Health Insurance

As I understand it there are non Obamacare policies available, but they must still meet the same set of standards, and their availability may vary by state. We too make too much to qualify for taxpayer funded subsidies. Our policy has high deductibles, high out of pocket, and the premiums are about $1,250 a month for two. Out of network coverage does exist but it costs much more. It's all expensive and very little is being done to reduce the cost of healthcare thus the high cost of insurance.

darsben wrote:

If I were you I would pay the high price instead of taking the Obamacare policy that way your integrity will not suffer although you pocket book will.

I'm not sure why your integrity would suffer, but to each his own.

I retired at 63 (my wife 62) and we both used my company's COBRA (medical + dental + vision) for 18 months which was about $1100/mon for the two of us.

Then I bought an Arizona BCBS policy for one month (~ $600) which got me to 65. I'm on Medicare now, but my wife now has an AZ BCBS plan for about $700/mon which she bought through the the ACA (aka Obamacare) web site healthcare.gov.

While my wife could have purchased a cheaper plan, we selected BCBS because it's a very "portable" health plan -- that is, we can use the BCBS network in almost all the states. Cheaper plans may limit you to only the in-state physicians.

We make too much money to qualify for an ACA health care plan subsidy, so we pay full price. Unless taking a subsidy will hurt your integrity, I strongly encourage trying to get one which means staying under the maximum income limit while you're under 65.

As someone previously mentioned, check out rverhealthinsurance.com. I bought a Medicare supplement plan through them.

If you're thinking of changing your domicile, visit healthsherpa.com. You can enter the ZIP code of any place and find out what ACA plans are available.

By the way, subsidies are only available if you buy your health care through the "marketplace" -- healthcare.gov or a state health plan exchange.

The one thing you really have to research and make sure about is coverage outside your 'home' area.

Many insurance policies are tied to a specific area, set of providers. If you will be traveling across the country - you might not be able to find insurance in your area that will give you the ability to go to doctors no matter where you are located.

Some of the more popular residence states, Texas & Florida, have many insurance companies which offer policies with nationwide coverage.

Investigate the details.

If you explain your needs to an independent insurance agent, they will try their best to find you a policy that meets your needs. Otherwise they won't get a commission and get paid.

Go out and shop. We are 61 and pay $1800 a month. We are self employed and have been paying for our health insurance for decades.

Our insurance is MUCH BETTER since the ACA took effect. Lower deductibles, more no charge diagnostic procedures and lower co pays. Not sure what you think Obama care is but it's called health insurance. Yes, low income folks can get assistance. Most of us make too much.

You definetly need coverage. You can run up a six figure claim in no time.

Yes, if you're under 65 and not covered by any other plan, you need to purchase an individual policy. what's available at what cost varies greatly depending on your home state.
I suggest you give these folks a call and explore your options, they are helpful experts in fulltime RV'er health insurance.
http://rverhealthinsurance.com/

beelbill wrote:
.... Are any of the rest of you fulltimers less than 65 years old? Without work insurance, what do you do for insurance, pay ridiculous rates? Please don't even suggest Obamacare.

We fulltime. We are under 65. We do not have 'work insurance.' We make too much to get 'Obamacare.' We purchased our health insurance directly from Blue Cross. How much it costs per month is dependent on what state you live in and how old you are. Of course, our ability to get insurance at all is directly related to 'Obamacare.' Whether that means it is or isn't 'Obamacare' would be for you to decide.

beelbill wrote:
So, I have the 5th wheel on the site and am waiting for it to dry out enough I can get under it to hook up the water and sewer. I am also waiting for Kansas City Power and Light to hook me up. Then I am ready to move into the 5er full time. Spent the day there and it felt like I was on vacation even though I still have full time job. My plan is to winter here and then semi-retire and work a few months in one area and a few in another.

Everything is working out except I don't know what to do about health insurance. I don't ever use it but if I dropped it, I would suddenly need it. Are any of the rest of you fulltimers less than 65 years old? Without work insurance, what do you do for insurance, pay ridiculous rates? Please don't even suggest Obamacare.

You should be able to C.O.B. your work policy for up to 18 months otherwise you can either pay the ridiculous rates, go bare or sign up for the as you say Obamacare policy. However most Obamacare policies seem to be state specific so you could not travel.

Those are your choices like it or not.
If I were you I would pay the high price instead of taking the Obamacare policy that way your integrity will not suffer although you pocket book will. I admire you stance (even though the Obamacare policy might save you money and is a private insurance) that you will flatly reject something that you do not like, probably without thoroughly investigating how it might help in your situation.