insurance?

JaiLou8833

Ok, so I'm usually lurking between a few different boreds and I tried searching for my question but I didn't find anything.

I have a job but I don't get insurance through them. So right now I don't have any. My boyfriend and I are going to start TTC in a few months but before we do he said I need to get insurance. This is probably a dumb question, but can I get it through somewhere else ? And if so, who should I get it through ? How expensive is it ?
Sorry, insurance is just something I don't think I'll ever understand. Way to confusing. That's why I choose to not get it through work.

marajay6

JaiLou8833 said:

Ok, so I'm usually lurking between a few different boreds and I tried searching for my question but I didn't find anything.

I have a job but I don't get insurance through them. So right now I don't have any. My boyfriend and I are going to start TTC in a few months but before we do he said I need to get insurance. This is probably a dumb question, but can I get it through somewhere else ? And if so, who should I get it through ? How expensive is it ?
Sorry, insurance is just something I don't think I'll ever understand. Way to confusing. That's why I choose to not get it through work.

That last sentence - you choose not to get it through work? So your employer offers it? Most companies have open enrollment coming up in the next couple weeks, so sign up through them. There is a good chance that is going to be your most affordable option.

With Ovamacare, you can go to healthcare.gov and figure out what is available for you. Insurance can get pricey.

Also, if your boyfriend has insurance through his job, you could consider marriage so you can get on his plan. Since you are planning on TTC with him, your relationship is pretty stable so marriage shouldn't be too much of a jump. You definitely wouldn't be the first couple to get married for insurance purposes.

WorkingOnMyNightCheese

marajay6 said:

JaiLou8833 said:

Ok, so I'm usually lurking between a few different boreds and I tried searching for my question but I didn't find anything.

I have a job but I don't get insurance through them. So right now I don't have any. My boyfriend and I are going to start TTC in a few months but before we do he said I need to get insurance. This is probably a dumb question, but can I get it through somewhere else ? And if so, who should I get it through ? How expensive is it ?
Sorry, insurance is just something I don't think I'll ever understand. Way to confusing. That's why I choose to not get it through work.

That last sentence - you choose not to get it through work? So your employer offers it? Most companies have open enrollment coming up in the next couple weeks, so sign up through them. There is a good chance that is going to be your most affordable option.

With Ovamacare, you can go to healthcare.gov and figure out what is available for you. Insurance can get pricey.

Also, if your boyfriend has insurance through his job, you could consider marriage so you can get on his plan. Since you are planning on TTC with him, your relationship is pretty stable so marriage shouldn't be too much of a jump. You definitely wouldn't be the first couple to get married for insurance purposes.

I agree. Also, without insurance prenatal care and birth are outrageously expensive. Check out this article. According to them "the charge for an uncomplicated cesarean section was about $15,800 in 2008. An uncomplicated vaginal birth cost about $9,600, government data show." They estimated prenatal care at around $2,000.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.m.webmd.com/baby/features/cost-of-having-a-baby&ved=0CCEQFjACahUKEwiswoPS-uTIAhXC9x4KHXzAA5Y&usg=AFQjCNGJrhHZwdPYBnh6mbHDpdeXRb6c4w&sig2=g0rzwSuaeQlL26F8nDybdw

LoveIsOwlYouNeed

If your employer offers insurance, it is probably your most affordable option and they likely have someone there who can explain to you what it covers, costs, basics of how it works. Otherwise, as PP pointed out, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) will have all the options available to you in your state and you can sign up there.

Everycol0r

Seriously? The cost of having a child sans insurance can be upwards of $40,000* for an uncomplicated vaginal birth.

Now, which sounds cheaper.. Insurance through your employer or $40,000?

Before anyone starts consciously deciding to have a baby, they should at least try to get some of their ducks in a row first. Insurance is a big duck.

The affordable care act, aka obamacare, is not insurance. ACA is legislation and laws. The private exchange is where you can look at insurance plans through different carriers & see if you qualify for a subsidy,

I'll let you know right now, so far all the carriers in my state that offer individual plans have cut their networks and will now only offer limited HMO networks. You're better off choosing your employer group plan. But you'll have to wait for open enrollment.

*that was the total cost of claims for my vaginal birth

nlwz123

Why don't you have insurance through your work?  I second what PPs said that you can go through the exchange (ACA), or you can always actually "purchase" a plan straight from the insurance company (usually not the cheapest option).

I'd HIGHLY suggest waiting on TTC before you have this sorted out and are officially insured.  You will have a lot of appointments if and when you do conceive and it would be extremely costly if you didn't have insurance.

sarah0985

In my experience as well, and this was in 2009-2010 but I had a "waiting period" on the plan I selected on well being visits as well as a few other options. I believe it was 3 months. Double check those terms when you decide on a plan. (This was before ama went into motion so I'm not sure if that is still legal or not for insurance companies. Just worth checking into)

Everycol0r

sarah0985 said:

In my experience as well, and this was in 2009-2010 but I had a "waiting period" on the plan I selected on well being visits as well as a few other options. I believe it was 3 months. Double check those terms when you decide on a plan. (This was before ama went into motion so I'm not sure if that is still legal or not for insurance companies. Just worth checking into)

The waiting period you were on was through your employer called a "new hire waiting period" which is implemented BEFORE they enroll you into your benefits. If she's already hired, she would not be subject to the new hire waiting period and can enroll during open enrollment. And waiting periods can no longer exceed 90 days exactly.

blackgirlmagic

First you say: 

JaiLou8833 said:

I have a job but I don't get insurance through them. 

Then you said: 

JaiLou8833 said:

That's why I choose to not get it through work.

So which one is it? Does your job offer you health insurance and you just opted out of it? Why did you opt out of it? I do not understand what you think is so complicated about getting insurance. You review the plans of the providers that you employer works with and pick one that fits your budget and what you would like them to cover health wise. Not hard. I more than certain that you will get penalized, come tax season, if you do not have insurance. What logic told you not to get insurance through your employer or anywhere else? I believe getting insurance through your employer  will be one of the cheapest options you will have for insurance. 

And if you and your SO are not ready for marriage, because you want to get married for each other and not for a baby, I would not suggest to get married just for the sake of having a kid.

sarah0985

Everycol0r said:

sarah0985 said:

In my experience as well, and this was in 2009-2010 but I had a "waiting period" on the plan I selected on well being visits as well as a few other options. I believe it was 3 months. Double check those terms when you decide on a plan. (This was before ama went into motion so I'm not sure if that is still legal or not for insurance companies. Just worth checking into)

The waiting period you were on was through your employer called a "new hire waiting period" which is implemented BEFORE they enroll you into your benefits. If she's already hired, she would not be subject to the new hire waiting period and can enroll during open enrollment. And waiting periods can no longer exceed 90 days exactly.

I had bought it through a broker. I was a bartender/waitress and didn't receive through my employment. Just something I thought she may want to look into just in case because that could determine when she can receive prenatal care. Good to know that it does limit waiting times at least.

MamaBish

Definitely check with your employer first, that is most likely the cheapest option. This should definitely be something you figure out before ttc, dr appointments are expensive!

Jen080916

Keep in mind that healthcare facilities don't accept every single insurance provider. If you have a hospital or OB that you prefer, find out which insurance providers they accept. I work in a hospital as a surgery coordinator for a major hospital in my area and off the top of my head the most easily accepted plans by far are United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. Go for a PPO, as HMOs tend to be less easily accepted by facilities/care providers (though there are still plenty of places that take HMOs).

Keep in mind that the exchange marketplace ("obamacare") plans are not going to be accepted everywhere.

Of course, in an emergency the hospital will treat you no matter what kind of insurance you have, but if your insurance is out of network you will be paying 100% of the cost.

Everycol0r

sarah0985 said:

Everycol0r said:

sarah0985 said:

In my experience as well, and this was in 2009-2010 but I had a "waiting period" on the plan I selected on well being visits as well as a few other options. I believe it was 3 months. Double check those terms when you decide on a plan. (This was before ama went into motion so I'm not sure if that is still legal or not for insurance companies. Just worth checking into)

The waiting period you were on was through your employer called a "new hire waiting period" which is implemented BEFORE they enroll you into your benefits. If she's already hired, she would not be subject to the new hire waiting period and can enroll during open enrollment. And waiting periods can no longer exceed 90 days exactly.

I had bought it through a broker. I was a bartender/waitress and didn't receive through my employment. Just something I thought she may want to look into just in case because that could determine when she can receive prenatal care. Good to know that it does limit waiting times at least.

Interesting. I am an insurance broker, I've never sold/seen an individual policy that contained waiting periods for services. But, it could have been a thing 6-7 years ago I suppose. Current individual policies won't contain any waiting periods once active, at least in Texas.

letyourheartbeyourguide

OP, you've gotten some great advice so far and I don't want to duplicate what's already been said.

Just one additional point, since someone brought up getting married to be on your bf's insurance. Depending on where you live and his employer's policies, you may be able to be on his insurance without being married.

We are not married, but I was on my SO's insurance before (I believe he had to fill out paperwork saying that we were in a committed relationship and living together). He's currently on my insurance - we had to officially register in the city as "domestic partners" since I'm a city employee.

Everycol0r

letyourheartbeyourguide said:

OP, you've gotten some great advice so far and I don't want to duplicate what's already been said.

Just one additional point, since someone brought up getting married to be on your bf's insurance. Depending on where you live and his employer's policies, you may be able to be on his insurance without being married.

We are not married, but I was on my SO's insurance before (I believe he had to fill out paperwork saying that we were in a committed relationship and living together). He's currently on my insurance - we had to officially register in the city as "domestic partners" since I'm a city employee.

I think since now you have a paper trail of being domestic partners, you have to technically get a legal divorce if you ever split. But I dunno, just heard that years ago. I wonder if it's true?

addyplusone

marajay6 said:

Also, if your boyfriend has insurance through his job, you could consider marriage so you can get on his plan. Since you are planning on TTC with him, your relationship is pretty stable so marriage shouldn't be too much of a jump. You definitely wouldn't be the first couple to get married for insurance purposes.

No No No!! Do not get married just for insurance purposes.. get married on your terms. I seriously can't believe this was given as advice. I've been with my So for 7 years. We have a daughter and I'm not in any rush to get to the alter. Yes we are stable, obviously. But marriage is something that is way too difficult to back out of, so please don't get married for insurance.

To your question, ask when open enrollment is at your job. It will be cheaper than most and you will "barely" notice it coming out of your paycheck. It is taken out before taxes.

anj27

Everycol0r said:

I think since now you have a paper trail of being domestic partners, you have to technically get a legal divorce if you ever split. But I dunno, just heard that years ago. I wonder if it's true?

I think the procedure and requirements differ from state to state, as well as which rights are granted to domestic partners. In my state, domestic partnership gives one rights to inheritance and to make certain decisions if your partner dies. You do have to fill out a form to dissolve the partnership, which makes sense since you want to make sure you and your ex-partner no longer have these rights. 

letyourheartbeyourguide

Everycol0r said:

letyourheartbeyourguide said:

OP, you've gotten some great advice so far and I don't want to duplicate what's already been said.

Just one additional point, since someone brought up getting married to be on your bf's insurance. Depending on where you live and his employer's policies, you may be able to be on his insurance without being married.

We are not married, but I was on my SO's insurance before (I believe he had to fill out paperwork saying that we were in a committed relationship and living together). He's currently on my insurance - we had to officially register in the city as "domestic partners" since I'm a city employee.

I think since now you have a paper trail of being domestic partners, you have to technically get a legal divorce if you ever split. But I dunno, just heard that years ago. I wonder if it's true?

Hmm. I have NO idea about that. He can have all our crap furniture, as long as I get the dogs in the case of domestic partnership divorce!

twomommiestobe

If you think insurance is confusing, you will be even more confused if/when you are fined when you do your taxes for not having it...

Bubblegum5586

I think someone said it, but also want to add you'll likely get fined on your taxes this year. If your company offers insurance that is typically the best way to go.

marajay6

addyplusone said:

marajay6 said:

Also, if your boyfriend has insurance through his job, you could consider marriage so you can get on his plan. Since you are planning on TTC with him, your relationship is pretty stable so marriage shouldn't be too much of a jump. You definitely wouldn't be the first couple to get married for insurance purposes.

No No No!! Do not get married just for insurance purposes.. get married on your terms. I seriously can't believe this was given as advice. I've been with my So for 7 years. We have a daughter and I'm not in any rush to get to the alter. Yes we are stable, obviously. But marriage is something that is way too difficult to back out of, so please don't get married for insurance.

To your question, ask when open enrollment is at your job. It will be cheaper than most and you will "barely" notice it coming out of your paycheck. It is taken out before taxes.

Access to insurance can be a benefit to marriage. As with any decision, both the benefits and consequences need to be considered. I didn't say to definitely get married, just pointing out that insurance access is a benefit that should be considered in that decision. Everyone has different reasons for getting married or not and it is ok for financial/insurance implications to play a role in that decision.

BostonBaby1

Everycol0r said:

letyourheartbeyourguide said:

OP, you've gotten some great advice so far and I don't want to duplicate what's already been said.

Just one additional point, since someone brought up getting married to be on your bf's insurance. Depending on where you live and his employer's policies, you may be able to be on his insurance without being married.

We are not married, but I was on my SO's insurance before (I believe he had to fill out paperwork saying that we were in a committed relationship and living together). He's currently on my insurance - we had to officially register in the city as "domestic partners" since I'm a city employee.

I think since now you have a paper trail of being domestic partners, you have to technically get a legal divorce if you ever split. But I dunno, just heard that years ago. I wonder if it's true?

I don't know about now, but that was not the case when I was in a domestic partnership with my ex fiancé in Manhattan. We simply dissolved the domestic partnership. It didn't cost a dollar legal fees. I did have to put it down on my marriage license application though.

OP- your BF is right, not only should you not think about TTC without insurance but I second the costs that @Everycol0r is quoting you. Here, a vaginal birth is well over $40,000 and prenatal care is significant too. Forget about if you have to have a C-section or complications and wind up hospitalized! Also, it's probably a good idea to have some sort of savings in place first. Not a requirement, but just saying.

britters314

Thought I would jump in here and ask another insurance question.

I have insurance right now, but if I switch insurance companies partway through a pregnancy, will the new one cover my pregnancy? Or will they not, since I got pregnant before switching to that insurance? My husband and I are on separate insurances but he is applying for a new job, so if he gets good insurance I will want to switch to it.

Kristin712

bcooke314 said:

Thought I would jump in here and ask another insurance question.

I have insurance right now, but if I switch insurance companies partway through a pregnancy, will the new one cover my pregnancy? Or will they not, since I got pregnant before switching to that insurance? My husband and I are on separate insurances but he is applying for a new job, so if he gets good insurance I will want to switch to it.

You'll have to ask HR at your husband's new company. I think one thing the ACA did was prohibit the exclusion of pre-existing conditions so you would likely be covered.

sarah0985

Everycol0r said:

sarah0985 said:

Everycol0r said:

sarah0985 said:

In my experience as well, and this was in 2009-2010 but I had a "waiting period" on the plan I selected on well being visits as well as a few other options. I believe it was 3 months. Double check those terms when you decide on a plan. (This was before ama went into motion so I'm not sure if that is still legal or not for insurance companies. Just worth checking into)

The waiting period you were on was through your employer called a "new hire waiting period" which is implemented BEFORE they enroll you into your benefits. If she's already hired, she would not be subject to the new hire waiting period and can enroll during open enrollment. And waiting periods can no longer exceed 90 days exactly.

I had bought it through a broker. I was a bartender/waitress and didn't receive through my employment. Just something I thought she may want to look into just in case because that could determine when she can receive prenatal care. Good to know that it does limit waiting times at least.

Interesting. I am an insurance broker, I've never sold/seen an individual policy that contained waiting periods for services. But, it could have been a thing 6-7 years ago I suppose. Current individual policies won't contain any waiting periods once active, at least in Texas.

I know it was at least a well being visit. Emergencies were covered I remember that. Could have been the time, different states, and it was also a ridiculously cheap option with minimal coverage. I was 24 and just needed something pretty much in case of emergency. I'm glad that it sounds some things are better now. I now have employer insurance so much better now

Everycol0r

bcooke314 said:

Thought I would jump in here and ask another insurance question.

I have insurance right now, but if I switch insurance companies partway through a pregnancy, will the new one cover my pregnancy? Or will they not, since I got pregnant before switching to that insurance? My husband and I are on separate insurances but he is applying for a new job, so if he gets good insurance I will want to switch to it.

Depends on if the insurance plan is grandfathered and offers maternity benefits at all.

If it's not grandfathered, maternity is not considered pre-x.

0SeaMonkey0

Holy crap this is terrifying. I'll probably get flamed for this but I'm so glad I live in Canada. Prenatal care and giving birth cost me exactly nothing.

PrettyPalomino

Canadian too... and suddenly super glad... $40k?!?!? It's free here unless you want your own room in which case you might have to pay around $200 out of pocket. Geez. I think I'm going to sing the national anthem on the commute home.

Bababatty

Just an FYI that if your employer offers insurance--which it sounds like yours does and you declined it--I believe you are not eligible for the subsidies that would likely help make insurance through the ACA healthcare exchanges affordable. So going to the healthcare exchange should probably not be considered a reasonable option for you.

britters314

@0SeaMonkey0   Yeah, I really want to move to Canada. I have citizenship there so I totally could, but my husband would have to get a job there too...

Also, thanks to everyone who answered my question!

jnissa

Honestly, I don't want to sound like a jerk, but I think one of the first things you need to do before you start TTC is to figure out how to understand insurance. It's important. You'll be responsible for making insurance decisions for your child (as well as much more complicated things) *and* making sure your child is properly covered under your insurance. If you don't understand it, hire a broker who can explain it to you. 

Katm89

Side note: I'm jealous of Canadians because they get 1 year of paid maternity leave.. DH and I live 4 hours away from canada and joke about going there to birth lol

BostonBaby1

PrettyPalomino said:

Canadian too... and suddenly super glad... $40k?!?!? It's free here unless you want your own room in which case you might have to pay around $200 out of pocket. Geez. I think I'm going to sing the national anthem on the commute home.

$40k without insurance... Point being, insurance is important. So that it is not 40 K