NYC Freelancers Union, deductible question

M

Marshallarts

Well-known member
Hi,

I'm looking for advice with health insurance. I've been uninsured for a scary 2 1/2 years now. The New Years resolution is to get health insurance. I live in NYC.

After research and frustration I've decided on the Freelancers Union. Still not that cheap but better than most. The thing is, I NEVER get sick. I NEVER go the doctor. The only reason why I want health insurance is in case something happens to me. The high deductible insurance costs ~$150-/month for a $10,000 deductible and that's just insane because it covers nothing else.

So i'm looking at the EPO #1 or #2 options that have a co-pay. But they still have a deductible.....?

My question is does the $3000 deductible on the EPO#1 plan for instance mean that I have to pay out of pocket up to $3000 even for simple office visits or does the deductible only count for hospital and bigger medical type stuff? What's the point of paying $230 a month for a $30/$50 co-pay if I'm still paying out of pocket up to $3000?
 
I have the freelancer's union insurance with the $10K deductible. The reason I chose that is I never get sick either, and the only time I really will use insurance, will be if I get hit by a bus and my bills are going to be much more than $10K anyway. $10K I can generally scrape up in a pinch. Last year I had the $230/mth, so now I take that $100 a mnth I'll be saving and put it in the savings, and apply that to the deductible whent he time comes.

Generally, the deductible is on a yearly basis. That means it should be counted for EVERYTHING you spend on on, dr visits, and all.

That said, why not call the freelancers union with this question instead of posting it on some random website that has nothing to do with it. They generally answer my questions within a day or so.
 
thanks for the reply with your experience

I have been in touch with the freelancers union, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the right person to discuss this issue, but I forgot to ask to specific question about the deductible. I passed the eligibility part of my application and I have until the 26th to decide. I've been busy and basically waited until the last minute. With the holidays i'm not able to call them for this questions.

But after all this is Off Topic, Cafe ala DVX so why am I explaining myself to you anyways!:happy: j/k

I am disappointed to hear the $3000 deductible plan that includes the $30/$50 co-pay still makes you pay the full deductible. I think I'm used to the idea of a co-pay meaning the visit is covered. Looks like i'm wrong, not the first time. Too good to be true I guess.

Just wanted to check
 
Just for a point of reference...15 years ago, I broke my leg (not weight bearing bone), I was covered through the company I worked for but the total cost was $8000. That would have been a ***** without insurance. Of course, that is the only thing I've ever really needed a doctor for...other than regular physicals...
 
Blaine, thanks for the reply and sharing your experience.

The unfortunate thing about high insurance rates in NYC, however, is the one that I'm able to afford, and the one Mark Harris said he has carries a $10,000 deductible. So in that instance we would still pay the whole thing out of pocket. That coverage costs $130/month not including the ~$3000 up front cost to open a health savings account and monthly maintenance fees for that.

I can reduce that deductible to $5000 for $170/month or $3000 for $230/month. In ALL these situations I would never go to a doctor unless an emergency because I simply can't afford it ESPECIALLY after paying those premiums.
 
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