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thejackal
09-23-2008, 14:51
what, if anything, are '09 thruhikers doing about health insurance? i will be quitting my job and would like health insurance while hiking. however, paying $300 or $350/month for cobra or whatever is something i would definitely like to avoid. anyone have any advice? cheap and decent is what i'm looking for...

thanks

jersey joe
09-23-2008, 15:35
I had the same dilemma before my 02' thru....I wound up hiking without any insurance...a gamble i suppose.

Skyline
09-23-2008, 15:53
Cheap and decent health insurance is what many of us are looking for. On or off the Trail. Haven't found it yet.

cravj1988
09-23-2008, 16:45
For less than $80/mo, you can get major medical insurance (some call it catastrophic coverage). On my '07 thru hike I bought this insurance from State Farm (d.b.a. Assurance Health Co). This insurance is what our grandparents used to have. You pay the first $4000 in a year and then the insurance kicks in 100% of expenses after that. It is similar to car insurance. You take care of the tune-ups, but if you break a leg and need to be evacuated, you are only charged $4000

wrongway_08
09-23-2008, 17:01
I havent had health insurance for.......... ever. So not having it on my thru-hike was nothing new for me.

I only knew a few people that had problems that cost money to fix, and none of them were overly espensive. I think the worst was a dislocated shoulder/broken foot - both happened to the same lady at different points along the trail.

A hiking partner I was with got strep throat and needed to go to a doctor on Sunday, that of course ment going to the hospital in a small town. The bill was a bit steep but no where near a $4,000.00 deductable.

If it is going to worry you, get that $80.00 a month insurance. The less that worries you on the trail, the more you can enjoy the trip. I would see if they have anything with a smaller deductable, $4,000.00 is still a big bummer and you'll have to mess yourself up good to reach that amount.

spencerb
09-23-2008, 19:02
I just recently graduated school and had to buy my own health insurance. I don't need major coverage, just for the really bad stuff.

I found the best option comparing quotes from this web site: ehealthinsurance.com

MoBill122
09-23-2008, 20:41
Man... I wish I could buy catastrophic coverage or anything for $80 a month. I do have catastrophic coverage and it cost me closer to $250 a month, with a $5000 deductible. Biggest variable is age with insurance, and its not cheap at my age of 56 !

bigcranky
09-23-2008, 21:03
Yeah, if I quit my job and kept the COBRA coverage right now it would be close to $1000 per month. Yikes.

splash1986
09-23-2008, 22:01
To be honest, you are probably more at risk for injury walking on a city sidewalk than on the trail. That being said, I would strongly encourage you to get covered, do some research and see what you can find. While the insurance is expensive, it is much much much more expensive to sustain an injury/get seriously ill and not be covered. Having to pay completely out of pocket for medical bills (especially if it involves extended hospital stays) can be financially devastating. Also, do you belong to any organizations? Some organizations offer benefits, health included. Might be something to look in to.

bfitz
09-23-2008, 22:23
If you have any conditions that might affect coverage like diabetes or something, cobra may be your best bet.

Bare Bear
09-24-2008, 08:47
If you are a certified diver.........yeah I know, not hiking. BUT
Divers Alert Network DAN offers a medical evacuation from anywhere in the world for $99 a year. The AT is never far from a town but if you hike elsewhere like I do at times then it is a great ADDITION to basic health care.

beerandpizza
09-25-2008, 20:23
ehealthinsurance.com

take-a-knee
09-25-2008, 22:10
Jim Bridger never had an HMO or COBRA.

jesse
09-25-2008, 23:12
You don't need health insurance for a hike, you need health insurance for life. The best coverage is the health savings account qualified plans. Somewhere in the $2,500 - $3,500 range for the deductible.

Skyline
09-26-2008, 10:36
You don't need health insurance for a hike, you need health insurance for life. The best coverage is the health savings account qualified plans. Somewhere in the $2,500 - $3,500 range for the deductible.



What we all need is health insurance that does not include an underwriting element. Pre-existing conditions would evaporate from the vocabulary, so everyone would be accepted without conditions. In that scenario, there is no reason why anyone would not have health insurance.

It doesn't have to be a huge government entitlement that provides coverage for 100% of the citizenry, but government must be the catalyst that creates the framework so the private system work for everyone, and is affordable for everyone based on their ability to pay.

This would allow any of us to go on a hike and be covered while hiking.

Health savings account might, or might not, be a part of this system.

burger
09-26-2008, 10:53
Health savings accounts are a joke. The only people who can afford to put money in the accounts are people who make enough to afford putting a few thousand dollars away for a rainy day. Those people probably already have employer-provided health care or enough money to buy their own. People with little money and no health insurance aren't going to have the extra money to save up for that rainy day.

Skyline is right. Private, public, whatever, the system needs to change so that either everyone can afford to buy their own health care or everyone is given it. It's really a moral issue, not an economic one.

jersey joe
09-26-2008, 13:22
Just giving everyone health coverage is not the answer.

burger
09-26-2008, 14:16
Getting back to the original poster's question, I'm planning to shell out $400 a month or whatever to pay for a decent health plan when I'm hiking next summer (1 month on the AT + a PCT-thru hike). Even if insurance costs me $2400 over 6 months, it might cost me more than that for an MRI and doctor's bills for just one knee injury!

Personally, I'd suggest staying away from those catastrophic care plans with high deductibles. A lot of those plans only cover 80% (the actual number varies) of your expenses after the deductible. So, if you end up in the hospital (it happens--read some trail journals), you could still be on the hook for thousands of dollars.

In the end, not having decent health insurance is a bet that you'll stay healthy. How lucky do you feel?

wrongway_08
09-26-2008, 14:36
In the end, not having decent health insurance is a bet that you'll stay healthy. How lucky do you feel?

Hmmm.... really lucky. So far I have saved..... around..... $42,000.00 by not having it.

But will be needing to get it in about 6 - 8 years.... family heart problems on the guys side. Maybe sooner.....

Sorry had to drop in my smart a$$ 2 cents worth.

Really, not a lot of $4,000.00 worth of deduct problems occur on the trail. The %'s are on your side. May the force be with you :D.

take-a-knee
09-26-2008, 14:47
Health savings accounts are a joke. The only people who can afford to put money in the accounts are people who make enough to afford putting a few thousand dollars away for a rainy day. Those people probably already have employer-provided health care or enough money to buy their own. People with little money and no health insurance aren't going to have the extra money to save up for that rainy day.

Skyline is right. Private, public, whatever, the system needs to change so that either everyone can afford to buy their own health care or everyone is given it. It's really a moral issue, not an economic one.

Are you the long-haired maggot who (at a debate) asked Bill Clinton to think of us (Americans) as his children?

burger
09-26-2008, 15:10
Are you the long-haired maggot who (at a debate) asked Bill Clinton to think of us (Americans) as his children?

No, I'm the guy who's on the right side of history :)

BearII
09-26-2008, 18:11
No, I'm the guy who's on the right side of history :)

No offense here but you actually on the WRONG side of history. EVERY country that has universal health care have systems that are suffereing immense problems. Everyone points to Canada - just ask my wife about Canada. As a Canada citizen she can tell you first hand about how horrific the system is compared to anything in the US. Her mom needed two hip replacements, because it was considered "elective" she had to wait 18months for the first one and almost 2 years for the second one - sure sucks not being able to walk but hey, that's what "elective" will get you.

On top of that do the math people. Let's say you make $75k/yr and pay 15% in Fed Taxes - that's about $11,250 in taxes. You can buy a super duper policy with full coverage for anywhere to $200 - $600/yr in the USA depending on your age and preconditions (check ehealthinsurance.com). So let's assume worst case for insurance $600x12=$7,200, add that to your taxes - $11,250 + $7,200 = $18,450.

In Canada you'll pay 50% taxes (YES - FIFTY PERCENT TAXES). So back to our $75k salary - that means $37,500 in taxes!!!!! Sure that includes crappy health care fully paid but I don't know about you, I'd rather get my full USA coverage with MUCH BETTER benefits and none of the crappy government run BS telling me it's "elective" AND I'll still save $19,050!!!!

When the frig will we wake up in this country and stop listening to the Socialist BS slipping in on all sides of the political scam! Stop the madness!!! It's time for us to go back to the roots that made America GREAT! Stop whining, pull yourself up by your bootstraps (or hiking laces) and make it happen!! Stop waiting for the gov't or mommy and daddy or the university or your company or someone else to do it for you - go figure it out!!!!

Ok, soap box removed................

PS - OP - go to ehealthinsurance.com I was able to find full coverage for my 21 yr old daughter that is joining me next year for our thru-hike - $200/mo! If you just want catastrophic coverage you can get that for about $80/month.

Skidsteer
09-26-2008, 19:03
Keep the politics out of your responses folks.

rafe
09-26-2008, 20:27
Keep the politics out of your responses folks.

Yet Msg. #22 (referencing "socialist BS") stands? :-?

Marta
09-26-2008, 20:41
Please notice that none of the posts have been deleted, on either side of the debate. We're just requesting that the political arguments be kept out of the discussion. The question is "What are a hiker's options now, in the US as it is now?" not "Which direction should the country move on health care?"

budforester
09-26-2008, 21:04
I am a believer in having insurance; your specific needs will depend on your own situation. When I was young and single, I had few medical needs, but wanted enough coverage to get me accepted into a hospital. I figured, once I was in, they could worry about booting me out and collecting payment. I would rely on credit cards to pay deductibles and non-covered items, and deal later with paying those off. A major- medical policy was affordable and was all the coverage I needed. I did have one claim, not a big one. I was glad to have insurance on that occasion, and my game-plan worked well.

fiddlehead
09-26-2008, 21:42
These threads come up from time to time and in the past, i have always been on the side of: You don't need health insurance if you are healthy!
I stopped mine in 1985 and have been fine with only 2 hospital visits (both brown recluse spider bites) in that time costing me aprox $500 total.

BUT, now i am considering it.
Two reasons: I am getting older and since i'm not hiking as much, my immune system is probably not as sharp and i have been to the hospital here in Thailand 3 times in the past year.
Once, i had fat in my intestines wrap around and close them off and needed an emergency operation. (cost here, about $3,500, but cost in the US would've been about $70,000)
2nd: I had Dengue fever this year and although i didn't go to the hospital for it (there is no cure), i went to a clinic and got some IV's and it didn't cost much at all but it got me thinking about my health
3rd: I fell and almost broke my shoulder this year on wet tile and had to go to a Osteopathic doctor. Turns out, i have what is called "frozen shoulder" and it will take 6 months to heal (it's been 4 months already)

So, i didn't really need the insurance but my point is: 3 times in one year after only 2 times in 23 years makes me think about insurance.

Also, i have a 3 year old now and my wife likes to take him to the hospital everytime he gets sick. Fortunately, he is a Thai citizen and they have national health care so it is free. (sorry, not trying to be political in any way here, just pointing out my thinking)
But, the national health care doesn't get you the best doctors (I assume it's the same way in Canada referring to the post above)
If you want the good doctors, you need to pay out of pocket or with health insurance.

Now, my next dilemma is this: Do I trust insurance companies? (so far, they tried to screw me and that's why i stopped 20+ years ago)
Perhaps I have to find one i can rely on.

Pickleodeon
09-27-2008, 08:03
I used www.ehealthinsurance.com (http://www.ehealthinsurance.com) as well. I pay $100 a month for aetna.

Toolshed
09-27-2008, 08:20
Please notice that none of the posts have been deleted, on either side of the debate. We're just requesting that the political arguments be kept out of the discussion. The question is "What are a hiker's options now, in the US as it is now?" not "Which direction should the country move on health care?"

Thank you Marta. I appreciate the Moderation. There are plenty of other forums that these individuals can go to vent their political opinions.

So back to the OP, Doing a quick search shows me that for a male under 30 there are several plans that come in under $75/month that offer traditional indemnity insurance - which I believe has been referred to as "catastrophic coverage" previously.
Things to keep in mind as you shop plans and compare:
- You will likely need to keep the pharmacy/medical deductible at $5K
- You will have an 80/20 Cost Sharing (20% Copay) after the deductible period.
- You will still have office visit co-pays and specialist visit co-pays.
- If you pick an HMO, you may have to first see your PCP in order to gain a referral for your insurer's payment of treatment (This is different from obtaining treatment) While some Docs allow you to call in for a referral consultation, keep in mind it is still an additional step.
- If you pick a PPO or other non-HMO plan, you will likely not have to obtain a referral before your insurance kicks in.
- It is important that the plan you choose is a national carrier and not a regional plan. If it is regional and you are outside of the area of coverage, you either fall into Out-of-Network coverage or simply have no coverage. Your best bet is to choose a national carrier like Aetna, United Health (UHC), a Blues plan (Blues plans usually have articulated agreements for shared network access for all eligible members.)
- If you do not get proper referrals or you use doctors and facilities that are outside of your plan's network, those expenses may not apply to your deductible. (This could apply to all plans)

- -
Pharmacy benefits Not necessary
Mental health - not necessary ("..or are they????" in my best Stewie voice) ;)

If you have any questions, I'd be glad to help. I helped a few other thru's with reviews of their plan picks. I do work in the industry and IIRC, Jesse Brent (WB member) is an insurance producer who has a lot of good information and might be able to help.

gonewalkabout
09-27-2008, 12:32
We all feel healthy until we end up in the hospital. My neihbor moved to work for connell universtiy and finish his Phd. Two weeks later he found out he had cancer. He has been clean know for two years. He had insurance, if not he would have got treatment but you don't always get the same care and level of expertise if you can't pay. Age has nothing to do with being healhly. He was 41 when it started. When I was in my late 20's my 21 year old girl friend got cancer. A friend of mine got bite by a spider at the end of August. She spent 15 days in the hospital. The IV antibatics she was getting cost about $4000 per day and don't forgret about the catscans, MRI ($1000), 3-4 spealist visting her every day and god knows what else they will bill her for. Her plan only covers 90%. Just for the antibatics alone she owe $3200. At this point she in a rehab home for at least two weeks and it probably 4-6 weeks before her wound heals and she can return to work. She has to get strong enogthto walk again after15 days of lieing in bed. This is a fit women who walked 5 miles a day to go to work and no history of problems. I will chose to pay my $500 a month when I hit the trail this year becasue you just don't know. While a broken bone I can deal with you just don't know what else could happen. Maybe I should become a Candain citzen before March so I'll have afordable health care while on the trail.

hopefulhiker
09-27-2008, 20:19
To the original post, I would recommend forking out for Cobra, because you don't insure for the small stuff you insure against the big stuff... the stuff you don't expect. The financial risks are just to great these days.