Health Insurance for the Unemployed

lehighguy · #1 11-30-2005, 11:19 AM

So now that I'm playing poker for a living, how do I go about getting health insurance. I'll be living in PA, but I'm gonna keep my Jersey address.

Should I go to a private company, is there a government program? What should I expect to pay?

DcifrThs · #2 11-30-2005, 11:47 AM

[ QUOTE ]
So now that I'm playing poker for a living, how do I go about getting health insurance. I'll be living in PA, but I'm gonna keep my Jersey address.

Should I go to a private company, is there a government program? What should I expect to pay?

[/ QUOTE ]

ur not unemployed, you're SELF employed

lehighguy · #3 11-30-2005, 11:48 AM

Well, whatever. I still want to do the proper thing and get health insurance.

#4 11-30-2005, 12:09 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
ur not unemployed, you're SELF employed

[/ QUOTE ]Well, whatever. I still want to do the proper thing and get health insurance.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is a difference in the distinction. I do not know the details, but your options for coverage will be different if you represent yourself as indigent/unemployed vs self-employed. As always, honesty is the best policy.

Did you quit your job already? Not to pick on you, but this is something that you should have planned before you quit. You may be able to continue your coverage from work through COBRA, google it for more info.

Sorry I can't give you more info. Best of luck in your pro career.

lehighguy · #5 11-30-2005, 01:02 PM

I'll take my chances for the next few weeks until I get it set up. How long will my employer cover me if I only worked like 2.5 months.

This morning was the morning. If not this morning, I'd be trapped for life.

Edit: I looked up COBRA, I'll probably apply tommorrow. Today I'm celebrating.

highlife · #6 11-30-2005, 02:31 PM

yes CORBA is by far your best option right now. use it until it runs out.

DcifrThs · #7 11-30-2005, 02:32 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Well, whatever. I still want to do the proper thing and get health insurance.

[/ QUOTE ]

what im saying is health insurance can be purchased on the open market from insurance companies. blue cross blue shield is a good one.

being self employed means you pay fully for it. usually if you work for a firm that offers health insurance and you take it up, you pay a premium that is many many multiples less than what you'll be paying now.

it might be as high as 400/month or even more depending on your overall health.

Barron

Oblivious · #8 11-30-2005, 02:49 PM

ehealthinsurance.com

Soul Rebel · #9 11-30-2005, 04:04 PM

Thanks for the link, that's helpful. I have to take care of this as well.

MicroBob · #10 11-30-2005, 02:54 PM

congrats on leaving the gig.
I assume there is a pretty legnthy chat with the parents coming up but there's no point in harping on that. Enjoy your celebration and good luck in your new 'career'.

i have blue cross blue shield and I pay $85/mth for some high-deductable stuff.

I'm 35 and don't smoke and have no other health problems.

They sent me the stuff in the mail with all the different rates.
I don't even pay the cheapest. I could pay just $50/mth or so for an even higher deductable.
And obviously it would be even cheaper than that if I was younger than 35.

There are plenty of other places out there too of course.

I see no reason why a healthy 22-year-old, non-smoking male should pay $200/mth or more. You probably don't need THAT much coverage.