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Messages 1 - 13 of total 13 in this topic
Zay

climber
Monterey, Ca
Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 16, 2018 - 08:57am PT
Hello folks,

I just got off the phone (the other day) with my insurance provider and found out that I was dropped over a year ago. Totally my fault for not updating my payment information.

During that year, I've climbed a f*#k ton.

With a mere shrug and a, "Well, thank god I haven't had a bad fall..." ... I started looking into insurance options....

Covered California says I can't get assistance until November, and paying for my own insurance would be upwards of 300 to 500 USD per month...

OOFF.

Then I just found this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/climbing/comments/4k8lfn/cost_of_a_bad_fall_in_the_us_of_a_xpost_rpics/

... and a huge feeling of absolute dread is swelling up in my stomach. God bless America....

Anyone here have any insight on options? I've even considered locking myself up in a gym for the net few months until I can get some coverage.

Possible to buck up and pay 500/month until November? I could afford that I think...

I know, I should start calling around and do more research... I'm just throwing out my feelers while I can. Work is crazy and free time is few and far between, and most precious...

Any help is greatly appreciated. Cheers folks.
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Jul 16, 2018 - 09:05am PT
I use the local community clinic and pay out of pocket, it is a sliding scale. An office visit and lab tests are 50 bucks + very cheap prescriptions. Way cheaper than buying insurance. Of course that leaves you exposed to the catastrophic events. In my case I qualify for VA so that is my backup plan. Hang tight, Trump is going to have a way better health plan than Obamacare, he promised, but you wil have to wait until after he denuclearizes the Korean peninsula.
Norton

climber
The Wastelands
Jul 16, 2018 - 09:37am PT
are you on the hook for the 700 dollar fine for not having insurance as well?

President Trump has instructed the IRS to no longer fine people for not having insurance

the result is that this raises monthly premiums for those in the insurance pool who do pay because those who leave because no longer a fine are usually the younger and healthier whose money supports and sicker ones, but you all know how insurance works
Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Jul 16, 2018 - 10:16am PT
Even when there was a fine it could only be enforced against your tax refund.
Norton

climber
The Wastelands
Jul 16, 2018 - 10:17am PT
here is some reading to help you understand insurance pools, X con

https://www.actuary.org/content/risk-pooling-how-health-insurance-individual-market-works-0
Spider Savage

Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
Jul 16, 2018 - 11:35am PT
Jon Beck has a very good plan above.

Health insureance is crazy high. I pay over $1000 a month. (Kaiser)

If you can get into an HSA plan that can help.

If you are young and healthy and could set aside the same amount of cash you would pay for insurance, in 20 years or so you'd have enough money to underwrite yourself.

Most healthcare costs are artificially jacked to the moon. If you shop and negotiate (before you desperately need help) you can make reasonable arrangements.


Here in LA there is a clinic in Hollywood called the "Hollywood Walk-in Clinic." Doctors there are really good and the price is great.


Jon Beck

Trad climber
Oceanside
Jul 16, 2018 - 11:45am PT
I will pitch TJ as a possible solution to part of the problem. for things the local clinic does not provide I go to Mexico. I use doctors, dentists, and auto mechanics down there. Nothing but great experiences, and way cheaper than here, 70% less.
monolith

climber
state of being
Jul 16, 2018 - 01:11pm PT
Technically, the mandate still exists for this year, but is out next year. The only people who pay are the ones who don't really know that there is little enforcement beyond sending out some warning notices.
fear

Ice climber
hartford, ct
Jul 16, 2018 - 01:54pm PT
Marry a good orthopedic surgeon.
c2

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
Jul 16, 2018 - 04:48pm PT
Actually, I think you will have to pay 500/mo until Jan 1, 2019. Open enrollment for obamacare begins in Nov, but the policies are not effective until Jan 1. That being said, I fell down my stairs last Nov and fractured my left femur (fortunately that's all I did). I had to have a surgical repair in which a plate and screws were put in. To date, the total cost of my injury is just shy of $85,000. That's with my Kaiser insurance. I had to pay a $6800 copay, but that's better than owing 85000. 500/mo sounds like a lot until it isn't.
Zay

climber
Monterey, Ca
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 16, 2018 - 06:16pm PT
Thanks a ton for thr input guys.

John, I usualy shoot for TJ for dental, but i live in monterey now and my biggest worries are emergencies like broken this-or-that... So i think i must keep that subject close to home.

I just quit smoking, so my pocket is over 300 bucks/month lighter, so I guess 500 for insurance is a little more justifiable...

(Spray Alert) In the last year Ive climbed Triple Direct, Yosemite Point Buttress, Royal Arches/Crest Jewel Direct Linkup, Tuolumne Triple, and countless other days around the park as well as days at Pinnacles... I cant describe how horrified I suddenly feel thinking of how f*#ked i would have been even just spraining an ankle...
Gunkie

Trad climber
Valles Marineris
Jul 16, 2018 - 06:17pm PT
President Trump has instructed the IRS to no longer fine people for not having insurance

the result is that this raises monthly premiums for those in the insurance pool who do pay because those who leave because no longer a fine are usually the younger and healthier whose money supports and sicker ones, but you all know how insurance works

Technically the insurance requirement drop doesn't take effect until 2019. However, I'm an independent engineering contractor (1099) and our health insurance rates for a family of five went up 40% in the first three months of this year and we saw a reduction of benefits. Looking for a full time W2 position now that has decent health insurance options.
Gunkie

Trad climber
Valles Marineris
Jul 17, 2018 - 06:03am PT
"if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor..."

2nd favorite lie

We did, no problem whatsoever. And we knew of no one who couldn't keep their physicians. I'm sure it occurred somewhere.
Messages 1 - 13 of total 13 in this topic
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