Self Employed Healthcare

Ozzie_Isaac

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the start.

JohnInCarolina

https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed/

kl8ton

This is a faith based option. I'm not on this but have friends that are.  Works great for them.  Covered multiple surgeries.  I think you can get pretty good rates if you have a high deductible. Basically if you'll pay for all preventive visits if you choose to take them. The insurance then comes in to cover anything somewhat catastrophic.


Edit:. The high deductible option in my limited experience is not necessarily with this health insurance but just insurance in general.


https://www.medishare.com/ggl-s/christian-healthcare?utm_keyword=medishare&utm_campaign=&utm_source=Amsive&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=medishare&hsa_acc=5404906895&hsa_cam=1065218360&hsa_grp=136189926952&hsa_ad=593268470152&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-303616620368&hsa_kw=medishare&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgOefBhDgARIsAMhqXA7nJrzB4GLGc3ImggAxK5OEZxhXzyLlHlONIinNWQiYn6JMabiKzcYaAn6WEALw_wcB

kl8ton

https://www.chministries.org/

Another one I've heard of that works for folks that are self insuring.  

HeavyG

Be very careful with your due diligence if you choose the "faith based" option. This isn't the first of these cases I've read about over the years:

https://twitter.com/charlesornstein/status/1629525891645669378

Have you even looked at the ACA plans? I'll assume your family earns to much to get any sort of subsidy but I'm pretty sure acceptance is guaranteed.

RRP

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

alaskanassasin

I think Christian health can deny your claim for whatever reason. Christian reasons. 

 I wish I could help, been on swmbo insurance since I met her lol

kl8ton

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

kl8ton

You can double check on another thing. If your job or your wife's job doesn't offer health insurance your kids may automatically be eligible for state insurance. At that point you'd only be looking for insurance for your wife and yourself.  All of our foster kids and adopted kids have been on state insurance. For them everything was free.  

RRP

kl8ton said:

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

WOW! I did not know that! Ozzie (not his real name) was employed back here at CAT just like his Father, before that last move. WhatthehelldoIknow?

kl8ton

Another thing to point out about the faith-based options. They are not considered to be insurance but they are cost sharing programs. They are not regulated. 

Ozzie_Isaac

kl8ton said:

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

That is correct.  I am very much employed currently, but have been presented with an amazing opportunity.  Fear has kept me from jumping ship, but a number of things are aligning that make me comfortable enough to basically completely change what has been a very successful career after 21 years.  I am in the planning phase, and hope to complete the transition June 1st, earlier if I have a few more aggravating days in a row.

Need to make March 15th for a number of vested items to mature.

JohnInCarolina

RRP said:

kl8ton said:

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

WOW! I did not know that! Ozzie (not his real name) 

His real name is Richard.  Richard Beninya.

alaskanassasin

JohnInCarolina said:

RRP said:

kl8ton said:

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

WOW! I did not know that! Ozzie (not his real name) 

His real name is Richard.  Richard Beninya.

I thought it was Nigel Sheldon 

kl8ton

Ozzie_Isaac said:

kl8ton said:

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

That is correct.  I am very much employed currently, but have been presented with an amazing opportunity.  Fear has kept me from jumping ship, but a number of things are aligning that make me comfortable enough to basically completely change what has been a very successful career after 21 years.

Well I'm excited for you. The health thing can be scary but in my experience looking in the rear view, I shouldn't have worried so much. I really can't remember the options we were faced with, but if I remember correctly, if you're willing to shoulder 5k per year in medical, for a pretty reasonable monthly payment ( maybe 200 bucks) major medical was covered at like 90/10 with a max out of pocket of 25k.  My numbers are probably dated....

RRP

POzzie_Isaac said:

kl8ton said:

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

That is correct.  I am very much employed currently, but have been presented with an amazing opportunity.  Fear has kept me from jumping ship, but a number of things are aligning that make me comfortable enough to basically completely change what has been a very successful career after 21 years.  I am in the planning phase, and hope to complete the transition June 1st, earlier if I have a few more aggravating days in a row.

Need to make March 15th for a number of vested items to mature.

Cool your heels until the March 15th vesting! Any alternative employer which wants you will wait patiently! If not??? screw ‘em!

I met your Father several times back here in Peoria, but only met you once. In spite of it just being once I could tell you are a bright person and have a personality to match! Not many in your profession possess both brains and personality!

Doing the math you must be about 45 to 48 years old, and if that possible job opportunity falls thru then I bet it won’t be the last! 

Hang on, and the BEST OF LUCK!

Gulfcoastguy

Yes I would keep it quiet until after the Ides of March. I remember when my boss was talking to several of use once . He said “(my name) will be eligible to retire in a few months “ . My reply was “ counting un used leave time I was eligible last month “. I then stayed another 8 years as the pension increased by 2.5% of annual salary per the average of 4 highest paid years. I also received 2 raises and retired at the exact 4th year after the second one. 

Ozzie_Isaac

RRP said:

POzzie_Isaac said:

kl8ton said:

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

That is correct.  I am very much employed currently, but have been presented with an amazing opportunity.  Fear has kept me from jumping ship, but a number of things are aligning that make me comfortable enough to basically completely change what has been a very successful career after 21 years.  I am in the planning phase, and hope to complete the transition June 1st, earlier if I have a few more aggravating days in a row.

Need to make March 15th for a number of vested items to mature.

Cool your heels until the March 15th vesting! Any alternative employer which wants you will wait patiently! If not??? screw ‘em!

I met your Father several times back here in Peoria, but only met you once. In spite of it just being once I could tell you are a bright person and have a personality to match! Not many in your profession possess both brains and personality!

Doing the math you must be about 45 to 48 years old, and if that possible job opportunity falls thru then I bet it won’t be the last! 

Hang on, and the BEST OF LUCK!

Thank you, I am a bit younger.  I have a lot of corporate opportunities.  One offered me a 35% raise. Once I turned that down, it really made me think.  Where do I really want to be in 5 years?  What will I think in 5 years if I don't try?  May be a mid-life crisis, but who knows.

JohnInCarolina

alaskanassasin said:

JohnInCarolina said:

RRP said:

kl8ton said:

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

WOW! I did not know that! Ozzie (not his real name) 

His real name is Richard.  Richard Beninya.

I thought it was Nigel Sheldon 

Deep cut!

RRP

Ozzie_Isaac said:

RRP said:

POzzie_Isaac said:

kl8ton said:

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

That is correct.  I am very much employed currently, but have been presented with an amazing opportunity.  Fear has kept me from jumping ship, but a number of things are aligning that make me comfortable enough to basically completely change what has been a very successful career after 21 years.  I am in the planning phase, and hope to complete the transition June 1st, earlier if I have a few more aggravating days in a row.

Need to make March 15th for a number of vested items to mature.

Cool your heels until the March 15th vesting! Any alternative employer which wants you will wait patiently! If not??? screw ‘em!

I met your Father several times back here in Peoria, but only met you once. In spite of it just being once I could tell you are a bright person and have a personality to match! Not many in your profession possess both brains and personality!

Doing the math you must be about 45 to 48 years old, and if that possible job opportunity falls thru then I bet it won’t be the last! 

Hang on, and the BEST OF LUCK!

Thank you, I am a bit younger.  I have a lot of corporate opportunities.  One offered me a 35% raise. Once I turned that down, it really made me think.  Where do I really want to be in 5 years?  What will I think in 5 years if I don't try?  May be a mid-life crisis, but who knows.

Granted at 78 years old I’m closer to your Father’s age…but do you mind some advice from an old fart? DITCH that “mid life crisis bull sh*t!” That excuse for having a stiff pecker in some bar or party is not worth the loss you will have! And NO…I am NOT speaking from personal experience - just from years of observations of fools.

Ozzie_Isaac

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

RRP said:

POzzie_Isaac said:

kl8ton said:

RRP said:

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Does anyone have advice or experiences with self-employed healthcare?  

Do they have brokers or agents you can work with?  It seems somewhat overwhelming a the

Here I thought you were actively employed out there in AZ…or are you asking on the behalf of your employed spouse?

He's looking at leaving his current occupation if I have understood correctly. 

That is correct.  I am very much employed currently, but have been presented with an amazing opportunity.  Fear has kept me from jumping ship, but a number of things are aligning that make me comfortable enough to basically completely change what has been a very successful career after 21 years.  I am in the planning phase, and hope to complete the transition June 1st, earlier if I have a few more aggravating days in a row.

Need to make March 15th for a number of vested items to mature.

Cool your heels until the March 15th vesting! Any alternative employer which wants you will wait patiently! If not??? screw ‘em!

I met your Father several times back here in Peoria, but only met you once. In spite of it just being once I could tell you are a bright person and have a personality to match! Not many in your profession possess both brains and personality!

Doing the math you must be about 45 to 48 years old, and if that possible job opportunity falls thru then I bet it won’t be the last! 

Hang on, and the BEST OF LUCK!

Thank you, I am a bit younger.  I have a lot of corporate opportunities.  One offered me a 35% raise. Once I turned that down, it really made me think.  Where do I really want to be in 5 years?  What will I think in 5 years if I don't try?  May be a mid-life crisis, but who knows.

Granted at 78 years old I’m closer to your Father’s age…but do you mind some advice from an old fart? DITCH that “mid life crisis bull sh*t!” That excuse for having a stiff pecker in some bar or party is not worth the loss you will have! And NO…I am NOT speaking from personal experience - just from years of observations of fools.

I am not sure what advice is above.

Mid-life crisis stuff was mostly a joke.  When I look at my 5,10, and 20 year plan.  My current job doesn't fit.  Not from a passion, interest standpoint, and most certainly not from a monetary standpoint.

RRP

Sorry that I misunderstood…I just have heard and seen that “mid life crisis excuse crap” used too often!

 I  KNOW you are a VERY bright guy with years of potential ahead of you! GO for it and the BEST of the BEST of good luck to you and your family!

Ozzie_Isaac

RRP said:

Sorry that I misunderstood…I just have heard and seen that “mid life crisis excuse crap” used too often!

 I  KNOW you are a VERY bright guy with years of potential ahead of you! GO for it and the BEST of the BEST of good luck to you and your family!

You are too kind, I am mostly described as stubborn and sarcastic.  Bright is not often used.

lkapigian

When I dropped out of the Union many years ago , my biggest fear was losing my Union benefits, while they were nice and held a bit of security for my “ after work life “ I’m glad  made the leap. I pay about $1400. 00 a month for my insurance now, could pay less.. our top long term employees we pay all or most of there insurance, we offer it to all, but at a % I pay you pay , we go through it every year, something my ex wife handles and I’m glad it’s not me, to many options and there is nothing “ affordable “ about healthcare, something most never use … I was in a motorcycle accident back in 09, my bill was roughly 750k , glad I had my insurance, but that’s a rarity 

ColbyLang

@Ozzie_Isaac, check out what has become the new thing here. Concierge medicine with a major medical plan.

pay $49-79 per person a month depending on rates. 24/7 round the clock access to doc in the box. One guaranteed visit to all major annual needs (cardio, dermatology, OBGYN, etc). 

I’ll probably switch my employees to this instead of Blue Cross Blue Shield and save us about $200k a year in premiums. This is after putting everyone on the concierge plan instead of the 16 people currently on the health insurance 

Dyal_SC

Depending on what you’re wanting to pursue, there are sometimes occupational organizations/associations you can join that provide insurance benefits via membership. There are always annual fees that go along with membership, but sometimes the perks will pay for themselves. 

lousubcap

@Ozzie_Isaac - no comments on health care but you are facing the "window of opportunity".  You either jump thru the window or not. Either way don't play woulda, coulda or shoulda , not...As Leroy "Satchel" Paige said, "Don't look back, somethin might be gainin on ya!"

However it plays, no doubt you will work the pro's and con's and other windows will appear in your career.  FWIW-

nealmgb

The ACA market is a market of last resort.  If you are COBRA eligible you are not eligible for ACA coverage until COBRA benefits are exhausted (18 months).

KimberlyO

Hi. I do not have career advice for you except 'good luck in your future whatever it may be!". I am on the program @JohnInCarolina mentions (ACA) and have been happy with it. I needed to retire a little early and am not on Medicare yet. It is based on my income (just interest on investments I have) and I chose a plan that has a $6,000 deductable. That deductable is variable depending on what you are willing/able to pay. Anyway, you can check it out by filling out a form on the site, so no harm to check it out. 

Good luck!

KimberlyO

Oh, if I wasn't clear, use the income you 'think' you will be bringing in while self-employed, not what you are making now. sorry if confusing.

KimberlyO

I agree Cobra is much better if you can get it. i'll quit now. really.