Please Help with Insurance

Updated on June 07, 2008
C.L. asks from Chicago, IL
15 answers

Hi all,

My husband and I are independent contractors so we have to pay for our own health insurance.It is Humana PPO by the way. We just had our second round of shots for our son and basically they are telling us that we owe as we only had $300 towards shots in a year so that was used up when we went for the first round. This seems crazy to me and way too much money going out. I really dont want a response from someone saying we should have done our research as I know that and am feeling pretty silly right now. BUT does anyone have a recommendation on cheaper, better coverage as my huband is cancelling this policy tomorrow he is so frustrated. Also after I had my son, I cancelled my maternity waiver so now even if I do get pregnant, Humana will not cover me. Please help as I am fit to blow!!!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Chicago on

My husband and I are both independent contractors as well. I had great luck with www.ehealthinsurance.com. You can compare all of the different plans and even fill out applications right through the site. We ended up with a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan that worked for us.

Good luck!
K.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from Chicago on

Caroline,
My husband is self employed too and I'm a stay at home M.. Insurance is very expensive. We have Blue Cross Blue Shield. We have a $2000 deductible for every person in our family which we meet yearly for my son who has diabetes. My other son who has no severe medical problem would always receive his shots through the DuPage County Clinic. Its much cheaper than the doctor's office and anyone can use it.

I'd be interested in knowing if you find out anything pertinent for self-employed families from those other contacts you were given. Thanks and good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

N.P.

answers from Chicago on

As far as insurance companies... the only thing I can recommend is to call every single one of them to find out who has best coverage for what you can afford.

As far as vaccations go, many/most counties if you go to their public health department will offer the vaccines to ANY family for MUCH cheaper than what doctor office will charge. I know Will County provides such a thing.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Chicago on

The Illinois Vaccines for Children Plus (VFC Plus) program provides free vaccines to needy children and to children of parents who do not have insurance that covers the cost of immunizations. Local health departments also can provide vaccinations for children at no cost or very low cost and will not deny childhood vaccinations for those who cannot pay.

Where can I get more information?

You can call the state of Illinois' Help Me Grow helpline at 1-800-323-GROW (voice and TTY) for additional immunization information.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.D.

answers from Chicago on

Caroline:

call Holly Monger HSM Insurance Consulting ###-###-####

you could also talk to Steve Cesario from the national Association for the Self employed ###-###-####

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.K.

answers from Chicago on

I have a fiend who is self insured and she has United Health Care. They have given her the run around on some things, but when it comes to her son they have paid well. She also said that it isn't that expensive.
Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Peoria on

Hi Caroline,

I had a similar experience with my twins. I got the bill from their 2 month shots, and it was $1,000.00. We learned our insurance through my husband's employer does not cover vaccinations at all.

Our solution was to go to the county we live in (kendall) and we were able to get the shots both our babies needed for $120.00 total for both babies for their 4 month shots. We also went back there for their 6 month shots. It is $20.00 a shot and we just had to sign a form that we are under insured because our insurance does not cover shots.

We were grateful this service is offered through the county and I understand most counties have programs like this. You may want to check into that. Good luck with the insurance, I am not sure I can offer any good advice there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.S.

answers from Chicago on

Will County Health does it for $12.50 a shot I've been told. There is a location in Joliet and Bolingbrook if you live in Will County.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Caroline! Sorry you are having these problems. Is the $300 going through the actual insurance or the drug card? Humana's drug card is terrible! The copays are based on the cost of the drug versus generic/brand/non-brand. Is this an individual or group plan? As far as the maternity waiver goes.....for all individual polies there is a 365 day waiting period once you put it back on. It's unfortunately industry standard. You may want to look at a Blue Cross individual plan or even Aetna. Blue Cross has very strick underwriting guidelines, Aetna is more relaxed. Please email me with any questions. I am a licensed agent. I would be happy to refer you to someone who handles indiviual plans.

Take Care!!
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Chicago on

Caroline,
As a Independent Contractor I know how hard it is for you to find Quality and Affordable Healthcare. I work with the Nations #1 Health Benefits company in the Nations. Ameriplan. We offer affordable Dental and Medical Benefits. Our plans start at $19.95 a month and no more expensive than $59.95 per month depending on which plan you choose is right for you and your family. You can find out more information about our plans by visiting either http://smile4life.ourperfectcard.com or www.mybenefitsplus.com/abundantlife You can also call me at 888-899-4338 or email me at ____@____.com

I look forward to helping you and your family find affordable Quality Healthcare!

To your Health!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Chicago on

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, they ahve a blue select program.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Chicago on

blue cross blue shield

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi!

My husband is also self employed and we found our insurance with the help of Wally Stanton ____@____.com's very friendly and very helpful. I'm sure he can help you find health insurance that suits you better.

Good Luck!
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Chicago on

First of all DO NOT let your husband cancel your health insurance until you have new insurance. Insurance in general is in bad shape these days especially if you are self employed. People gave you some great advice. If you find yourself in the same boat you might want to find a pediatrician whose office will charge you the Dept of Public Health rate(some will do this if you don't have insurance). I know ours does. It is ABC Pediatrics in Naperville. 300 for a round of shots is not unrealistic. You may be able to add your maternity coverage back on with a waiting period?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not fully certain on my response but, whenever my son gets shots I have to sign a form stating that we have insurance that will cover those shots. If I don't sign it that would mean we don't have insurance that will cover them, BUT he is still covered under some kind of (government?) program.

Just wondering if this is an option for you after the 300$ worth runs out.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches