When I was contracting a few years back, I joined (per the advice of a
friend) the local Farm Bureau. I don't own a farm, I'm not near a farm,
but the country Farm Bureau offers health insurance to its members, so
for $45/year, I was able to participate in their group plan.
My insurance ended up being handled by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of
Michigan. I don't remember what I paid per quarter, but it was roughly
$1,600, for the family rate.
My previous employer had insurance through M-Care, an HMO run by the U
of Michigan Hospital...great coverage, no forms, easy.
Blue Cross was a nightmare in comparison. No child immunizations were
covered, getting my wife's asthma covered was a pain in the neck
("pre-existing condition"...fine, but she'll die without meds). The
whole traditional plan with "paying the first $1,000 out of pocket" or
some such muck, and getting rather confusing forms back from BCBS about
what was covered, what the doc charged, what the doc agreed to take for
services, and what I owed, but didn't need to pay now, because the form
wasn't a bill.
After dealing with BCBS, if I had to do it again, I would incorporate
myself and go to an insurance company and just say "I'm a small biz
owner..how much are your rates?" They may have minimums, but in MCare's
case, I heard it was only two employees needed...I would have simply
listed the spouse as an employee.
I've heard evil stories about the health insurance from NASE...basically
it stinks.
Best of luck.
Chris
Chris Poterala
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
C. Hatton Humphrey wrote:
> Well, the home business is kicking off pretty well (yay) and now I need to
> figure out the fun things like insurance, bank accounts, etc. I've talked
> with the local Chamber and if I join them I can get family health coverage
> for a little over $1600 per quarter. I've also looked at a couple of
> national organizations.
>
> My question is for those who handle their own insurance, who do you go
> through?
>
> Thanks!
> Hatton
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