But now my COBRA coverage effectively is ending, because Gannett has canceled its contract with my preferred HMO here in San Francisco, effective Jan. 1. That means I'm now shopping for health insurance in the so-called individual market, without the benefit or guarantee of group rates, because I'm self-employed, so without access to an employer's plan.My experience looking for a new medical plan may offer lessons to anyone who's considering leaving Gannett -- either voluntarily, or through a layoff.
Here's a look at the costs:
- I paid $150 a month during my final year as a USA Today employee, for full-service coverage, with a relatively low deductible. That was for just one person: me.
- On COBRA, my premium shot up to nearly $400 a month for the same benefits.
- a "conversion plan," offering essentially the same benefits I got through Gannett. It costs $621 a month, with a $1,500 annual deductible. Mind you, that's still for just me alone. Under this plan, there's no medical review, so I wouldn't be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
- a high-deductible plan that costs much less: $277 a month, with a $3,000 annual deductible. But unlike the conversion plan, pre-existing conditions could make me ineligible.
Questions for you: What's your experience been with coverage under Gannett? I hear costs next year are going to be much higher. And if you've left the company, what was it like to get health insurance if you, like me, shopped on the individual market?
Please post your replies in the comments section, below. To e-mail confidentially, write jimhopkins[at]gmail[dot-com]; see Tipsters Anonymous Policy in the rail, upper right.
Paying COBRA shows what a deal you had when you had a job. Medical costs continue to rise and our insurance costs rise with them - every year. If you want to do a real story, do one on how the insurance companies and the legal drug dealers are driving up our costs. You can't blame Gannett for that!
ReplyDeleteWe were offered only 2 plans this year. One sucked; the other sucked less. Both had higher employee contributions. Because of the deductibles there really was no choice. And of course, no salary increases so either one is a big financial hit.
ReplyDeleteMy COBRA's ending soon too. I've been working with an insurance rep, who's been very helpful. However, keep in mind that, the older we get, the more likely anything can possibly happen - so don't necessarily look for a policy with the lowest deductible, and it's an absolute must that you get insurance. You will be thoroughly questioned by a prospective carrier as to your past medical background, and they can move you into a higher tier so that you'll pay more or you could be denied coverage and qualify for HIPAA. Don't wait till the last minute to start shopping for new coverage - it can be a hassle.
ReplyDelete9:54 a.m.: Did the percentage of the total you pay increase or just the amount you pay? Medical insurance rates have been increasing 11-12% EVERY year, so if your portion only increases that much you are still in the same game. No raise last year? Well, do you still have a job? If so, with no inflation you didn't lose money - with the exception of insurance costs and everyone loses there.
ReplyDeleteWhy not pay zero, pay the government fine included in our new health care reform, and then if you get sick, just go buy insurance. The fine should be less than $100 per month. Regular "pay the doctor" type expenses should be less than $1000 per year. Seems fair to me.
ReplyDeleteThe search for insurance after COBRA is difficult at best. I have a more than a few major pre-existing conditions, and my COBRA doesn't run out for another seven months, but I can't get more than verbal information from brokers I have found online. I want written information on the proposed policy.
ReplyDeleteAnother frustration point. My Gannett policy was Empire BC/BS (all communication out of New York) and I am in NJ. With the exact same policy, if I lived in NY, the COBRA could be extended to 36 months!
Any suggestions?
A customer-service person at my current insurer said examples of pre-existing conditions that could disqualify me are cancer and diabetes. In any case, the application I completed yesterday was daunting. For example: What are all the prescription medications you've taken during the last five years, with the beginning month/year and ending month/year, and the daily dosage in milligrams.
ReplyDeleteHeck, I'm only taking one low dose med for a simple thyroid condition, and that alone moved me into a higher tier while shopping for new coverage. Trust me people, dealing with prospective insurers is just as bad as looking for employment.
ReplyDeleteAfter COBRA expired, I was able to get exactly the same dental coverage, with the same carrier, for $30 a month less than my COBRA premium. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteThe health care costs are high and getting higher. If the age of an individual increases, the cost of health care increases manifold and a burden on the individual. Senior citizens have to pay out of their hard-earned savings to cover the expenses. Insurance helpline Silver Health Insurance Plan for senior citizens protect you and your spouse in case you need expensive medical care.
ReplyDelete