I am looking for some help in selecting new, lower-cost health insurance. My company does not pay for it so I have to pay on my own. Luckily dd is covered under her father. I have been fortunate to not really have needed much in the way of medical care other than some minor injuries and physical/gynecological exams. But I want to find affordable coverage. I am only 39 years old so I need a plan that offers maternity coverage. I am not planning on more kids but you never know. Seems that any low-cost coverage has no maternity coverage. I don't really mind a higher deductible as long as I have coverage for major stuff. Any suggestions? I've been to ehealthinsurance.com, but am looking for other options.

Jill

Dena is in the same boat. She needs insurance. It looks like Kiser will be the best bet for her.

It used to be that if you were a full time employee you could expect insurance coverage to be available but that is not necessarily true any more.
If a company has fewer than 50 employees they are not required to offer any insurance, even to their full time employees.

Jill,
I wonder if your state has domestic partner benefits? If you live with your fiancee, you might be entitled to his share his coverage.

Jill,
Insurance varies state to state so I don't know if this is true in PA but we have insurance brokers who can price out all sorts of options. One of my oldest friends is one. You can ask among your personal and professional contacts to see if someone can make a recommendation or if you have any sort of financial planning professional you use, they might have a recommendation. Also, consider looking at the Health Savings Account (HSA) eligible plans. This allows you to save for high deductible spending in a tax sheltered manner. A broker will be able to help you figure that out too.

Peg

you are right on target linda. COBRA is also about giving notice. employees cannot just be cut off of coverage. they need reasonable notice and the chance to continue the coverage for a period of 18 months. the employee would pay the premium during that time.

My understanding of COBRA is that is the mandated extension of health benefits a company supplied allowed to a person who is no longer employed by that company. The company no longer makes the payment for the insurance, but the employee starts paying for it. Then this insurance is only available for 18 months after the termination of the employer and employee relationship.

Linda

jill, in north carolina Well Path is a big competitor of Blue Cross because they cover just as much but their rates are lower. DD has well path that I pay for out of pocket.good luck. i am in the same boat my dear.

I'm assuming you know about Cobra? Most of the self-employed people I know use it, though I couldn't tell you any details because I've been Blue Cross my whole life.