Have no Health Insurance - Is Blue Cross/Blue Shield the way to go?

Jason L. · 01-24-2007, 03:38 AM

Since I stopped working in Afghanistan in August, I have been without health insurance.

I know that by law if I go to an emergency room they must treat me. However, I want to have some type of insurance in case something major happens to me. [Although I am curious how they would collect if I decided not to pay - I read that this happens a lot]. I'm not really concerned with small stuff that I can pay out of pocket. I am only looking to insure myself - a single 35 year old male that doesn't smoke with no health problems.

I'm looking for something with a high deductible and low premiums. I really don't know where to start but I would like to go with a "big name" company.

I have heard people mention Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I have read that this is not one big company but an national trade organization that links 38 independent regional health insurance companies in the United States.

So I am looking for feedback on either: either advice on what insurance to go with and/or personal stories about people who have decided not to pay their medical bills and the resulting aftermath.

SethH · 01-24-2007, 04:50 AM

Find a plan that qualifies has a HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) and then open an HSA (Health Savings Account). This is pretty much exactly what you describe -- it has a very high deductible and lower premiums. Also, you can use the HSA to save money that can be used tax free for any health-related expenses (including over-the-counter medicines etc). The HSA has many advantages over the FSA offered by many employers including the fact that it can roll over from year to year so you don't ever lose it.

Chu Gai · 01-24-2007, 07:36 AM

I know there are specific insurance policies for catastrophic situations such as you're injured or become ill and require lengthy hospital hostpitalizations. The premiums on those as I understand it are comparatively inexpensive compared to a conventional policy. That's because the risk (odds) of that happening compared to your needing or wanting regular visits is far smaller. You'll have to dig around, maybe Google this, to find companies that offer such plans then you can compare/constrast services and costs.

AjayM · 01-24-2007, 10:40 AM

Keep in mind that the rule/law is that a hospital can't just let you die in the emergency room if you have no ability to pay. But in the cases of some long term illness's and the like you may not (and likely won't) have access to the best healthcare you normally would.

As far as not paying the bill, the hospital will try and collect, just like any other creditor. If you have assets (ie: home) they may try and attach a lein on it. They may try and go after wages. It will put a serious black mark on your credit report, etc. It all depends on how much money a person owes, if you went in because you broke a finger and only racked up $1-2k of medical bills then the hospital isn't likely to do much other than turn it over to a collections agency (as it would cost more to collect than the return), now if you have a massive heart attack, require 2 months of hospital stay and rack up a nice hefty 6-figure bill you can bet they are going to make life very miserable for you.

As for insurance, as you mentioned, look into a "catastrophic" health care plan, something with a $5-10k deductable, the premiums are very low compared to "normal" coverage and you still have that "safety net" in case something drastic happens. I'm pretty sure most of the "big" companies offer plans like these, although they aren't advertised very much, BC/BS is a good company to deal with, so give them a call and ask them if they offer such a plan.

The HSA idea can go either way, but most plans never let you get your money back if you don't use them, so keep that in mind.

SteveA · 01-24-2007, 11:24 AM

Good luck getting them to insure you at all. I applied with them a couple years ago for my family and we were denied coverage because we had a couple of very minor (and not ongoing) medical treatments within the last 5 years.

**HTF Ads**

Alex Prosak · 01-24-2007, 12:09 PM

I really don't know the ins and outs of getting health insurance on your own, not through an employer so I can't say anything with respect to that. I do have Blue Cross/Blue Shield and have never had problems with them as I have with some other providers, not as good as some others either but that was a local provider in Alaska. I would certainly recommend getting some sort of coverage though as you never know what may happen. Some friends of mine recently moved and both ended up with jobs in which their employers didn't offer health insurance. Soon after, he was diagnosed with leukemia, as they had no insurance the doctors wouldn't see him unless they had a percentage of the money available to pay up front. Treatment costs far more than they could afford, they had to sell everything they owned and move back in with his parents in Kansas. Last I heard the prognosis isn't good. Very sad stuff, he's only 36.

SethH · 01-24-2007, 09:21 PM

Here's a link that may or may not be useful. FYI -- my HDHP is through Aetna and I have had no problems dealing with them. If you decide to go this route I can also provide some links for banks that offer the HSAs to match up with a HDHP.

https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi...allid=Aet24730

I just looked really quick and found that United Healthcare offers an HDHP in my area through that website for about $60/month which isn't bad for non-group coverage.

Neal_C · 01-25-2007, 12:40 AM

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and haven't had any problems at all. I pay $92/month with a $2500 deductible and office visit and prescription co-pays.

The exact same insurance with United Healthcare was costing me $142/month. Needless to say I got off of that as soon as I could.

Chris Lockwood · 01-25-2007, 02:25 PM

I also have Blue Cross & recommend them, partly because the name is so well known that the coverage will be accepted just about anywhere.

What is the best deal for you depends on where you live, your age and current health, among other things.

Philip_G · 01-26-2007, 04:15 AM

I have anthem BCBS and it's fine, but as you mentioned it varies wildly based on who you're with