM Whiteboy - 2017-11-08 1:07 PM Bear - 2017-11-07 9:15 PM I've seen a lot of people who are making a payment of $700-800 for a newer pickup. I've seen people with new trailers and a tack room full of new saddles and tack. They are making $500-600 payments on those. Some have 3, 4, 5 decent horses, maybe more. Some of the same ones will act like the sky is falling when they discover their health insurance premium goes up by $100-200....and they are contemplating going without insurance. Look, everyone knows healthcare and health insurance is a mess right now, but I think in many instances priorities are seriously screwed up. Exactly!
Good one! It's Ronald Regan's fault. Why stop there? I think it's Abe Lincoln's fault.
Gratification and hobbies are one thing. I work in agriculture with farmers and I’m watching these ridiculously high premiums piled on top of ridiculously high deductibles ruin farms that have spanned generations and over 100 years of prosperity. I understand as well as anyone that prices are low and times are tough for growers in general but there is nothing “affordable” anymore about healthcare.
The truly ridiculous part is, a coworkers son has chosen to go uninsured and recently needed an MRI. He told them he was paying cash and his price was $250. When my husband needs an annual MRI to make sure he is still clear of cancer they bill our insurance thousands. THAT is where is system is screwed up IMO. Either the services don’t cost near what insurance get billed for, or those of us with insurance are having to support those without anyway.
so true Max! And if you look at your EOB's you get from the insurance company, you see all the amounts that are "not allowed; discounted, etc" and insurance ends up paying very little. It is crazy - they "have" us where they want us!
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1096
| If you own anything you value...aka land, home, etc I would definately be getting some health insurance. All it takes is one accident and you will be paying money up the ying yang. Think about the cost of an ambulance trip....flight in an airplace (which they do ALOT of here in the rural upper midwest)...the cost of time in the hospital. Weather it's a good, bad, or so so plan I'd highly recommend getting something. Just my 2 Cents. | |
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Heath insurance what would you do?