Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

What's my best bet for health insurance?

Posted on 10/10/16 at 8:17 pm
Posted by LSUShock
Kansas
Member since Jun 2014
4913 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 8:17 pm
In early July, I was told that my position at my previous employer was going to be eliminated. It was definitely a shock to the system, but as someone who was looking to take a business venture full time, it has provided that opportunity to do so. That said, my last day on the job was September 9. All benefits were terminated on that day, including health insurance.

A month later, I still do not have health insurance. If it was just me, I would not be as concerned or would just wait until open enrollment for 2017, but I have a 6-month old who just missed her most recent appointment because of the situation. As a dad and a provider, I feel like I am putting her at great risk until we have insurance.

My question is, what is the best route to go? My income in 2016 will be substantially higher than 2017 (like 70% higher). I don't believe I qualify for any marketplace plans for 2016, but will for 2017. Should I just pick something from the marketplace before October 15 so she has coverage November-December and then reevaluate as 2017 Open Enrollment approaches? Should I look for private insurance through a different provider? My greatest concern is making sure my daughter is covered in fear of a worst case scenario. Any help is much appreciated!
This post was edited on 10/10/16 at 8:28 pm
Posted by Tigerpaw123
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2007
17252 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 8:31 pm to
quote:

but I have a 6-month old who just missed her most recent appointment because of the situation.


First, pay this visit cash, no reason not to

Then, talk to an insurance agent and see what they can provide as far as private plans go. Then go to healthcare dot gov and shop plans, loss of a job is a qualifying event for special enrollment
Posted by Boss
Member since Dec 2007
1196 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 8:36 pm to
You can choose to roll the dice. Pay cash for doctor visit then wait till January. You can always retro COBRA 149 days out. You will be on the hook for premiums back to September 9th.
Posted by LSUShock
Kansas
Member since Jun 2014
4913 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 8:39 pm to
quote:

First, pay this visit cash, no reason not to


Looking at previous appointments, that's about $800 for routine baby care and immunizations. If that's the only option, I will bite that bullet, but that would certainly not help the financial situation in an already delicate time.
Posted by tiger91
In my own little world
Member since Nov 2005
36703 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 9:31 pm to
Tell them the situation. They'll do a cash discount.
Posted by doubleb
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2006
35883 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 9:38 pm to
Buddy if you can't provide for your baby you need to nut up.

Save for an emergency and don't put your child at risk,
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37007 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 9:51 pm to
quote:


Looking at previous appointments, that's about $800 for routine baby care and immunizations. If that's the only option, I will bite that bullet, but that would certainly not help the financial situation in an already delicate time.


Disregard the charges. Look at how much you paid out of pocket copay/coinsurance and how much your insurance company paid.

Call your doc and see if they will accept the same rates this time as a cash payer.

What state are you in? Is LaChip or a similar program an option?
Posted by Huey Lewis
BR
Member since Oct 2013
4643 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 10:03 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 9/27/20 at 12:22 am
Posted by LSUShock
Kansas
Member since Jun 2014
4913 posts
Posted on 10/10/16 at 10:24 pm to
quote:

Disregard the charges. Look at how much you paid out of pocket copay/coinsurance and how much your insurance company paid.

Call your doc and see if they will accept the same rates this time as a cash payer.

What state are you in? Is LaChip or a similar program an option?


Ok, thank you. I will certainly look into that. I am in Kansas, which has CHIP, but I made too much in 2016. It wasn't by much, but I know when I went through the simulator type deal we didn't qualify.

I know for 2017, I should qualify for some sort of assistance. I will have very little income coming in doing some consulting work on the side, but will be nowhere near 2016 earnings.

Edit: It was a routine appointment, so it was covered entirely by the insurance.
This post was edited on 10/10/16 at 10:31 pm
Posted by matthew25
Member since Jun 2012
9425 posts
Posted on 10/11/16 at 12:47 am to
I believe COBRA allows for 105 days - 60 to elect, and then the premium must be paid on day 45.

Any confirmation to this?
Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
37007 posts
Posted on 10/11/16 at 9:20 am to
quote:

It was a routine appointment, so it was covered entirely by the insurance.


Yes, but I promise you the insurance company didn't pay the rack rate. If the charges were $800, the might have actually cut a check for $200. Such is the f'd up world of medical insurance.

Call your doctor and ask if you can pay the same rate that they would have gotten if you were still on the insurance? If you are a good customer, they should go for that. They get paid the same and don't have to deal with insurance billing.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram