Double Bass Here we go.. Health Insurance!?

[bassfacer22]

So with the U.S. Health insurance as it is right now , whose got some good options and insight to what they use or recommend to pick a good health insurance plan? (for musicians)

thanks.

 

[mdcbass]

So with the U.S. Health insurance as it is right now , whose got some good options and insight to what they use or recommend to pick a good health insurance plan? (for musicians)

thanks.

If you're asking about the ACA (ObamaCare) go to Get 2016 health coverage starting November 1, 2015. Health Insurance Marketplace and choose your state which will determine the plans available for consideration. The balance of higher monthly premiums vs higher deductibles is a challenge. Depending on your income, you may qualify for a subsidy to help with the premium. You should also look at the plans offered to see if your local hospital and preferred doctors participate in the particular plan. The Insurance companies don't make it easy or cheap but we don't have a single payer option. If you're a struggling musician and making less than 133% of the poverty rate, you may be eligible for Medicaid - if your state is participating in the Medicaid Expansion component of the ACA. This provides health insurance for low income people with the additional requirement that they be pregnant or have young children.

 

[bassfacer22]

Yes thanks, I will look into that..

You know the drill, some musicians get paid in all kinds of different ways...

 

[mdcbass]

I think the ACA deadline is coming fast.

 

[TroyK]

If you've got a local musicians union, it might be worth asking them as well.

 

[bassfacer22]

Yes Good idea thanks.

 

[mdcbass]

Yes Good idea thanks.

Yes, a union may offer insurance and another option would be a day job but they don't always come with benefits. In general, unless you're part of a large group/company, premiums and deductibles are too damn high. Think of deductibles this way: A club owner hires you but won't pay anything until you've played 40 gigs, then he'll pay some but not all of the price for the rest until the next year when you start over.

 

[bassfacer22]

I go off and travel overseas most of the time and work things like that.. I'm covered when I go off.. but when I come back to the States, I need insurance..

 

[Stdjazz4]

Yes, a union may offer insurance and another option would be a day job but they don't always come with benefits. In general, unless you're part of a large group/company, premiums and deductibles are too damn high. Think of deductibles this way: A club owner hires you but won't pay anything until you've played 40 gigs, then he'll pay some but not all of the price for the rest until the next year when you start over.

It's better to think of deductibles this way;

You can pay 4k a year more for insurance with little or no deductible, or pay 3k per year less for a plan with a 2k deductible.

Whether you have enough services that exceed the deductible or not, the higher deductible nearly always makes more sense.

 

[bassfacer22]

Ok. I'm essentially at the stage where I just need to get the best plan for buck and that covers what it should...

yes, thank you I will definitely check with the union as well..

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Move to Canada?

 

[Stdjazz4]

Of course you could also pay 4k a year more in taxes for insurance with little or no deductible.

If you are destitute or pay no taxes you may be eligible for Medicaid.

 

[bassfacer22]

My current income seems to put me around a $150-170 month plan...

Of course my "income" will change year to year in this business..