It is almost more overwhelming to have to think about one's self than it is to think about the care of another. I had lots of emotional issues swirling around me and somewhere in the middle of that I needed to wade through it all and find answers to my questions.
I use lists to help me get things done, so that's what I did in my search for insurance. I made a list based on conversations that I had with various friends who have had real experiences:
- Prescription coverage
- Annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses
- 0% co-insurance coverage (this means that I don't have to pick up any additional annual costs)
- Hospitalization
- ...just in case...maternity coverage
- Reasonable deductable
- Reasonable office visits
In addition, I called around to some of my friends whom I know are in a similar situation where they provide their own coverage. I received some valuable input that I factored into my equation.
- One friend had major medical with a $3,000 deductible, but no office visits or prescriptions. She recommended I use www.esurance.com
- Another supplements their major medical plan with a Healthcare Savings Account. This is an interesting option because the funds you save are tax-free. She told me she has a debit card which she uses for everything that's medical related.
- Still another friend, whom I met at random at an event, shared her experience battling breast cancer with her major medical insurance. Her annual out-of-pocket was $15,000 with additional co-insurance costs. She would not go this route again.
- None of the folks I've talked to have suggested that I speak with their insurance representative. Most know about www.esurance.com
Actually, www.esurance.com was daunting when I first signed on to the site. I don't have a lot of patience to wade through the details. So, I asked for a call from one of the representatives. The phone rang immediately!
I shared my criteria list (above) and he boiled it down rather quickly for me. I knew I wanted to stay with one of about four companies and within those, it was clear that only one was an option.
Your experience with purchasing private insurance would be much appreciated. I hope you'll share your thoughts here at the HomeBoundResources Blogspot.
From my heart to yours,
Tammy
