Medical insurance practical

[Optimistic Paranoid]

A unique problem we have is the need to be able to get health care outside of your home state. Each different insurance company has a different policy and one of the ways they often keep costs down is to limit it to just their group in their state.

Has anyone looked into different companies in the common states of residence? For example, SD, TX, FL, NV. Are you finding companies that let you get care out of your state?

Bob

Bob, it can't be THAT unique in that it also applies to all the millions of mainstream retired RVers who fulltime in their COWs (Condominiums On Wheels)

I've noted that the Escapees Club in TX has some sort of arrangement with Friesen Strain Insurance Associates who represent Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Texas.

I've no idea what their rates are, but the full-timing / out-of-state thing shouldn't be an issue.

I believe the Good Sams Club also has some sort of deal going with an affiliated insurance company.

It might be worthwhile to belong to one of these lamestream RV groups if it qualifies you for group health insurance.

Regards
John

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Hi John!
Thanks for the clarification. I did understand what Bob was saying, and the problem can be solved by getting the government to remove regulations and laws that keep companies from offering insurance in all states.
Imagine if all the health insurance companies in the US could do business in all the states; insurance would be easier to obtain and more affordable.

Luis, I'm hardly a big fan of the current Federal government, but I don't think they get the blame for this particular problem. As far as I know, each state has an insurance regulatory agency the controls who can do business in their state, how their policies are written, how much they can charge, etc.

For example, Alex Trebek was shilling on tv for some life insurance policy (Colonial Penn, I think) and at the end of the commercial, in the fine print that flashed on the screen, I noticed the disclaimer that it was not available in NY.

Apparently, the policies they were pushing didn't meet NYs standards . . .

Regards
John

 

[akrvbob]

We aren't talking politics and I'm editing out or deleting all those discussions.

When I said we have a unique problem, I included all mobile livers no matter what vehicle they live in.

I do think it is a very big and imortant issue. I'm under the impression that the majority of plans do not cover care outside of the own listed providers. That's how they control costs. I'm also fairly certain it varies state to state even with the same company because each state has different regulations.

Bob

Of course with some companies it is not issue. My point is to be sure to find out before you sign up.

 

[planet-beaver]

Unfortunately with the current regulations you have to go back to your home state to get proper coverage. I think picking a state that is somewhat in the middle of where you spend most of your time just may be better than picking a state base on taxes and vehicle inspection. I think being 600 miles away is acceptable (one day drive). There is always an urgent care and emergency room that every ins policy has to cover no matter what state you are in.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Discussions about this issue over on the mainstream RV forums seem to keep mentioning that there will be a lot of changes come next January when more of Obamacare kicks in.

Apparently, it's not at all clear yet what that is going to mean.

People who can afford to hold off for a few more months might be better off adopting a wait and see policy rather making big decisions now.

Regards
John

 

[ZOFCHAK]

I can't believe people are against Obamacare and bashing the plan. It is perfect for low income people (most van/RV dwellers) that are looking to retire at 40,50,55.

If couple make under 17K, they pay no taxes and have healthcare for free. How can that be bad

I don't want to get into the politics of it, but I'm one of many that will end up paying more and getting less because of Obamacare.


I'm a male in my mid 30's, single, no children and no previous health issues. Because of my age and clean health history my monthly health insurance premiums last year were just $104 per month. That plan does have around a $4000 annual deductible, but since I've never needed major health care it was a perfect plan for me. After the deductible the insurance company covers 100%.

Because of the changes I now will have to give up my plan next year as it is not considered an eligible plan. Comparable plans on the exchange will cost me about 2.5x what I am paying now. Another downside is that if I happen to get sick between now and then any new insurance provider can consider my illness to be a preexisting condition and charge me an increased premium (If I was able to stay on my current plan that could not happen).

I don't make a ton of money, but I make enough that I'm not eligible for any subsidies. There are many of us that will end up paying more, but I understand that others will end up paying less. My biggest gripe with the whole thing is that it's not helping to decrease medical costs, it's really just shifting the burden more to those of us that can pay.

 

[Luisafernandes]

I don't want to get into the politics of it, but I'm one of many that will end up paying more and getting less because of Obamacare.


I'm a male in my mid 30's, single, no children and no previous health issues. Because of my age and clean health history my monthly health insurance premiums last year were just $104 per month. That plan does have around a $4000 annual deductible, but since I've never needed major health care it was a perfect plan for me. After the deductible the insurance company covers 100%.

Because of the changes I now will have to give up my plan next year as it is not considered an eligible plan. Comparable plans on the exchange will cost me about 2.5x what I am paying now. Another downside is that if I happen to get sick between now and then any new insurance provider can consider my illness to be a preexisting condition and charge me an increased premium (If I was able to stay on my current plan that could not happen).

I don't make a ton of money, but I make enough that I'm not eligible for any subsidies. There are many of us that will end up paying more, but I understand that others will end up paying less. My biggest gripe with the whole thing is that it's not helping to decrease medical costs, it's really just shifting the burden more to those of us that can pay.

Mmmmmmm, mmm &@%#+£> €€%#>, mmmmm! Enough said.