Obamacare cost...

[Katy Lied]

My monthly premiums went up 66% for next year. We are with the largest Healthcare Insurance Company, who recently made news when they pulled out of Obama's exchanges.

Also copays, meds, everything went up across the board. They are trying to force everyone onto the High Deductible plans, which is not a good match for our company employees who have a lot of education, experience and are generally older.

In other news, my company is moving to google email, google servers, and www.CheapassConferenceCalling.com

[Jeff Lebowski]

My monthly premiums went up 66% for next year. We are with the largest Healthcare Insurance Company, who recently made news when they pulled out of Obama's exchanges.

Also copays, meds, everything went up across the board. They are trying to force everyone onto the High Deductible plans, which is not a good match for our company employees who have a lot of education, experience and are generally older.

In other news, my company is moving to google email, google servers, and www.CheapassConferenceCalling.com

OK, I'll bite. Why are high deductible plans bad for people with a lot of education and experience?

[smokymountainrain]

OK, I'll bite. Why are high deductible plans bad for people with a lot of education and experience?

I've noticed the opposite of KL's point where I work. We offer both high deductible and traditional, and it's the highly compensated employees who went high deductible initially and who continue to take that plan. If you're educated, you're generally smart enough to take advantage of the HSA.

[byu71]

Our firm provides a service that takes input and then suggests the best plan based on each persons circumstances. I would classify my associates as highly educated, experienced and 80% over the age of 45. Most are on the low deductible plans. I don't know why it turned out that way.

[Katy Lied]

Okay forget the highly educated and experienced and replace it for this synonym which I intended in the first place: Older.

[creekster]

OK, I'll bite. Why are high deductible plans bad for people with a lot of education and experience?

If you're not eductaed enough to know already, you're not smart enough to understand.

[creekster]

Okay forget the highly educated and experienced and replace it for this synonym which I intended in the first place: Older.

Does this mean I am getting more educated by just continuing to live?

[Flystripper]

My health insurance continues to be free to me. Thanks taxpayers!

[byu71]

Does this mean I am getting more educated by just continuing to live?

Probably you are, but not in all cases. If one doesn't learn from their experiences, then IMHO they didn't gain education by just living.

[Jeff Lebowski]

If you're not eductaed enough to know already, you're not smart enough to understand.

That's why I asked.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I've noticed the opposite of KL's point where I work. We offer both high deductible and traditional, and it's the highly compensated employees who went high deductible initially and who continue to take that plan. If you're educated, you're generally smart enough to take advantage of the HSA.

That was my thought. Seems like a high deductible is generally the best long-term solution as you have higher out-of-pocket expenses but your monthly premium is lower. But to be able to take advantage of this, you need to have a savings reserve to cover the short-term spikes in expenses. Those with a high education/income would be more likely to be in this boat.

[byu71]

Although eligible for medicare, I use company insurance. I have an adversion to dealing with the governemnt. I will admit friends I have on medicare like it.

What I don't understand is why when I hit medicare age I can no longer do any kind of medical savings plan. Even if I don't use medicare.

Anyone have an idea on why that would be?

[Paperback Writer]

That was my thought. Seems like a high deductible is generally the best long-term solution as you have higher out-of-pocket expenses but your monthly premium is lower. But to be able to take advantage of this, you need to have a savings reserve to cover the short-term spikes in expenses. Those with a high education/income would be more likely to be in this boat.

High deductible plans don't work well with families who have pre-existing chronic conditions like type I diabetes. Or anyone who is on an expensive long-term prescription. In those cases, there is no "short-term" spike in expenses. The higher deductible is just an extra cost that was incurred on the shift from traditional deductible plans to high deductible plans. On the other hand, you are correct in that those costs can be calculated and budgeted.

[Jeff Lebowski]

High deductible plans don't work well with families who have pre-existing chronic conditions like type I diabetes. Or anyone who is on an expensive long-term prescription. In those cases, there is no "short-term" spike in expenses. The higher deductible is just an extra cost that was incurred on the shift from traditional deductible plans to high deductible plans. On the other hand, you are correct in that those costs can be calculated and budgeted.

Good point. Thanks.

[BlueK]

Our firm provides a service that takes input and then suggests the best plan based on each persons circumstances. I would classify my associates as highly educated, experienced and 80% over the age of 45. Most are on the low deductible plans. I don't know why it turned out that way.

Because it's what they've had in the past or are used to may have something to do with it, I'm guessing.