Mister Mister Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 Hey this isn't really philosophy related, but I could use some help, and so many people here are very smart and helpful. I'm shopping for healthcare in the US, and wondering what advice people can offer. I have a pretty low income on the books, though I play a lot of music and get paid in cash. I qualify for Obamacare, but I really don't like the idea of signing up for government healthcare. There are a variety of options, with varying premiums, deductibles, copays, etc., and I find it kind of confusing. Realistically I could afford up to $100 a month but that would be really tight, I'd be much more comfortable with half that. Is there a good method to finding the right plan for you? Thanks in advance...
J. D. Stembal Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 The best and most affordable health care plan is prevention.
Matthew Ed Moran Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 I just browsed some insurance for the first time, maybe I am missing something, but it doesn't seem confusing to me. Estimate your medical costs for the year (including any risks you may have), and then browse for the best insurance that will minimize your out-of pocket expense. In general, higher deductibles will coincide with lower co-payments and monthly premiums. However, there seems to be variation with this, and besides going with the general idea that better coverage in some areas will come at the cost of coverage in other areas. If you are at low risk medically and can raise cash for unforeseen medical events from friends and/or family, then maybe you can sacrifice coverage in those areas (such as surgery, x-rays, specialist visits). I was on ehealthinsurance.com and they had a lot of options in a smooth interface that were well detailed once you clicked on a particular plan. does that make sense or was any help?
Mister Mister Posted December 6, 2015 Author Posted December 6, 2015 Right, and I eat well and exercise, but my concern would be if for some reason I get like a freak illness, in need of some expensive treatment, or a broken bone and end up in debt the rest of my life. so I think it makes sense to insure yourself against catastrophes like this.
J. D. Stembal Posted December 6, 2015 Posted December 6, 2015 Right, and I eat well and exercise, but my concern would be if for some reason I get like a freak illness, in need of some expensive treatment, or a broken bone and end up in debt the rest of my life. so I think it makes sense to insure yourself against catastrophes like this. There is no such thing as an illness that comes out of nowhere. I assume that is what you mean by "freak illness". Every effect has a cause. If you get sick, you set yourself up for it in some way by compromising your immune system or through poor lifestyle choices, such as drinking alcohol or subjecting yourself to constant low-grade stress, inflammation, and lack of sleep. Injuries can be mitigated as well, but I would be all for an insurance plan that only covers accidents like falls. However, I ride a snowboard without medical insurance and sleep very well at night. Assuming that one can opt out of paying for the health care of everyone else through taxes, prevention saves money in the long run and you can use these savings to pay off catastrophic injuries that cannot otherwise be avoided. 1 1
Mister Mister Posted December 7, 2015 Author Posted December 7, 2015 well I appreciate that perspective J.D., and it's basically how I've been living for the past several years. Still I'm curious if anyone disagrees or has different advice for me?
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