Health insurance for self employment question

01-25-2009, 07:32 AM

I have been self employed for over 5 years. I have used 2 different plans.

#1 NASE National Association for Self Employed

#2 Blue Cross Blue Shield

The BCBS is far superior in all aspects. I will admit I am probably younger than you, 32, but I just got mother in law on the same program. They offered me better benefits at the same price, while having a larger network.

One piece of advice I can give you for sure is to sit down with someone who is in the business full time and is preferably a broker, not locked into one company. Don't waste your time with someone who does it part time or just got into the business. Typically the same person can offer you a wide array of insurance products i.e. life, auto, disability. You may be able to move other insurance that you currently have with them and get a discount.

Also I highly suggest that you just don't ever get sick!

Hope this helps.

01-25-2009, 05:30 PM

I would also mention that it may be worth it to join the local Chamber of Commerce. Many Chambers have group health plans for business owners where the cost is very reasonable.

AD720 · 01-25-2009, 05:39 PM

Back before I got my latest gig I was paying for my insurance out of pocket.

I had a plan from United Healt care called Golden Rule.

It was pretty cheap (comparatively with the "majors") and good for a person like me who visits the DR. less than average (knock on wood).

http://www.goldenrule.com/

Good luck!

01-26-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dillio

I have been self employed for over 5 years. I have used 2 different plans.

#1 NASE National Association for Self Employed

#2 Blue Cross Blue Shield

The BCBS is far superior in all aspects. I will admit I am probably younger than you, 32, but I just got mother in law on the same program. They offered me better benefits at the same price, while having a larger network.

One piece of advice I can give you for sure is to sit down with someone who is in the business full time and is preferably a broker, not locked into one company. Don't waste your time with someone who does it part time or just got into the business. Typically the same person can offer you a wide array of insurance products i.e. life, auto, disability. You may be able to move other insurance that you currently have with them and get a discount.

Also I highly suggest that you just don't ever get sick!

Hope this helps.

I agree, How ever dont be scared to go with someone who just got into the business. I just got into the business and know the system quite well and have written a few policies. You go through about a 2 month training program befor BCBS will let you write for them, provided to pass thier test. Same with many other companies. Just putting it out there. A broker/agent that represents many companies will be helpful.

This Site is very helpful in giving you your options as well and may save you some fees.

http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/

Brad

01-25-2009, 05:39 PM	#3
AD720 I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Andrew Location: The City of BOTL-erly Love Posts: 2,684 Trading: (73)	Re: Health insurance for self employment question Back before I got my latest gig I was paying for my insurance out of pocket. I had a plan from United Healt care called Golden Rule. It was pretty cheap (comparatively with the "majors") and good for a person like me who visits the DR. less than average (knock on wood). http://www.goldenrule.com/ Good luck! __________________

01-25-2009, 07:32 AM	#1
dillio Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Health insurance for self employment question I have been self employed for over 5 years. I have used 2 different plans. #1 NASE National Association for Self Employed #2 Blue Cross Blue Shield The BCBS is far superior in all aspects. I will admit I am probably younger than you, 32, but I just got mother in law on the same program. They offered me better benefits at the same price, while having a larger network. One piece of advice I can give you for sure is to sit down with someone who is in the business full time and is preferably a broker, not locked into one company. Don't waste your time with someone who does it part time or just got into the business. Typically the same person can offer you a wide array of insurance products i.e. life, auto, disability. You may be able to move other insurance that you currently have with them and get a discount. Also I highly suggest that you just don't ever get sick! Hope this helps.

01-25-2009, 05:30 PM	#2
BillyCigars Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Health insurance for self employment question I would also mention that it may be worth it to join the local Chamber of Commerce. Many Chambers have group health plans for business owners where the cost is very reasonable.