Health insurance?

**CampCrazyMom** · 03-12-2008, 07:12 AM

What do you do about health insurance? My husband is 10 years older than I am. We are planning that he retires at 60 (which is in about 10 years) If we purchase the health insurance from his union plan, it will put a big dent in our retirement income.

Our plan was for me to go back to work for the health insurance. I'm wondering if there are any places that offer benefits for part time workers (is this a dream?) Or perhaps I should really start persuing that college degree now.

I would appreciate some advice here.

**pinetree** · 03-13-2008, 12:51 PM

I'm not sure I can be of much help but this is what we have found out.

dh is retired, through disability. When he retired we went to the so called retirement plan. Yep, it will wipe your budget out. We now pay $700.10 a month for coverage.

We have been told by several drs.& friends etc to keep the plan as long as we can. If we go to a private plan, when you file a claim they usually get rid of you, or cancel your policy. This has happened to one of our friends.

We also have found out now that you need a letter that you are insurable. If you don't have that letter, you'll either pay out the nose or won't be able to get it.

Maybe i'm a big chicken but i'd rather pay for it through his job than not have any, or less coverage.

**M55FF** · 03-13-2008, 03:03 PM

is he a vetern of the military? can you buy a supplemental insurance plan?

**M55FF** · 03-13-2008, 03:06 PM

as far as part time work and health insurance I think UPS offers insurance to part timers... at least they used to 10 years ago.

Not many companies offer health benefits to part timers and I bet even less now with the economy being tight as it is.

**FreesiaE** · 03-13-2008, 03:32 PM

Starbucks offers insurance to all employees full or PT.

**CampCrazyMom** · 03-14-2008, 06:38 AM

He's not a veteran.

I never thought about not being insurable. As of right now we're both in good health. 10 years down the line - things could change.

Perhaps I should start persuing that college degree....

**mombottoo** · 03-14-2008, 04:04 PM

"What do you do about health insurance?"

My hubby was injured on the job after the company quit paying for our health insurance we were on COBRA to the tune of roughly $750 a month. Once COBRA ran out I no longer had health insurance. My hubby ended up qualifying for Medicare once his SS claim was settled, so he currently has Medicare. Our son who became disabled during this same time period now has Medicaid and coverage for anything relating to his disability through our auto insurance. Me, I still have no health insurance...

I did research concerning the cost of private health insurance and found a policy that had a $2500 deductible and after that it was 80/20 for $258 per month. Rather than purchase a policy I have opted to set aside the $258 per month the policy would have cost me and use that money to cover my medical costs, as well as, my hubby's co-pays from Medicare. It works for us for now, but I don't foresee me having health insurance until I qualify for Medicare (if it's still around).

If I end up having serious medical issues and end up in the hospital, they will just have to accept payment arrangements.

**M55FF** · 03-14-2008, 04:13 PM

I saw on TV last night AARP has a supplemental plan for people but I dont know about all the details.

you don't have to get a degree, go work at starbucks part time instead...
it would be easier and cheaper if all you want is the health insurance.

**qwekelly** · 03-18-2008, 08:16 PM

I agree, go work at starbucks. 20 hours a week and you get dental and medical.

Or move to Canada, low income means free healthcare here...

**dakotadenise** · 03-20-2008, 12:21 PM

My hospital offers full benefits to all part time workers. You could be a clerk or aide or housekeeper maybe??

**CampCrazyMom** · 03-21-2008, 07:06 AM

Now, the hubby has informed me that he would like the position to be flexible enough where I didn't have to work weekends or the summer. :surprise: Guess that means within the school district. (He doesn't want to give up camping and fishing.)

**Sonnenwende** · 04-16-2008, 04:05 PM

Does your state offer any programs for the uninsured or underinsured? It might be worth a call to the local health department just to find out.

**mem68** · 04-23-2008, 02:55 PM

What state are you in? My son is retired due to RA disability. After 2 years he got Medicare,his 2 children are on Bluecare ,his wife does not have health insurance nor work. She could get Medicade ins but does not want to go thru the hassle.