Americans - Still Paying Medical Insurance In The States?

[lucha54]

I've been advised to keep paying medical insurance in the USA because I might return to live there someday and I won't be able to get back on a good plan (I currently have Anthem/Blue Cross of California). If you are American, what are you doing in terms of medical insurance when you go back to visit or if you plan to move back someday but you don't know when?

 

[AlexanderB]

I keep my US insurance for some of the aforementioned reasons, as well as to maintain a history of continuous coverage. It's also a supplement when abroad; no, I don't really know what its terms are for international coverage, but it clearly has some, and who knows, perhaps one day it'll turn out to be better than nothing. I'm not holding my breath, though.

 

[tangueraintrepida]

I've been advised to keep paying medical insurance in the USA because I might return to live there someday and I won't be able to get back on a good plan (I currently have Anthem/Blue Cross of California). If you are American, what are you doing in terms of medical insurance when you go back to visit or if you plan to move back someday but you don't know when?

To lucha54:

I am a U.S. health insurance broker living in BsAs, licensed in 15 states including California. Feel free to message me with any specific questions you have. I'd be happy to discuss your individual situation with you and offer some advice. Honestly, it really depends on your individual situation and there are many factors to consider before dropping your coverage. The length of time you are going to be away is going to be the biggest factor. But there are many other considerations in light of the new Obamacare laws such as whether you have a "grandfathered" plan and if you have pre-existing conditions.

There are also many options for short-term coverage if you do need to go home for up to a year, and short-term policies are extremely inexpensive.

I keep my US insurance for some of the aforementioned reasons, as well as to maintain a history of continuous coverage. It's also a supplement when abroad; no, I don't really know what its terms are for international coverage, but it clearly has some, and who knows, perhaps one day it'll turn out to be better than nothing. I'm not holding my breath, though.

To Alex:

If you are planning on remaining out of the U.S. for the next year, maintaining continuous coverage will not matter after January 1, 2014 because at that point anyone can get coverage with no waiting periods on pre-existing conditions. In fact, at this point, if you are staying away for six months with no coverage it would make no difference since there are now pre-existing condition programs that allow citizens with pre-existing conditions to get coverage with no waiting periods as long as they have been uninsured for the previous six months.

Personally, I dropped my coverage in the U.S. when I moved here in August and am covered with a traveler's insurance plan with $0 deductilbe for less than $100 per month. I have a declinable pre-existing condition so my U.S. coverage was going to cost me over $500 per month for a plan that would cover nothing while I was here until I hit over $10K in expenses. When I return to the U.S. next year, I will be able to qualify for the pre-existing condition plan for about $200 per month, or I will go on a short-term plan until January 1, 2014 when they can't decline me.

 

[citygirl]

I got rid of mine the day I moved here and have never thought 2x about it. My OSDE plan covers me internationally so I have coverage in the US when I visit. How long are you planning on staying here? I can understand if you're here for just a few months and don't want to deal with the paperwork of dropping/signing up again. But if you're planning on being here for a while - it's a waste of money IMO to keep it.

 

[Hybrid Ambassador]

Hello tanqueraintrepida,

Thank you very much for aiding to help on the Xoom send USD$ to pick up in BsAs in different topic, newcomer forum.
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>>I am a U.S. health insurance broker living in BsAs, licensed in 15 states including California. Feel free to message me with any specific questions you have. I'd be happy to discuss your individual situation with you and offer some advice. Honestly, it really depends on your individual situation and there are many factors to consider before dropping your coverage. The length of time you are going to be away is going to be the biggest factor. But there are many other considerations in light of the new Obamacare laws such as whether you have a "grandfathered" plan and if you have pre-existing conditions.
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<<Iam gald to have read your posting regarding the expertise knowleadge on your health insurance field.!

Here are a few questions for you. Hoping that to cause no grief to you...?

I am currently with the "Kaiser Permanente" private health insurance here in California. Iam currently over 60 years young
and therefore, Kaiser has been billing me now days for monthly premiums of over US$900 per month. Ouch! is my word
towards the expensive premiums. Iam embarking to a possible re-locating fact finding mission to Chile~Argentina and trying
to find that "utopia" for me to reside in the future if such place exists.?

When I was living back home in Japan, had coverage in the "national health care" that anyone
in Japan, be native or foreigners could enroll for _cover everything_no question asked type of health coverage and each one
of us only paid less than US$100 a month for it. When is "ObamaCare national health care" will be implemented affordably.?

I also need to find out an effective and affordable, Travel health insurance, so for me to sign up for my upcoming journey to SA.
I would like to ask you the expert in the know, which Health Travel Insurance firm do you recommend for me to consider and
get enrolled for the trip.? Also, can I put in a "freeze period" request of sorts to the "Kaiser Permanente" let say for a couple of months?

I know, I am asking too many questions here, but need help from you, if you may.?

Much Obliged again,!

 

[scotttswan]

To Alex:

If you are planning on remaining out of the U.S. for the next year, maintaining continuous coverage will not matter after January 1, 2014 because at that point anyone can get coverage with no waiting periods on pre-existing conditions. In fact, at this point, if you are staying away for six months with no coverage it would make no difference since there are now pre-existing condition programs that allow citizens with pre-existing conditions to get coverage with no waiting periods as long as they have been uninsured for the previous six months.

Good god that sounds horrible! You mean people with pre-existing conditions will be able to get healthcare insurance in the states from Jan 1st 2014!

Down with socialism!

 

[Hybrid Ambassador]

Good god that sounds horrible! You mean people with pre-existing conditions will be able to get healthcare insurance in the states from Jan 1st 2014!

Down with socialism! :angry:

To ejcot en argentina, you have got to be joking with the above comment right?
Be it called Socialism or Super Democratic, all advanced
nation of Europe, Japan and other countries, will take civilians with "pre-existing conditions" into their national health system. Among the advanced nations of the world, America was the only exception until. But now with Obama Care
approval and its implementation, America has entered the Civilised countries of the world Status.

 

[tangueraintrepida]

I am currently with the "Kaiser Permanente" private health insurance here in California. Iam currently over 60 years young
and therefore, Kaiser has been billing me now days for monthly premiums of over US$900 per month. Ouch! is my word
towards the expensive premiums. Iam embarking to a possible re-locating fact finding mission to Chile~Argentina and trying
to find that "utopia" for me to reside in the future if such place exists.?

When I was living back home in Japan, had coverage in the "national health care" that anyone
in Japan, be native or foreigners could enroll for _cover everything_no question asked type of health coverage and each one
of us only paid less than US$100 a month for it. When is "ObamaCare national health care" will be implemented affordably.?

I also need to find out an effective and affordable, Travel health insurance, so for me to sign up for my upcoming journey to SA.
I would like to ask you the expert in the know, which Health Travel Insurance firm do you recommend for me to consider and
get enrolled for the trip.? Also, can I put in a "freeze period" request of sorts to the "Kaiser Permanente" let say for a couple of months?

I know, I am asking too many questions here, but need help from you, if you may.?

Much Obliged again,!

Lots of "stuff" is still up in the air with Obamacare and we, the brokers, have no idea yet how rates are going to be impacted once the law takes full effect January 1, 2014. Many factors are going to impact the rates and it doesn't necessarily mean rates will be "implemented affordably" even come 2014. We still have a full year for the insurance companies and the government to figure out the details. Here are a couple of things we do know:

• Speculation is that rates will likely be more favorable for you since you are in your 60s. Part of the law is that the price range of any plan can't be more than triple from the lowest cost age category to the highest. In other words, if they charge $100 for a plan for a 20-year-old they can't charge more than $300 for a 60-year-old. So the young ones are going to get hit with much higher premiums than they are currently used to while the top age range will likely see lower rates.
• Under Obamacare, deductibles must be lower than $2000 per person, $4000 per family. Not sure what your current deductible is, but, for example, if you currently have a $5000 individual deductible, and you do not have a "grandfathered" plan (plan purchased before March 23, 2010), you will be required to migrate your plan a $2000 deductible. That is likely going to also mean a much higher premium. If you purchased your policy prior to March 23, 2010, you will have the option to keep your current plan (and the hefty premium that goes with it.)

In answer to your other questions:

Unfortunately, you cannot put a temporary "freeze" on your current health plan. You either pay for coverage or you cancel. (But please DO NOT CANCEL until you know and understand all of your options.

I work with several carriers for traveler's insurance and can send you quotes. I will send you a PM with the details I need to run a quote for you and my contact information. We can also discuss your permanent coverage. If you are NOT on a grandfathered plan and don't have any major pre-existing conditions, you may want to consider switching to a 1-year short-term policy starting January 1 to save some money, especially if you are going to be travelling out of the country extensively over the next year. There are some pit falls with that scenario, but we can discuss that one-on-one.

 

[Hybrid Ambassador]

Lots of "stuff" is still up in the air with Obamacare and we, the brokers, have no idea yet how rates are going to be impacted once the law takes full effect January 1, 2014. Many factors are going to impact the rates and it doesn't necessarily mean rates will be "implemented affordably" even come 2014. We still have a full year for the insurance companies and the government to figure out the details. Here are a couple of things we do know:

• Speculation is that rates will likely be more favorable for you since you are in your 60s. Part of the law is that the price range of any plan can't be more than triple from the lowest cost age category to the highest. In other words, if they charge $100 for a plan for a 20-year-old they can't charge more than $300 for a 60-year-old. So the young ones are going to get hit with much higher premiums than they are currently used to while the top age range will likely see lower rates.
• Under Obamacare, deductibles must be lower than $2000 per person, $4000 per family. Not sure what your current deductible is, but, for example, if you currently have a $5000 individual deductible, and you do not have a "grandfathered" plan (plan purchased before March 23, 2010), you will be required to migrate your plan a $2000 deductible. That is likely going to also mean a much higher premium. If you purchased your policy prior to March 23, 2010, you will have the option to keep your current plan (and the hefty premium that goes with it.)

In answer to your other questions:

Unfortunately, you cannot put a temporary "freeze" on your current health plan. You either pay for coverage or you cancel. (But please DO NOT CANCEL until you know and understand all of your options.

I work with several carriers for traveler's insurance and can send you quotes. I will send you a PM with the details I need to run a quote for you and my contact information. We can also discuss your permanent coverage. If you are NOT on a grandfathered plan and don't have any major pre-existing conditions, you may want to consider switching to a 1-year short-term policy starting January 1 to save some money, especially if you are going to be travelling out of the country extensively over the next year. There are some pit falls with that scenario, but we can discuss that one-on-one.

Hello Dear tangueraintrepida, Thank you for your prompt reply to my bothersome questions.!
Hoping that I haven't ruined your beaitiful day there in BsAs.....

Yes I have been with Kaiser Permanente since the early 80's. I used to work for Toyota-Lexus derived Auto dealerships since the 80's
till my retirement from active duty as of this May 2012. The company issued Kaiser Permanente health plan has seized to exist via my
previous employers. Now I have started to pay my own insurance since I went into pensioners life.Thus Iam paying over US$900.00..
I have just received a notice from KP staitng that my premium will go up to over US$1000.00 a months,come 2013.! Ouch again indeed.!

I have a co-pay of US$50.00 per visit to see my Primary Physician and a co-pay of US$10.00 for Medicines. I believe my co-pay for Hospitalisation and major surgeries is US$1500.00 per occurrence.? So to tell you a few info about.
Do please contact me via PM. Doctrine me more in detail.

Always obliged,

 

[tangueraintrepida]

Hello Dear tangueraintrepida, Thank you for your prompt reply to my bothersome questions.!
Hoping that I haven't ruined your beaitiful day there in BsAs.....

Yes I have been with Kaiser Permanente since the early 80's. I used to work for Toyota-Lexus derived Auto dealerships since the 80's
till my retirement from active duty as of this May 2012. The company issued Kaiser Permanente health plan has seized to exist via my
previous employers. Now I have started to pay my own insurance since I went into pensioners life.Thus Iam paying over US$900.00..
I have just received a notice from KP staitng that my premium will go up to over US$1000.00 a months,come 2013.! Ouch again indeed.!

I have a co-pay of US$50.00 per visit to see my Primary Physician and a co-pay of US$10.00 for Medicines. I believe my co-pay for Hospitalisation and major surgeries is US$1500.00 per occurrence.? So to tell you a few info about.
Do please contact me via PM. Doctrine me more in detail.

Always obliged,

I send you a private message with my contact information. Call me anytime and we can discuss your situation. Sounds like you do NOT have a grandfathered plan if you are not on COBRA and were forced to an individual plan this year. You may want to give Kaiser a quick call to confirm your official policy effective date before you make any changes. Look forward to talking with you.