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ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

as small business owner what do you guys do for healthcare?

with the requirement starting next year to penalize ppl who do not have healthcare and with ACA taking effect yesterday

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

I used these guys: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

That was a few years ago though. I found a plan that worked for me that was priced well.

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

Without getting political, I think it is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure that you have insurance. One of the myths in this country is that anyone who needs healthcare can simply go to the ER if they don't have money to pay for the care.

That is PARTLY true, in the sense that federal law mandates that anyone who goes into an ER must be seen and evaluated by a doctor. They also have to stabilize your condition in an emergency. So that will work if you have the misfortune to get into an accident and need care.

However, if you develop an ONGOING issue, not having health insurance can kill you! Let's say your chest is bothering you, your breathing is abnormal, and you fear it may be a heart attack. So, you go to the ER and they do an EKG and find that your heart is fine. Then, they do an X-Ray to see what else may be causing the symptoms.

The doctor notices something on the X-Ray and it turns out that it MAY be cancer. That is NOT something they deal with in the emergency room, so they give you a phone number to call for a referral to an oncologist or tell you to go and see your primary care doctor.

Chemotherapy, radiation treatment, cancer drugs, etc. may be necessary along with several doctors visits. But there is NO LAW that says they have to treat you, since it is not an immediate emergency. What do you do then? All of these things are EXTREMELY expensive.

And it is not just cancer that could be a problem. Heart disease, kidney problems, liver problems and hundreds of other things can go wrong with you, especially as you get older. You might be able to get medicaid if you first liquidate your assets and spend every penny you have. But by then, it may be too late, or at least not provide for an optimal outcome.

People DIE because they have no access to medical care, except through the emergency room. The ER is NOT a realistic plan to deal with illness.

Please note that I AM NOT taking any position on the current controversy over "Obamacare". I am just trying to point out that health insurance is something that EVERYONE should have, if at all possible. Go to the link above that Aspkin posted, sign up for Obamacare, see what programs might be available in your state, or try to find a group to join, like the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) that has insurance available. Do what you need to do. Not having health insurance is DANGEROUS.

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

the first year is cheap at $95 but every year after that is pretty expensive, thats why i wanted to see what you guys have/are doing.

And jeff lets use the right name ACA - Affordable Care Act. It's nothing to do with obama

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

I was only sharing my opinion, based on what I have seen some people go through, on the importance of having insurance on a personal level. I took your post as one person who is in business/self-employed asking others where they get their insurance - for ideas on what to do.

I just want to state again, I AM NOT taking any position on what the law is regarding health insurance, whether you call it the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. Politics is not the function of the forum and it was not the intention of my post.

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

i just dislike the way obamacare is thrown around in place of the actual name.

I was just seeing what you guys do as you said. I am still under my parents insurance as im not 26 but of course would like to get my own insurance.

Personally its no cheaper for me than regular rates. I dont smoke/drink and family history is pretty good.

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

My best recommendation is to just get whatever type of insurance policy works best for you. I wouldn't take politics into consideration, I'd just get the best deal I could.

Re: ACA healthcare what do you guys do?
 

I recall that

Important to consider these options early in life

In Australia there is loading on health insurance if not taken out by a certain age

We have free cover for those not employed. Hospital waiting lists are long. Can not confirm but I think a dental scheme got scrapped. Waiting list in some areas was seven years. That was was longer than some marriages.