2006-11-12 15:46:04 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
Recently, I asked some of my friends what they were paying for family coverage through their employer and the range was from $557 - $823. That's in CA. So, your current costs aren't that bad.
You can get a lower premium - maybe - if you apply for individually owned health insurance, but you might not qualify (there might be something that shows up in underwriting). You also may not get the same level of coverage that you have now.
To find out, get an outline of coverage or certificate of insurance with coverage details from your benefits representative at work. Take it to a competent local health insurance agent and see if he can find a comparable plan at a lower premium. I have known some families to find the same or similar plan at a lower rate by going through individual underwriting and owning their own insurance. But, it's not likely that you will. (Doesn't cost anything to find out.)
2006-11-12 18:05:00 · answer #1 · answered by SafetyDancer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot answer the question without knowing if you family is healthy and how old you and your wife are.
Also, Sometimes insurance companies will charge a premium to cover a pre-existing condition. Serious allerigies, asthma, high blood pressure, etc. could cause a rate up like that.
However, $640 month sounds a bit high, unless you have a very low deductible. You may consider raising your deductible, doing away with doctor co-pays (which may not save you that much and can add a lot to your premium). Insurance should be about covering those things you cannot afford to pay for at all. If you have some savings, and you could come up with $5,000 in case of an emergency, why not consider a plan with a much higher deductible? Over the course of a few years, you would save the deductible and more.
2006-11-13 03:00:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure there are.
I'm sure you could save some money by increasing your deductible, co-pay and perscription drug co-insurance.
However, $640 a month for the family plan is very reasonable. The average price for that kind of coverage is typically well over $1000 per month, if you are paying the full premium yourself and not having your employer subsidize the cost of it.
2006-11-12 16:39:11 · answer #3 · answered by markmywordz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Possibly lower premium costs, but then you'll pay either a high deductible and coinsurance or a higher copay. $640 a month, depending on the coverage, is about right for a family plan. (I have Aetna open access PPO and my premium is $385 a month for just me.)
You have to really weigh ALL the costs - not just the premium. (If you use it a lot, you want a lower copay or deductible, vs. if don't really use it, lower premium and higher deductible is the way to go.)
2006-11-13 04:14:06 · answer #4 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IN ALL HONESTY FOR 3 PEOPLE, THAT'S NOT THAT BAD. HOWEVER YOU CAN SEARCH HEATH CARE WEBSITES AND GET A FREE QUOTE FROM THEM. BUT IF YOU GO OUTSIDE OF YOUR EMPLOYER AND ON YOUR OWN, IT'S USUALLY MORE EXPENSIVE.
2006-11-12 15:50:26 · answer #5 · answered by demonic angel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://mybenefitsplus.com/40436527 look it over, and if you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact me. I'll be happy to speak with you
2006-11-13 06:48:14 · answer #6 · answered by Shea32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try www.bcbs.com (BlueCrossBlueSheild)
2006-11-12 15:50:00 · answer #7 · answered by Jill With Christ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋