  Rfban Member Username: Rfban Post Number: 159 Registered: 02-2004 |
I am wondering is who has quality independent health insurance at a reasonable cost in Detroit. I live in the city however, I am indifferent to any hospital or doctor’s office in the Metropolitan area. A friend of mine told me about a free clinic in Ferndale but I am getting older and have decided that it is time to suck it up and find some decent coverage. I am primarily interested in Hospitalization, Doctor Visits (including specialists, e.g. dermatologist) and dental. I also heard Wayne State has a program but that it is limited and not that great. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rfban | ||
Tkshreve Member Username: Tkshreve Post Number: 139 Registered: 07-2006 |
Not much out there I know of. My company just raised the employees' contribution and added hospitalization deductibles last week. This national dilemma is quickly becoming a reality for the middle class and working its way up the ladder. Good Luck and I hope somebody can help you as I have not. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 296 Registered: 02-2007 |
Try American Community Mutual in Livonia if you don't have any pre-existing conditions. They have PPOM any doc type plans. Its been well received everywhere I've used it. They are based right there in Livonia. None of these insurance companies are what I would classify as "good". The above referenced is the best I've found so far. | ||
Rfban Member Username: Rfban Post Number: 160 Registered: 02-2004 |
Thanks Sstashmoo, Tkshreve, I am baffled by the absolute confusion of trying to search for health insurance. Even with the internet and all the communication we have today it's hard to gain any ground. I am particularly worried about fly by night operations with tricky contingencies and unwanted red tape. I wish it was easy to browse plans, prices and benefits with accuracy, privacy and certainness. It would also be nice if there was reputable agency or business of some kind that organized individual health insurance plans and grouped them together to lower overall costs and premiums. I know I am asking a lot, or am I? but, there has to be an answer, an affordable answer. | ||
3rdworldcity Member Username: 3rdworldcity Post Number: 898 Registered: 01-2005 |
I'd call a couple of Independent Insurance Agents for advice. Check the yellow pages. I believe each one represents several insurance companies and can tailor a plan to fit your needs. Individual policies will be much more expensive than group policies I believe. Good luck; I think you'll need it. | ||
Rfban Member Username: Rfban Post Number: 161 Registered: 02-2004 |
How does a group policy work? Is it possible to create your own group? | ||
Karl Member Username: Karl Post Number: 9483 Registered: 09-2005 |
Not possible to create your own group unless you have bonafide employees and employer/employee relationship. The key to finding good/affordable individual coverage is good health going in. If your health deteriorates once in, your rates shouldn't be increased any more than others in the same pool who are your age/gender. Blue Cross is a large Michigan carrier and offers individual plans, try here: http://www.individual-health-p lans.com/bcbsmi.htm?source=goo gle&grp=blue_cross_michigan_gt Here is a website that compares plans that also features Blue Cross but claims to compare other plans: http://www.medhealthinsurance. com/bcbsmichigan.htm Finally, here is a website that shops many available plans - but I'd advise leaning toward Michigan-based plans with a large pool of insured lives: https://www.ehealthinsurance.c om/ehi/Alliance?allid=Goo18311 &entry=SE&ad=blues&sid=BLUE+CR OSS+ntl If you are unable to qualify due to pre-existing conditions, these websites should be able to direct you to other alternatives. Hope this helps. | ||
Rfban Member Username: Rfban Post Number: 162 Registered: 02-2004 |
Thanks Karl, The last site helped quite a bit particularly with identifying the language of insurance companies. I actually did the online tutorial and it explains the various vocabularies associated with insurance companies, e.g. coinsurance. I still feel there has to be a better option. | ||
Lmr Member Username: Lmr Post Number: 95 Registered: 03-2007 |
If you are 50 or older, AARP also has various plans. They have insurance plans for people 50-64 who are too young for medicare. Then of course they also have medicare supplement plans for people 65+. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 297 Registered: 02-2007 |
If you're looking for inexpensive individual health insurance, good luck. You essentially get what you pay for and its a gamble. If you're in reasonably good health and take care of yourself, opt for a bit higher deductible/lower premium. That can save you money unless for some unforseen reason you need a surgery, etc., then its going to cost more out of pocket of course. Anybody that owns anything should have health insurance. Huge risk without it. | ||
Texorama Member Username: Texorama Post Number: 46 Registered: 12-2006 |
You can also try a company called Golden Rule; I belong to a freelance writers' group that offers insurance through this company, so someone must have done some research on it. I personally have American Community, which came out a little cheaper--and I haven't been able to find a conspicuous number of people saying bad things about them (or about Golden Rule either). Golden Rule also offers one of the new HSAs--health savings accounts. This is how the Repubs want everybody to do health care--you put money into a savings account to cover your deductible, and you can then take the amount deposited off your taxes. You also do not lose it if you don't use it--it just accrues like any other savings account, and you can even invest it. If you have a preexisting condition, of course, you're screwed, but it could be a good deal. |
