This morning I heard a statistic that over 47 million Americans are without health insurance. It was a wake-up call for me. Oh, I know that this is an issue that we've heard politicians talking about for many years, but for some reason today it struck a chord.
It has been my family's good fortune to have a group health plan for many years through my husband's work at the County of Orange. We've always appreciated this benefit very much, but recently when my health benefit increased to nearly $600 a month (almost double) it really got my attention. My first thought was, "oh #@$%". My second thought was, "thank goodness I have good coverage". My third thought was," count your blessings that you still afford to pay for it". Now, I'm beginning to wonder if the next increase will just be too much.
Most of my REALTOR® friends are not a part of a health insurance plan. I've always been so grateful for my widow's benefits that include me in a group plan. But, I'm beginning to wonder how I'm going to be able to continue paying for that coverage if it doubles again. For the first time in my adult life, I'm beginning to understand why 47 million Americans are without health insurance. I always figured the reason for it was poverty or being self-employed. That theory was true in part, but I now realize that there is a tipping point for every one of us when health insurance moves from the necessity category to luxury status.
A question for you: What are you doing for affordable health insurance?
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Marlene Bridges, REALTOR® 800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce
Marlene is a highly experienced South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
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Certainly not voting for Hilary Clinton.
Renee - Your comment made me chuckle. Thanks for the Saturday morning giggle.
Marlene
Health Insurance, or lack of, was the one single worst mistake I ever made in life.
I lost mine in 2004 and then got really sick in a lot of angles.
I work hard, I learn from it, I am better now, and happier than a pig in mud.I just hope at least the kids in this Country can be covered.
Hi Tom - Thanks for your comment. I hope sharing your experience will save others from the same mistake. Like you, I have great concern for the children. We just need to focus on the fact that it's a privilege, not a right and see what we can do to improve the system we have to work with.
Sure glad everything is fine for you now!
When Gary had to do a major job change last month that's all we cared about....the health insurance. Luckily he's got good benefits...and they even offer pet insurance. Health coverage is one thing I cannot go without. For one...never know what might happen....another...I couldn't afford my arthritis prescription without it. I watched a movie that Michael Moore made called "sicko" and he went all over the world to check out HMO's. Our country is by far ripping us off. You go to France, Cuba, Canada and England were free. Can you imagine having free health care??????
Here' s clip from that documentary.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_QoffvYQpw
Hi Marlene - Realizing that one major incident could almost wipe me out, I started looking for insurance a couple of weeks ago. Our board referred me to a site that had several different plans. The plan I chose was $118/month, which I think is pretty reasonable when I consider the uninsured alternative.
Sally - Free isn't necessarily all it's cracked up to be. When we lived in Washington State, there were many Canadians who came across the border to receive timely health care. I was belly-aching this week because my doctor couldn't schedule me for an appointment for five days. In Canada, many people wait for months with serious health issues.
John - Wow! Would you kindly share that website in the comments. I'll add it to this blog post for reference.
Maybe they didn't tell all in that documentary....all I know is the prescriptions I have would cost me $350 per mo. and what we pay per mo. in insurance most likely is beneficial in the long run should something happen. Didn't realize Canada had to wait so long....I should ask Jo Smith about that. In any case, how many truly cannot afford to pay anyway? Numbers are staggering I bet.
Marlene
I've referred countless people to my financial planner, or to at least use their own.
American Express, MetLife, EdwardJones; they all have insurance plans that are completely portable, completely affordable, and eliminate all of the concerns that so many people have about not being insured as you fall under their umbrella policies. I have dual coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, as well as an HMO plan.
I think I heard that same report on Fox this morning, and was stunned at the number.....maybe the 5% unemployed automatically fall in to that plan, and then however many others think its just not worth having. As we know, nothing could be further from the truth.
Marlene.. Mine is almost $800 with a deductible and dental..I get it through CAR.. I fully expect to be paying close to $1000 a month and I take no medication nor have I ever had a serious health problem..
Wikepedia says that in 2006, the median annual household income according to the US Census Bureau was determined to be $48,201. That's 4,016.75 per month before taxes come out. Bill does EdwardJones offer a program with decent coverage that wouldn't wipe out a family with an income like this? I honestly can't imagine anyone that could afford insurance purposely going without it.