I feel ill - my health plan is going up by over 500%

That sucks.

We have a medical withholding account that allows us to pay our health insurance premiums with pre-tax money. Does you company at least offer that?

Man - I miscalculated - when I read it the fine print was talking about the weekly rate, but when I looked at the chart it said monthly (the fine print said to calculate the weekly) - it is only going up by 37%. Still a big jump, but I think we can swing this. I can always lower my 401k contribution is needed.

I guess I was expected a really large increase as all stuff we have been getting in our emails said this - significant increases as they are trying to push us to the high deductable plan. I would take that if it was only me, but with a family and a daughter involved in competitive sports, I have to consider the potential for injury.

And yes - it does come out pre-tax.

That's better. When I had company insurance, 30% was almost the norm. Since I did payroll and paid the bills, I was in a position to know that this actually reflected the company's cost. That is, the company paid about 1/3 of the total, both before and after the increases.

I'm with you on the high deductable. The last year I was there, we had the chance to save on premiums by switching to a policy that paid a percentage instead of a defined co-pay. I went with the more expensive premium, and sure enough, a month later my bicycle got into an altercation with a car.

I will never understand why Americans think it's a good idea for their employer to control their health coverage. Would you let your boss dictate your food bill and what you can eat? or where you kids could go to school? My older brother, who runs a fairly large company, is having his staff shop around for a less expensive health plan with fewer benefits to save money. The employees will probably have to contribute more to a plan they don't even get to pick. He considers it a good way to cut expenses in tough times and his employees have absolutely no say in the matter. Americans are like children who depend on their bosses to dole out their medicine (literally) like nannies.

Yeah - I am also going to try to take advantage of the tax savings account where you can estimate medical expenses and have it taken out of your pay tax deferred - that should help a bit on the increase.

37% may be a high increase, but at least it is something I can work around and find some other way to cut costs (or eat in as we definately have money put away for a rainy day).

Just three words:

SINGLE PAYER OPTION

If they are going to pay 25% - 50% of the premium, they will have input on the decisions, to say the least. Anyone wanting to pay 100% can have all the discretion they want.

I would agree, if I thought there were any chance of setting it up and running it properly.

As opposed to the government? You can find a new job, try finding a new government.

Actually my company gives me a selection of choices - they pay a portion and I pay a portion. I would argue if I had to pay 100% and they said you can only have XYZ. I do have another choice if I don't want to go with what they have - I can go out into the market and pay 100% for myself so no, I don't consider myself a child - I have the choice. And I choice to spend the higher amount for the one in the middle of my 3 choices. Simply because I like the plan and its coverage the most - and I like my doctor and my kids' doctor which fortunately are in this network which also saves me.

I'd not prefer this - this would eliminate my choices.

And that is why I qualified my endorsement.

I feel for you. Do you work for a private company?

Hubby and I, both part-timers, have lived without health insurance for over 10 years now. In the US, that's a pretty big risk.

I was able, however, to get Accident Insurance for pretty cheap, from my last P/T job. It was $6.50 per week from AFLAC, and they would have paid us directly for most accidents. Being not-so-old-yet, this worked pretty well for us, although I never did have a claim.

Since you mentioned sports, this might be a good supplement for you... or maybe not, who knows?

Yes - I can accept the 37% increase - certainly do not like of course - but I realize the economy we are in and would much rather have a 37% in my plan and still have sufficient coverage. I just had a mild heart attack as I originally looked at the details incorrectly.

Especially considering I just had an echogram (whatever it is called) to check my heart murmur. Speaking of that - my doctor should have gotten the results and I haven't heard from her - I'll need a follow up call.

My daughter should be sufficiently covered if getting an injury with our current medical coverage. Most things like that are covered 100% with at the most a $20 co-pay. We have been fortunate this past year as no medical care has been needed besides preventative care (and a couple of just diagnostic stuff with me - which is 100% covered).

Although I have dealt with - potential concession/broken nose by falling straight onto nose on cement at school - fortunately just very bruised bloody nose that looked horrible (cost $20) and a broken ankle in the same year (cost $20 including following up visits). Another year a visit to hospital via ambulance to hospital for potential broken ribs/internal injury for husband softball accident (cost $100) - and to mention various sicknesses - definately worth it for the unknown.

Watch it! I'm familiar with many AFLAC accident policies. They usually pay a fixed dollar amount per day, rather than a part of the medical bills. Same for the hospital policies I've seen. Good coverage if you never have a claim, but read the details of your policy before you need it.

Woah, that's a great plan!