Twilight asked:


Apparently, many are, according to this recent article in the ny times:

“WASHINGTON — Striking new evidence has emerged of a widespread gap in the cost of health insurance, as women pay much more than men of the same age for individual insurance policies providing identical coverage, according to new data from insurance companies and online brokers.”

the article goes on to state:

“Insurers say they have a sound reason for charging different premiums: Women ages 19 to 55 tend to cost more than men because they typically use more health care, especially in the childbearing years.

But women still pay more than men for insurance that does not cover maternity care. In the individual market, maternity coverage may be offered as an optional benefit, or rider, for a hefty additional premium.”

further:

“In general, insurers say, they charge women more than men of the same age because claims experience shows that women use more health care services. They are more likely to visit doctors, to get regular checkups, to take prescription medications and to have certain chronic illnesses.”

the full article can be found here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/us/30insure.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&em&oref=slogin

Should Women have to pay more for Healthcare Insurance than Men?

Rebekah

jenius asked:


I know individuals with pre-existing condtions who want to work, but would like to do something outside the traditional office job, i.e., teach at two community colleges, do freelance writing and translating, etc., but they are locked into their jobs because of the insurance issue, and they don’t qualify for state aid, hence “job lock.” Also, I know some individuals who are in marriages where they are not particularly happy, but the one spouse brings in the health benefits while the other stays home and minds the kids. So, this phenomenon is known as “slob lock,” but what I am asking is if health-insurance would make America nearly unrecognizable in regards to marriage and employment with a spike in divorce rates and a huge number of people quitting their jobs to pursue more customized career paths?

Arabella

»-(¯`v´¯)-» ?a??’s ?ifee asked:


My husband, son and I have Blue Cross PPO (Anthem) and we’ve had this for 3 yrs. now (since getting married in 2006).
In 2007 we increased our deductible when our son was born and added him to the policy. We originally had a $1,500 deductible, then after our son was born we changed it to $2,500 and added him to our policy.
The Blue Cross plan is a Shared PPO, BUT the deductible is individual (we all have to meet the $2,500 individually before Blue Cross picks up the remainder). AND we have a $35 co-pay for Office Visits.

Anyway, Blue Cross just increased our premium by $100 per month! for NO REASON! They just increased the premium at the beginning of the year (which they apparently did to everyone).
So, now we’re paying a little over $350 per month for our Blue Cross coverage with the same coverage that we were getting for $250 per month.
So, we’re thinking of increasing our deductible again! (if there is anything higher, ugh!)

Anyway, my question is:
Is $350 per month an ‘average’ amount to pay for a Shared PPO plan (for 3 people) with an individual $2,500 deductible? and a $35 co-pay for office visits?

I am just curious what other people pay for their Health Insurance for their family (including children)?
This coverage is NOT through an Employer, we pay strictly out of pocket. It has never been through an Employer, we signed up for the Policy independantly.
Also, this Policy is strictly Health; it does not cover any dental or vision.
I live in California, would that be a factor in the premium?

Alexis

nightowl1517 asked:


robot_ho: You are referring to life insurance, I am talking about health insurance.
Why don’t they include everyone who applies for coverage?

Alma

vinsanity asked:


If the evil Democrats get their way it will be..

A top senator is calling for fines of up to $3,800 on families who fail to get medical insurance after a health care overhaul goes into effect.

The plan from Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana would make health insurance mandatory, just like auto coverage. Those who don’t sign up would face hefty fines, starting at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. The maximum penalty on individuals would be $950.

But what if for whatever reason you just dont want health insurance, should the Govt. force you to get it?

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9AJ8OBO0&show_article=1

Sara

Good asked:


So, I’m a 25 year old individual, I’m about to graduate soon and I live in MI. I’m just learning about health insurance and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what you think would be the best type of insurance for my situation. I plan on staying here in the UP for a while bar-tending and not utilizing my degree just yet. Any suggestions? I would really appreciate it, thanks….This is all new and confusing to me.
http://michelle-obama.cn/health-insurance.html
http://michelle-obama.cn/health-insurance.html
http://michelle-obama.cn/health-insurance.html

Lorena

sweetnbitter asked:


Could something really be done?

I work at a company dealing with retirees dealing with premium increases ranging from $200-$800+ monthly. These people have a limited income some even are even paying for Medicare. They are canceling their insurance because they have to choose between health insurance or mortgage or health insurance or groceries.

And this is group insurance through their previous employers. I can’t even imagine the cost for individual insurance. Existing medical conditions doesn’t help either.

Aliana

Elle asked:


I have always had it until about 6 mos. ago when my job was bought out. With my other monthly bills I cannot afford the individual premium but also do not meet requirements to receive a penny of free care.. Am I alone in this, what do you do in transitional periods?
I will be paying close attention to the health care issues in the coming elections..

Celeste

Coriolanus asked:


… AND health care?

“Several studies show that in lots of places, one or two companies dominate the market. Critics say monopolistic conditions drive up premiums paid by employers and individuals. …

“Right now, there’s no incentive for insurers or big hospital groups to negotiate with each other, because they can pass higher payments on through premiums,” said economist Linda Blumberg, co-author of the report. “A public plan would have the leverage to set lower payment rates and get providers to participate at those rates.”

“Competition lacking among private health insurers,”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090822/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_insurance_competition

Oh, but I forgot: the “free market” “regulates itself.” LOL. The corporations need their “free competition.” What a laugh. The market in its current state breeds monopoly and stagnation.

Our current system is f’d. That’s all there is to it. We have to do something about it. Where are the fear-mongering cons’ brilliant ideas?

Kaylynn

Healthy Environment asked:


I’m talking about McCain’s proposal of $5000 per couple, $2500 per individual.

Do they give you the money beforehand? (meaning you can spend it on whatever you wish, although they encourage you to buy health insurance with it)?

Or do you have to purchase a plan & show them the bill in order to get reimbursed for it.

Caitlyn