no wonder some people dont go to the hospital in the states. even$800 seems crazy. how much is insurance ?
The below is only for medical....we also have dental insurance and vision insurance if you choose. They are pretty much all the same and similar coverages. Some employees pay for these sometimes, depending how nice your company is.
I have BCBS NC.....Blue Cross Blue Sheild North Carolina. I have an "Options" plan....not sure the name of it
It is the lowest monthly charge at $51 every paycheck/bi-weekly. This low payment package means that I have to cover charges 100% out of pocket up until I spend $5,200.00. Regular check ups, they cover a portion of it but I think that's the only exception. I also have an HSA "bank" account that I put in $50 every pay check and that money adds up and I only use it for medical expenses. That money sits and accumulates and doesn't go away unless I spend it. Once I hit that $5,200 with in a fiscal year, then the insurance will cover, I think 80-90% of the medical costs and I cover the other 10-20%. After spending I think $15,000, then insurance pays at 100% I believe.
This allows me to pay a low amount for insurance and build up a little nest egg for when I need it. I chose this plan since I normally, knock on wood, don't visit the doctor at all. Other than the regular check ups, I prob have not been to the doctor in maybe 5-6 years when I had those stitches.
The below is speculation numbers.....I haven't looked at insurance in a long time since I have been doing the above type of plan for about 10 years now.
What "normal" poeple tend to get is similar to the above but from day 1, your cost is $75 every paycheck, you pay a co-pay of $30-$50 when you visit any doctor and maybe $100-150 for a hospital visit. The $5200 would be a lower amount....say $4000 but also from day one, insurance covers 60% and you pay 40% and once you hit that $4000 then insurance pays a little more and you pay less and some cases the insurance pays 100%.
Also, insurance rates and plans vary widely since the costs are determined by you company size and what company your work selects as they insurance coverage for the employees. Usually insurance is only for full time workers only.
If you decide to pay insurance on your own, not though work, prepare to pay like $800-$1000 a month for something that the "normal people" select.
If you decide not to have insurance, the government will charge you something like $40 the first year, $100 the second year and $400ish the 3rd year then it goes up from there. This started when Obama was in office once his "obama care" plan got passed. My parents when throught this when they worked since they were self employed and chose not to have insurance. Since it was cheaper and they were about to retire in a couple years.
Sorry for the long read......how does it work in Canadia aka land of "free" health insurance.
