how low can i go? (HC) ?

[anatta]

I'm AARP age/ I got offered a policy that has hospitalization, high co-pays and deductibles.
Having going most of my life without coverage , without the need for any hospitalization -should I buy into this? (about $160/ month)
It's just me -don't need spouse or kids covered

Or is it better to just get it for free, or low cost -cuz i'm right around the poverty line.( thru the Gubmint)

Also if i buy this stuff, will premiums increase? In general those of us without HC -are we better off just taking a free ride?
Or does actually being insured have any advantage over being dumped into the Medicade pool?

Sorry to personalize this; but i imagine there are lots of folks wondering what to do, similair to my situation. any feed back would be appreciated

 

[Althea]

There are a couple of factors to consider. Typically, you're talking about a catastrophic illness policy.

For most needs, you'll pay out of pocket due to the deductible/copays.

What is the prescription benefit?

If you don't play football/etc, the chances of you breaking a bone are slim.

If you feel that you might get some horrible disease, then your high deductible will be met rather quickly.

For that price, I'm guessing the coverages aren't all that great. You'll prob. get a free exam every year, which is good.

You could just commit to putting the premium money in the bank EVERY MONTH, and pay for your routine stuff out of pocket.

 

[Howey]

I'm AARP age/ I got offered a policy that has hospitalization, high co-pays and deductibles.
Having going most of my life without coverage , without the need for any hospitalization -should I buy into this? (about $160/ month)
It's just me -don't need spouse or kids covered

Or is it better to just get it for free, or low cost -cuz i'm right around the poverty line.( thru the Gubmint)

Also if i buy this stuff, will premiums increase? In general those of us without HC -are we better off just taking a free ride?
Or does actually being insured have any advantage over being dumped into the Medicade pool?

Sorry to personalize this; but i imagine there are lots of folks wondering what to do, similair to my situation. any feed back would be appreciated

There's so many factors I don't think any of us can give you a definitive answer. Are you of retirement age? Do you get Medicare and/or Social Security? Are you a veteran?

Even without that and more info, I'd say stay away from the AARP plan. It's crap.

 

[Damocles]

And can you afford it? $160/month isn't cheap.

 

[anatta]

And can you afford it? $160/month isn't cheap.

it's the cheapest I've found, with a $5000 deductable for hospitalization.
. maybe I should just wait for the free ride....although i don't have hospitalization now.I'm afraid i'd lose my house if i can't afford a hospital bill.
I could put $5000 on my credit card, my score is over 700. I don't want a lein on my house, i'm thinking of selling in a couple years, and going into rentall condo..all depends if the housing market comes back in Floriduh. It's very expensive to keep a housuse on my sales commisions. My savings are almost gone.

No vet. 7 more years to medicare, I rely on the free clinic, i basically am paying nothing for health care, except for my Rx's. and they only cost me about $30month.

I'm healthy - but since i am close to 60...ya never know , If i need hospitalization....I don't know what to do... . when does the free ride kick in? next year? ).

 

[anatta]

There are a couple of factors to consider. Typically, you're talking about a catastrophic illness policy.

For most needs, you'll pay out of pocket due to the deductible/copays.

What is the prescription benefit?

If you don't play football/etc, the chances of you breaking a bone are slim.

If you feel that you might get some horrible disease, then your high deductible will be met rather quickly.

For that price, I'm guessing the coverages aren't all that great. You'll prob. get a free exam every year, which is good.

You could just commit to putting the premium money in the bank EVERY MONTH, and pay for your routine stuff out of pocket.

maybe. but that's not a lot to aquire over a priod of 7 years if I need hospitalization. I'm worried about that, otherwise, i can forego HC cost, and just keep the free clinic till i'm on medicade when AFHC kicks in...

 

[Lowaicue]

I'm AARP age/ I got offered a policy that has hospitalization, high co-pays and deductibles.
Having going most of my life without coverage , without the need for any hospitalization -should I buy into this? (about $160/ month)
It's just me -don't need spouse or kids covered

Or is it better to just get it for free, or low cost -cuz i'm right around the poverty line.( thru the Gubmint)

Also if i buy this stuff, will premiums increase? In general those of us without HC -are we better off just taking a free ride?
Or does actually being insured have any advantage over being dumped into the Medicade pool?

Sorry to personalize this; but i imagine there are lots of folks wondering what to do, similair to my situation. any feed back would be appreciated

Guess it depends on what the scheme offers and how bad the alternative is. Out here I had a heart attack procedure and a week in hosp. It cost me approx 12 of your dollars per day. I could have got identical treatment and paid a fortune. To be honest it was only the final two days in hozzy that I thought about it. If you are really sick you are only interested in the treatment. The quality of food and sharing a ward doesn't really come into it. Same when I had a hernia op. I was in such initial pain that I didnt give a damn where I was as long as I was given pain relief. So if you expect a long stay in hozzy, get the insurance. If it's only surgery take the cheapest option. If its like here the same surgeons operate in both the public and private sectors. Its part of their obligation.

 

[anatta]

Guess it depends on what the scheme offers and how bad the alternative is. Out here I had a heart attack procedure and a week in hosp. It cost me approx 12 of your dollars per day. I could have got identical treatment and paid a fortune. To be honest it was only the final two days in hozzy that I thought about it. If you are really sick you are only interested in the treatment. The quality of food and sharing a ward doesn't really come into it. Same when I had a hernia op. I was in such initial pain that I didnt give a damn where I was as long as I was given pain relief. So if you expect a long stay in hozzy, get the insurance. If it's only surgery take the cheapest option. If its like here the same surgeons operate in both the public and private sectors. Its part of their obligation.

Thank you, "out here" wherever that is for sound advice; yes if i do get really sick i would need treatment. I think i'll take it. at lest till i can get one less cost - hopefully thru the new law. I've managed to roll the dice for many years without craping out - snake eyes can show at any time.
I can't take the risk - the age factor being closer to 60 now.

You are kind to take the time, to help see the options i have. gratias.

 

[Damocles]

it's the cheapest I've found, with a $5000 deductable for hospitalization.
. maybe I should just wait for the free ride....although i don't have hospitalization now.I'm afraid i'd lose my house if i can't afford a hospital bill.
I could put $5000 on my credit card, my score is over 700. I don't want a lein on my house, i'm thinking of selling in a couple years, and going into rentall condo..all depends if the housing market comes back in Floriduh. It's very expensive to keep a housuse on my sales commisions. My savings are almost gone.

No vet. 7 more years to medicare, I rely on the free clinic, i basically am paying nothing for health care, except for my Rx's. and they only cost me about $30month.

I'm healthy - but since i am close to 60...ya never know , If i need hospitalization....I don't know what to do... . when does the free ride kick in? next year? ).

2014.

 

[Damocles]

it's the cheapest I've found, with a $5000 deductable for hospitalization.
. maybe I should just wait for the free ride....although i don't have hospitalization now.I'm afraid i'd lose my house if i can't afford a hospital bill.
I could put $5000 on my credit card, my score is over 700. I don't want a lein on my house, i'm thinking of selling in a couple years, and going into rentall condo..all depends if the housing market comes back in Floriduh. It's very expensive to keep a housuse on my sales commisions. My savings are almost gone.

No vet. 7 more years to medicare, I rely on the free clinic, i basically am paying nothing for health care, except for my Rx's. and they only cost me about $30month.

I'm healthy - but since i am close to 60...ya never know , If i need hospitalization....I don't know what to do... . when does the free ride kick in? next year? ).

Considering your age that isn't too bad of a price. Since you are above the poverty line you are limited in some of your options. I would look for some catastrophic coverage rather than full coverage and see if you can get it cheaper, that way your hospital stay is covered after your deductible.

 

[anatta]

Considering your age that isn't too bad of a price. Since you are above the poverty line you are limited in some of your options. I would look for some catastrophic coverage rather than full coverage and see if you can get it cheaper, that way your hospital stay is covered after your deductible.

yes/ i guess i'll have the clinic for access tll 2014 when the Medicare (?) penalty/tax.THING starts requirement.

Thank everyone who took their time for the help, it helps clarify greatly for me.