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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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